Norwegian Breakaway

Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Breakaway, from what's included in the fare, dining options, entertainment, and unique onboard experiences.

Updated on: 8 Oct 2024

So, you’re thinking about cruising on Norwegian Breakaway and want to know more?

In this guide, we’ll go over all the things you’ll want to know before setting sail. From what makes this ship stand out to what’s included in the fare (and what’s not!), wifi, dress code, cabins, entertainment and much more. This ship is part of the NCL Cruise Line.

What Makes Norwegian Breakaway Different and Unique?

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Norwegian Breakaway stand out from the crowd:

The Waterfront: A unique open-air promenade with bars and restaurants for al fresco dining.
Broadway Shows: Enjoy Broadway-quality performances like Rock of Ages.
Aqua Park: Includes five multi-story waterslides, including a freefall drop slide.
Sports Complex: Features a rock-climbing wall, ropes course, mini-golf, and even a zip line.
Huge Spa Area: The Mandara Spa offers thermal suites, salt rooms, and a snow room for the ultimate pampering experience.
Freestyle Dining: No set dining times or assigned seating—eat when and where you want.
Large Capacity: With space for over 4,000 guests, it’s one of the larger ships out there.
Studio Cabins for Solo Travellers: Specially designed rooms for those cruising alone.

Key Facts

Feature	Details
Passenger Capacity	4,028
Crew Members	1,595
Year Launched	2013
Gross Tonnage	145,655 GT
Length	1,068 feet (326 metres)
Decks	18
Cruise Line	Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Speed	22.5 knots
Ship Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

What's Included in the Fare

Here’s a list of what you can expect to be included in your cruise fare:

Accommodation in your selected cabin
Meals at complimentary dining venues (buffet, main dining rooms, some cafés)
Broadway-style entertainment and live music
Access to pools, hot tubs, and water slides
Use of the sports complex (rock climbing, mini-golf, etc.)
Fitness centre access (basic equipment and gym facilities)
Entry to youth and kids’ programmes (Splash Academy, Entourage)
Daily activities (trivia, dance classes, etc.)
Basic tea, coffee, and water at mealtimes
Room service (but there’s a late-night delivery fee)

What's Not Included in the Fare

Here’s a list of things that are not included in your cruise fare and may come with additional costs:

Specialty dining (e.g. Teppanyaki, Cagney’s Steakhouse) – prices range from £15 to £60 per meal
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (unless you buy a drink package)
Shore excursions – prices vary depending on the destination and activity
Spa treatments and thermal suite access
Fitness classes like yoga or spinning – around £10 to £20 per class
Gratuities/service charges – typically around £14 to £18 per person, per day
Room service (between midnight and 5 a.m.) – £7.95 delivery fee
Wi-Fi packages (details on this later)
Laundry services (self-service laundry or dry cleaning)
Photos taken by ship photographers
Onboard shopping (duty-free items, souvenirs)

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick table of the good and not-so-good things about Norwegian Breakaway:

Pros	Cons
Plenty of dining options with Freestyle Dining	Specialty restaurants cost extra
Broadway-style shows and a variety of entertainment	Can feel crowded due to its large size
Family-friendly with kids’ clubs and water slides	Pools can be busy, especially on sea days
Great solo traveller options (Studio Cabins)	Gratuities and extras can add up quickly
Large spa with unique features like a snow room	Some areas may feel noisy due to the ship’s size
Plenty of activities, including a ropes course	Wi-Fi packages are pricey and can be slow at times

Cruise Destinations

Here’s a list of some popular destinations Norwegian Breakaway sails to, both inside and outside the UK:

UK Departures

Southampton
Dover

European Destinations

Norwegian Fjords
Baltic Capitals (including cities like St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Tallinn)
Mediterranean (Barcelona, Rome, and Greek Isles)
Canary Islands
Iceland

Caribbean Destinations

Eastern Caribbean (St. Thomas, Tortola, Bahamas)
Western Caribbean (Mexico, Belize, Honduras)
Bermuda (Departing from New York)

History and Cost to Build

Norwegian Breakaway was launched in 2013 as the first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway class of ships. It was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, which is known for constructing some of the world’s most advanced ships.

