NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY -- MORE DETAILS

FT LAUDERDALE -- Each year hundreds of travel agents converge in one of the cruise industry's premier trade events, cruise3sixty. At the just-concluded 2012 edition, travel agents previewed ships, met with vendors and got the latest news from the cruise lines.


Among those on hand to meet the press was Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan, who provided a sneak peak at the two newest additions to the Norwegian fleet, Norwegian Breakaway, launching April, 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, set to make its debut in 2014.

Norwegian Breakaway features a complete Aqua Park
(Credit: NCL)

Water and sports enthusiasts will be especially thrilled by the options on Breakaway, which include:

• A complete Aqua Park on the top decks featuring five full-size water slides, including twin "free fall" slides.
• A three-story sports complex boasting the largest ropes course at sea, as well as miniature golf, basketball and rock climbing wall.
• The Plank -- a platform that extends eight foot over the side of the ship. If you have the courage to try it, you'll get a photo that proves you have the right stuff.

Breakaway is touted as the first cruise ship to feature "Free Fall" water slides. Guests will enter, stand up and wait for the floor to drop from underneath them. Or you might prefer "The Whip," side-by-side twister slides where you can spiral your way to the finish line.

Kids will have their own Aqua Park where they can mingle with the characters from Nickelodeon. In fact, there are numerous opportunities throughout the ship that spotlight Norwegian's partnership with Nickelodeon, including the new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast.

Spice H2O -- adults only area

Adults have their own area as well. It's called Spice H20, located at the back of deck 16, described as "an adult-only escape with contemporary Asian influences." You'll find sun loungers, hot tubs, video screen and a dual waterfall for cooling off.

Up one deck, you'll find the Vibe Beach Club, a private retreat for guests 18 and older who purchase an access pass. It has its own hot tub and full-service bar.

Even Sheehan can't believe Norwegian is offering so much for so little. "We're way too cheap," he quipped.

Breakaway will call New York home, while Getaway will maintain a year-round presence in Miami. (Read more about the latter here.)

When I asked Sheehan about Getaway after the press conference, he said expect to see something never before done on a cruise ship. He can't say what just yet, but it is "entertainment related."

I hope we don't have to wait until next year's cruise3sixty to find out.

-- Gerry, for Cruising Squared