breakaway cruise ship reviews

Norwegian Breakaway

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Norwegian Breakaway

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Built in 2013 and refurbished in 2020, the 3,963-passenger Norwegian Breakaway pleases passengers with a lively atmosphere and family-friendly amenities.

Offerings include two Aqua Parks (one of which is especially for children), a three-level Sports Complex with a ropes course, and specialized kids and teens clubs. In addition to a smattering of daytime activities, the ship contains more than 19 dining options. Other options include three main dining rooms, a noodle bar and a popular steakhouse. Entertainment ranges from Broadway performances to dueling piano acts.

As far as cabins go, categories range from small Studio accommodations for solo travelers to Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Club Balcony Suite cabins, as well as Spa designated rooms with extra perks. For even more luxury, guests can spring for a Haven category cabin, which offers more space, a private balcony and access to private dining and lounge areas. Even with the ship's massive size, the 1,657 crew members on board ensure that service is still a priority.

Breakaway sails from New York City , Miami , New Orleans  and Rome  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Europe, Canada and New England.

Pros & Cons

Ship offers more than 19 dining venues for passengers to choose from

Some onboard entertainment costs extra

• Expert Rating » 4.0
• Traveler Rating » 3.8
• Health Rating » 5.0

Norwegian Breakaway ranks # 6 out of 19 Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 6 in Best Norwegian Cruise Line
• # 27 in Best Cruises for Families
• # 46 in Best Cruises to the Caribbean
• # 53 in Best Affordable Cruises

Norwegian Breakaway offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Norwegian Breakaway contains 14 decks. Find out which features are available on each Norwegian Breakaway deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 3429 guests have reviewed Norwegian Breakaway , giving it a rating of 3.8 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Breakaway Review

The largest cruise ship ever to homeport in new york, norwegian breakaway puts ncl’s “freestyle” concept to the test..

Updated August 1, 2018

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About Our Cruise

Of crowds and corridors, our cabin: balcony, cabin amenities, other cabins, manhattan room, taste and savor restaurants, garden café, o'sheehan's neighborhood bar & grill, uptown bar & grill, ocean blue and the raw bar, moderno churrascaria, la cucina italian restaurant, shanghai's noodle bar, wasabi sushi, le bistro french restaurant, cagney's steakhouse, other dining options, in-room dining, café and bar at the atrium, bliss ultra lounge, maltings beer & whiskey bar, prime meridian bar, shaker’s cocktail bar, spice h2o bar, sundeck bar, waves pool bar, mandara spa and pulse fitness center, other recreation, shows & entertainment, breakaway casino, other venues, kids programs, ship communications, internet facilities, laundry facilities, general policies.

Breakaway offers 7-night cruises to Bermuda in summer months, and to the Bahamas in winter. As crisp winds ruffled our jackets and the Manhattan skyline sailed by, we waved goodbye to the Statue of Liberty and eagerly anticipated sunnier shores.

Check-in and embarkation went smoothly, with no unusual delays. Although Breakaway’s hull artwork by Peter Max showcases a gaudy pop interpretation of Manhattan icons, the ship’s interior is less pedestrian, almost sophisticated. While the lobby atrium is an underwhelming two-deck affair dominated by a massive video screen, other parts of the ship impressed us, such as the glitzy casino, the main dining room with its grand supper club ambiance, and Spice H2O, a outdoor dance floor and sun deck.

Our cabin, a Balcony unit, was very comfortable, handsomely attired in a blue and brown color scheme. Though our quarters weren’t oversized, they were certainly adequate for a couple. Special kudos are due to NCL for the excellent shower arrangement—again, not big, but a real improvement over what we’ve dealt with on most mainstream ships. The slender balcony, however, was the smallest we’ve ever encountered.

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Breakaway has more dining venues than any other ship in the NCL fleet—indeed, more than almost any ship at sea. Most of these restaurants and snack stands involve surcharges. Food quality ranged considerably, with the buffet venue presenting decent food in a clamorous setting and the main dining room offering serviceable if unexceptional food. Ocean Blue, a restaurant with a menu designed by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, provided an excellent meal that carried a $49 dining fee. We wouldn’t call Breakaway a cruise for foodies, but for those willing to pony up there were satisfying meals to be had.

In keeping with the more-is-better theme, the roster of activities is impressive. On the top deck there’s a waterpark with five slides, a ropes course that tested our vertigo, and a rock climbing wall. (Tip for parents: Pack your kids’ bathing suits in the carry-on so they can enjoy the waterpark before sailaway.) The evening entertainment featured a couple terrific shows including Broadway’s “Rock of Ages,” and we really enjoyed Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club. Improv by Second City was a hoot. There’s even a fireworks show at sea.

Things we didn’t like included the prevalence of smoking, particularly in the casino (NCL is one of only two mainstream cruise lines that still allows smoking on guest balconies). There’s no lounge for enjoying the forward panorama above the bridge, as is common on most cruise ships, and lounge chairs along the promenade deck were at a minimum. We didn’t care for the video monitors spread throughout the public areas of ship, all set to display NCL marketing materials to promote Breakaway’s bars and surcharge dining—this seemed really excessive.

A few words about NCL’s Freestyle cruising concept. There are no set dining times on Breakaway, and at prime time dinner in the main dining rooms can require a wait. Fortunately, on our cruise we never waited more than 10 minutes to be seated. Norwegian has the loosest approach to the traditional Formal Night of all the major cruise lines. The designated dress-up evenings are barely acknowledged in ship literature or signage, so the majority of passengers dress like any other night, which is pretty casual. For three of the restaurants shoes and long pants are “requested,” otherwise (almost) anything goes. This policy isn’t a problem for us, but cruisers shouldn’t pack their fanciest duds for a Breakaway cruise and expect that other passengers will be in synch—most won’t be.

In general, service was excellent. This was a polished crew that aimed to please, but in a number of areas we felt they were stretched thin. One afternoon, on the aft stairwell between decks 13 and 14, we saw a sandwich roll and some of its fillings dropped on the staircase. We didn’t think much of it when we spotted it shortly after 3 p.m.; we were not impressed to see it still sitting there after 11 p.m. when we were headed to bed. A couple aspects we particularly appreciated: Any of the officers could be reached by phone, in the event issues needed to be escalated. And we loved being greeted with cold towels and water when returning to ship; on the last port day we were offered iced treats and there was line dancing on the dock.