The ship’s design was focused on offering an “open to the sea” experience, with a special emphasis on outdoor spaces like The Waterfront. At the time of its launch, it was one of the largest ships ever built for NCL, and it introduced several new features, including state-of-the-art entertainment and unique dining concepts.

Cost to build: Approximately £495 million ($840 million).
Launch date: April 2013.
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany.

Best Suited For

Norwegian Breakaway is a versatile ship, catering to a wide range of travellers:

Families: With its kids’ clubs, water slides, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s perfect for parents with children of all ages.
Couples: The ship offers plenty of romantic dining spots, spas, and adult-only areas like the Vibe Beach Club for some quiet relaxation.
Solo Travellers: Norwegian’s Studio Cabins are a great option for those travelling alone, and the Studio Lounge is a perfect place to socialise.
Groups of Friends: There are loads of activities, bars, and entertainment options for groups to enjoy together.
LGBTQ+ Travellers: Norwegian Cruise Line is known for being LGBTQ-friendly and offers inclusive events and meetups on board.

Dress Code

The dress code on Norwegian Breakaway is quite relaxed, thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruising concept. Here’s what you can expect:

Casual: Most areas of the ship are casual. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and flip-flops are totally fine during the day.
Smart Casual: In the evening, especially in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, smart casual is recommended. Think collared shirts, dresses, or nice trousers.
Formal Nights: Norwegian doesn’t have formal nights, so no need for tuxedos or gowns. However, if you enjoy dressing up, you can do so on “Norwegian’s Night Out,” where some guests like to get a bit more dressed up.

Gratuities and Tipping

Gratuities (or service charges) are automatically added to your onboard account, so you don’t have to worry about tipping throughout your cruise. Here’s how it works:

Automatic Gratuities:
- For most cabins: £14 ($18) per person, per day
- For suites: £17 ($22) per person, per day
  These cover tips for housekeeping, dining staff, and other service personnel.
How to Remove or Adjust Gratuities:
If you feel the service wasn’t up to standard, you can adjust or remove the gratuities by visiting Guest Services onboard.
Bar & Spa Tips:
A 20% gratuity is automatically added to any drinks and spa treatments.

Things to Do & Sea Activities

There’s plenty to keep you busy on sea days aboard Norwegian Breakaway. Here’s a look at the main activities:

Mandara Spa: Featuring a thermal suite, salt room, and even a snow room. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost.
Fitness Centre: Fully equipped gym, and fitness classes like yoga and spin (cost around £10-£20 per class).
Aqua Park: Home to five water slides, including a freefall drop slide and multiple pools.
Sports Complex: Includes a ropes course, mini-golf, a rock-climbing wall, and a zip line.
Library: A quiet space to relax with a good book.
Games: Outdoor games like basketball and shuffleboard are available for a bit of fun competition.
Jogging Track: For those who want to keep active while enjoying the sea views.

Entertainment

The entertainment options on Norwegian Breakaway are top-notch, with something for everyone. Here’s what you can expect:

Broadway Shows: Enjoy full-scale productions like Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor, both bringing Broadway-level performances to sea.
Comedy Club: Head to Headliners Comedy Club for live stand-up shows.
The Casino: If you fancy a flutter, there’s a large casino onboard with slot machines and table games like poker, blackjack, and roulette.
Nightclubs & Dancing: The Bliss Ultra Lounge turns into a nightclub where you can dance the night away. There’s also live music throughout the ship at different bars.
Live Music: Multiple venues offer live bands, piano bars, and DJ sets.
Theatre Shows: Aside from Broadway shows, you can also catch smaller performances, like magic acts and guest entertainers.

