Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway Class ships

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) currently has two iconic vessels within its Breakaway Class, the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Breakaway. With the Norwegian Breakaway previously named ‘Best Cruise Ship for Families’ by USA Today, these impressive vessels offer many opportunities and experiences for guests to make the most out of their cruise vacation.

Both the Norwegian Breakaway and the Norwegian Getaway were constructed nearly ten years ago, with the Norwegian Breakaway completed in 2013, and the Norwegian Getaway being delivered in 2014. While both of these ships have been sailing the high seas for nearly a decade, Norwegian Cruise Line recently renovated both of these ships to be outfitted with the most modern amenities for guests, including upgrading mechanical features of the ship and decor. Both ships finished their refurbishment in 2020.

In a little over a week I will be embarking on the Norwegian Getaway for the first time. I am excited to experience everything the ship has to offer and to bring our readers along! Read on for a look at what passengers can expect when they set sail aboard a Norwegian Breakaway Class vessel.

Norwegian Breakway

Ship Facts

Gross Register Tonnage = 145,655

Overall Length = 1068.3 feet

Passenger Capacity = 3,959

Ship Crew = 1,657

Constructed = 2013, refurbished 2020

“Breathe in the fresh ocean air and connect with the sea like never before along The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and spectacular views. Indulge in more than 25 dining experiences, including three new, dedicated seafood venues. And enjoy dazzling performances. Norwegian Breakaway offers magnificent amenities at sea,” states Norwegian Cruise Line about the Norwegian Breakaway.

The Waterfront

The Waterfront is a location exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line ships, this area features several restaurant and food locations, all right next to incredible ocean views. NCL says the following about their Waterfront space, “discover a new restaurant or bar each day and night!”

Guests can find the following venues at The Waterfront location of the Norwegian Breakaway:

• O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

Irish pub themed restaurant open 24-hours a day. This location is complimentary to all guests onboard.

• Garden Cafe

The main buffet location onboard, complimentary to all guests.

• Savor

One of the main dining room locations onboard, complimentary to all guests. This venue offers classic favorites with an extensive menu.

• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar

Complimentary asian restaurant, featuring freshly prepared noodles.

• Taste

Stylish and contemporary dining room, complimentary to all passengers.

• The Haven Lounge

Exclusive area for guests of The Haven.

• The Haven Restaurant

Exclusive restaurant for guests of The Haven.

• The Manhattan Room

Complimentary dining room location featuring specialty curated modern and classic dishes.

Bars and Lounges

Onboard Norwegian Breakaway, guests can experience 16 different bars and lounges. There are so many different options that guests are sure to discover a new favorite amongst the varying styles and aesthetics of each venue.

Bars and lounges located onboard the Norwegian Breakaway:

• Starbucks

The classic Seattle-based coffee company has a location onboard for guests to enjoy a caffeinated beverage.

• Atrium Bar

Located near the Atrium portion of the ship, this venue offers guests well known cocktails, beer, and wine.

• Bar 21

Bar venue located near the Casino onboard.

• Bliss Ultra Lounge

Club environment for guests looking to dance the night away.

• Garden Cafe Bar

Located at the Garden Cafe, the main buffet onboard.

• Headliners Comedy Club

Bar and lounge venue located at the comedy club onboard, enjoy a drink and a laugh.

• Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar

Located starboard, this bar offers guests views and international drinks such as imported beer and spirits. This location is unique to the Norwegian Breakaway within the Breakaway Class.

• Mixx Bar

Piano bar venue, offering a classic modern aesthetic.

• O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

Irish pub style location, open 24-hours a day.

• Prime Meridian Bar

Bar venue located between the two dining locations Cagney’s Steakhouse and Modern Churrascaria.

• Shaker’s Cocktail Bar

Classic martini bar venue with a cosmopolitan ambiance. This venue is unique to Norwegian Breakaway.

• Skyy Vodka Ice Bar

Unique location modeled after the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, the bar, seats, and glasses are all made of ice.

• Spice H2O

Inspired by summer beach parties this venue transforms from day to night. By day its a casual lounge, by night its a space to dance and enjoy the music.

• Syd Norman’s Pour House

Live rock-n-roll can be found at this venue. This location was added to the ship in 2018.

• The Haven Lounge

This relaxing and elegant space is reserved exclusively for guests of The Haven.

