Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

Norwegian Breakaway Makes Maiden Call to Bermuda

Norwegian Breakaway made her inaugural stop in Bermuda on May 15, on her first seven-day voyage which departed New York on Sunday. 

Carrying 4,000 guests, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to ever port in Bermuda, docked at Heritage Wharf at approximately 8 am local time. 

Bermuda’s Premier Craig Cannonier and local officials greeted the ship and Captain Evans Hoyt amidst much fanfare.

“On behalf of the people of Bermuda, we are so pleased to welcome Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda,” said Cannonier at a press conference held on the dock.  “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for bringing their magnificent new vessel to our beautiful island.  The ship’s guests and crew are of the utmost importance to us and we will show them all that Bermuda has to offer.”

The 146,600 gross ton ship was christened on Wednesday, May 8 during an exclusive ceremony featuring Premier Cannonier, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City icons The Rockettes, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” among others.  Her signature hull art featuring a large sun, planets and the New York skyline was designed by legendary artist Peter Max.

“Bermuda is a world-class summer destination for our world-class ship,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “We thank Premier Cannonier, the government of Bermuda and all of her residents for welcoming our new ship with such gracious hospitality.  We know our guests are going to have an amazing time on this beautiful island.”

Norwegian Breakaway spends three days in Bermuda and offers more than 30 unique shore excursions.  Guests can go reef fishing at night, bike the original Bermuda railway trail and explore the spectacular scenery by paddleboard. 

Norwegian Breakaway guests will also have the opportunity to experience several excursions exclusive to the ship, including the opportunity to explore Bermuda’s natural beauty and hidden treasures in a more personalized setting and at their own pace with a private boat tour.

Beginning October 13, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.

Norwegian Breakaway goes State Side

One of the most innovative and biggest ships in the world, Norwegian Breakaway, will be making it's inaugural sailing on 30 April crossing the Atlantic from Southampton to take up residence in the US. The Ship will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with 5 full water slides plus a 3 storey sports complex with the largest ropes course at sea.

The entertainment options are endless with a quarter mile long outdoor boardwalk that features 8 outdoor dining and lounging options, the Tony-Award nominated musical Rock of Ages as well as 2 other Broadway shows, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy. The world’s greatest dueling piano show Howl at the Moon has also taken up residence on the ship. Guests will be dazzled by an inspiring fireworks show themed on their head lining show Rock of Ages on every cruise on the second to last night.

There is all of this plus everything you come to expect from Norwegian Cruise Line. First Class Service, countless restaurants and entertaining bars and freestyle cruising to ensure guests can relax and eat and drink at their own times.

And the level of attention doesn't stop with entertainment, being Norwegian Cruise lines they've thought of everything, even ensuring that environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced innovations which incorporate a number of emission reducing, energy saving and enhanced safety systems powering this magnificent ship are featured.  You can also expect to find state of the art fitness centre (3 storeys) and an expansive spa area - featuring a therapeutic salt room, tempting massages, beauty treatments and so much more, you'll get lost indulging yourself in so many pampering treat, just be careful you don't end up spending all your time here.

Oh and if you've a sweet tooth, it's been confirmed that Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series "Cake Boss" and "Next Great Baker," will open an extension of his family business, Carlo's Bake Shop, hitting New York City in May 2013.  And I can assure you these world famous confections will play havoc with your waistline, but it's all for a good cause after all, you're holiday dream :-)

Cruise Holidays is the only agent in Ireland that will be selling Breakaway ex Port Canaveral. This is an amazing opportunity for those travelling from Ireland to experience such a fantastic ship while also having the option of taking in Orlando and its theme parks.

 

Offer from €1459pp 

Ref 439842

Return flights Dublin to Orlando

5 nights Rosen Inn, International Drive

7 nights onboard Norwegian Breakaway

Ports of call

Great Stirrup Cay - Bahamas

Nassau - Bahamas

New York

Date 31Oct

 

Go to www.cruiseholidays.ie  or call on 01 817 3558, or 021 242 9555.

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THE NORWEGIAN EPIC - Truly EPIC in every sense of the word

VIDEO: Meyer Werft Floats Out Norwegian BREAKAWAY

THE NORWEGIAN EPIC - Truly EPIC in every sense of the word

A FLOATING RESORT
21 dining options / Bars and entertainment venues to rival any 5 star resort/hotel. Boarded this ship in Barcelona for a 4 night Med Cruise - from the second of stepping onboard amazement took over, we were never going to get to see the full ship and all it had to offer in just 4 days but we were going to give it our best shot and we did!!!