Restaurants and Dining

Here’s a breakdown of all the dining options on Norwegian Breakaway, with details on what’s included in the fare and which venues require extra payment or reservations.

Venue Name	Type of Food	Included in Fare?	Reservations Required?	Extra Cost?
Savor	Main dining (International)	Yes	No	No
Taste	Main dining (International)	Yes	No	No
The Manhattan Room	Main dining (International)	Yes	No	No
Garden Café	Buffet	Yes	No	No
O’Sheehan’s	Pub food (24/7)	Yes	No	No
Shanghai’s Noodle Bar	Asian-inspired noodles	Yes	No	No
Cagney’s Steakhouse	American steakhouse	No	Yes	£30-£60 per person
Teppanyaki	Japanese hibachi	No	Yes	Around £30 per person
La Cucina	Italian	No	Yes	Around £25 per person
Le Bistro	French fine dining	No	Yes	Around £30 per person
Moderno Churrascaria	Brazilian steakhouse	No	Yes	Around £30 per person
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville	American comfort food	No	No	Around £15-£20 per person
Dolce Gelato	Gelato and frozen desserts	No	No	Pay per item
Room Service	Various	No	No	£7.95 delivery charge

Dining Reservations:

You can make reservations for specialty restaurants using the Norwegian Cruise Line app or by contacting Guest Services onboard.
For popular dining times, it’s best to book early as the specialty restaurants can fill up quickly.

Dining Packages

The pricing for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Specialty Dining Packages varies depending on the number of meals you want to include.

Each package allows you to dine at multiple specialty restaurants, like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Teppanyaki, and Le Bistro. Just keep in mind that a 20% gratuity is added to the package price. Alcohol is not included, but you can purchase a separate beverage package if needed.

Here’s the latest breakdown:

2 Meals: £82 ($99)
3 Meals: £115 ($139)
4 Meals: £140 ($169)
5 Meals: £165 ($199)
6 Meals: £190 ($229)

Drinks Packages

Here’s a breakdown of Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages and what you can expect in terms of cost.

If you’re cruising as part of NCL’s Free at Sea promotion, you might get the Premium Beverage Package as a perk, but you’ll still need to pay the gratuity, which comes to around $22 per day

Premium Beverage Package:
This popular package costs around $109 per day (approx. £89), plus a 20% gratuity, bringing the total to about $130.80 per day. It covers a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and juices. Drinks must be priced at $15 or below.
Premium Plus Beverage Package:
If you want access to top-shelf liquors, bottled water, specialty coffees, and higher-end wines, this package is available for $138 per day, plus a 20% gratuity. This brings the total to about $165.60 per day. This package has no price cap on drinks, unlike the standard Premium Package.
Unlimited Soda Package:
This is available for $9.95 per day (around £8), plus the 20% gratuity, which totals $11.94 per day. It includes unlimited fountain sodas throughout the cruise.
Unlimited Starbucks Package:
For coffee lovers, this package costs $12.95 per day, plus the 20% gratuity, for a total of $15.54 per day. It covers Starbucks favourites like lattes, Frappuccinos, and teas, but doesn’t include bottled drinks or food

Cabin Choices

Here’s a look at the different cabin options onboard Norwegian Breakaway:

Cabin Type	Number of Cabins	Room Size (sq. ft.)	Balcony Size (sq. ft.)	What’s Included
Studio (Solo Cabin)	59	99	N/A	Full-size bed, access to private Studio Lounge, no single supplement fee
Inside Cabin	508	135-201	N/A	Two beds or queen, TV, basic amenities
Oceanview Cabin	120	161-252	N/A	Picture window, seating area
Balcony Cabin	1,168	207-239	32-58	Balcony, two beds or queen, seating area
Spa Balcony	70	207-239	32-58	Access to thermal spa, complimentary fitness classes
Mini-Suite Balcony	308	239-513	45-58	Larger bathroom with luxury bath products
The Haven Suites	42	328-932	54-387	Private sundeck, personal concierge, butler service, priority boarding

Best Cabin Locations

Quiet Cabins: Midship or forward on higher decks tend to be quieter.
Best Views: Aft-facing balcony cabins provide stunning wake views.
Convenient Cabins: If you want easy access to restaurants and entertainment, midship cabins are the most centrally located.

