This past month SMS - International Shore Operations was very proud and honored to work with Norwegian Cruise Line to coordinate the shore side inaugural activities for their new flagship the Norwegian Escape. This very exciting time included 6 days of christening events and travel agent familiarization cruises before its crossing to Miami and its official christening ceremony in PortMiami. This was held in front of 4000 guests and media who sailed on a special christening cruise hosted by the President and CEO of NCL Holdings Mr. Frank del Rio.

SMS-ISO has been involved in the launch of all Norwegian Cruise Line Vessels since the Norwegian Sky in 1999 and are therefore very experienced to assist in the many unusual and extra duties that a shore operations company is required to perform when a ship enters service. To begin our preparations a short list of SMS ISO staff and managers who are familiar with NCL procedures is assembled from all our International offices. 18 embarkation specialist from Copenhagen, Harwich, Southampton and Dublin are all transported to Hamburg to await the ships arrival and begin their adventure, as they are lucky enough to sail on the ship for 6 days so to ensure consistency of service through the European Inaugurals.

This core team lead the local staff for all the embark/debark operations in both Hamburg and Southampton. Over the entire European leg (6 days) of the Escapes first cruise SMS ISO were responsible for no less than 5 back to back embark and debark operations with pax counts ranging from a mere 3500 to over 4000. There were two one day cruises with and three overnight’s, with full pier operations scheduled for every day. Live radio and television were broadcast from the ship and a special late sailing and transit of the Elbe River into the city center of Hamburg to enjoy a dedicated fire work spectacular was a highlight.

At the completion of the first 6 days the ship was sent on her first crossing, 10 sea days, direct to Miami. Torrential rain and high winds bade her farewell, typical for England in November, in sharp contrast to the weather awaiting her in the “sunshine state” of Florida. In Miami, the Escapes homeport, preparations were well underway for its official christening. The SMS ISO US team were busy polishing stanchions and ensuring all staff were equally “shiny” for their new Saturday ship.

Before her first official revenue cruise there was the small matter of her the Christening ceremony, and an employee function the day before which witnessed the shore side staff of Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania (NCLH) having the run of the vessel for them and their families for the entire day. These 3000 + day visitors enjoyed lunch onboard, the Aqua water park in the 35 deg heat and Jimmy Buffets Margaretville at Sea along with the vessels myriad of other attractions and amenities.

The christening, a uniquely Miami event, was completed with all the spirit and excitement the “Magic City” could bring to this celebration. The God Father of the ship, the word famous Armando Christian Pérez, (better known by his stage name Pitbull, or Mr. 305) is an American rapper and Miami native. Together with Frank Del Rio preformed the required formalities and then the 4000 invited guests were treated to a mini concert from Pitbull himself, complete with backing dancers attired in what can only be described as costumes that were favorable for the heat of the day.

Highlights for the SMS ISO team were the opportunity to experience a brand new ship from a passenger’s perspective. While the endless embark/debark operations did not allow much time to sit back and relax, our team did us proud by personally experiencing all they could, if my stateroom account is anything to go by. (Sorry Fed!) Of notable accomplishments from our team was the ability of Ronan Sweeney (Excursions Ireland) who managed to hail a taxi from his cabin, on a sea day no less! (He has much more to explain I know………) This was following a late night visit to the medical center where a “prescription” was filled for 16 USD, as noted on my bill. We all hope you are better Ronan and fully recovered from your “sea day” adventures! As you would have surmised from the above Ronan was a popular member of our team, earning praise from many bar staff onboard. One in particular who worked in the appropriately named “It Must Be Five O’clock Somewhere Bar” even professed a strong desire to be “just like him”. (Must be the Irish Charm………….eh Ronan?)