Norwegian Breakaway Is Set To Be A Teen-Pleaser

There’s a rule of thumb familiar to most husbands that “if mama isn’t happy then no one is happy.” However, after observing families on cruise vacations for more than two decades, I disagree with that premise. It’s the teenagers that you have to keep happy. If they are bored and disgruntled, the entire family suffers along with them and their displeasure has less to do with the motion of the ocean than with just being a teenager on a family vacation. To counter teen angst and any kiddie complaints that “there’a nothing to do,” Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will debut the largest dedicated teen and youth facilities in the fleet.

Entourage is Norwegian Breakaway’s high energy, exclusive teen complex for ages 13 through 17, located high atop the ship on Deck 16. This hip, sophisticated area was designed to give teens their own funky space that includes air hockey; foosball; and an arcade center with five separate areas featuring large screens to play the latest video games while lounging on comfy sofas. In the evening, Entourage transitions into a teens-only nightclub with a dance floor, large screen television and music, including a video jukebox. Entourage has the advantage of being located next to the video arcade and a step away from an outdoor eatery and refreshment area to round out the teens’ experience.

For the first time, the youth area, named Splash Academy, will span two decks that are conveniently located adjacent to the family-friendly staterooms and feature areas designed specifically for three specific age groups. Babies and toddlers under age three, along with their parents, will also have their own dedicated play space with activities.

“The best family vacation will get even better when our new ship Norwegian Breakaway launches in April of next year,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We know how extremely important it is for families to offer engaging, interactive programs for children and teens in a comfortable, well-equipped environment. Norwegian Breakaway will incorporate our biggest youth facilities with the best youth programming at sea with our new Splash Academy and Entourage programs.”

Splash Academy is centrally located on Decks 12 and 13 adjacent and easily accessible to the family-friendly staterooms. The reception area, located on Deck 12, is in close proximity to the forward elevators. As parents enter, they will utilize Norwegian’s e-Youth tablet-based electronic registration which allows them to swipe their keycard and input a password to sign in their children. Just past the brightly-colored and welcoming reception area, the three to five year olds will have their own space decorated with vibrant, engaging colors along with child-sized furniture. Wall mounted activities will keep little hands busy in between organized programming. In a separate area decorated with fun graphics to captivate children’s imaginations, the six to nine year olds will enjoy building block activity centers. An interactive dance mat with corresponding large video screen will encourage lots of activity. In addition, a dedicated space houses popular video game stations, along with a relaxing video viewing lounge.

Upstairs on Deck 13, the 10 to 12 year olds will have their own space designed specifically for older children. It will include a multipurpose visual dance space with a touch screen jukebox, plenty of moveable tables for activities and comfortable bean bags for lounging. An activity zone will include everything needed for arts and crafts and more. There is also a “hang out” area with dedicated gaming stations that will feature the latest video games. Rounding out the space will be a cool and comfortable lounge area with sofas and chairs in vibrant colors creating the perfect atmosphere to chill out.

Entering service in April 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to Bermuda in the summer and The Bahamas and; Florida and The Caribbean in the winter. More information can be found at breakaway.ncl.com and here on the Cruise Diva blog at:

· Norwegian Cruise Line Begins “Project Breakaway” Reveal
· Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces “The Haven”
· “The Haven” by Norwegian: Posh Accommodations For Project Breakaway
· Norwegian Breaks Out More Project Breakaway Accommodations

Image Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line