Breakaway from New York

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Breakaway is the largest ship ever to homeport out of Manhattan — and seeing its size and pop artist Peter Max’s New York-inspired, painted hull before boarding are just the beginning of the impressive elements that will have your kids smiling and jaws dropping throughout their voyage.

Starting at the top of the ship, you will discover an aqua park with five, multi-story waterslides, two swimming pools, and four hot tubs. These are no baby rides — with serious adrenaline rushes for those who fly down the Free Fall, one of two drop-slides that plunge riders feet first, and the Whip, two racing, side-by-side twister slides. These may be too scary (even for some adults!), so there’s a little more family-friendly option in the open flume body slide.

Little kids will be thrilled with the SpongeBob SquarePants-themed water area with shallow pool, small slide, sprinklers, and other water features.

Also at the top of the ship are some challenges of the non-water kind — a three-story sports complex and the largest ropes course at sea. The multi-level structure has 40 different elements, including a zip line.

For true daredevils (tethered to a safety harness, of course), the Plank is a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. A rock climbing wall, basketball court, bungee trampoline, and spider web — a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage with a spiral slide — plus a nine-hole ocean-themed miniature golf course beneath the ropes course all keep the kids active and more than entertained.

Inside the ship, there is a video arcade, bowling, knock hockey, and other games that will never have the kids whining that they are bored. Mom and dad can find their own games at an 18,000-square-foot casino.

Complimentary kids’ programming

Norwegian Breakaway boasts the line’s largest youth- and teen-dedicated facilities that will have kids begging to go to “camp.” Splash Academy spans two decks and has areas and activities designed for three age groups, from ages 3 to 12. Guppies is a dedicated play space separate from Splash Academy where mom, dad, and their children, ages 6 months to 2 years, can participate in interactive independent and group activities aimed at their age group. Jumpstarting the excitement at both, kids are greeted by counselors dressed in a different theme each day, including jungle and Hollywood.

Nickelodeon-themed [inspired??] events are part of Splash Academy and also take place throughout the ship, such as a Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora’s Dance Party, and Nickelodeon character meet-and-greets. Splash Academy even has an extended evening program (for a fee) from 10:30 pm to 1:30 am, so parents can enjoy late-night entertainment.

Teens ages 13 to 17 have a cool hangout at Entourage, a room filled with small areas to mingle, a foosball table, dance floor area, and video games. Activities also bring them outside of the teen room with basketball games, nighttime pool parties and more, with an energetic staff to supervise.

Most family staterooms and mini-suites with balconies sleep up to four, with connecting staterooms available. For those who wish to upgrade to The Haven concierge level, the luxurious Two-Bedroom Family Villas that sleep up to six feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a separate living room, and extra-spacious balcony.

Dining choices total 28, with numerous specialty restaurants made for romantic mom and dad alone time. The almost-always open Garden Cafe buffet and the 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill have plenty of kid-friendly anytime food choices. While kids are in camp, be sure to spend time enjoying the spectacular nightly Slam Allen show at the Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club and nightly Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Show at Headliners.

The New York factor

The convenience of leaving from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on the west side is huge for families. Not only do you save on not having to purchase roundtrip airfare, but the stress of travel is minimal. Simply drive, take a taxi, or mass transit to the piers, and you’re on vacation already!

Plus, even New Yorkers thrill at passing the Statue of Liberty, the Freedom Tower, and lower Manhattan as the ship begins its voyage. Aspects of New York City itself can be found throughout Norwegian Breakaway, including three Broadway shows (“Rock of Ages,” “Burn the Floor,” and “Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy”) and a specialty restaurant from New York City chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian.

Norwegian Breakaway will homeport from Manhattan, with seven-day cruises to Bermuda through Oct. 6, 2013, seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Florida, and two 12-day cruises to the Southern Caribbean from October 2013 through April 2014.

Visit ncl.com or call (800) 327–7030 for rates and departure dates.

Stacey Zable is an award-winning veteran travel writer and family travel expert who has written about destinations, resorts, and cruise lines around the world. Her favorite trips are those that she shares with her husband and two daughters. Send travel questions and comments to Stacey at info@familytraveltrails.com.