• Vibe Beach Club

An exclusive and private space specially for guests 18 years and older. Passengers can purchase passes to this lounge, featuring an oversized hot tub and lounge chairs, at the Guest Service Desk onboard.

Entertainment

One of the featured entertainments onboard The Norwegian Breakaway is Broadway-style shows. Additionally, NCL ships typically have at least one comedy show onboard.

Guests can find the following shows located onboard the Norwegian Breakaway:

• Burn The Floor

This show is described as “ballroom dancing reinvented”. This 45-minute show is based off the Broadway show. This show is complementary to all guests.

• Howl At The Moon

Described as a dueling piano show, this complimentary experience is available to all passengers.

• Six

A musical performance telling the tale of Henry VIII’s six wives. This 75-minute show features comedy and musical talent. This show is complimentary to all guests. This show is currently being performed on only the Norwegian Breakaway within the Breakaway Class.

• Velvet - Dinner & Show

Circus acrobatics, disco divas, and excitement await guests who wish to participate in this additional experience. This show costs $24.99 USD to view. Only being shown on Norwegian Breakaway among the Breakaway Class.

Guests can try their luck at the Breakaway Casino onboard, located on Deck 7. The Breakaway Casino features popular and classic games for guests to try their luck at.

The Aqua Park and Sports Complex

This area of the ship is sure to offer passengers hours of fun, with five different multi-story waterslides and three levels of activities. The Aqua Park and Sports Complex is located on Decks 16 and 17, meaning it offers guests incredible ocean views as they enjoy either the thrills of the water slides, or choose to relax by the two swimming pools or four hot tubs.

Located on Deck 15, kids have their very own aquatic adventures awaiting them. The Kid’s Aqua Park features “colorful, whimsical and larger-than-life figurines surrounding a shallow pool perfectly sized for kids.”

Spa and Fitness Center

The Mandara Spa & Salon can be found on Deck 14 and 15, and offers nearly every type of beauty treatment. At this location guests can indulge in massages and facials.

The Pulse Fitness Center offers passengers a space to workout, complete with treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights. Classes for yoga, pilates, and spinning can also be found at the fitness center.

The Spa Thermal Suite is a unique venue offering guests a place to relax and unwind. This location features a Thalasso Therapy Pool, Vitality Pool, Salt Room, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and heated mosaic lounge chairs. The Spa Thermal Suite is unique to Norwegian Breakaway amongst the Breakaway Class.

Complimentary Dining

Guest can enjoy six different completely complimentary dining locations onboard Norwegian Breakaway. These locations offer a wide range of culinary experiences, and offer guests plenty of choices at no additional cost.

Complimentary dining locations onboard:

• O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

Located Deck 7

• Garden Cafe

Located Deck 15

• Savor

Located Deck 6

• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar

Located Deck 7

• Taste

Located Deck 6

• The Manhattan Room

This contemporary dining room is exclusive to the Norwegian Breakaway. Located Deck 7.

• Room Service

Guests can order as much food as they desire off of the room service menu, with a standard delivery fee of $9.95 USD.

Specialty Dining

Guests can enjoy an elevated dining experience at one of the specialty dining locations onboard Norwegian's Breakaway Class ships.

Most of the specialty dining locations can be found on Deck 8 and 6 of the Norwegian Breakaway. The specialty dining locations onboard include:

• Ocean Blue

Elegant restaurant specializing in seafood.

• Moderno Churrascaria

This location features an impressive 43-item salad bar, and specializes in Brazilian churrascaria.

• Wasabi

The ideal location onboard if guests are in search of sushi and traditional Japanese food.

• American Diner

Casual dinner location featuring classic American food. Located on Deck 16.

• Cagney’s Steakhouse

This venue specializes in steak and premium cuts.

• Dolce Gelato

For guests looking for the classic Italian treat, gelato, make a stop at this location.

• La Cucina

Vibrant restaurant specializing in traditional Italian cuisine.

• Le Bistro

This restaurant offers guests a romantic atmosphere, and specializes in French cuisine.

• Teppanyaki

An authentic Japanese restaurant where chefs entertain with their lively cooking.

• The Bake Shop

A one-stop-shop for passengers looking for something extra sweet, including chocolate bonbons, gourmet cupcakes, and French macarons.

• The Raw Bar

Described as an “easy and casual place to grab a snack or settle in for a meal”, this locations specializes in raw fish.

