Miami Artist LEBO To Paint Hull Of NCL's 'Getaway'

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Popular Miami artist David "LEBO" Le Batard has been commissioned to bring his art to the high seas on the hull of Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway, which is launching in early 2014.

The modern artist and muralist will paint a whimsical tropical ocean theme complete with a mermaid holding the sun, pelicans and palm trees, befitting the ship's year-round home port of Miami.

"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."

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.

"Having grown up in South Florida, the ocean has been an immense presence in my life and has been infused into my work as an artist," said David "LEBO" Le Batard. "When I was asked to design the artwork for Norwegian Getaway, I saw an opportunity to create a prominent image, one that would surely help define the Miami seascape and illustrate the world-class experience that Norwegian Cruise Line has come to stand for. It is truly an honor to have been offered this canvas, as it gives the world an opportunity to see my work in a way few artists ever get to see in their entire lives."

According to LEBO, 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.

"LEBO's incredible design reflects all of the elements that Miami is known for – sea, sun and paradise," said Sheehan. "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."

Getaway, currently being built in Germany, will be based year-round at PortMiami and sail seven-day itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean starting Feb. 1.