Norwegian orders new ship, to be largest in fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has reached an agreement with Meyer Werft GMBH of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017. The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and approximately 4,200 passenger berths, will be larger than the company’s Breakaway class ships currently under construction at Meyer Werft and incorporate many of those vessels’ unique design elements and innovations. With the project name “Breakaway Plus,”the new vessel will be the largest in Norwegian’s fleet. 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 also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. 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. Norwegian Breakaway will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship. The innovative Studios are designed and priced for solo travellers. Other accommodations include Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa. (http://www.ncl.com)