Pitbull christens Norwegian Escape in Miami

Rapper Pitbull christened Norwegian Escape in Miami on Monday following its transatlantic journey from Southampton.

The ship is Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest in their fleet and is the first Breakaway Plus class ship.

Music sensation Pitbull served as the ship’s Godfather in a break from tradition. He also entertained guests pier-side at PortMiami with a high-energy concert, performing his hit records “Don’t Stop the Party”, “Fireball” and “Give Me Everything”.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chief executive officer Frank Del Rio kicked off the festivities. Following a surprise opening act which featured acrobatic Parkour performers defying gravity (with the help of hidden trampolines built into the stage), American radio personality Froggy from the “Elvis Duran Morning Show” took the reins as event emcee, introducing performers and special VIP guests, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez who discussed the positive impact Norwegian Escape will have on the local community, its residents and the economy.

Guy Harvey, the artist behind the ship’s hull artwork, made a special guest appearance.

Casts of the Tony Award-winning Broadway shows on-board, “After Midnight” and “Million Dollar Quartet”, performed a selection of songs from each show.

DJ-led sing-alongs and a slideshow of guest photos snapped by roving photographers created a truly interactive event.

Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and Chief Operating Officer, said: “Norwegian Escape represents a major moment for us – this is a true evolution of our brand. Not only does she offer high calibre entertainment, quality dining and luxurious accommodations that significantly raise the bar for our fleet and puts her in a class of her own, but she exemplifies our renewed commitment to offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility to our guests.”

Norwegian Escape will sail weekly seven-night cruises from her year-round home-port of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean commencing on 14 November 2015. The 164,600 gross ton ship will be the largest ever to home port year-round in Miami, carrying up to 4,200 guests to tropical Caribbean destinations including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

(Photo credit to Norwegian Cruise Line)