The Rockettes christen Breakaway

Through the wonders of the InterWeb, I watched New York’s Rockettes christen Norwegian Breakaway last night, and then had to disappoint the high-kicking dancers when they invited me to join them for a work-out in the ship’s Manhattan Room today.
I also received an invitation to meet a passenger who thought I must be aboard.
Sadly, I spent only a couple of days on the ship last week, and had to disembark before it sailed to America. I am crossing my fingers that I’ll get a chance to return later in the year.
“Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro was the star of the show for me – as a baker, he’s a masterful MC. The ever-hospitable hotel director Klaus Lugmaier ran him close, though, as the naming ceremony provided an opportunity to showcase every aspect of the ship.
The Premier of Bermuda and the Prime Minister of the Bahamas were both given the chance to promote their islands before New York’s Mayor Bloomberg took the stage to thank Norwegian Cruise Line for making the Big Apple Breakaway’s home port.
He then introduced the Rockettes – 12 of whom showed off their footwork before being joined by a 13th carrying a yellow ribbon that then sent the obligatory Champagne bottle smashing against the hull with the words: “We bless this ship and all who sail on her.”
Breakaway later set out for a two-day inaugural cruise, pausing at the Statue of Liberty for a spectacular firework display. Watch the ship depart from Manhattan’s Pier 88 in this wonderful video from my friend Scott in New Jersey.