Although NCL downsized Breakaway slightly from its last ship, the gargantuan Norwegian Epic, it’s still quite a large vessel. At 146,600 tons, Breakaway debuted as the world’s eighth largest cruise ship (though that status will soon be eclipsed by other new ships). The security team told us there were 3891 passengers on our cruise, just slightly less than the ship’s 4028 capacity, at double occupancy.

On our sailing we did not observe any major lines for the waterslides, ropes course, and climbing wall. But on sunny sea days it was all but impossible to find two lounge chairs together after about 9 a.m. NCL’s answer for this is Vibe Beach Club, an 18-and-up retreat where one could escape the sun deck gridlock—at $79 per person for a week-long pass. Indoor areas of the ship also could be quite crowded, especially, the buffet and casino, and on the last night of the cruise the shopping area was jammed with people. The same security folks told us that, in summer months and during school holidays, Breakaway sailed with a lot more people, mostly kids. NCL doesn’t state the maximum capacity of the ship with all beds occupied, but it is likely to be at least several hundred additional passengers more than 4028 (Epic can carry more than 1000 passengers beyond double occupancy).

It’s not unusual for today’s cruise ships to feel crowded, especially for cruise lines that particularly cater to families, as NCL does. But even though our sailing was not full, the ship felt cramped. The hallway outside our cabin was narrower than usual—a problem during the morning and evening when cleaning gear took up more than half the hallway’s width. The Waterfront, a deck that would be called the promenade on most other ships, was the one exterior area that rarely seemed busy, except that there were few chairs for taking in the sea breeze (most of the ones we found were dedicated to revenue-generating restaurants, bars and snack stands). The jogging track—just one-eighth of a mile in length—passes through one of the busiest areas of the ship.

While, for the most part, we found traffic moved well on our cruise, there’s not a lot of wiggle room when not everything goes according to plan, such as the weather. One rainy afternoon when guests diverted away from the pools and sun decks, venues were pushed to the limit—restaurants, bars and entertainment offerings suddenly became packed, and the staff struggled to keep up with demand.

Our cruise aboard Norwegian Breakaway was enjoyable. We liked our cabin (except for the dinky balcony) and most of our meals were good or better. The entertainment offerings were solid, and the nightlife jumped. Fairly unique within the industry, Breakaway has cabins for singles, reducing the cost for solo sailors.

But, from pools to lounges to corridors, we found Breakaway to be cramped, and short on places where we could stretch out and enjoy the seagoing ambiance. Downsized common areas may be a wave of the future in the cruise industry, but it’s not one we applaud—we were thankful we weren’t aboard during a school break. And though our cruise fare wasn’t high, once on board there were ample opportunities to bump up the bill.

Still, for anyone who likes a contemporary cruise experience or a high-energy ship, Norwegian Breakaway is designed to please a wide spectrum of guests. It’s a particularly good bet for families, and Tri-State area residents will appreciate the year-round access to tropical scenery Breakaway provides. Not counting variations based on location or view, Norwegian Breakaway offers a whopping 22 different cabin types to choose from, providing something for everyone and every budget. Balcony units represent the bulk of the accommodations, and this is what we stayed in—described below. Inside cabins are as small as 129 square feet (take it from us: that’s small), while Oceanviews are a more reasonable 161 square feet. There are Spa cabins , which provide free access to the thermal spa.

Eighty suites are classified as part of The Haven , offering concierge and butler service and access to a private, top-deck courtyard. On Breakaway, the Haven has a private access lounge and restaurant on Deck 16. Haven suites are concentrated on decks 14, 15 and 16, though the forward and aft corner units of decks 9 through 13 are also classified as Haven.

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We did not stay in the rest of these cabins, but we have summaries here provided by Norwegian Cruise Line. Note that photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Studios Private keycard access complex comprised of staterooms specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler. Featuring a full-size bed, a one-way window to the corridor and separate areas for your bathroom, sink and shower. Includes access to the private Studio Lounge. No single supplement required. Approx. Size: 99-131 sq. ft.

Inside These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed. Door opens to center interior corridor for categories IC, ID, IF & IX. Approx. Size: 129-150 sq. ft.

Mid-Ship Inside Centrally located mid-ship, providing easy access to everything on board. These staterooms feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed. (Door opens to center interior corridor.) Approx. Size: 135-201 sq. ft.

Mid-Ship Oceanview with Large Picture Window Located mid-ship, you will have easy access to everything. These staterooms feature a large picture window and two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed. Approx. Size: 161 sq. ft

Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window Perfect for families, these staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, a bathtub and additional bedding that can accommodate three guests. There are also many connecting staterooms. (No bathtub in staterooms 5138, 5140, 5738 and 5740.) Approx. Size: 218 sq. ft.

Large Balcony These staterooms have a large balcony offering incredible views, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep one or two more. Approx. Size: 245 sq. ft.

Aft-Facing Large Balcony These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and are aft-facing, so the view from your private balcony is amazing. Approx. Size: 250-550 sq. ft.

Spa Balcony The Spa Balcony staterooms feature tranquil spa décor and include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa experience and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suites during regular Spa hours. Approx. Size: 208 sq. ft.

Spa Mini-Suite with Balcony Spa Mini-Suites feature tranquil spa décor, a king-size bed, oversized waterfall shower and multiple body spray jets, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suites during regular Spa hours. Approx. Size: 239 sq. ft.

The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony The perfect way to experience a total spa vacation, the Spa Suites include a king-size bed, in-suite whirlpool tub, oversized waterfall shower and multiple body spray jets, spa décor, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suites during regular Spa hours. Access to The Haven and all its premium amenities. Approx. Size: 309 sq. ft.

Mini-Suite with Balcony Enjoy a private balcony with amazing views from these Mini-Suites which feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, an upper bed, and a sofa bed. Approx. Size: 310 sq. ft.

Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony Located mid-ship with easy access to everything, these Mini-Suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, sofa bed and a private balcony. Approx. Size: 239 sq. ft

Mini-Suite with Large Balcony Featuring a king-size bed,sofa bed and a large, private balcony these Mini-suites also offer amazing views. Enjoy the dining and excitement just steps away from The Waterfront. Approx. Size: 289-310 sq. ft.

Family Mini-Suite with Balcony Perfect if you want to bring the kids, these Family Mini-Suites are conveniently located near the kids' area, include two lower beds that convert to a king-size bed, sofa bed and bathtub. Hang out with the gang and enjoy the view from your own private balcony. Approx. Size: 239 sq. ft.

Aft-Facing Mini-Suite with Large Balcony These Mini-Suites have plenty of room for you to spread out with a king-size bed and a large aft-facing balcony to take in the amazing views. Approx. Size: 513-585 sq. ft.

The Haven Forward-Facing Penthouse with Balcony Get a birds-eye-view of the amazing vistas ahead from your floor to ceiling windows and the serenity of your private balcony. Desirably located forward on the corners of decks 9-13, these penthouses have exclusive key card access to The Haven Courtyard area, restaurant and lounge and 24-hour butler and concierge service. Featuring a king size bed, luxury bath with bathtub and separate shower, living area with single sofa bed, dining area. Approx. Size: 451-420 sq. ft.

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony Located in the aft corners of decks 9-14, these penthouse suites offer unforgettable views with floor to ceiling windows and extra large balconies. Indulge in the premium amenities of The Haven, with exclusive key card access to the Courtyard area, restaurant, lounge, 24-hour butler and concierge service. Featuring a king size bed, luxury bath with bathtub and separate shower, living area with double sofa bed, dining area and guest half bathroom. Approx. Size: 655-824 sq. ft.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony With exclusive key card access to The Haven and all its premium amenities, these Penthouses provide comfort and luxury with access to the secluded Courtyard Area, private restaurant and lounge. Featuring a king size bed, bath tub with shower (except in wheelchair accessible staterooms) and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to your private balcony. Approx. Size: 328-349 sq. ft.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony Perfect for the families, these villas offer plenty of space and privacy. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and a luxury bath with bathtub and separate shower. The second bedroom has a double sofa bed and bathroom with shower. Living and dining area with additional bedding to accommodate up to two guests. Experience amazing views from floor-to-ceiling windows and your private balcony. Approx. Size: 543-545 sq. ft.

The Haven Owner's Suite with Large Balcony Marvel at the captain's view of the ocean in your private and luxurious Owner's Suite located in The Haven. This suite has a separate living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows and 24-hour butler and concierge service. King-size bed with a luxury bath containing a bathtub and separate shower. Additional bedding that accommodates two and guest bathroom. Approx. Size: 572 sq. ft.

The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony Located in The Haven, these Suites offer amazing ocean views, a living and dining area with wet bar and an extra-spacious wraparound balcony. They include a king-size bed that faces floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury bath with whirlpool tub, separate shower and two modern vanity sinks. Large wardrobe and dressing area with full closet, double sofa and guest half bathroom. Approx. Size: 932 sq. ft.

{{photo_gallery "Norwegian-Breakaway-p2-g4"}} Norwegian Breakaway had an impressive number of dining options to keep us busy, providing something for almost every taste bud. NCL calls it “29 different dining experiences,” but that includes things like the hot dog stand and room service, so we’ll break it down.

In terms of full-service, sit-down restaurants that are included in the cruise fare, we count four venues. Two of these (Savor and Taste) are virtually identical, right down to the menus, while the menu at Manhattan Dining Room is similar. The fourth restaurant, O’Sheehan’s, offers pub-style fare. Two buffet venues and three snack (hot dogs, pizza) options are also covered in the cruise fare. There is a restaurant designated for guests staying in Haven suites only, as well as room service, which is complimentary except from midnight to 5 a.m.

On the surcharge front, we counted nine full-service dining options that required an additional fee—ranging $15-$49 per person (kids under 12 half-price), or à la carte—along with three snack options. On a seven-day cruise, it’s impossible to try them all.

TV monitors were set up to indicate how busy each venue was. We never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seated at Manhattan, Taste or Savor (ostensibly the “main” dining rooms), a little longer for O’Sheehan’s. Not described below is Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy , a dinner-show experience with a surcharge. The food was poor, and we’ve listed it on page 5 of this review, under “Shows and Entertainment.”

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Dolce Gelato Carlo's Bake Shop Sabrett Hot Dog Chef's Table

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Operated by Steiner Leisure, the company that manages spas and salons for the vast majority of cruise ships, the Mandara Spa is a spacious facility. Despite the name, aside from a couple potted bamboo plants and batik prints in treatment rooms we didn't see a lot of Asian influence here.

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Spa prices started at $119 for 50-minute La Therape HydraLift facial, Swedish massage or reflexology treatments and ranged up to $169 for a 50-minute Elemis Oxydermy facial, $195 for a 75-minute aroma stone therapy or Thai herbal poultice massage, and $269 for a couples Swedish massage. In the salon, full hair and nail service were available—ranging from $29 to $49 for a traditional manicure or pedicure to $119 for a hair styling session. There was also a spa menu for kids. These included a 50-minute acne attack facial ($99), ice cream manicure or pedicure ($45-$65), or the 50-minute mother/daughter or father/son massage for $195. An 18 percent service charge was added to all spa treatments. Various specials and discounts started to materialize as soon as we set sail.

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The Pulse Fitness Center and aerobics room was adjacent to the spa. The cardio equipment was Precor and there were plenty of treadmills and a few climbers; bikes were in short supply. Teens age 13 to 16 were allowed to use the fitness center when accompanied by an adult. There was a roster of fitness classes—both complimentary and for a fee. Free classes included a morning stretch session daily, Fab Abs and various promotional seminars that ended in a product pitch. Yoga and Pilates sessions were $12 each, TRX suspension training and spin classes were $20 each, and Body Sculpt Boot Camp was $69 for two classes or $120 for four.

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Norwegian Breakaway's casino was seductively lighted—it was a beautiful spot. Often crowded, we found the dealers to be unusually engaging and friendly. Gaming lessons were conducted the first couple days and tournaments for Texas Hold 'Em, Blackjack, Roulette and slot play were announced in the ship's newsletter.

