You might have seen the images already…her bright hull is painted with a whimsical Peter Max mural that features Lady Liberty herself. Which is fitting, since Norwegian Breakaway is the largest cruise ship to ever homeport in New York.
Though it can be challenging to plan a vacation to suit grown-ups, teens and younger kids, we all stayed busy and happy and well-fed aboard Norwegian Breakaway for seven days. And the ship was loaded with people of all ages, ready with activities that appealed to everybody: zumba, cooking classes, movies and even fireworks.
We grown-ups managed to sneak in some romantic time with dinner at the Le Bistro French eatery and the tres chic Haven dining room, along with the spa, fitness center, casino and nightclub. And we never once heard the kids say, "I’m bored" because they were occupied from breakfast ’til bedtime with five water slides, the children’s Splash Academy, Entourage teen club, Carlo’s Bakery, basketball, rock-climbing wall, mini golf, a video arcade and a game room.
We left Manhattan on a Sunday, cruised to balmy Bermuda where we docked for a few days, and then returned to Manhattan the following Sunday. It was just the right amount of time.
The first night onboard, we treated the kids to a hibachi experience and our chef was especially entertaining…juggling sharp knives along with unsuspecting root vegetables as the kids’ eyes grew wide as saucers. Another evening, we all shared a meal at Ocean Blue, the ship’s elegant seafood restaurant designed with the help of celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and then checked out a comedy improv show by Second City. And as a bon-voyage event, all six of us polished off a surf-and-turf meal while we watched Cirque Dreams & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy, ringside!
There are 29 "freestyle" dining possibilities on board and, believe me, we tried our best to sample them all. We found the quality of the cuisine to be quite good in each of the restaurants as well as in the main cafeteria-style dining room where the kids could always find burgers, pizza, hotdogs and ice cream in addition to roasted chicken, carved beef, varieties of vegetables, fresh fruit and ethnic cuisine.
I managed to grab the ship’s hotel director, Sean Wurmhoeringer, for a fast interview, and here’s what he shared with me…
Q. Why does the Norwegian Breakaway attract so many families?
A. I think it’s because our "freestyle" cruising offers families the freedom and flexibility to create the ultimate vacation, whether mom wants to relax in the spa, the kids want to explore the two-story ropes course or walk “the plank” or challenge Dad to race on the freefall slides. And with Norwegian’s age-specific children’s programs in Splash Academy and Entourage, kids can have fun with friends their own age and parents can relax, knowing they’re having a great time. When it comes to dinner, families can eat whenever they want and whereever they want.
Q. Why do guests prefer to cruise to their vacation destination rather than fly?
A. The beauty of cruising is that once you step onto the ship, your vacation has begun. Guests can save on the hassle and expense of air travel and sit back, relax and start their vacation experience immediately.
Q. How have the last couple of inaugural months measured up to your expectations?
A. We are beyond thrilled at how excited our guests have been about their experiences onboard. The reception to the ship’s many dining options, especially Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, and to entertainment like Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor, has been nothing short of incredible.
Q. Any new surprises still to come this year?
A. We’re always working to exceed our guests’ expectations, and Norwegian Breakaway will continue to bring the best of NYC to sea all year-round. Her sister-ship, Norwegian Getaway, begins sailing year-round to the Caribbean from Miami in February, and will offer the same excitement, but with some decidedly Miami touches. Norwegian Getaway also will feature the first Grammy experience at sea, the Illusionairum that brings the mystical world of magic to life, and even Legally Blonde the Musical.
With Family Vacation 2013 behind us, we’re happily assembling our photo albums with favorite images of our onboard exploits…as well as Bermuda’s famous pink-sand beaches. It was just the right balance of fun and relaxation. Is it too early to plan next summer’s getaway?