Cruise ship right at home (Update)

The Norwegian Breakaway completed a transatlantic crossing to arrive in her home port of New York yesterday morning.

The ship will have her christening today at Manhattan Cruise Terminal Pier 88 by its godmothers The Rockettes, in front of a crowd of dignitaries that will include Bermuda Premier Craig Cannonier, Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell, Norwegian Cruise Lines CEO Kevin Sheehan, Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro.

Mr Sheehan said: “Norwegian Breakaway is New York’s ship and we are thrilled to finally have her home. 

“From world-class dining to high-calibre 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.”

The Breakaway will then depart for a two-day cruise to nowhere to show off all the amenities to the dignitaries, travel agents and press corp.

It will do an additional two-day cruise to nowhere on Friday before it makes its inaugural seven-day cruise to Bermuda.

The 146,000-ton ship will be the largest ever to make regular visits to Bermuda. It has a double occupancy of around 4,000 guests, but fully book holds 4,500 passengers. In addition it has a crew of 1,600.

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. n

Log on to our website today as we provide updates — including a video special — on the Breakaway and local preparations for her arrival. www.bermudasun.bm