Norwegian Cruise Line shows off an exciting array of features with the launch of its new ship, the 4,028-passenger Norwegian Breakaway. The ship’s hallmarks include an oceanfront boardwalk lined with restaurants and lounges, a massive waterpark and ropes course, top Broadway-style shows, and the largest facilities dedicated to youth and teen programs in their entire fleet. Sailing year-round from its home port in New York Harbor, this ship is a great fit for families and type-A cruisers seeking non-stop entertainment and thrills.

Here are five of the many things cruisers will love about the Norwegian Breakaway:

1. The Oceanfront Promenade. Stroll the boardwalk like a Norwegian? You bet. The Norwegian Breakaway features The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place – two unique places for guests to relax and enjoy their experience at sea. The Waterfront is a large quarter-mile boardwalk-type promenade lined with a variety of seaside venues offering stunning ocean views. 678 Ocean Place fits in seamlessly, interconnecting three decks of entertainment and dining areas. These are popular meeting and dining spots for guests who want to gaze at the relaxing sea views while enjoying their favorite cocktail or noshing on delicious seafood. Those who crave sweets will be happy to know there’s a Dolce Gelato shop here, too.

2. An Adrenaline-Charged Waterpark. Norwegian Breakaway’s multi-story Aqua Park features five waterslides, two pools and four hot tubs. This centrally located waterpark atop the ship will appeal to families, thrill seekers, fun-loving kids and kids at heart. Several of the waterslides are mind-bending. Don’t miss plummeting almost straight down on The Whip and taking The Free Fall – pulling almost 4Gs and said to be the fastest slide at sea. There’s also a Nickelodeon-themed mini-waterpark area featuring characters from Bikini Bottom that’s just the right size for little ones.

3. Ropes Course Thrills. Do you have what it takes to walk The Plank? Find out when you step onto the largest ropes course at sea aboard Norwegian Breakaway. This sprawling multi-level ropes course, part of Breakaway’s huge Sports Complex, consists of over forty different elements. Daredevils can walk The Plank out to its end, only to find themselves standing eight feet out off the side of the ship. Not to be left out, there’s a pint-sized ropes course for younger kids who aren’t yet 48-inches tall. The Breakaway’s Sports Complex area also features a 9-hole miniature golf course, a rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, Spider Web climbing cage, a basketball court, and more.

4. Wide Array of Dining Options. Food lovers won’t have a chance to be bored on Norwegian Breakaway. The ship is a foodie paradise with 28 different dining venues – the largest of any ship at sea and far too many to mention here. Celebrity Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian has three restaurants on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian; Ocean Blue on The Waterfront; and The Raw Bar. In addition, passengers can enjoy meals with a theatrical flair while dining under the Spiegel Tent. For variety, Breakaway guests can sample cuisines from around the world, including French, Italian, Brazilian, and Far East delights such as Teppanyaki, Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, and sushi at Wasabi. Those craving well-marbled steak should look no further than Cagney’s Steakhouse. Some of Norwegian Breakaway's restaurants carry an additional fee, but others such as the 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill and The Manhattan Room are completely complimentary. Make sure to see the Burn The Floor dance show in The Manhattan Room and sample the fish & chips at O’Sheehan’s – they’re both excellent. There are also 22 bars and lounges onboard the Breakaway, including Norwegian’s famous Ice Bar.

5. Top Flight Entertainment. A New York City-based ship has to have superb entertainment, and that’s what you’ll find aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. The ship features three live Broadway performances and tons of nightly shows, including the fabulous Slam Allen at Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club. Rock of Ages, one of the ship’s signature shows, is a five-time Tony Award nominated musical with an outstanding cast. Breakaway guests can also enjoy live comedy by The Second City, Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy, Burn The Floor dance company, dueling pianos at Howl At The Moon, and much more. The ship also features Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment as well.

Traveling with kids? The Norwegian Breakaway is a superb choice for families. For the first time on any Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the new Splash Academy youth area spans across two decks located close to the ship’s family staterooms, upping the convenience factor for parents. The youth area features sections designed specifically for three age groups: Turtles for ages 3-5; Seals for ages 6-9; and Dolphins for ages 10-12. Splash Academy also offers activities for Guppies – tiny cruisers under the age of 3. Parents with young children under 3 can enjoy fun events with their child, including play classes and even parent and child mini workout sessions. Norwegian Breakaway knows how to cater to older kids as well. Located separately on Deck 16, Entourage is a high energy zone exclusively for teens ages 13-17. This hot spot includes air hockey; foosball, and an arcade center with five separate areas equipped with large screens for playing the latest video games. At night, Entourage turns into a teens-only nightclub with a dance floor, video jukebox, and large screen television.

If You Go:

Norwegian Breakaway is based year-round in New York City’s harbor. The ship sails to Bermuda during the summer months and to The Bahamas & Florida and the Caribbean during the rest of the year. For more information, visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s website: www.breakaway.ncl.com.