Plug Sockets

Each cabin comes with standard US 110V and European 220V sockets, so be sure to bring adapters if necessary

Internet & Wi-Fi Packages

Norwegian Breakaway offers several Wi-Fi options, allowing you to stay connected at sea. Here’s a breakdown of the packages available:

Unlimited Wi-Fi Package
- Cost: Approximately $25.50 (£21) per day, plus a 20% service charge.
- Details: Unlimited access to browse, check emails, use social media, and stream. The speed is generally suitable for basic usage but may slow down during peak times.
Social Media Package
- Cost: Around $12.50 (£10) per day, plus a 20% service charge.
- Details: Ideal for those who just want to keep up with social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. No access to web browsing or email.
250-Minute Internet Package
- Cost: Roughly $105 (£85) for 250 minutes.
- Details: For those who need occasional access, this package is time-based, so you’re charged based on the minutes used.

Tips to Save Money on Wi-Fi

Free at Sea Promotion: Sometimes, you can choose an internet package as part of NCL’s Free at Sea promotion, which might include a limited number of free minutes.
Use Port Wi-Fi: If you don’t need to be online constantly, you can avoid Wi-Fi charges by waiting until you’re in port to use free Wi-Fi at cafés or terminals. Check our extensive guide on how to save money with your cruise internet package.

Swimming Pools, Water Slides

Here are the names of the pools and water slides on Norwegian Breakaway:

Main Pool: 27°C (80°F) – Large central pool for families.
Kids Aqua Park: 29°C (84°F) – Fun water park with mini slides and splash zones.
Free Fall – Fast drop slide with a trap door.
The Whip – Twisting twin racing slides.
Family Fun Slide – Gentler, family-friendly water slide.
4 Hot Tubs: 37°C (98°F) – Located around the deck, with family and adult-only options.

Onboard Shops

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from the shopping experience onboard:

Duty-Free Shops:
Offering tax-free shopping on items like alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Jewellery and Watches:
Find luxury brands and fine jewellery, including high-end watches and accessories.
Norwegian Logo Store:
Pick up branded merchandise, souvenirs, and clothing featuring the Norwegian Cruise Line logo.
Fashion and Accessories:
A range of clothing, handbags, and accessories from well-known designer brands.
Tech and Gadgets:
Electronics, cameras, and travel accessories for tech lovers.
Liquor Store:
Purchase premium spirits and wines at discounted duty-free prices (delivered at the end of the cruise).

Children’s Programmes

Norwegian Breakaway offers great options for kids of all ages, with dedicated clubs and activities:

Guppies (Ages 6 months to 3 years):
Parents can join their little ones in play sessions designed for early childhood development.
Splash Academy (Ages 3 to 12):
Divided into age groups (3-5, 6-9, and 10-12), kids can enjoy themed activities, arts and crafts, sports, and more. Supervised by trained staff, with extended hours during the evening.
Entourage Teen Club (Ages 13 to 17):
A cool hangout for teens with video games, movie nights, sports, and themed parties.
Babysitting Services:
Group babysitting is available in Splash Academy during select evening hours (extra charge). No in-cabin babysitting service is offered.
Safety and Supervision:
All children are supervised by certified staff, with check-in and check-out procedures to ensure safety.

