CruiseDeals
by Rich Tucker
In May, Norwegian cruise line will be introducing the Norwegian Breakaway, their newest ship since the cruise line introduced the popular Norwegian Epic in 2010. The Breakaway will not be a sister to the Epic, but will have some of the best aspects from Norwegian’s existing ships, mixed with a number of innovative things that will be brand new to for the cruise line- and the industry. This bodes well for guests of Norwegian—the Epic has been voted Best Cruise Ship for the last two years running in Travel Weekly’s Readers Choice Awards and from what I’ve seen, the Breakaway will actually improve on that!
Connecting Guest to Ocean. . . What a Concept!
A rendering of the Waterfront aboard the Norwegian Breakaway.
The “vision” for the Breakaway is to connect guests with the ocean. Makes sense right? It is a ship after all. The Waterfront is a quarter mile oceanfront promenade with a variety of bars and restaurants, including Norwegian’s first seafood restaurant, Ocean Blu on The Waterfront. With this huge dedicated al fresco space, Norwegian has taken the familiar Promenade idea outdoors, where you can truly enjoy the “on-the-sea” experience. I really love this concept and quite frankly it surprises me no one has taken it to quite this scale before. To me, it is this concept that puts Breakaway in a class by herself, and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.
Other Innovations and Goodies on Breakaway
If you’re looking for kids while onboard they will most likely be at the huge Aqua Park. Here you will find not one, not two but FIVE multi-story waterslides and an array of pools and hot tubs. It’s obvious this will be a hit for both little and big kids. And when you get a bit water logged you will find plenty of action at the sports complex that features a bungee trampoline and enclosed “climbing cage”, the biggest ropes course at sea, along with traditional sports like miniature golf and basketball.
Breakaway from the Big Apple
The Breakaway will make her New York debut May 12th, 2013 and will begin her inaugural season sailing 7-night cruises from New York to Bermuda. As with most Bermuda cruises, these will feature three full days in Kings Wharf, Bermuda with multiple sea days on the way to and from the destination. This type of itinerary is different than the typical 7-nt cruise that stops at three or four different ports. But that is the beauty of it, with three full days in Bermuda, you truly get to explore all of the diverse activities, towns, beaches and golf that the island offers.
The nice thing about Bermuda is that there is also plenty to do that doesn’t take a big hit on your wallet- take public transportation to some of the fabulous beaches, or walk around town and explore the beautiful streets lined with pastel colored houses. I would take the first day to explore Bermuda, take advantage of some shore excursions on the second (catamaran snorkeling or a round of golf) and find a beach to kick back and relax on your final day.
And while some folks may not be fans of sea days, I have to say that with all Breakaway has to offer sea time should never feel like you’re stuck with nothing to do. . . in fact, you may end up wishing you had more time!
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