Onboard Shops

All located on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Breakaway, passengers can find plenty of suitable venues for shopping.

Guests can find the following shopping locations offered onboard:

• Sandbar

Guests can find alcohol and liquor at this shop, along with exclusive Norwegian Caribbean Breakaway merchandise.

• The Beauty Shop

Passengers looking for products in the beauty category are sure to find what they need at this location.

• The Marketplace

Described as a “one stop shop for everything you need for the pool or beach”, this shop can assist guests looking for sunglasses, sunscreen, and other beach necessities.

• The Photo Gallery

This shop comes equipped with everything passengers could need for photography. Including cameras and photo frames.

• The Tides

This shop specializes in fashion accessories, such as handbags and jewelry.

• The Time Zone

Specializing in watches, guests can find many different watch brands at this location.

• Tradewinds

This boutique style location features well known brands.

• Treasures

For guests looking for a wearable treasure for their trip souvenir can stop by this jewelry store location.

Staterooms

The Norwegian Breakaway features seven different cabin varieties onboard. The wide range of staterooms gives guests plenty of options in choosing a room that perfectly meets their needs and desires.

The room types onboard include:

• Studio
• Inside
• Oceanview
• Balcony
• Spa
• Club Balcony Suite
• The Haven

Prospective guests can read an in-depth guide to Norwegian Cruise Line’s stateroom categories here.

Norwegian Getaway

The second ship in NCL’s Breakaway Class, the Norwegian Getaway is very similar to its sister ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, and therefore offers guests very similar amenities, opportunities, and experiences onboard. In fact, the Norwegian Getaway is identical in its measurements, the only difference is that the Getaway is capable of accommodating several more passengers.

Ship Facts

Gross Register Tonnage = 145,655

Overall Length = 1068.3 feet

Passenger Capacity = 3,963

Ship Crew = 1,646

Constructed = 2014, refurbished 2020

“Norwegian Getaway combines the most magnificent amenities Norwegian has to offer with unforgettable destinations,” says NCL about the second ship in its Breakaway Class.

The Waterfront

Just as with the Norwegian Breakaway, the Getaway is adorned with The Waterfront. This area features primarily dining locations, with stunning ocean views just steps away.

Passengers of the Norwegian Getaway can find the following locations at The Waterfront:

• O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill
• Garden Cafe
• Savor
• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar
• Taste
• The Haven Restaurant
• The Tropicana Room

A location exclusive to the Norwegian Getaway, this complimentary dining room offers guests “culinary delights with contemporary flair.”

Bars and Lounges

Onboard the Norwegian Getaway, guests can experience a new lounge or bar nearly every night of their cruise voyage. This vessel features 15 different bars and lounges, each with their own atmosphere and style.

The bars and lounges located on the Norwegian Getaway include:

• Starbucks
• Syd Norman’s Pour House
• Atrium Bar
• Bar 21
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Garden Cafe
• Headliners Comedy Club
• Mixx
• Prime Meridian
• Skyy Vodka Ice Bar
• Spice H2O
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar

Found only on the Norwegian Getaway, this bar located on The Waterfront specializes in mojitos.

• Sunset Bar

This bar is known for its spectacular sunset views, and is unique to the Norwegian Getaway.

• The Haven Lounge
• Vibe Beach Club

Entertainment

Consistent with the Norwegian Breakaway Class, Norwegian Getaway has several types of entertainment shows complimentary to every guest onboard.

Entertainment shows offered on Norwegian Getaway include:

• Syd Norman’s Pour House
• Burn The Floor
• Levity Entertainment Group

This complimentary show offers guests laughter in its comedy show environment. This show is currently being offered only on Norwegian Getaway.

• Million Dollar Quartet

This musical, Broadway style show is complimentary, and currently offered on Norwegian Getaway.

• JunNk - Dinner & Show

This dinner and a show entertainment features comedy and musical creations. Admission to this show costs $29.99 USD, and is available on Norwegian Getaway.

Guests can participate in games of luck and strategy at the Getaway Casino onboard. The Getaway Casino features popular slots and table games.

The Aqua Park and Sports Complex

The Norwegian Getaway’s Aqua Park and Sports Complex is extremely similar to that of Norwegian Breakaway’s. This area of the ship has several multi-story water slides, pools, and hot tubs for guests to enjoy. One of the water slides onboard the Norwegian Getaway, the Free Fall, is currently the fastest water slide at sea, and guests can experience ultimate thrills while undergoing 4Gs as they plummet.

