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.”
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.
