Breakaway class · Norwegian · In service since 2013
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway is a Breakaway class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 2013. At about 145,655 gross tons, it carries roughly 3,969 guests and ranks #9 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 145,655 gross tons
- 3,969 guests
- 1,068 ft long
Photo: Dickelbers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Breakaway class
- Entered service
- 2013 (13 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 145,655
- Guests
- 3,969
- Length
- 1,068 ft (325.6 m)
- Speed
- 22 knots
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9606912
About Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway, from 2013, launched the Breakaway class and was designed around New York City, with Peter Max hull art and Manhattan-inspired touches. It introduced The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade of bars and restaurants on Deck 8 that became a Norwegian signature, and 678 Ocean Place, a three-deck hub of dining and nightlife. For years it sailed from Manhattan to Bermuda, a route it was practically built for. The Aqua Park has freefall slides and a ropes course, and Spice H2O is an adults-only deck at the stern.
Best for: Northeast cruisers and anyone who wants a lively ship with plenty of dining choice and outdoor seating.
Norwegian Breakaway highlights
- Peter Max hull art
- The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade that debuted on this ship
- 678 Ocean Place, a three-deck dining and nightlife hub
- Aqua Park with freefall slides
- Spice H2O adults-only deck
How Norwegian Breakaway compares in size
- Norwegian Encore168,800
- Norwegian Bliss168,028
- Norwegian Joy167,725
- Norwegian Escape165,157
- Norwegian Luna156,300
- Norwegian Epic155,873
- Norwegian Aqua154,140
- Norwegian Getaway145,655
- Norwegian Breakaway145,655
- Norwegian Viva143,535
- Norwegian Prima143,535
- Norwegian Jade93,558
- Norwegian Pearl93,530
- Norwegian Gem93,530
- Norwegian Jewel93,502
- Norwegian Dawn92,250
- Norwegian Star91,740
- Pride of America80,439
- Norwegian Sun78,309
- Norwegian Spirit75,904
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Breakaway class sister ships
Sailing with Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) built its identity on Freestyle Cruising: no fixed dinner times, no formal nights and a long list of restaurants you choose from each evening. Its big, modern ships add go-kart tracks, Broadway-style shows and The Haven, a private suite enclave. It suits independent-minded couples, groups and families who like flexibility, less so budget purists who dislike add-on charges.
Read our full Norwegian guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Norwegian Breakaway FAQs
How big is Norwegian Breakaway?
Norwegian Breakaway measures about 145,655 gross tons and is about 1,068 feet (326 m) long. That makes it #9 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #50 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Breakaway carry?
About 3,969 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Norwegian Breakaway built?
Norwegian Breakaway entered service in 2013 and was built by Meyer Werft.
What class of ship is Norwegian Breakaway?
Norwegian Breakaway belongs to Norwegian's Breakaway class, alongside Norwegian Getaway. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Breakaway good for families?
Splash Academy offers free supervised programs for kids 3 to 12, grouped by age, while Entourage gives teens 13 to 17 their own space and activities. Guppies sessions invite parents with babies and toddlers to join in. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Norwegian Breakaway offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Norwegian official site.