Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the line’s newest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Breakaway, successfully completed her technical and nautical sea trials which took place off the coast of Norway and Denmark. Over the course of several days beginning on March 25, Norwegian Breakaway underwent a series of stringent tests to assess various nautical and technical elements, including the ship’s speed, manoeuvrability, and more.
In order to assess the ship’s speed, the Captain, navigational officers and representatives from Meyer Werft tested all of the various power outputs for the propellers. The speed was then adjusted to various levels at each power output level. Every speed test that Norwegian Breakaway underwent was successful and exceeded the required technical specifications.
To demonstrate the agility of the ship, Norwegian Breakaway performed a “Williamson’s Turn”, to determine how well the ship would be able to turn around in the event of an on-board emergency. The “Zig Zag” test was also conducted to demonstrate the ship’s ability to rapidly manoeuvre away from danger ahead, while still maintaining its forward course. Norwegian Breakaway passed both of these important tests successfully.
Norwegian Breakaway also executed a successful “Turning Circle” test that is conducted by powering the ship at full speed ahead and then quickly turning on the azipods, the ship’s propulsion units, to monitor the behaviour of the vessel. When conducting the Turning Circle test, a certain minimum diameter is required in order to prove the ship’s seaworthiness and Norwegian Breakaway successfully executed all tests.
A “Crash Test” was also performed. This test is conducted by running the ship full steam ahead and then quickly reversing the azipods in order to assess the ship’s stoppage capabilities. The stoppage is monitored in terms of time and distance and Norwegian Breakaway exceeded all of the standards set.
Finally, noise and vibration tests were performed to ensure that there is proper insulation between all staterooms, corridors and public areas. Wind levels on Norwegian Breakaway’s pool deck and The Waterfront, the ship’s outdoor dining and recreational area, were also assessed.
Norwegian’s nautical team reported that the conditions for Norwegian Breakaway’s sea trials were extraordinary, and that the ship successfully completed all of the very important tests and trials that were conducted.
With the sea trials now complete, the on board operations team will continue the ship’s set up, getting Norwegian’s newest ship ready to receive guests for a series of inaugural events and transatlantic voyage. Following those events, the largest cruise ship to ever be constructed in Germany will sail 7-night cruises from New York City to Bermuda through to October 2013.
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 American 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 will 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.