Laundry Services

Here’s what you can expect in terms of laundry options onboard:

Self-Service Launderettes:
Norwegian Breakaway does not have self-service laundry facilities, so passengers will need to use the ship’s paid laundry services.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning:
Full laundry and dry cleaning services are available for an extra charge. You can fill out a laundry form in your cabin, and your steward will pick it up. Laundry is typically returned within 24-48 hours.
Laundry Specials:
Mid-cruise, NCL often offers laundry promotions, like “fill the bag” deals, where you can fit as much laundry as possible in a bag for a fixed price (usually around £20-£30).

Photography and Video Services

If you want to capture special moments from your cruise, Norwegian Breakaway offers a range of photography services:

Professional Photography:
Photographers are available throughout the ship to capture candid moments, formal portraits, and special events like dinners or themed nights. Photos are displayed in the photo gallery for you to purchase.
Photo Packages:
You can pre-purchase photo packages, which include a set number of prints or digital files. This can save money compared to buying individual photos onboard.
Videography Services:
The ship’s videographers can record special occasions, such as weddings or vow renewals, and create personalised cruise videos for you.
Best Photo Spots on Board:
- The Waterfront promenade for sunset shots.
- The upper deck for stunning ocean views.
- The atrium for more formal photos.

Smoking & Vaping Policies

Here’s what you need to know about smoking and vaping on board:

Designated Smoking Areas:
Smoking is only allowed in specific areas of the ship:
- The Cigar Lounge (The Humidor) for cigar and pipe smoking.
- Certain sections of the casino (if you’re actively playing).
- Designated outdoor areas, usually on the pool deck and in specific locations.
Smoking in Cabins and Balconies:
Smoking, including vaping, is not allowed in any cabin or on private balconies. Violation of this rule may result in a cleaning fee of around £200 ($250).
E-Cigarettes/Vaping:
Vaping is treated the same as smoking and is only permitted in the designated smoking areas.

Can You Take Pets

Here’s the policy for pets and service animals on Norwegian Breakaway. Emotional support animals are not permitted as service dogs under NCL’s policy.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on Norwegian Breakaway or any other Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
Service Dogs: Service dogs are welcome, but they must be properly trained and certified to assist guests with disabilities. You’ll need to provide documentation and give advance notice to NCL before boarding. Service dogs can accompany guests in public areas and dining venues, and relief areas are provided on the ship.

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No-Fly UK Ports

Here are the UK ports that Norwegian Breakaway departs from, allowing you to enjoy a cruise without the hassle of flying:

Southampton
Dover

Environmental Programs

Norwegian Breakaway is committed to reducing its environmental impact through several initiatives:

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubbers): These systems help to reduce sulphur emissions, making the ship’s operations more eco-friendly.
Waste Management: The ship follows strict waste separation protocols and recycles materials such as paper, plastic, and aluminium.
Water Treatment: Advanced wastewater treatment systems are used to purify water before it is discharged, meeting international environmental standards.
Energy Efficiency: The ship is equipped with energy-efficient lighting and heating systems to reduce energy consumption.
Elimination of Single-Use Plastics: Norwegian Cruise Line has phased out single-use plastic bottles and straws fleet-wide to reduce plastic waste.

Sister Ships

Norwegian Breakaway is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-class of ships. Here are its sister ships:

Norwegian Getaway: Launched in 2014, it’s nearly identical to Breakaway, offering similar features like the Waterfront and Aqua Park.
Norwegian Escape: Introduced in 2015, it’s a larger version of Breakaway with added venues, including the District Brew House and a larger Haven suite area.
Norwegian Joy: Initially designed for the Chinese market in 2017, Joy was later refurbished and now sails with features like a go-kart track and virtual reality gaming.
Norwegian Bliss: Launched in 2018, this ship is known for its observation lounge and expanded outdoor areas, perfect for scenic cruising in Alaska.
Norwegian Encore: The newest of the class (2019), featuring an even larger go-kart track and the high-tech Galaxy Pavilion with virtual reality games.

