Friday, May 17, 2013

Norwegian Dawn Ferries in Passengers While Pier Work Prepares For New Sister Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn


For the past several weeks the Norwegian Dawn, sailing to from  Boston, was forced to stay anchored just outside the Kings Wharf Docks in Bermuda. Her passengers were ferried to the pier.

The Norwegian Dawn was displaced by workers perparing and strengthening the pier where Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Breakaway docked yesterday. The new 146,000 ton, 1,060 foot long ship required special enhancements to the pier to handle a ship of its size.

For the past few months, rumors were circulating that the pier work would not be completed in time and that the Norwegian Breakaway would need to anchor a mile offshore from the pier and ferry in passengers OR actually change the itinerary for the maiden voyage to Bermuda - calling elsewhere. Fortunately this was not the case and the Norwegian Breakaway successfully docked there yesterday.

  ==================================================== 

Check Out Our Other Sites 


  ..

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Makes Maiden Call At Bermuda.

 
Norwegian Breakaway Docked in Bermuda
Norwegian Breakaway Docked in Bermuda

HERITAGE WHARF, BERMUDA – May 15, 2013 – Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship that is making headlines as a “game changer” for the cruise industry, today made her inaugural stop in Bermuda, on her first seven-day voyage which departed New York on Sunday.  Carrying 4,000 guests, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to ever port in Bermuda, docked at Heritage Wharf at approximately 8 am local time.  Bermuda’s Premier Craig Cannonier and local officials greeted the ship and Captain Evans Hoyt amidst much fanfare.
            “On behalf of the people of Bermuda, we are so pleased to welcome Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda,” said Cannonier at a press conference held on the dock.  “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for bringing their magnificent new vessel to our beautiful island.  The ship’s guests and crew are of the utmost importance to us and we will show them all that Bermuda has to offer.”
The 146,600 gross ton ship was christened on Wednesday, May 8 during an exclusive ceremony featuring Premier Cannonier, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City icons The Rockettes®, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” among others.  Her signature hull art featuring a large sun, planets and the New York skyline was designed by legendary artist Peter Max.
 “Bermuda is a world-class summer destination for our world-class ship,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “We thank Premier
Cannonier, the government of Bermuda and all of her residents for welcoming our new ship with such gracious hospitality.  We know our guests are going to have an amazing time on this beautiful island.”
This voyage is the first in a series of 22 cruises to Bermuda through October 6. Weeklong cruises on this incredible new ship start at $1049 per person, double
occupancy. Norwegian Breakaway spends three days in Bermuda and offers more than 30 unique shore excursions.  Guests can go reef fishing at night, bike the original Bermuda railway trail and explore the spectacular scenery by paddleboard.  Norwegian Breakaway guests will also have the opportunity to experience several excursions exclusive to the ship, including the opportunity to explore Bermuda’s natural beauty and hidden treasures in a more personalized setting and at their own pace with a private boat tour.
Beginning October 13, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.


  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 


  ..

Friday, May 10, 2013

Cruise Ships Return to New York

This past week we saw the return of the return of several regular ships back to the port of New York.

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2


Cunard's Queen Mary 2 returned to New York on May 3rd and docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. After completing a transatlantic crossing, ending to her world cruise, the Queen Mary 2 turned around 11 hours later and sailed full speed back to Southampton, England.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit returned to Port Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey on May 4th for her Spring, Summer, Fall cruises to Bermuda and fall sailings to New England/Canada.

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway arrived in New York on May 7th. The Norwegian Breakaway will be sailing 7-day cruises from New York to Bermuda and fall and winter cruises to Florida and the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas


In addition, Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Gem (to Florida and the Bahamas), Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (to Bermuda or Florida and the Bahamas) and Carnival Cruises Carnival Splendor (to Florida and the Bahamas) are sailing full swing from the port.

  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 


  ..

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Christened in New York

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway
May 8, 2013 – 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.

Throughout the christening ceremony, which was simulcast in ten venues thoughout the ship, Norwegian Breakaway’s spectactular onboard 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.  

Norwegian Breakaway God Parents The Rocketts
Norwegian Breakaway God Parents The Rocketts
 “New York’s ship is home where she belongs,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “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-caliber 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 groundbreaking design also includes an open-air boardwalk called The Waterfront, the largest aqua park at sea, with five waterslides, and a wide array of accommodations including 60 suites in The Haven, innovative studios for solo travelers, ocean view staterooms, balcony and mini-suite staterooms for families.
 