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The kids activity center on Deck 12 was conveniently located between the Garden Café; and pool area, and flanked by the arcade room, making this section of the ship family central.

Kids were broken into four age groups—age 2 to 5, age 6 to 9, age 10 to 12, and teens. The 2 to 5 year olds had such activities as Lego building, Nickelodeon adventures, and a fairytale parade. The 6 to 9 year olds played King's Camps games, had a Survivor night, a treasure hunt, and craft making such as leis. A parent or assigned guardian had to check the kids in and out of the facility.

Teens used the nearby Wipe Out Teen's Club—a venue decked out in surfer themes, naturally. There was a black and white party, a Matrix team challenge, a scavenger hunt and a Ping Pong challenge.

Sitting services were available for children age 2-12, at $6 per hour, and $4 per hour for each additional child in the family. Services could be scheduled for late night (10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.) or during the day while the ship was at port (when parents wanted to go to shore).

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The ship’s newsletter, Freestyle Daily, was delivered to our cabin each evening, and detailed the various events taking place the following day. Offers were announced inside—drink discounts, internet specials, etc. along with a long list of activities.

Whether using the ship's computers or WiFi for our laptop, internet time was priced .75/minute, plus an initial $3.95 activation fee. But various packages purchased upfront brought the price down—100 minutes for $55 (.55/min) or 250 minutes for $100 (.40 min). Specials were availed the first, second, sixth and seventh day of the cruise.

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Laundry and dry cleaning services were available onboard at inflated rates. On the fifth night of our cruise we received a flyer that offered a full bag of laundry washed and folded for the discounted price of $24.95. There were no self-serve laundry facilities on Norwegian Breakaway.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Breakaway

Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line

• Miami (Florida)
• New York (NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana)
• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Norwegian Breakaway current position

Norwegian Breakaway current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 19.80102 N / -70.70036 W) cruising en route to PUERTO PLATA^2C DR. The AIS position was reported 25 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Harvest Caye, Roatan Cozumel . Prices start from USD 1399 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 30 Jun, 2024 and ends on 07 Jul, 2024 .

Specifications of Norwegian Breakaway

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Norwegian Breakaway Itineraries

Norwegian breakaway review, review of norwegian breakaway.

The 2013-built Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship is the first of two Breakaway-class NCL liners, together with NCL Getaway , which debuted a year later. NCL Breakaway is the largest passenger ship ever to be homeported in New York City. The next (biggest class) Norwegian vessels are the new Breakaway-Plus ships Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Joy (2017) and Norwegian Bliss (2018).

The vessel (IMO number 9606912) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311050800) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE ( NYC ). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American). In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL , Oceania , and RSSC-Regent .

The 4000-passenger ship Norwegian Breakaway includes the best of what the current ships from the line give customers, like the exclusive Haven (Suite- and Villa-passengers only complex), calm spa and a plethora of dining options. People who decide to board this cruise ship will enjoy all that Freestyle Cruising has to offer while being on the vessel to the picturesque island of Bermuda. Remarkable cuisine, family fun, and daily entertainment, as well as wonderful staff and crew, that's what you could get.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Breakaway staterooms (2014 total, in 42 grades) include 1343 outside, 530 Inside, 59 Studios (single cabins). Most staterooms are sized 160-170 ft2 (15-16 m2). Balcony cabins are 998, Oceanviews 156, Inside 449. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 42. The largest accommodations are The Haven Deluxe Owners Suites (740 ft2 / 70 m2, with wraparound terrace sized 190 ft2 / 18 m2).

The boat has 18 decks , of which 14 are passenger-accessible and 10 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

When it comes to dining on Norwegian Breakaway, Freestyle is the norm. It means guests can eat virtually when they want, where they want. This applies to the extra-fee dining, as well as included or free dining. Traditionalists enjoy the three "main dining rooms": The Manhattan and more-intimate Taste and Savor. Thanks to Norwegian's drive to improve all dining options in 2014, quality is generally good. Guests had complained about the declining quality, and NCL invested in improving on standards and new menu options. Healthy and vegetarian options are always available. One of Norwegian's greatest strengths is the vast range of dining venues. Passengers can try a French bistro, Italian trattoria, Asian Teppanyaki, Brazilian churrascaria, steakhouse, seafood restaurant, a raw bar, and a noodle bar. All specialty dining carries an 18% auto-gratuity.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Breakaway restaurants and food bars.

• Savor Restaurant (282-seat forward Dining Room, complimentary)
• Taste Restaurant (282-seat forward Dining Room, complimentary, with Your Time dining)
• Le Bistro (114-seat French specialty dinner-only restaurant; reservations-only; US$20 cover charge)
• Teppanyaki (96-seat Japanese Hibachi specialty, reservations-only restaurant; US$25; open for Lunch and Dinner; features live cooking demonstrations)
• Manhattan Restaurant (632-seat aft Dining Room; NYC private club design; complimentary; Freestyle dining, Dinner only)
• O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill (285-seat sports bar, with 24-hour American cuisine - burgers, steaks, desserts; complimentary)
• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar (53-seat Asian cuisine complimentary restaurant inside O’Sheehan’s Pub area)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (specialty dinner restaurant for prime steaks and gourmet seafood specialties; reservations-only, US$30 cover charge per person and free Kids Menu).
• Moderno Churrascaria (124-seat Brazilian steakhouse; reservations-only; US$20 per person cover charge; with outdoor seating waterfront area)
• La Cucina (168-seat Italian specialty restaurant; reservations-only, US$15 cover charge; with outdoor seating waterfront area)
• Ocean Blue (seafood specialty restaurant; reservations-only, US$39 per person cover charge. “Ocean Blue on the Waterfront” is the outdoor seating area)
• Raw Bar (10-seat seafood restaurant)
• Wasabi Sushi Bar (a la carte)
• Garden Cafe (complimentary buffet restaurant with various cuisine stations)
• Open-Air Garden Cafe (the outdoor extension of Garden Cafe restaurant; complimentary)
• Uptown Bar & Grill (complimentary casual restaurant by the Aqua Park).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Breakaway Theater hosts ship's most elaborate extravaganzas. It's where guests will find the Broadway-style musical productions "Rock of Ages" and "SIX", as well as the dance revue show "Burn the Floor".

