Miami Artist David "LEBO" Le Batard Designs Norwegian Getaway's Hull Artwork

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed that popular Miami modern artist and muralist David “LEBO” Le Batard has been commissioned to paint the signature hull artwork for Norwegian Getaway, which is set to launch in January 2014. The hull artwork features a whimsical tropical ocean theme to honor the ship’s year-round home port of Miami, complete with a mermaid holding the sun, pelicans, and palm trees.

Born in New York City in 1972 to Cuban émigré parents, LEBO was raised in South Florida and was heavily influenced by Miami’s Cuban art scene. LEBO explains that Norwegian Getaway’s hull art design is centered on a mythical mermaid, an iconic image that represents humanity’s connection to the sea, and features her seemingly skimming across the surface of the water. Surrounding the mermaid is a fusion of sea and sky dancing across the ship, where three pelicans gracefully glide along in the artist’s version of a tropical paradise.

“Norwegian Getaway will be Miami’s ship and, therefore, we wanted to ensure that her hull was designed by an artist with strong ties to Miami and the Latin community,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Having begun his career in South Florida, Dave is an artist that is entrenched here. His work adorns the city and I’ve learned that he is also a genuinely nice guy. He is a shining star in Miami, as well as the global art community. This artwork will surely make Norwegian Getaway an iconic part of the Miami skyline when she arrives as Miami’s largest year-round ship in 2014.”

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 146,600 gross tons and offer a wide range of accommodations. The ship represents an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to “get away” from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea that reflects the energy and culture that Miami is known for worldwide.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options, including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; a wide range of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

Norwegian Getaway will sail 7-day cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on Feb 1, 2014, with ports of call including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of New York City in May 2013.

Image Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line