Benefits and Perks for Repeat Cruisers

Norwegian Cruise Line rewards loyal passengers through its Latitudes Rewards Program. Points are earned based on the number of cruise days and cabin category, with extra points awarded for suites and Haven cabins. Here’s what you can expect as a repeat cruiser:

Bronze (1-19 points):
Priority check-in, discounts on duty-free shopping, and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.
Silver (20-44 points):
All Bronze perks, plus early access to staterooms, an exclusive cocktail party, and discounted shore excursions.
Gold (45-74 points):
All Silver perks, plus priority tender tickets, priority disembarkation, and discounts on specialty dining and spa services.
Platinum (75-149 points):
All Gold perks, plus complimentary dinners at specialty restaurants, free laundry service, and priority reservations for entertainment and dining.
Platinum Plus (150-349 points):
All Platinum perks, plus a behind-the-scenes ship tour and additional spa discounts.
Ambassador (350+ points):
All Platinum Plus perks, plus a complimentary 7-day cruise for two.

Real Passenger Experiences

Here’s a mix of what passengers have had to say about their experience aboard Norwegian Breakaway:

Positive Reviews:

“Fantastic Entertainment and Dining Options”
“The shows were Broadway quality, and we loved the Freestyle dining. There were so many restaurants to choose from, and the food was top-notch. We’ll definitely be cruising with Norwegian again!”
“Perfect for Families”
“Our kids had an amazing time at the Aqua Park and in the kids’ club. The staff were friendly and made sure everyone was having fun. It was a great family vacation!”

Negative Reviews:

“Crowded Pool Areas”
“The pool deck felt overcrowded, especially on sea days. It was hard to find a chair, and the pools were packed with people.”
“Extra Costs Added Up”
“While we enjoyed the cruise overall, the extra charges for specialty dining, drinks, and excursions really added up. It wasn’t as ‘all-inclusive’ as we expected.”

Accessibility Information

Norwegian Breakaway offers a range of accessibility features to ensure that passengers with disabilities can have a comfortable cruise experience:

Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins:
The ship has several wheelchair-accessible cabins with wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered sinks. These rooms are available in various categories, including suites, balcony, and inside cabins.
Accessible Public Areas:
All decks, restaurants, and entertainment venues are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are available throughout the ship, and ramps are provided in key areas to ensure smooth access.
Mobility Equipment Rentals:
You can rent mobility aids like wheelchairs and scooters through a third-party vendor, which will deliver the equipment to your cabin.
Priority Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Passengers with disabilities can request priority boarding and disembarkation assistance to make the process easier and more efficient.
Assistance for Hearing and Visually Impaired Guests:
- Hearing Impaired: The ship offers visual-tactile alert systems, amplified telephones, and closed-captioned TV options.
- Visually Impaired: Guide dogs are permitted on board, and staff are available to provide additional assistance if needed.

Special Cruise Tips

Here are a few lesser-known but super helpful tips for making the most of your time aboard Norwegian Breakaway:

Use the Waterfront for Crowds:
The Waterfront promenade is a quieter alternative to the main pool deck, with outdoor seating at restaurants and bars. It’s perfect for a peaceful drink or meal while avoiding the crowds.
Get Vibe Beach Club Passes Early:
If you want to enjoy the adult-only Vibe Beach Club, buy the passes as soon as you board. The space is limited and sells out quickly, but it’s worth it for quieter sunbathing and private hot tubs.
Free Breakfast at O’Sheehan’s:
Many people don’t realise that O’Sheehan’s (the 24-hour pub) offers a free breakfast option with less of a crowd than the buffet or main dining rooms.
Spa Pass for Sea Days:
If you’re not into the busy pool areas on sea days, consider getting a thermal suite pass for the Mandara Spa. It grants you access to a variety of relaxation rooms, including the sauna, salt room, and snow room.
Book Specialty Dining on Embarkation Day:
Specialty restaurants can fill up quickly, especially on popular nights. As soon as you board, book your dining reservations for the entire trip to get the best times.