Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will create and oversee the opening of his seafood restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, which will sail year-round to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning February, 2014. Geoffrey Zakarian’s new restaurant is located in the ship’s hub amongst three expansive, action-packed decks called 678 Ocean Place and includes innovative outdoor spaces along The Waterfront, the ship’s oceanfront promenade, offering guests an unparalleled experience with a unique connection to the ocean.

The restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, will bring a luxury seafood dining experience to Norwegian Getaway, utilising all of the ingredients and techniques that Zakarian employs in his land-based establishments to three distinct dining locations on board: Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, Zakarian’s take on a boardwalk clam shack, and The Raw Bar, serving crustaceans and wines by the glass. In developing the Ocean Blue concept for Norwegian’s newest ship, Zakarian is orchestrating every aspect of the restaurants, from the menus to the uniforms and the glassware. On select sailings, Zakarian will also host meet-and-greets with Norwegian Getaway guests, along with in-person cooking demonstrations and intimate cooking experiences for smaller groups. The first location of Ocean Blue will premiere on board Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway’s New York City-based sister ship in April 2013.

“I am thrilled to announce that the Ocean Blue concept we developed for Norwegian Breakaway will also have a home on her Miami-based sister ship, Norwegian Getaway,” said Geoffrey Zakarian. “I am so proud of the concept, menus and décor of this restaurant and am excited to bring my sense of hospitality to guests cruising to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Getaway.”

Zakarian’s taste, style and passion for fine cuisine have defined his career, which has spanned more than 25 years. An accomplished chef who has presided over some of America’s top kitchens, he currently has two popular restaurants in New York City – The Lambs Club and The National; one in Atlantic City – The Water Club at Borgata; and a highly acclaimed cookbook “Geoffrey Zakarian’s Town/Country: 150 Recipes for Life Around the Table.” Zakarian emerged victorious in the recent fourth season of Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs. He appears regularly on Iron Chef America, demonstrating a razor-sharp knowledge of culinary techniques in this fast-paced cooking competition.

“Geoffrey is a world-renowned chef with an incredible culinary resume and an overall great guy,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “Our guests sailing from Miami on Norwegian Getaway will experience his world-class cuisine in three unique dining outlets. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Geoffrey and that he is bringing his culinary expertise, creativity and attention to detail to another one of our beautiful ships.”

Ocean Blue, the Raw Bar and Ocean Blue on the Waterfront are just three of the incredible dining options that will be found amongst three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more as part of The Waterfront, the ship’s oceanfront boardwalk, and 678 Ocean Place, the central hub of the ship. These two areas, lined with shops, restaurants and bars, represent a major innovation in ship design, offering guests an unparalleled experience with a unique connection to the ocean.

Located on Deck 8, The Waterfront is a revolutionary outdoor experience that adds a whole new dimension to the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising, by offering a number of seaside venues that feature breath-taking views and a sense of connection with the ocean. The hub of the ship is 678 Ocean Place, a space that uniquely flows, intertwines and connects three decks of daytime and night-time amusements. There will be a total of 17 dining venues combined on both 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, along with 12 bars and lounges, including Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.

The Waterfront will feature eight outdoor dining and lounging options, including signature Norwegian favourites like Moderno Churrascaria; Cagney’s Steakhouse; La Cucina; Shaker’s Cocktail Bar; Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar; and the newest addition, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, with outdoor seating and a special takeaway menu. The Waterfront will also feature a gelato bar serving a selection of flavours. A yet-to-be-announced entertainment venue will also have an outdoor space.

678 Ocean Place   
On Deck 8, 678 Ocean Place connects The Waterfront outdoor spaces with interior dining venues for Moderno; Cagney’s; Shaker’s; La Cucina; Malting’s and Ocean Blue.

La Cucina celebrates the Tuscan countryside and will continue to serve Norwegian’s delicious Italian dishes to guests who choose dine either al fresco on the outdoor patio on The Waterfront, in the main restaurant or the interior terrace option, giving guests the opportunity to dine along the interior walkway beneath twinkling lanterns, exposed wooden beams and greenery.

Moderno Churrascaria is Norwegian’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse. Whether guests dine indoors or out, they will feast from a huge salad bar, followed by a variety of grilled and slow-roasted meats that are carved tableside by passadors. Norwegian’s signature establishment Cagney’s Steakhouse will feature succulent grilled steaks, perfectly cooked double cut lamb chops and other steakhouse favourites. Guests will dine in style amidst warm wood tones as they enjoy watching the chefs prepare their meals in the open kitchen. Located between Cagney’s and Moderno, Prime Meridian will offer guests the opportunity to order a signature cocktail and soak in the action taking place around them on 678 Ocean Place. Guests will also find retail outlets, the photo gallery, and a Cigar Lounge on Deck 8.  A three-story open atrium with an exquisite LED chandelier with light changing effects will serve as the centrepiece of 678 Ocean Place with openings to all three decks and glass staircases connecting the levels. 

Spanning more than 18,000 square feet on Deck 7, the contemporary Getaway Casino will offer guests the opportunity to try their luck on 310 of the latest slot machines; along with 26 gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. With the most rewarding Casinos At Sea Players Club programme, there will be something for everyone, from the novice to the high roller. Bar 21, located adjacent to the Casino, is a stunning, intimate bar featuring video poker and multiple plasma television screens.

Due to the popularity of the noodle bar on Norwegian Epic and soon on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway will feature Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, the largest noodle bar at sea. This exciting dining concept will offer all counter seating around an open kitchen and will serve traditional Chinese noodles, wok-fried dishes and dim sum.

Another guest favourite, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, returns on Norwegian Getaway. This 24-hour a day neighbourhood sports bar and restaurant will serve classic American favourites. It will feature a giant two-story screen, perfect for watching sports and movies, along with miniature bowling, pool and air hockey tables and interactive games.

A popular hotspot on several Norwegian ships, Bliss Ultra Lounge has been re-designed on Norwegian Getaway. Guests will walk through the LED-lit tunnel entrance to the illuminated bar, with LED walls and pulsating dance floor where they can dance the night away.

Savor, one of the three complimentary main dining options on Norwegian Getaway, will feature cuisine that is traditional with a contemporary flair. Across from Savor, is where guests will find Taste, another complimentary main dining venue. Taste will serve a variety of culinary delights to please every palate. Both restaurants feature clean lines and upscale, contemporary décor. Located between Savor and Taste is Mixx Bar, the perfect, pre- or post-dinner gathering place, with a modern twist to a classical design.

Norwegian’s signature Teppanyaki restaurant will continue to dazzle guests on Norwegian Getaway complete with a traditional Japanese rock garden, featuring bamboo plants and bonsai trees to promote a pleasing aesthetic ambiance. With 96 seats surrounding 12 flat top grills, Teppanyaki chefs will showcase their knife-wielding
skills while cooking exhibition-style Japanese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a variety of a la carte sushi and Japanese dishes at Wasabi Sushi Bar.

Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, will feature an elegant indoor setting, along with a European sidewalk-style dining opportunity which will overlook the social hub of the ship, 678 Ocean Place.

Within the Atrium, located on Deck 6, guests will find a two-story video wall along with the Café and Bar at The Atrium. The Café will offer specialty coffees and fresh baked treats. The Bar at The Atrium will feature mixed drinks, along with a self-service wine bar. The Shore Excursion Desk, Internet Café and Art Gallery will be located in close proximity to the Atrium, along with two meeting rooms, card room and library.

Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 146,600 gross tonnes and offer a wide range of accommodation. 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 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 travellers; 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’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of New York City in May 2013.