Norwegian Breakaway
By Alara Shannon, Marketing | May 01, 2013 ( Comments)
Norwegian Cruise Line’s exciting New York-inspired ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, was christened on the Hudson River yesterday. In attendance was hull artist Peter Max, Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Catholic archbishop for New York.
Mayor Bloomberg noted with all the Big Apple touches onboard, “Breakaway passengers will never really leave New York behind.”
Also in attendance were a dozen members of the Rockettes, the godmothers of the Norwegian Breakaway. “We bless this ship and all who sail on her,” they said together as they cut a yellow ribbon to trigger the smashing of a bottle against the vessel’s hull.
This innovative, 4,028-passenger ship will offer guests a multitude of special features. Approximately 75% of the staterooms are outside staterooms, most with balconies. Also included are staterooms designed for solo travelers and The Haven by Norwegian, a top-of-the-ship complex that pampers guests with a range of suites, private restaurant, lounge, covered pool area and sun deck.
The latest engine technology, the diesel-electric pod drive system, improved hydrodynamics as well as effective energy saving, heat recovery or ballast water treatment guarantee an ecological cruise experience at significantly reduced operating costs.
The Norwegian Breakaway was designed as New York’s ship, bringing the best of New York City to sea, sailing from the Big Apple year-round.
NYC Inspirations Onboard the Norwegian Breakaway
Ice Bar: A true Ice Bar, this cool lounge is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and features ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building. Choose from six New York City-inspired specialty cocktails like Broadway Dreams, Central Park or Rock Center.
Breakaway Hull Art: Norwegian Cruise Line commissioned pop artist Peter Max to paint the bow and forward hull of the Breakaway. Max, known for his Statue of Liberty paintings, created a rendering of his hull design that is a composite of New York City and cosmic imagery the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, a giant sunburst, planets, stars and musical notes.
NYC-themed Dining Venues:
- Ocean Blue - Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian has created a new luxury seafood dining experience exclusively for the Norwegian Breakaway. With 25 years of culinary experience and two popular restaurants in New York City, Geoffrey Zakarian is a renowned and critically acclaimed chef with deep roots in the Big Apple. Ocean Blue offers guests seafood items prepared with the highest quality ingredients, a stellar wine list and Zakarian’s signature cocktails.
- Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” has opened an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s Bake Shop, onboard.
- Three Sabrett hot dog carts (New York’s #1 hot dog for the last 50 years!) are located on the Waterfront, pool deck and forward deck.
- Award-winning Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager beer is also available on Norwegian Breakaway in Uptown Bar & Grill.
The Rockettes as Godmothers: The Rockettes, one of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, will serve as the official Godmothers. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of the Norwegian Breakaway, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.
Other Groundbreaking Features of the Norwegian Breakaway
Open Air Boardwalk: The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place include a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that creates a whole new complex at sea, enhancing guests’ connection with the ocean.
Breakaway’s Entertainment: If you’re based out of New York, the entertainment must entertain. And it does! The Norwegian Breakaway offers three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated “Rock of Ages”; the dance sensation “Burn the Floor”; and “Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy”. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway will also feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.
Top Deck Activities: The upper decks onboard feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
On May 12, 2013 the Norwegian Breakaway will head to Bermuda to start her seven-day cruises!