The ship's 3-deck Atrium is Breakaway's activity center throughout the day with morning trivia, Nintendo U Dance 4 competition, cooking demonstrations, towel animal folding, dance classes, games. Elsewhere, other activities include seminars for detoxing, art auctions, wine tastings, bingo, international crew talent show, and solo travelers' meet and greets. The ship has a total of 9 jacuzzis and 3 pools. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hr Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry. NCL Breakaway tipping/gratuities (US$12 pp per day).

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Breakaway lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Breakaway Theatre (800-seat; features Broadway-style musical productions; two grand-shows per night). Ship's evening shows include the grand musical productions "Rock of Ages" and "SIX: The Musical" (British pop musical themed on Henry VIII’s 6 wives), as well as the dance revue show "Burn the Floor".
• Spiegel Tent (217-seat theatrical entertainment dining venue “Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy”, with grand-style aerial acrobatics; surcharge $30-40 PP)
• Atrium (3-deck midship hub area - “678 Ocean Place”, with a big-size LED screen, dance area and live entertainment)
• Atrium Cafe & Bar (112-seat specialty tea & coffee bar)
• Headliners Comedy Club & Lounge (features “The Second City” comedy show and “Howl At The Moon” piano show)
• The Library; Card Room; Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Mixx Bar (live piano music; pre-dinner cocktails); Bar 21; Maltings Beer & Whisky Bar; Prime Meridian Bar; Shaker’s Cocktail Bar; Humidor Cigar Bar & Lounge (smoking venue)
• Carlo’s Bake Shop (cakes, pastries, bakeries; cupcake classes)
• The Collection Art Gallery
• Breakaway Casino
• Bliss Ultra Lounge & Nightclub
• Dolce Gelato (Italian ice cream); Cakestand (cakes, pastries)
• SVEDKA Ice Bar (25-seat; with sculptures, glasses, and seats made of ice; room temperature is -8 degrees C/ 17 F)
• Boutiques (tax-duty free shops); Tradewinds (watches, jewelry, perfumes, handbags, alcohol, tobacco); Tides (gifts); Click (Photo Gallery & Shop)
• Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft/402 m long; open-air dining and entertainment venues)
• Studio Lounge (cruising solo guests-only venue)
• Splash Academy Club area (kids' programme for 6 months to 12 yo kids)
• Mandara Spa & Pulse Fitness complex (with 22 treatment rooms, pool, aerobics studio, and relaxation lounge)
• The Market Place (shopping alley)
• Aqua Park (3-deck, with two pools and 5 multi-level waterslides); Kid’s Aqua Park
• Spa & Fitness (Thermal Suite, Salt Room, Medi Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, fitness classes)
• Spice H2O (adults only; served by Breezeway Bar & Grill)
• Entourage Teen Centre (jukeboxes, table football, video arcades, teen disco)
• “The Haven” (Suite- and Villa-passengers only complex; consists of The Haven Courtyard, The Haven Restaurant, The Haven Lounge)
• Rock Climbing Wall; Jogging Track; Sports Complex (Spider Web - enclosed 24ft/7m tall kids' climbing wall with a spiral slide, Bungee Trampoline, 9-hole Mini Golf course, the largest at sea Ropes course, Zip Line, The Plank - 8ft/2,5m extending platform)
• Vibe Beach Club (adults only)
• Syd Norman's Pour House (American rock 'n' roll bar & lounge added during 2018 refurb and replacing 160-seat Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club).

Itineraries

Norwegian Breakaway itinerary program is based on year-round roundtrip cruises from homeport NYC New York to Bermuda and Bahamas. In November 2018, the ship was repositioned to the Carribean and homeported in New Orleans (NOLA), making Breakaway NOLA's largest homeported liner ever. Departures are from Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The inaugural cruise departure was on November 11.

The new 7-day Western Caribbean cruise program includes 5-7-10-11-day roundtrips visiting Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya), Belize (Belize City, Harvest Caye Island), Grand Cayman, Jamaica (Ocho Rios).

In 2019-2020, NCL Breakaway cruise program is based on Florida departures from homeports Miami and Port Canaveral .

Norwegian Breakaway - user reviews and comments

Photos of norwegian breakaway.

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Other Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships

• Norwegian Aqua
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Sun
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• Pride of America

Norwegian Breakaway Wiki

Fun fact is that the ship's name was selected through a public contest (submitted by Kimberly Powell). The ship's Inaugural Cruise (Maiden Voyage) was on April 30, 2013. Ship's Godmothers are the "ROCKETTES" (from the NYC’s "Radio City Music Hall"). They were special guests on the ship's first 6 cruises, and since then - on the first sailing of every month.

Breakaway is the first of two Breakaway-class NCL ships. Her sister in the fleet is the NCL Getaway . The ship's interior design company contractors are Priestmangoode (UK) and Tillberg (Sweden). Hull art designer is Peter Max.

Breakaway's construction started on September 21, 2011. The vessel's name was announced on Sept 14, 2011. The first Bermuda cruise was on May 12, 2013. The first Transatlantic crossing (from Southampton  to  NYC New York ) was on April 30, 2013.

Breakaway is the biggest NYC homeported ship - leaving from New York City the whole year-round.

NCL Breakaway refurbishment 2018 review

The list of deckplan changes and works done during ship's drydock 2018 refurbishment (April 28 - May 8) at  Damen Shiprepair Brest (France)  included:

• fully refreshed public spaces (new flooring/carpeting, updated furniture)
• new carpeting in all staterooms
• added Syd Norman's Pour House (former "Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club") - changed decor, new carpets, furniture, live performances of classic rock songs, an updated drink menu
• repair of shaft bearings and replacing slewing seals of the vessel's two ABB azipod thrusters (propulsion units). The operation required both propellers to be removed from the hull. Both bow thrusters were also dismantled and maintained. Both Fincantieri-made stabilizers were refitted. The hull was repainted.