Norwegian Breakaway will begin her weekly seven-day cruises to Bermuda, throughout the summer, on Sunday, May 12 with a special guest onboard, Kevin Sheehan, the line’s Chief Executive Officer. From October through April, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day 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-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. The ship’s groundbreaking 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 dueling 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, onbard. The ship features a total of 27 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit 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-story 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 also offers 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 travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.   
  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 


Newly Refit Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas Arrives in Baltimore.


Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas arrived at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland on 5/3/2013 to replace Enchantment of the Seas.  Grandeur will offer six- to 10-night cruises year-round and will offer passenger cruises to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Eastern and Western Caribbean, as well as Canada and New England.

This is the second time Grandeur of the Seas has been based out of Baltimore.  She previously was deployed to the port from 2004 through 2009.

To celebrate Grandeur of the Seas' return to Baltimore, Governor Martin O'Malley declared May 3, 2013 as "Royal Caribbean Cruise Day" in Maryland.
Grandeur of the Seas is fresh from a $48 million bow-to-stern revitalization, which incorporated six new specialty dining options, technological upgrades and new entertainment features, as well as a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms. Families with toddlers can take advantage of the newly installed Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, which caters to the cruise line’s youngest guests, ages six months to 36 months. Guests can also enjoy a 220-square foot poolside movie screen and take in a new high-flying experience whereby aerialists glide through the ship’s six-story atrium.

 “Royal Caribbean International thanks Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland Port Administration for their ongoing support of the cruise vacation industry in the great state of Maryland,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Maryland’s rich history and diverse cultural attractions make it an unmatched destination to pair with a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. We are delighted to mark the beginning of Grandeur of the Seas’ year-round service from Baltimore on ‘Royal Caribbean Cruise Day’ in Maryland.”

Royal Caribbean is offering a variety of  itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Eastern and Western Caribbean. In the summer, the itineraries alternate between seven-night Bermuda sailings, featuring a two-night call at Kings Wharf, and seven-night sailings to the Bahamas, calling at Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. In the fall, Grandeur of the Seas will alternate between six-night Bermuda and eight-night Canada and New England sailings. The winter season will consist of rotating 10-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, as well as eight-night sailings to the Bahamas.

Source: Royal Caribbean Blog




  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 

  ..

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Arrives In NYC - Christening Set for Wednesday

 
Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Arrives in NYC
Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Arrives in NYC


Following months of anticipation, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, arrived early this morning to her year-round homeport of New York City. The 146,600 gross ton ship, which is the largest ever to call Manhattan its home, will be christened on Wednesday, May 8 during an exclusive ceremony featuring New York City icons The Rockettes®, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” and New York City officials, among others.  Her signature hull art, designed by legendary artist Peter Max, is highly visible from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal’s Pier 88.

“Norwegian Breakaway is New York’s ship and we are thrilled to finally have her home,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “From world-class dining to high-caliber entertainment, we’ve definitely encapsulated the best of New York onboard Norwegian Breakaway and are looking forward to welcoming guests on May 12 for her first seven-day cruise to Bermuda.”

More than 4,000 guests will take part in the ship’s Christening Ceremony at 2 pm ET on Wednesday, May 8.  A live webcast of the ceremony will be available at www.breakaway.ncl.com.  In addition, fireworks will light up the skyline (taking place near the Statue of Liberty) at approximately 8:30 pm Wednesday evening.

Norwegian Breakaway’s journey to New York began on April 25 in Bremerhaven, Germany after Norwegian Cruise Line officially took delivery of the ship. Norwegian Breakaway left the port of Bremerhaven and, following several inaugural events in Rotterdam and Southampton, she embarked upon a transatlantic cruise to New York City. 

On May 12, she will sail to Bermuda to start her series of seven-day cruises through October.  In the fall, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day 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-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. The ship’s groundbreaking 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 dueling 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, onbard. The ship features a total of 27 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit 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-story 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 also offers 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 travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.   


  ======================================================= 
Check Out Our Other Sites  
 
New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
  ..

Monday, May 6, 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Approaches New York


Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Under Sea Trials
Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway Under Sea Trials
Having been on the design board for years and assembled in just over one year - Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway is ready to sail. The ship is was turned over to NCL from her builders Meyer Weft of  Papenburg, Germany on April 25th in Bremenhaven, Germany.



The Norwegian Breakaway Maiden Transatlantic Voyage will depart from Southampton, England on April 30th at 5:00 PM and arrive in New York. 7 days later on May 7th. Entering New York Harbor under the cover of darkness, the Norwegian Breakaway is now scheduled to arrive under the Verrazaro-Narrows Bridge around 3:30 / 4:00 AM on May 7th.




After a series of short cruises for the media, press and special guests, the Norwegian Breakaway will settle into 7 day cruises to Bermuda in the spring. summer and fall and Florida and the Bahamas in the Winter.




  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 



  ..