Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will make New York City its year-round home port starting in May 2013. The Breakaway -- which will be the largest ship ever to homeport in the city -- will replace Norwegian Star and embark on a minimum of 88 cruises from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal through March 31, 2015. The ship will offer cruises to Bermuda.
The move will bring about 140,000 additional embarking passengers into New York City over two years, resulting in an estimated $35 million in additional direct spending. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan made the announcement on Thursday, Oct. 6 in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Also attending were New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky and NYC & Co CEO George Fertitta.
Norwegian also announced that pop icon and artist Peter Max has been commissioned to paint the signature hull artwork for Breakaway. This is the first time Norwegian has asked a well-known artist to paint the hull artwork on one of its ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to homeport year-round in New York City beginning in 2003. Since then, the company has brought its newest and largest ships to the Big Apple, with two ships calling in New York City since 2005. In 2013 alone, Norwegian Breakaway is expected to make 34 calls at Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT). In addition, Norwegian Gem will continue to call year-round at MCT, with an expected 47 calls, and Norwegian Star will make 15 calls in 2013 before being replaced. In total, Norwegian Cruise Line ships will bring approximately 285,000 embarking passengers into New York City in 2013, generating approximately $70 million in direct spending in the city.
Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013. Following inaugural events, the ship will sail 22 seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda beginning May 12 through Oct. 6, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three days in Bermuda, along with three days at sea.
Norwegian Breakaway’s New York-to-Bermuda cruises are scheduled to go on sale to Latitudes members, Norwegian’s frequent guests, on Oct. 14, 2011, and to the public on Oct. 17, 2011. Also, as part of its Partners First commitment, Norwegian will open Norwegian Breakaway’s sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners on Oct. 10, 2011. Travel partners wishing to block a group should call 800-327-7030.
No comments:
Post a Comment