Drydock 2018 was part of NCL's "Norwegian Edge" program for fleetwide upgrades (2-year project budgeted USD 400 million). Each drydock costs around USD 35-40 million.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Full Review: NCL Breakaway, December 4, 2022--A Detailed Review from Experienced Long-Term Cruisers by SthrnGary

By Sthrngary , December 12, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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7 hours ago, Sthrngary said: I am sure you can but don't worry about it.  Just do it on your cabin TV when they let you into your room. No issue at all if you do it early.     Hugely bad idea.  The Specialty Dining Reservations are super hard to get on a fully booked ship.  That is the priority not the show.  Do what I do and book your Dining reservations at 06:00 PM for a 07:30 PM show or 07:00 PM for a 10 PM show.  Six is Second and third night; Burn the Floor is the 6 & 7th night.     Yes   Our ship was completely full.  The ice bar was next to the Martini Bar.  A waste of money.  Every ship has an oldies night.   Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thanks so much! Last question... are there formal nights anymore? Or at least nights where most people dress up and they have photos around the ship? Not sure if the Christmas version is different with the Christmas eve day on ship as a bit more formal too...

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Just now, Jayhawk said: Thanks so much! Last question... are there formal nights anymore?

No not really.  Many folks dress up for pictures still.  Country Club Casual is usually what is acceptable for dinner in most of the nicer restaurants.  

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

22 hours ago, Sthrngary said: This is Gary, I fully understand your thoughts.  Please help the person who asked about the area's.  Funny thing, everyone has a different option and everyone is right for them.     Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I need help with excursions. I am on the NCL excursion site and every time I click on an excursion a different one pops up such as clicking on the ruins and zip lining pops up. Or you will see the same excursion on 3 different islands. Can anyone suggest some NCL tours that we can take in Harvest Caye, Cozumel, Roatan or Costa Maya? NCL needs to clean up their site so cruisers can maneuver through it without problems. I feel safer if we take an NCL tour just in case there are problems getting back in time. 

18 minutes ago, Topdog52 said: I need help with excursions. I am on the NCL excursion site and every time I click on an excursion a different one pops up such as clicking on the ruins and zip lining pops up. Or you will see the same excursion on 3 different islands. Can anyone suggest some NCL tours that we can take in Harvest Caye, Cozumel, Roatan or Costa Maya? NCL needs to clean up their site so cruisers can maneuver through it without problems. I feel safer if we take an NCL tour just in case there are problems getting back in time. 

What is happening to you has never happened to me.  It is a computer Glitch.  Use a different browser and or try later.  There usually is over 100 options for excursions.  All I or anyone else can do is suggest a few that we liked.  It would help others to give you a better answer if you shared what kind of excursions you like.  Just reply to this again with the things you like or would like to do.

The issue of only take NCL Excursions is something most cruisers agree with.  Everyone is scared of missing the ship and if you are on an NCL Excursion, that can't happen.  The reality is if you google excursion on the island you are on, there are lots of extremely well rated providers.  I will try to help you with the NCL sponsored excursions I have taken to give you a start.  

• Harvest Caye:  The Super Man Zip line is a great experience.  If you have an open budget, the Beach Villa is expensive but provides a luxury experience.  The reality of Harvest Caye is even when there are more than a couple of ships on the island, it is still easy to get a lounge chair and umbrella by the pool.  Save your money and chill by the pool.
• Roatan:  The Jolly Roger Snorkeling is rated one of the best and I enjoyed it very much.  Not the best Snorkeling I have ever done but nice.  The Over the Water All Inclusive bungalow was also very nice.  The right to the place and back is awful but the place it self and the bungalows were an experience. 
• Cozumel:  Just do any beach day.  Nice beaches.
• Costa Maya: I like this place because just off the ship is all you really need.  We did the Health Relaxation spa which was very nice.  

Again, my experiences and yours will differ.  The site will fix it self sooner or later.  I hope I was helpful.

25 minutes ago, Sthrngary said: What is happening to you has never happened to me.  It is a computer Glitch.  Use a different browser and or try later.  There usually is over 100 options for excursions.  All I or anyone else can do is suggest a few that we liked.  It would help others to give you a better answer if you shared what kind of excursions you like.  Just reply to this again with the things you like or would like to do.   The issue of only take NCL Excursions is something most cruisers agree with.  Everyone is scared of missing the ship and if you are on an NCL Excursion, that can't happen.  The reality is if you google excursion on the island you are on, there are lots of extremely well rated providers.  I will try to help you with the NCL sponsored excursions I have taken to give you a start.     Harvest Caye:  The Super Man Zip line is a great experience.  If you have an open budget, the Beach Villa is expensive but provides a luxury experience.  The reality of Harvest Caye is even when there are more than a couple of ships on the island, it is still easy to get a lounge chair and umbrella by the pool.  Save your money and chill by the pool. Roatan:  The Jolly Roger Snorkeling is rated one of the best and I enjoyed it very much.  Not the best Snorkeling I have ever done but nice.  The Over the Water All Inclusive bungalow was also very nice.  The right to the place and back is awful but the place it self and the bungalows were an experience.  Cozumel:  Just do any beach day.  Nice beaches. Costa Maya: I like this place because just off the ship is all you really need.  We did the Health Relaxation spa which was very nice.     Again, my experiences and yours will differ.  The site will fix it self sooner or later.  I hope I was helpful.   Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thank You. We are older and are looking at the Ruins, and the chocolate and the Spice farms. The problem is that the same excursion comes up for the spice farm on most of the islands. NCL told me that is because the islands are so close that you can take that same excursion from different islands. I find that hard to believe, but it really does not matter. I would be helpful a few suggestions that people really like .Scuba and snorkeling are out.  I do like your suggestion for Costa Maya. 

8 hours ago, Topdog52 said: Thank You. We are older and are looking at the Ruins, and the chocolate and the Spice farms. The problem is that the same excursion comes up for the spice farm on most of the islands. NCL told me that is because the islands are so close that you can take that same excursion from different islands. I find that hard to believe, but it really does not matter. I would be helpful a few suggestions that people really like .Scuba and snorkeling are out.  I do like your suggestion for Costa Maya. 

