Norwegian Cruise Line today launched its newest ship Norwegian Getaway to the UK market at an inaugural on-board event held in Southampton.
The UK is the second most important source market for the Miami based company after the US, group ceo Kevin Sheehan said in April last year, when the company introduced Norwegian Breakaway to the UK travel trade and media. The company offers its products on fly cruise basis on the British market, rather than operating its ships directly from British ports.
The sister ship of Norwegian Breakaway, launched last April, Norwegian Getaway is a 4,000 passenger ship which will homeport in Miami and sail to and from the Caribbean all year-round. Featuring ground-breaking entertainment, the Miami-themed ship is the first to feature the newGrammy® Experience at sea, as well as other firsts at sea such as the all-new dining and entertainment experience, The Illusionarium, and performances of the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical Legally Blonde.
To launch the 13th member of its fleet, Norwegian invited around 3,000 guests on board, including a number of key travel partners and their selected guests. Among the guests were celebrities Jennifer Ellison, premiership footballer Jos Hooiveld and former Great British Bake Off winner, Jo Wheatley. Jennifer met with the cast of Legally Blonde – in which she has appeared in the past – as well as meeting inspiring children, young people and their families from the event’s charity partner, CLIC Sargent, with other attending celebrities. In addition, celebrities signed a cake baked at on board Carlo’s Bakery, with all donations from the sales going to the charity.
Francis Riley, vice president and general manager international of Norwegian Cruise Linesaid, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of Norwegian Getaway to the UK and her arrival in Southampton. This is an exciting time for Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Getaway continues Norwegian’s long-standing tradition of innovation with features on board, such as The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place. This unique outdoor dining and entertainment space adds a whole new dynamic to ocean cruising as guests enjoy al fresco dining along with three action-packed decks that allow guests to fully experience the ship’s connection with the ocean."
