Norwegian Cruise Line Teams with Renowned Chefs to Push Culinary Boundaries and Leverage Technology to Give Guests Control over their Dining Experience

(IRVINE, CA) Nov. 10, 2015 – Launching next month, Norwegian Cruise Line’s much anticipated new ship, Norwegian Escape, is leading the way for the ultimate guest experience at sea with branded dining experiences and technology that puts control at the guests’ fingertips.

Norwegian Escape’s District Brew House and Food Republic restaurants will feature NorthStar Order Entry, an advanced cloud-based iPad point-of-sale system that allows guests the option of self-order and pace their meal and beverage service.

The District Brewhouse will offer up to 50 different bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap including popular Miami craft beer from Wynwood Brewing Company. The District will also serve craft cocktails, masterminded by the internationally recognized Bar Lab mixologists.

The Food Republic restaurant, a modern upscale food hall concept developed in collaboration with the Pubbelly Restaurant Group, will take guests on a culinary journey of small plates that they can order and sequent at their own pace using the iPad system. Technology adds to the contemporary vibe of the restaurant with its atrium design, décor that mixes wood, marble and warm fabrics and expansive views.

Photo Credit: USA Today

Photo Credit: USA Today

With flavors ranging from Asia to Central Europe and the Mediterranean, the inventive menu and concept was developed by partners Jose Medin, Andreas Schreiner and Sergio Navarro who, under the Pubbelly banner, have opened six highly successful concepts in Miami over the past three years.

At both restaurants, the NorthStar system quickly authenticates the age of the guest and allows them to order food and beverages at their own pace, without waiting for a server. Norwegian customized the NorthStar system with stylish photography of menu items and drinks, helping guests make ordering decisions with distinct visuals.

“Once again showing their industry leadership, Norwegian will be the first cruise line company to use iPad point of sale technology,” said Art Julian, CEO and founder of Custom Business Solutions, developers of the NorthStar Order Entry system. “We at CBS are excited to be the technology partner for Norwegian as they set the tone for technology in this cruise industry.”

Developed for the restaurant industry four years ago, NorthStar Order Entry system is the hospitality industry’s first omnichannel cloud-based system offering ordering capabilities for point-of-sale, online, mobile and kiosk scenarios. NorthStar empowers guests to self-order and pay at their own pace, and is used by full-service and fast-casual restaurants and at amusement parks across the country

“Norwegian Escape is Norwegian’s most advanced and luxurious cruise liner that leverages advanced technology throughout. Using state of the art technology in these restaurants is another way to improve our onboard guest experience,” said Mark Kansley, SVP Hotel Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 49-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to explore the world on one of 14 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, resort style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the eighth consecutive year, as well as “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” for the third time and “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” for the second year by the World Travel Awards. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit www.ncl.com; contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784); or follow us on the following social channels for the latest company news & exclusive content: Facebook & Youtube @NorwegianCruiseLine, Twitter/Periscope @CruiseNorwegian, Instagram @norwegiancruiseline, & Snapchat @cruisenorwegian! High resolution, downloadable images are available at www.ncl.com/pressroom.

About Custom Business Solutions, Inc.

Since 1994, the advanced software solutions offered by Custom Business Solutions have helped numerous hospitality professionals to operate their businesses more profitably. Restaurant operators and their guests have benefited from CBS’s NorthStar suite of products that enhance the dining experiences. CBS also offers a range of support services such as after-hours help desk capabilities. Custom Business Solutions, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, CA with offices throughout the Western United States. For more information, visit www.northstarrestaurantpos.com.