Cruise Ships

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 [...]

Last week it was the bright and breezy Breakaway - Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship - that was being shown off in Southampton. Today it's an altogether different vessel; Europa 2 is claimed to be the most luxurious cruise ship in the world. And who's to argue with the people whose Europa has been top-rated in the Berlitz guide for year after year? In fact, Douglas Ward, the editor of cruising's Bible, will be among those on board, and is giving a presentation tomorrow morning. I will be joining a select group of media from the UK, America and Europe [...]

Vancouver is one of the world's greatest cities, and the perfect gateway for cruises to Alaska. Just one thing - the 76-year-old Lions Gate bridge at the entrance to its harbour is preventing the newest and biggest ships from using the port. That won't be a problem next year for Celebrity Solstice (above). The 2,850-passenger vessel is to have a delicate operation to gently cut it down in size. The communications mast high above its 19th deck will be made to telescopically retract so the ship can pass safely under the bridge, which has 200 ft clearance to the waters [...]

This passenger on the crazy golf course knows how to relax There was a lot to write home about from Norwegian Breakaway - although not quite everything was all right on the night. Teething troubles can send the best-laid plans awry and I don't know of a single new ship that doesn't still have a snagging team aboard putting everything right for weeks (and sometimes months) after the first passengers have boarded. No point getting worked up at the fact the wooden hangers in my cabin wardrobe were not clipped to the rail, because housekeeping had provided an ample set [...]

Some of the highlights of Norwegian Breakaway. The ship is big, bright and fun and will carry 4,000 passengers a week out of New York to Bermuda, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean, depending on the time of year. Norwegian Getaway, due to launch next year, will be very similar, and becomes the biggest ship to be based in Miami. Ellie Simmonds, our Paralympic swimming gold medallist, inaugurated the ship's AquaPark which contains five watersides including the terrifying 40 mph FreeFall. More intrepid passengers will also enjoy the extensive ropes course which includes a zipline track and this walk-the-plank experience for [...]

I have just spent two nights in New York - without leaving the English Channel. From bow to stern, brand-new cruise ship Norwegian Breakaway is dedicated to the Big Apple - although it would be fairer to say the inspiration comes direct from native New Yorker Kevin Sheehan who just happens to be boss of the company. The ship's 1,062ft-long hull is decorated with pop-art representations of some of the city's landmarks; the popular Ice Bar, kept at a constant 17 degrees, is filled with ice sculptures of the Chrysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. Videos of the Radio City [...]