There are few people who symbolize New York better than the world-famous Rockettes.  Indeed, prior to moving from California to New York, I'll confess I was a bit of a neophyte when it came to NYC trivia, but I certainly knew about the high-kicking Rockettes and their legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  So of course when I learned the Rockettes had been named Godmothers of Norwegian Cruise Lines' latest NYC-based ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, it seemed a very fitting choice.  I was lucky enough to attend an exclusive event held aboard the Norwegian Gem a few weeks back, during which Norwegian's CEO Kevin Sheehan excitedly announced that the Rockettes would serve as Breakaway's Godmothers, and during which the Rockettes themselves wowed those of us in the audience with some of their signature moves.  The event provided me with a sneak peek into what New Yorkers can expect from Norwegian Breakaway, including the Rockettes' partnership with the ship, and let me tell you it's going to be pretty incredible. 

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round home port of New York City in early May 2013, and from here the ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda, followed by voyages to the Bahamas, Florida and Southern Caribbean from October through April.  The ship's groundbreaking design includes such features as 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 to enhance guests' connection with the ocean.  Entertainment aboard Norwegian Breakaway will include three Broadway shows, including five-time Tony nominated "Rock of Ages", the dance sensation "Burn the Floor", and "Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy."  Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. 

And when it comes to family fun, Norwegian Breakaway is going to be tough to beat.  The top decks of the ship will feature the first Aqua Park at sea, with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a 9-hole mini golf course, a basketball court, a rock climbing wall and more.  Breakaway will also feature a mix of stateroom options, including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave.

Without a doubt, Norwegian Breakaway is going to provide New Yorkers with a fabulous home port option from which to embark on some pretty exciting journeys.  Adding to this experience will be Breakaway's relationship with its Godmothers, the Rockettes.  Onboard Norwegian Breakaway, the Rockettes, with their unparalleled grace, athleticism and precision technique that has made them part of the fabric of New York City for 85 years, will be showcased with a variety of offerings, including a historical retrospective in the ship’s library, exclusive fitness class designed by the Rockettes, featured beverages and more.  On select sailings, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet two of the Rockettes.  Sailing on the first six cruises from New York, as well as the first sailing of every month, two Rockettes will offer special fitness classes, photo opportunities, "meet and greet" speaker series and more. 

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.