Ship Visit Information

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Visit Date: 30 April, 2013
Port: Southampton
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Review Author: Harry Cotterill

On the morning of April 30th 2013, Harry and his father arrived at Mayflower Park at approximately 09:50. Here they took the opportunity to take some more photographs of Norwegian Breakaway but also unveiled our especially assigned drawing of the ship which received quite a bit of attention from on lookers and photographers

Following this Harry and Brian arrived at City Cruise Terminal not long after 10:30 where they were directed to the Passes Office to collect their passes to board Norwegian Breakaway. They then made their way through security and along the passenger boarding gangway before boarding just before 10:40.

Boarding the vessel on Deck 5, Harry and his father made their way to the Atrium on Deck 6 where they visited Guest Services and got a plan of the ship to help find their way around. 

Once they had been given the plan of Norwegian Breakaway they made their way up to Deck 18 at the bow of the vessel. Here they had a great view of Southampton, together with the upper decks of Norwegian Breakaway, most noticeably the Aqua Park.

Harry and Brian explored the majority of the various upper public decks of Norwegian Breakaway for close to an hour, taking a close look at the various passenger facilities, including the Waves Pool, Aqua Park and impressive water slides  the Sport Complex, including the 'Plank', and Spice H2O before stopping of in the Garden Café on Deck 15 for a short break and sample the food and drink on offer at the buffet.

Following this short break, they continued touring Norwegian Breakaway, making their way to the forward end of Deck 15, where they were given an in depth guided tour of the Spa and Fitness Center  which includes the first ever Salt Room at sea. 

They also had a quick look at Splash Academy on Deck 12 & 13, which is one of the largest children’s facilities currently at sea.

Next Harry and his father made their way down to 678 Ocean Place, a combination of three decks of passenger facilities, connected in the center of the ship by an open atrium like area. They started on Deck 8 where they explored the Waterfront. This is a spectacular external walkway which wraps around the ship, with almost countless facilities leading on to it, including various bars, lounges, restaurant and boutiques. This innovative design allows passengers to have a closer connection to the sea and breaks away from tradition.

After exploring the Waterfront and the other facilities on Deck 8, they went to explore Deck 6 & 7, including The Manhattan Room Restaurant at the stern and the Breakaway Casino, along with the various other facilities. In total Norwegian Breakaway has a breathtaking 27 different dining venues located throughout the 13 passenger decks.

Whilst explore 678 Ocean Place, Harry and his father took the opportunity to have a photograph taken in the central atrium area connecting the three decks, together with our especially assigned drawing of Norwegian Breakaway.

Upon finishing their self-guided tour of the huge ship, Harry and Brian made their way to Guest Services in order to attempt to meet with the Master of Norwegian Breakaway, Captain Evans Hoyt. Unfortunately as this was the maiden voyage, Guest Services were extremely busy dealing with embarking passengers.
Very unexpectedly Julie Payne, Project Manager, Norwegian Breakaway Inaugural recognised Harry and introduced herself to Harry and his father Brian, whilst they were in the atrium. Julie Payne was kind enough to call through to the bridge and a short while later Harry and Brain were met by the ship’s Group Services Coordinator who escorted them both to the bridge on Deck 14.

Upon entering the bridge they were quickly taken over and introduced to Captain Evans Hoyt who helped secure our visit aboard Norwegian Breakaway in Southampton. Whilst on the bridge Harry had the opportunity to officially present his especially assigned drawing of Norwegian Breakaway to the the Master of Norwegian Breakaway, Captain Evans Hoyt, Staff Captain, Niklas Persson and was of course joined by his proud father, Brian Cotterill.

Captain Evans Hoyt seemed very impressed with our drawing of Norwegian Breakaway and showed a particularly interest in the recreation of Peter Max's hull art design. He also informed us that he will endeavour to find a suitable location on board to display the drawing! 

Upon leaving the bridge, Captain Evans Hoty wished Harry and his father goodbye and Staff Captain, Niklas Persson very kindly gave Harry and his father Brain each an Norwegian Breakaway Inaugural Cap.

Following the officially drawing presentation and after leaving the bridge the Group Services Coordinator escorted Harry and Brian to the disembarkation gangway which was situated at the stern of the vessel on Deck 5. They both disembarked Norwegian Breakaway at approximately 14:15.

Following their their visit aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Harry and his father spent the afternoon in Southampton, before watching the ship depart City Cruise Terminal on her maiden voyage to New York City.

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