Within the Sports Complex on Norwegian Getaway, is the largest ropes course at sea where guests can conquer over 40 different obstacles as they maneuver this multi-story activity. Additionally located in this area of the ship is a basketball court.

As with on the other Breakaway Class ship, the Norwegian Getaway has a Kids’ Aqua Park that allows little ones to participate in aquatic fun. This area onboard Norwegian Getaway is pirate themed to inspire children’s imaginations as they enjoy the shallow pool and splash zones.

Kids Areas

Both Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway provide a venue for kids to hangout, play games, and meet other children their own ages.

Both Breakaway Class ships have Entourage, a venue for teenagers aged 13 to 17 years. At Entourage teens can engage in themed events, workshops, pool parties, and dance nights. Entry to Entourage is complementary.

Both the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway offer Splash Academy, a venue specifically for children ages 5 to 12. Children will be entertained and monitored by staff members where why will participate in youth programs and activities such as sports, pizza-making, and scavenger hunts.

Spa and Fitness Center

The classic Mandara Spa & Salon is located aboard the Norwegian Getaway. This rejuvenating location offers over 50 different treatments and services to guests, including acupuncture, stone massages, and oxygen facials.

Guests can participate in fitness classes at the Pulse Fitness Center, including yoga and cycle spinning.

Complementary Dining

Guests will not find themselves lacking when it comes to complimentary food choices aboard Norwegian Getaway. There are six dining areas that offer passengers all different types of culinary experiences at no additional cost.

The complimentary dining locations onboard Norwegian Getaway include:

• O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

Located Deck 7.

• Garden Cafe

Located Deck 15

• Savor

Located Deck 6.

• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar

Located Deck 7.

• Taste

Located Deck 6.

• The Tropicana Room

Located Deck 7.

• Room Service

Guests can order any food they desire from the room service menu, with a $9.95 USD standard charge.

Specialty Dining

Norwegian Getaway offers many of the same specialty dining locations that are consistent with the Breakaway Class. Most of these venues are located on Decks 8 and 6. These dining venues include:

• Ocean Blue
• Moderno Churrascaria
• Wasabi
• American Diner (located Deck 16)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Dolce Gelato
• La Cucina
• Le Bistro
• Teppanyaki
• The Bake Shop
• The Raw Bar
• The Haven Restaurant

Onboard Shops

The Norwegian Getaway features all eight of the onboard shops that are offered on Norwegian Breakaway, and is therefore consistent with the Breakaway Class of ship.

Staterooms

Norwegian Getaway features all seven of its stateroom categories that can be found within the Breakaway Class. No matter the budget or room configuration, perspective guests will have many options when it comes to choosing their accommodations for their cruise voyage.

Destinations

Currently the Norwegian Breakaway sails to a wide range of destinations, including:

• Bermuda
• Canada and New England
• Caribbean
• Greek Isles
• Mediterranean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic

The Norwegian Breakaway will follow the cruise seasons to its various destinations. Currently for the summer, the Norwegian Breakaway is sailing the Caribbean.

The Norwegian Getaway sails to slightly different destinations, including:

• Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Caribbean
• Northern Europe
• Transatlantic

The Norwegian Getaway will also change its destinations depending on the season of the year. For the summer season, the Norwegian Getaway is sailing primarily within the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Conclusion

As the third youngest class in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, the Breakaway Class ships, have a bright future ahead as they continue to deliver memory-making vacations to their guests.

In both 2018 and 2020, the ships received mechanical and interior upgrades to help bring both ships into the future. The recent refurbishments to both Breakaway Class ships helps ensure that they have many years on the high seas ahead.

The most notable differences between the two Norwegian Breakaway Class ships, is that one may have a couple different dining locations, entertainment, or activities than the other.

For example, it is interesting to note that the Broadway style shows are different depending on the ship, as well as some of the lounges and restaurants, and that the Norwegian Breakaway has a Thermal Spa while the Norwegian Getaway does not.

Both Breakaway ships seem to offer approximately the same amount of amenities, and options to choose from when it comes to dining and activities. Both the Norwegian Breakaway and the Norwegian Getaway are sure to delight guests on their next cruise voyage.