We just disembarked the Breakaway and I can comment on the Spice Farm and the Chocolate Tours. The Spice Farm (and Ruins) excursion was fantastic. It is a beautiful property and you get to smell, feel, and taste spices along the tour. I wasn’t impressed with the Chocolate tour. Our tour also went to a tequila tasting and bee farm, but we spent way too long at each place and the requests for tips were pretty heavy-handed. I imagine there are better tours in Cozumel. 

3 hours ago, rnfulk said:   We just disembarked the Breakaway and I can comment on the Spice Farm and the Chocolate Tours. The Spice Farm (and Ruins) excursion was fantastic. It is a beautiful property and you get to smell, feel, and taste spices along the tour. I wasn’t impressed with the Chocolate tour. Our tour also went to a tequila tasting and bee farm, but we spent way too long at each place and the requests for tips were pretty heavy-handed. I imagine there are better tours in Cozumel. 

2nd your thoughts on The Spice Farm…..very good!

On 12/12/2022 at 4:43 PM, Sthrngary said: We also paid a little bit more for a Vibe Cabana which by the way comes with two; week long Vibe Beach Club passes.  

Oh my, I just learned something very important.  I thought the charge for the cabanas was on top of the entrance fee to the vibe.  I admit for my recent Encore cruise, I didn't look closely, my bad for assuming.  I've booked Viva for next Dec, I now need to double check the cabanas.   Thank you for the great review.

15 hours ago, PATRLR said: Oh my, I just learned something very important.  I thought the charge for the cabanas was on top of the entrance fee to the vibe.  I admit for my recent Encore cruise, I didn't look closely, my bad for assuming.  I've booked Viva for next Dec, I now need to double check the cabanas.   Thank you for the great review.

@PATRLR  I thought the same thing until I had an NCL member tell me what it included.  This information is important because when ALL the week Vibe Passes were gone on my last cruise, several Cabana's were still available on embarkment day.  Glad the review helped you.  May I ask if you could look up the same review on CruiseCritic.com review section and check it as helpful.

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Ready to break away from your everyday routine? As one of our larger ships, Norwegian Breakaway® offers everything you need to feel a world away whilst cruising to top destinations. Take a Caribbean cruise and swim with dolphins, step back into history on a Mediterranean Cruise , or just enjoy relaxing days on a Transatlantic voyage . Enjoy some much deserved “me time” at the award-winning Mandara Spa® and the Thermal Suite. Or kick things up a notch at the Sports Complex with the multi-level, challenging ropes course and splash into good times at the Aqua Park. Hoping to take your tastebuds on a delicious globe-trotting journey? Savour authentic Brazilian cuisine at Moderno Churrascaria, elegant French fare at Le Bistro, the finest ingredients at our vibrant Italian ristorante La Cucina and so much more. Dine oceanside and beneath the stars along the quarter-mile long promenade, The Waterfront, and toast incredible ocean sunsets at one of our unique bars and lounges. Then get ready for amazing nights at sea with vibrant original productions and live music. Caribbean cruise and swim with dolphins, step back into history on a Mediterranean Cruise , or just enjoy relaxing days on a Transatlantic voyage . Named Best Cruise Ship for Families by USA Today, there’s something on board for everyone. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and connect with the sea like never before along The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and spectacular views. Indulge in a wide variety of dining experiences, including three new, dedicated seafood venues. Norwegian Breakaway offers magnificent amenities at sea. -->

• Ship 145,655 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,903 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Length 326 m Overall Length
• Width 52 m Max Beam
• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2013
• Crew 1,657 Ship Crew

Norwegian Breakaway CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS

NEW! Starlink High-Speed Internet

Starlink provides fast Internet service at sea and is now available on Norwegian Breakaway. Using advanced low earth orbit satellites, SpaceX's Starlink delivers industry leading broadband internet connectivity, which will improve the capacity, speed, and reliability of Internet on board.

Syd Norman's Pour House

New on Norwegian Breakaway, get ready to rock at Syd Norman's Pour House! From gritty brick walls to live rock 'n' roll, you'll feel like you're in one of LA's legendary rock clubs. Sip on a Witchy Woman whilst chilling on The Waterfront. Quiz the bartender's encyclopedic knowledge of everything from Axl to Mick. Belt the night away to classics you love because after all, it's only rock 'n' roll but you'll like it!

• The Waterfront

Connect with the sea on The Waterfront, our quarter-mile oceanfront promenade. Discover a new restaurant or bar each day and night! Step out into the breeze at Ocean Blue, a casual take-away with seaside eats. Dine oceanside at La Cucina or simply enjoy a refreshing mojito with friends.

Broadway Entertainment

No need to hail a cab and fight traffic to see these Broadway smash hits. Only Norwegian Breakaway entertains with three Broadway shows: Six, the sell-out award-winning musical taking the theater world by storm, Velvet and Burn the Floor.

The Aqua Park & Sports Complex

Take the plunge on five multistory waterslides including Free Fall – the fastest drop slide at sea. With three levels of action-packed activities at the Sports Complex, including the largest ropes course at sea, and The Plank, extending 8 feet over the side of the ship, there’s something for everyone.

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Image Gallery

• 360 Virtual Tour
• Thermal Suite
• Vibe Beach Club
• 678 Ocean Place
• Haven Courtyard
• La Cucina Waterfront
• The Aqua Park & Sports Complex

Discover Her Unique CRUISE DESTINATIONS

Bahamas Cruises

See famous theme parks, bustling straw markets, lounge in the sun or just take it easy.

Bermuda Cruises

From British-style high tea to teeing it up on the greens, experience your island escape.

Canada & New England Cruises

Feast on lobster rolls. Explore the craggy shores of Nova Scotia. Or count lighthouses.

Caribbean Cruises

Turquoise water and white sands shimmer in The Caribbean. Experience the sublime colourful architecture of these breezy, tropical ports.

Extraordinary Journeys

Set sail from one destination and end in another. It's the ultimate way to experience it all.

Mediterranean Cruises

Travel through Italy whilst indulging in traditional flavours and admiring iconic landmarks. Discover Barcelona's unique Catalan identity whilst taking in its stunning architecture and delectable dining.

Northern Europe Cruises

Experience incredible history, famous landmarks and unique culture in grand style.

Transatlantic Cruises

Leisure days at sea, exciting moonlit nights, and nothing to distract from the journey ahead.

Weekend Cruises

Leave your worries behind and slip away. Enjoy dinner, dance and take in a show.

See Breakaway STATEROOMS

• Club Balcony Suite

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven features our most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations as well as 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck.

Whether it's the two of you or your family, our Club Balcony Suites are accented with the finest touches. And enough room to make memories forever.

Soak in breathtaking views together or with the family. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your own private balcony. Stylish and sophisticated appointments accent these modern rooms.

Experience comfort all around you. These stylish staterooms feature fine appointments, which are highlighted by nice touches and clear views of the ocean.

Relax in lively style and smart sophistication. Our modern inside staterooms are highlighted with appointments like a TV, sitting area, and more.

Specifically designed and priced for solo travellers, our Studios feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge - no single supplement required.

Experience WHAT’S ON BOARD

• Speciality Dining
• Bars & Lounges
• Entertainment
• Onboard Shopping

Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, our complimentary dining options include three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, our Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.

Enjoy a night of gastronomic proportions at one of our many speciality restaurants. Find your inner foodie at Ocean Blue featuring delicious seafood eats. Bring a hearty appetite to our Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria. And see shrimp fly at Teppanyaki. Whether you're dining inside or oceanside on The Waterfront, our speciality restaurants feature the tastes you'll crave.

With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favourite may take a few days. Feel the energy of the pumping music and pulsing walls as you dance till the wee hours at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Grab a burger and beer anytime you like at O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill. Or chill out, literally, in the only ice bar at sea. Whether you're looking to meet up with friends or make new ones, there's always an opportunity to mix it up.

When it comes to the entertainment on our newest ships, you won't believe your eyes or even your ears. Bask in the bright lights of Broadway with performances like Burn the Floor. Sing along at Howl At The Moon. Then tickle your funny bone with hilarious comedic performances.

From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Norwegian Breakaway has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Think you're brave? Splash around at Aqua Park with Free Fall - the fastest waterslides at sea. Or visit our multi-level Sports Complex and walk The Plank, which extends 8 feet over the side of the ship. Wanna get lucky? Bet it all at our award-winning Casinos at Sea®. With so much excitement, you'll have to come back for more.

When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 speciality treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.

Forget to pack something? No worries! Our gift shops onboard carry everything you'll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at our duty-free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewellery, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Norwegian Breakaway's hull artist, Peter Max, is larger than life. Read on to see why.

Which Caribbean Island Should You Cruise To?

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Inside Look: The Haven

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Cruise lines changing itineraries as Hurricane Beryl charges through Caribbean

With ports on both sides of the state, Florida is a popular destination for those planning a cruise.

Those plans are being disrupted this week after Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Carriacou Island Monday as a powerful Category 4 storm with 150-mph winds.

➤ Track Hurricane Beryl

The hurricane has grown since then, and is now at Category 5 hurricane with 165-mph winds as it moves west across the Caribbean Sea . Life-threatening winds and storm surge are expected to impact Jamaica by Wednesday.

Here's what you should know if you're scheduled to take a cruise.

Cruisemapper shows few cruise ships in Caribbean as Hurricane Beryl continues westward path

There were a few cruise ships in the Caribbean Sea early Tuesday, with most only going as far south as Jamaica and most concentrated along the Mexican coast, according to cruisemapper.com.

➤ Interactive map : See the latest on cruise ship locations

A few ships were shown in Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.

Most ships were concentrated around the Bahamas and off the east coast of Florida.

Beryl is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica Wednesday as it moves quickly west across the Caribbean.

How strong is Hurricane Beryl and where is it going?

Spaghetti models: where will hurricane beryl go next.

Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.

Royal Caribbean Blog announces changes to itineraries because of Hurricane Beryl

▶ Royal Caribbean had three ships in the southeastern Caribbean as of July 1 and announced it was changing cruise ship itineraries because of Hurricane Beryl, according to Royal Caribbean Blog.

Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas have all changed itineraries due to the hurricane, according to the website.

Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship — Icon of the Seas — departed from Miami, June 29, days before Beryl hit the eastern Caribbean. The ship was scheduled to visit St. Maarten and St. Thomas, among other locations in the eastern Caribbean. Instead it will visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. Cruisemapper.com showed the ship off Cozumel Tuesday morning.

Royal Caribbean notified passengers via email of the itinerary change intended to avoid strong winds and high waves on the sea.

Wonder of the Seas, which left Port Canaveral June 30, will skip two ports and call on Nassau, Bahamas, the blog announced. Tuesday morning, cruisemapper showed the ship between Key West and Cuba.

“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather, your safety is our top priority," the letter read.

"Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather."

Norweigian Cruise Line changes stops to avoid eastern Caribbean

▶ Norwegian Cruise Line altered nearly the entire itinerary for a week-long sailing on its Norwegian Breakaway ship that departed from Miami on Sunday. The line canceled stops in Honduras, Harvest Caye in Belize, and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, according to a letter sent to guests the line shared with USA TODAY. The ship will instead visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas instead.

“While we share your disappointment, these modifications were made with great consideration as your safety, and that of our crew, is always our number one priority,” the letter said.

The line similarly changed a week-long sailing aboard Norwegian Jade that left Port Canaveral on Saturday, replacing planned calls in Falmouth, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel with San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tortola and Puerto Plata.

Was your cruise itinerary changed? Here's what to do next

Carnival Cruise Line bumps up stops to Mexico

▶ Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty ship moved a planned Friday stop in Cozumel up to Tuesday. The vessel departed on a week-long cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday, according to CruiseMapper .

Carnival Horizon, which is sailing a six-day itinerary that left Miami on Sunday, will skip a visit to Grand Cayman on Wednesday.

“The safety of our guests and crew is paramount, and we are continuing to monitor forecasts and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and the local port authorities to provide timely updates to our guests as more information becomes available,” spokesperson Matt Lupoli said via email.

Disney Cruise Line replaces Falmouth visit with sea day

▶ Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy ship — which set sail on a week-long cruise from Port Canaveral on Saturday — will not visit Falmouth as planned on Wednesday. The stop will be replaced with a sea day .

Cruisemapper showed the ship west of the Cayman Islands Tuesday morning.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Beryl has cruise lines changing ports of call

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