 

Sailing out of Barcelona with the city's beautiful skyline behind us. Boarding was quick and easy at Barcelona port with Norwegian Cruise Lines staff on hand taking our luggage and instructing us to the correct Q etc. When we got onboard we were immediately able to avail of food as all main dining areas were open for lunch and O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill’ grill was our first stop. This is an ‘Irish Pub’ style lounge, named after NCL’s CEO. It serves 24 hour food and is one of the bigger lounges on the ship. It is very atmospheric and very popular. It looks down onto the lobby and it also has three bowling lanes, dart board, pool table, foosball and arcade games, so plenty of entertainment to be found here for all family.

We booked a Balcony Cabin and it was incredibly modern and beautifully decorated - there's nothing more relaxing than enjoying a glass of wine on your balcony in the refreshing sea air. I also have to make a special mention to the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in!

 

The only negative "TOO MUCH CHOICE" not a negative I'm joking but how on a 4 day cruise were we going to try everything (Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, and French the list goes on. Nothing else for it but to book a longer cruise on the Epic next time. NCL’s casual approach to cruising means there are no set dining times or dressing up. You just choose a venue and book – the earlier the better, as places do get booked up.

First class- Theatre shows exceptional - music and entertainment venues you wouldn't get better on Broadway. We caught the Blue Man Show and it was amazing, we would highly recommend it. Next we hit the Svedka Ice Bar which we had to reserved in advance(this is required),We paid $20 for the 45 minute experience which included 2 alcoholic drinks. We really enjoyed it even if it was 17Deg F. Having cocktails at in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea dressed like an Eskimo, it is not every day you get the opportunity to do that. So dressed in the winter woolies supplied for bar goers we sipped our nice warm vodka cocktails we sat back and relaxed .It was an exciting contrasting experience.

 

The main feature of the Pool Deck is the Aqua Park with its ‘Epic Plunge’: the only tube slide with a bowl slide and a 200-foot long tube. The Aqua Park also includes two main pools five hot tubs, a wading pool and a kid’s pool that features whimsical sculptures, water sprays and a slide. Behind the twin funnels are two rock climbing wall. We then pass through an area called ‘The Marketplace’ which is an open air sales area (is there no escape from consumerism?)

All in all an amazing and Epic holiday, one we'd recommend to anyone considering a cruise, this is the ultimate in crusing class!

Norwegian Cruise Line Announce Stunning New Ship - Breakaway

Cruise Blog  18^th Oct 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line announced yesterday 17^th Oct that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017.  The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and approximately 4,200 passenger berths, will be larger than the Company’s Breakaway class ships currently under construction and due for launching April 2013.

“Norwegian Breakaway due April 2013 and Norwegian Getaway due January 2014 have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities.''

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise vacation on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment.  The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010 and is continuing to innovate with the launch of “New York’s Ship” Norwegian Breakaway in late April 2013.  The company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.

 

Norwegian Breakaway, coming April 2013 promises entertainment of the highest levels including three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASYand the new ‘Godmothers’ of the ships New York’s famed dance company the  Rockettes will be part of the guests onboard experience for select cruises.

Norwegian Breakaway Accommodations include Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms along with Spa Balcony, Mini Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian, comprising of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship.

The official christening ceremony will take place in New York City on 8^th May 2013 where the ship will remain to fulfil her Caribbean Itineraries.  We can't wait to see what the finished product will look like and take a tour of this very exciting ship when it eventually sets sail.  Cruise Holiday's, Ireland's number one cruise company will have a range of great packages in mid to late 2013 for all our excited Irish cruising customers eager to test drive this magnificent vessel.

 

 

 

It's here! The Cruise Holidays & Tour America Red Cow Annual Holiday Sale Day.

Tour America & Cruise Holidays, Ireland's leading tour operator to the USA and Cruise Holidays, are this week launching our Annual Sale Day at The Red Cow Moran Hotel to take place on Sunday 7th October.

 

This is the 12th year Tour America & Cruise Holidays have run this holiday show, and we have organised for suppliers from all over the USA to join us on the day. From cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line with a host of special offers and top tips for our cruise clients. Some of the key tourist boards from the USA will also be there including Florida Beaches, Las Vegas, Massachusetts, California, Deep South and much more.

There will be at least 30 exhibitors, with lots of gifts for you and your family; there will be a children's area, and all the Tour America experts there to bring you all the exclusive offers of the day. In addition, we will have key guest speakers to keep you up to date with all that is travel, and to provide you with additional information on all the destinations available to book in the USA wih tips, advice and special offers on the day.

And if you're a technology savvy person, you'll be able to connect with us on the day through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Foresquare. We'll be taking pictures and videos so you can tag yourself, we'll be tweeting event information (Q times, deals on the day etc.) and much more. And we'll have a competition on the day to give one lucky person a €100 One4All gift voucher just for checking in on their mobile phone either through Facebook or Foresquare. If you have been before, you will know how busy it is, so arrive early. If you have not been before, now is your chance to take advantage of the best holiday prices for the USA and cruising. Doors open at 10am (admission is free) and the fun continues till 6pm.

