Wiesbaden,
May 14, 2013 – On May 8, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship,
Norwegian Breakaway, was christened by the legendary
Rockettes® during a ceremony officiated by Mayor
Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Buddy Valastro, star of
the TLC series “Cake Boss,” hosted the highly anticipated
ceremony.
“The
arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway, the largest cruise ship to
homeport in Manhattan, is another proof point of the growth and
success of New York City’s $200 million cruise sector, a
cornerstone of the City’s $55 billion tourism industry,” said
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
Throughout
the christening ceremony simulcast in ten venues around the ship,
Norwegian Breakaway’s spectacular on-board amenities and
entertainment were showcased in front of more than 4.000 guests. From
live performances by Slam Allen, Howl at the Moon, Cirque Dreams &
Dinner Jungle Fantasy, along with Burn the Floor and a show stomping
finale featuring Rock of Ages, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship
ever to homeport in Manhattan, kicked off its arrival to New York
City in style.
“New
York’s ship is home where she belongs,” said Kevin Sheehan,
Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and CEO. “We’ve been
anticipating this moment for more than two years and are so thrilled
to finally have Norwegian Breakaway amongst New York City’s
greatest icons. We thank the City of New York for the warm welcome
and are looking forward to a very successful inaugural season.”
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| From left to right: Captain Evans Hoyt, Buddy Valastro, Kevin Sheehan and Geoffrey Zakarian celebrate Norwegian Breakaway’s christening in New York City
Boasting
hull artwork designed by pop icon and America’s most popular living
artist, Peter Max, Norwegian Breakaway was designed as New York’s
ship inside and out. On board, guests will enjoy the high-calibre
dining and entertainment options that New York City is known for
worldwide, including three new restaurants by Food Network star and
acclaimed New York chef Geoffrey Zakarian. The ship’s
ground-breaking design also includes an open-air boardwalk called The
Waterfront, the largest Aqua Park at sea, with five waterslides, and
a wide array of accommodation choices including 60 suites in The
Haven, innovative studios for solo travellers, oceanview staterooms,
balcony staterooms and Mini Suite for families.
“The
cruise industry in New York City continues to thrive, with a total
economic impact of nearly $200 million last year alone, which is why
we have made significant investments to accommodate a new generation
of ships like the Norwegian Breakaway” said NYCEDC Executive
Director Kyle Kimball. “The Norwegian Breakaway, a state-of-the-art
ship, will ensure the continued growth in this critical industry,
generating millions of dollars in spending, creating jobs and helping
to maintain our reputation as a cruise capital of the world."
“Last
year, New York City welcomed a record 52 million visitors, an
all-time high, with the addition of Norwegian Breakaway, there will
be even more opportunities for visitors to experience and enjoy the
best that New York City has to offer, both on land and at sea,”
said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta.
Norwegian
Breakaway has begun her weekly 7-night cruises to Bermuda, throughout
the summer, on Sunday, May 12 with a special guest on board, Kevin
Sheehan, the line’s President and CEO. From October through April,
Norwegian Breakaway will offer 7-night voyages from the heart of
Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-night
sailings to the Southern Caribbean.
Norwegian
Breakaway
Designed
as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway brings the best of NYC to
sea from her year-round homeport in Manhattan, offering the
high-calibre dining and entertainment options that New York is known
for worldwide. The ship’s ground-breaking design includes 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 includes 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 also perform on the
vessel. Norwegian Breakaway features an exciting fireworks show on
every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at
sea each week, and is the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed
deck party.
Celebrity
Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian has also debuted his
first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by
Geoffrey Zakarian, along with two additional venues, The Raw Bar and
Ocean Blue on the Waterfront. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series
“Cake Boss,” opened an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s
Bake Shop, on board. The ship features a total of 27 dining options
and an Ice Bar, which is kept at 8 degrees below zero and features
New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures
of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty to pay homage to New
York City.
The
top decks of Norwegian Breakaway 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.
For
more information on the incredible features and accommodation choices
on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.eu.
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