Sailing
backwards, Norwegian Breakaway left Meyer Werft at approximately 10
a.m. (local time in Germany), and made a narrow passage through the
ship yard’s locks, with only 1,6 metres clearance separating the
ship from the “bumpers” that were specially installed along the
starboard side of the locks. This very tedious manoeuvre took
approximately 1,5 hours at a maximum speed of only 0,2 knots. The
precise navigation was led by a team of two located on the bridge,
with one navigation officer in charge of overseeing the bow
manoeuvres and the other overseeing the movement of the stern. It was
extremely important that not too much force was placed on the
bumpers, which can only support a light touch by the ship, which
measures 324 metres long and 39,7 metres wide; therefore, minimum
speed and minimum pressure on the bumpers was essential. After
passing through the locks, Norwegian Breakaway continued along the
river, stern first. Due to the strong propulsion in the aft section
of the vessel, traveling stern first helps with manoeuvrability which
is a key component when navigating the vessel through such narrow
passages.
In
preparation for the ship’s conveyance, the Nautical Operations
teams from both Meyer Werft and Norwegian trained and practiced the
precise manoeuvres for the past several months, utilising high tech
simulators and detailed schematics. Norwegian Breakaway is the
largest cruise ship to ever be built in Germany and presented the
most challenging conveyance ever, as the ship required precise
manoeuvres in order to navigate through extremely narrow passages,
with less than two metres clearance on either side of the vessel.
On
her way to her final destination in Eemshaven, Netherlands, which the
ship reached at 8 a.m. this morning, Norwegian Breakaway passed
through additional narrow passages including the locks in Papenburg,
which allow only 1,5 metres clearance on either side; Weener Bridge
in Weener; Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in
Gandersum.
Norwegian
Breakaway
Designed
as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC
to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013,
offering the high-calibre dining and entertainment options that New
York is known for worldwide. To date, the company has revealed the
ship’s ground-breaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The
Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor
venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at
sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian
Breakaway’s entertainment will include 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 duelling 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.
Celebrity
Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his
first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by
Geoffrey Zakarian. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake
Boss,” will open an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s Bake
Shop.
The
ship will feature a total of 28 dining options on board and an Ice
Bar, which will be kept at 8 degrees below zero and feature New York
City-inspired speciality cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the
Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay
homage to New York City.
The
top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will 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-storey sports complex that
includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf
course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
The
ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The
Haven by Norwegian™, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship
and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative
Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers; inside, oceanview
and balcony staterooms as well as Mini Suites; Spa Balcony
staterooms, Spa Mini Suites and Spa Suites in close proximity to the
spa.
