SOUTHAMPTON is to play host to the world’s latest and most colourful cruise ship when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway arrives in port this month.

The ship will visit Southampton to celebrate its inaugural voyage from Europe to the USA, where it will be based in Miami.

The striking artwork on the ship’s hull will be a major feature of the vessel, which is the sister ship to Norwegian Breakaway, which also visited Southampton on its inaugural voyage last year.

Norwegian Getaway arrives in Southampton on January 15 for a two-day visit when it will host visiting dignitaries, representatives of the travel industry in the UK and British media.

An invited audience will experience the unique array of entertainment on board, including the Illusionarium, an allnew dining experience that will envelop guests in a fascinating world of magic.

The ship can boast many firsts, including the fact there is not one godmother, but several – Norwegian Getaway’s godmothers will be all of the Miami Dolphins’ cheerleaders.

Following inaugural events in Southampton, Norwegian Getaway will arrive in Miami in late January 2014 and begin her first eastern Caribbean sailing on Saturday, February 1.

Norwegian Cruise Line say Norwegian Getaway will be Miami’s ultimate ship and will embody the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami’s own David “LEBO” Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves.

The ship is the first to feature the GRAMMY Experience at sea, which will include artefacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum along with live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others.

In addition, Norwegian Getaway boasts Latin-inspired dance productions by Broadway act, Burn the Floor; performances of the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical Legally Blonde; comedy headliners produced by Levity Entertainment Group; and the singalong fun of the duelling pianos of Howl at the Moon.

Every sailing will feature a dazzling fireworks show at sea, set to music, as part of a dance party in the ship’s outdoor club, Spice H20.

Similar to sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway will dazzle guests with 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, a variety of interconnected indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that creates a multiplex of dining, activities and more and enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.

Norwegian Getaway will also feature Miami’s coolest place to chill out – the ship’s SVEDKA/ Inniskillin Ice Bar, featuring Art Deco-style décor, reminiscent of Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive.

For families, Nickelodeon is on board and includes a variety of exciting interactive experiences, along with the opportunity to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego, among other favourites.

Norwegian Getaway will also include an all new piratethemed Nickelodeon Kids’ Aqua Park where children can cool off with larger than life Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom.

The three-storey Sports Complex will feature the Aqua Park with five thrilling water slides, two swimming pools and one of the largest multi-level elevated ropes course that will challenge guests to more than 40 different elements, including a zip track.

For a thrill like no other, guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends 2.5 metres over the side of the ship.

A nine-hole miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course, offering family fun with friendly competition.

A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 7-metre enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities.