Norwegian Breakaway Christened In NYC

Norwegian Cruise Lines on Wednesday christened the Norwegian Breakaway, the first of two Breakaway-class ships ordered from Meyer Werft shipyard.

The ship was christened during a ceremony in New York City featuring the famous “Rockettes” as the Godmothers and hosted by Buddy (you know that guy from that show about the cakes).

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the 146,600 GT cruise ship on April 25th from the Papenburg-based shipyard, just 18 months after the first steel was cut.

The Norwegian Breakaway can accommodate 4,000 passengers in 2,014 staterooms, including 1,508 outside cabins. The vessel features a diesel-electric pod drive system and improved hydrodynamics for increased efficiency and reduced operating costs.

Fittingly, theme of the Norwegian Breakaway is New York City, featuring hull art – a NCL staple – created by artist Peter Max showing the famous NYC skyline. The ship will sail on seven day cruises from New York to Bermuda starting on May 12 and will be the largest vessel to be homeported year-round in the city.

The second ship in the Breakaway-class, the Norwegian Getaway, is expected to be delivered from MEYER WERFT in January 2014.

Here are two screengrabs I caught on the Christening live webcam (yes, I watched it):