Cruise & Cruise Line

Happy Birthday, Norwegian Breakaway

TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 11:02 AM ET, Tue May 13, 2014

PHOTO: Norwegian Breakaway's Godmothers, The Rockettes (center), along with the ship's Captain Hakan Svedung (center right) and Four Stripe officers (from L to R, Hotel Director Prem ainikkara, Staff Captain Matko Candrlic and Chief Engineer Zoran Posa) mark one year of sailing from Manhattan. (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Breakaway, the ship that brings the best of NYC to sea, celebrates one year of sailing from New York City this week. Since arriving in New York in May 2013, the ship has carried nearly a quarter of a million guests from New York to sunny destinations in Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.

"Norwegian Breakaway has been hailed as a game-changer with in the cruise industry and we are so proud to celebrate this spectacular ship's first year sailing from New York," said

Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "The world-class dining, exciting amenities and high-caliber Broadway entertainment onboard are all an extension of the incredible activities this great city has to offer. Norwegian Breakaway is truly New York's ship and we invite those who haven't yet had the opportunity to sail on her to come join us on a future voyage."

Her anniversary signals the start of the summer season, as the ship is sailing the second of 22 weekly cruises to Bermuda through September 28. Norwegian Breakaway offers seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan each Sunday, with three days in port at King's Wharf, Bermuda. Guests sailing to Bermuda this season have yet another amenity to look forward to onboard, as the casino will now be able to open while the ship is in port, opening at 9 pm each evening while the ship is docked at King's Wharf.

"Norwegian Breakaway has provided a quarter of a million visitors a new and exciting way to experience and enjoy the best that New York City has to offer," said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company's President & CEO. "She's been a great addition to our city and we're excited to have her continue to share the best of NYC every week."

Norwegian Breakaway's birthday week sailing also coincides an exciting milestone for the ship: Cirque Dreams & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy, held in the ship's Spiegel Tent, will host its 2,000th performance onboard.

Over the past year, Norwegian Breakaway has had a positive economic impact on the city, contributing to the $229 million generated across the industry and a 16% increase in guest and crew spending in the city.

"We congratulate Norwegian Cruise Line on Norwegian Breakaway's one year anniversary sailing out of New York City, contributing to an industry that plays a critical role in New York City's economy," said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Kyle Kimball. "The City's cruise operations supports thousands of jobs and is key to the city's robust tourism and hospitality industry, and Norwegian Breakaway has been a valuable member of the City's fleet."

Norwegian Breakaway features 29 dining options, including restaurants from Food Network Star and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC's "Cake Boss"; three Broadway shows; an ice bar; a weekly fireworks show at sea; and the largest Aqua Park and ropes course at sea, including five water slides. Her signature hull art, designed by legendary artist Peter Max, brings the energy of the Big Apple to the ship wherever she sails.


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