Norwegian Breakaway Class News

Norwegian Breakaway Begins Her Conveyance Along the Ems River (4 photos)

Norwegian Breakaway took another major step towards her highly-anticipated delivery early this morning when she departed Meyer Werft on her conveyance along the Ems River. Leaving Meyer Werft at approximately 6 a.m. Germany time, sailing backwards, Norwegian Breakaway successfully cleared the first set of locks, and then continued along the river to her final destination in Eemshaven, The Netherlands.

Norwegian Breakaway is the largest cruise ship to ever be constructed in Germany; therefore, it required very precise maneuvers in order to pass through the narrow passage of the initial locks. The ship, measuring 1063 feet long and 130 feet wide; only had 1.6 meters clearance on the starboard side when it passed through the locks. A team of two were in control of the maneuvers, one in control of the bow and one in control of the stern, to ensure that the passage took place at minimum speed and only placed minimum pressure on the bumpers that lined the inside of the locks.

It is an interesting sight to see a ship traveling backwards, but the reason for this is due to the strong propulsion in the aft section of the vessel. Therefore, traveling backwards, or stern first, helps with maneuverability which is a key component when navigating the vessel through such narrow passages.

Just Announced: Norwegian Getaway to feature The Illusionarium! (4 photos)

Just announced: Norwegian Getaway will bring the excitement and allure of the Magic City to sea with an all-new entertainment experience, The Illusionarium. A first of its kind, the Illusionarium will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects! Also announced, Norwegian Getaway, like her sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will feature Fireworks at Sea, a five-slide Aqua Park and Three Story Sports Complex! Norwegian Getaway sets sail from Miami in February 2014!

Summary of Getaway's features:

• Illusionarium – Only Norwegian offers meals with amazement, where guests can enjoy an intimate dinner as world-class magicians perform in our unique round top venue
• Aqua Park – Features five multi-story waterslides including the fastest at sea, two thrilling drop slides, two main pools and four hot tubs
• Sports Complex – Like her sister ship, her three-story Sports Court will feature the largest ropes course at sea, basketball, rock wall, mini golf and more
• Fireworks Show – An environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week
• Spice H20 - An Ibiza-inspired, adults-only beach club by day and outdoor dance club by night with a giant LED screen that projects vibrant visuals   

Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft and Norwegian Cruise Line.  Be sure to visit often as more news about these new ships is unveiled.

Fireworks Illuminates Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway Courtesy of NCL
Introducing Norwegian Breakaway (click here)

Norwegian Breakaway
To Light Up the Sky

When Norwegian Breakaway debuts this May in New York City, it will feature  an exciting fireworks show on every cruise during her summer inaugural season.

The environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, after the ship departs Bermuda. 

To view a short animation of the fireworks show, please click here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFOSvMKzI1E&feature=youtu.be

1980s Deck Party

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their entertainment such as The Second City Comedy and Blue Man Group.  They also are known for deck parties and on the new Breakaway, they'll be taking things to a new level. Building on the electrifying theme of the ship’s headlining Broadway show, ROCK OF AGES, the awe-inspiring fireworks will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party and will be set to a specially-selected playlist of classic 1980s hits by artists like Madonna, Devo and Prince.

“All the incredible entertainment and amenities on Norwegian Breakaway are going to wow our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO. “We wanted one additional element that would really blow them away and this incredible fireworks show is going to take the cruise to a new level of excitement.” 

Guests will party the night away under the  stars in the open-air Spice H20 venue at the aft of the ship while enjoying the  fully-produced show featuring a visual masterpiece that is set to a playlist of classic 80s hits including “Come on Feel the Noise,” by Quiet Riot; “Whip It,” by Devo; “Cherish,” by Madonna; “Final Countdown,” by Europe; and “Purple Rain,” by Prince. In a breathtaking finale, a mesmerizing color-filled fireworks show will light up the night sky, right above the ship. New Yorkers are very familiar with fireworks shows set to music, with the annual Fourth of July spectacular hosted by Macy's.   We suspect this show will be as exciting as that annual event.

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013 after its arrival in her year-round homeport of New York City on May 7th. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean. 

Not the First Ship to Offer Fireworks

While Norwegian Cruise Line often is the first to introduce new ideas at sea, they unfortunately can't claim the fireworks show.   Disney Cruise Lines offers a similar experience onboard their ships during their "Pirates in the Caribbean" show.  Pirates chase each other around the deck as music blares and culminates as the nighttime sky is lit by colorful exploding bursts of light.  We'll have to wait and see if Norwegian Breakaway's show comes in first or second place in guest rankings.  Be sure to plan your cruise during this inaugural season so that you'll be able to see what promises to be an exciting show.

View Norwegian Breakaway Itineraries (click here)  

Click image for complete coverage of the new Norwegian Breakaway & Current Offers