Kid Rock Cruise Scheduled for 2013

Rocker Kid Rock will be heading to sea again with fans in 2013.

Music cruise organizer Sixthman says its fourth annual Kid Rock sailing, dubbed the "Chillin' The Most" cruise, will kick off on March 6 in Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line's 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl.

The four-night voyage to Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas will include performances by Kid Rock as well as other musicians on multiple stages around the ship, including a Kid Rock sailaway performance on the pool deck. Kid Rock also will take the stage at Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, as part of a full day of music planned for the visit. Fans can sign up to board the Norwegian Pearl a day ahead of schedule on March 5 for an overnight "pre-party" sailing with supporting bands.

Get an idea of what to expect on this cruise right

 

Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian set for Norwegian Breakway

Passengers sailing aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel could be set for an exquisite taste of the high seas next summer, with celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian opening a seafood concept restaurant on board.

Zakarian is a popular figure among the US public, starring on the Food Network television channel with epic cooking contest Iron Chef among his onscreen engagements.

From May 2013 though, the American will set sail aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, with his new luxury seafood dining experience the Ocean Blue set to open onboard.

The US celebrity is keen to take an active role in all areas of the establishment, from the menus to the dining areas, staff uniforms and glassware. Zakarian will also be available for meet-and-greets on certain cruises, with in-person demonstrations and cooking experiences available for groups of guests.

Commenting on the latest addition to the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan described his arrivals "like hitting the culinary lottery".

"Not only do we win big, but so do our guests on Norwegian Breakaway who will get to experience his world-class cuisine in three dining outlets on the ship," he said.

The Norwegian Breakaway is set to begin sailing from New York in May next year.

Is food an important factor for you when considering your cruise holiday options?

Broadway's "Rock of Ages" To Headline Norwegian Breakaway's Entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line continued its legacy of innovating cruise ship entertainment as it announced that the five-time Tony Award nominated musical ROCK OF AGES will be featured on Norwegian Breakaway, along with two additional Broadway shows: the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY.

"As a lifelong New Yorker, it's critically important to me that Norwegian Breakaway becomes New York's ship, the only way to cruise from New York when she arrives next May. Our goal is to bring elements of New York on board so that guests will feel a real connection to the ship as New York's true flagship," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.

"With ROCK OF AGES performing in the Breakaway Theater, along with BURN THE FLOOR, CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY in the Spiegel Tent, and all the other entertainment offerings, we are truly bringing Broadway to the high seas and delivering the high caliber entertainment that New Yorkers have come to expect."

ROCK OF AGES is one of the longest running shows in Broadway history and offers Broadway's best party. The New York Times has called the show, "Absurdly enjoyable! About as guilty as pleasures get!"

The classic rock love story of the decade features such feel-good, sing-out-loud songs such as "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "I Wanna Know What Love Is," "Here I Go Again," "Don't Stop Believin," and more. The Broadway show is now also Hollywood's biggest party as the film of the musical by New Line Cinema was released on June 15, 2012.

Norwegian Breakaway will feature multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line to offer Cabanas on the Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that ‘Cabanas on the Cay’, exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities, are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas.

The launch of ‘Cabanas on the Cay’ marks another significant addition to the island as part of a $25 million dollar enhancement project.

Located to the west of the island’s main beach, these perfectly-appointed private Cabanas boast exclusive service and amenities to provide guests with the ultimate island escape and total relaxation.

Available for $249 per day, each Cabana accommodates up to six guests and is fully furnished with lounge chairs, tables, cooler, beach towels and a shower.

Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit; up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, a $120 value; and one large float, a $25 value; for guests to enjoy during their time on the island.

Cruise holiday guests who reserve one of the ten ‘Cabanas on the Cay’ will enjoy priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival to their private cabana, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a refreshing fruit basket.

Norwegian has prepared an exclusive menu for Cabana guests consisting of delicious seafood, charcuterie, sushi and fruit platters.

Guests who choose to dine at the Island’s BBQ can use their credit towards one of the many beverage packages available exclusively for Cabana guests, or towards other beverage purchases on the island.

Norwegian Cruise Lines in New Reality Love Series

Norwegian Cruise Lines is set to star in a new US reality television series.

The new show "Love for Sail" will see four adventurous women board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship before embarking on a series of trips to exotic locations accompanied by a variety of single men eager to pair up with them.

It is the latest idea from Studio Lambert, the company behind the US version of Undercover Boss, with participants enjoying a series of on board dates, parties and shore excursions in the hope of making a special love connection.

Norwegian Cruise Lines chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan hoped that the new format would show viewers the "romance in being at sea".

"This show will do a great job of showcasing that and sharing the stories of these guests who may find the love of their life aboard," he said.

The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl will play a prominent role in the new cruise ship-based series, with the Norwegian Star also scheduled for an appearance.