Cruise & Cruise Line

Norwegian Breakaway Debuts as Biggest Ship in Big Easy

Image: Norwegian Breakaway debuts in New Orleans (Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line)
Image: Norwegian Breakaway debuts in New Orleans (Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 1:00 AM ET, Thu November 8, 2018

WHY IT RATES: The recently renovated Norwegian Breakaway is the largest cruise ship to homeport in the city of New Orleans, as well as the youngest in port this season.-Mia Taylor, TravelPulse Senior Writer.


On November 11, 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, returns to New Orleans, introducing Norwegian Breakaway to the Big Easy with five to 11-day cruises to the Caribbean.

At 1,068 feet and 145,655 gross register tons, the recently renovated Norwegian Breakaway is the largest cruise ship to homeport in the city of New Orleans, as well as the youngest in port this season.

The namesake ship of the Breakaway class offers guests the freedom and flexibility to design their dream vacation at sea with no assigned dining and entertainment times, 25 dining options, 22 bars and lounges, a comprehensive water park featuring the fastest waterslide at sea, one of the largest ropes courses of any ship and an entertainment program that mirrors the vibrancy of the Big Easy.

"We are excited to introduce Norwegian Breakaway to New Orleans, providing our guests with another premium destination to cruise from when sailing to the Caribbean," said Andy Stuart, president, and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "New Orleans is well known for its lively music, culinary scene and entertainment, a perfect complement to the high-caliber experiences guests will discover on Norwegian Breakaway."

Following her renovation in May 2018, Norwegian Breakaway debuted refreshed staterooms and public areas and introduced a new bar and lounge concept to the fleet with Syd Norman's Pour House. Modeled after influential rock houses such as CBGB's, The Rainbow and The Fillmore, Syd Norman's is a tribute to the grandfather of "Rock of Ages" playwright Chris D'Arenso and features vintage décor, diner-style seating, signature cocktails and an unforgettable playlist of classic rock from the late 1960s to 1980s.

Additional entertainment options on board include the Tony Award-nominated Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, all of which attest to the company's commitment to providing world-class entertainment at sea.

"Norwegian Cruise Line is a valued cruise line partner and we are thrilled to welcome Norwegian Breakaway as the largest cruise ship ever to sail from Port NOLA," said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans president and chief executive officer. "With our commitment to high-level service and the Crescent City's vibrant energy, we look forward to offering Norwegian Cruise Line passengers a memorable cruise experience as they begin and end their vacations in our unique American city."

Norwegian Breakaway will sail from New Orleans through April 12, 2019, offering five, seven, ten and eleven-day Western Caribbean cruises with calls to some of the top Caribbean destinations, including Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City and Harvest Caye, the company's resort-style experience in Belize named the "Best New Cruise Port" by Porthole Cruise Magazine in 2017.


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