Norwegian Cruise Line announces "Project Breakaway"

Last October, Norwegian Cruise Line ordered a pair of big new 144,017 -ton, 4,000-passenger sister ships from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, to be delivered in April 2013 and April 2014. This week, the line gave us a first look at some of the design elements of those vessels, which have been dubbed the "Project Breakaway" ships.

Nothing startling about the outside of the ships, just the kind of big, sleek, well-designed vessel we've come to expect from Meyer-Werft, which has given the cruise world such standouts as Celebrity's Solstice class, Royal Caribbean's Radiance class, Disney's Disney Dream, and NCL's own Jewel class.

According to NCL's press release, “Project Breakaway ships represent an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to 'break away' from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea."

Able to distinguish success from failure, NCL has chosen Priestmangoode to design all the staterooms for Project Breakaway, working in conjunction with longtime cruise design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. NCL says that the staterooms, "combine the form and function of the line’s Jewel class ships’ staterooms with the modern and contemporary design touches of Norwegian Epic.” Except the bathrooms which are being redesigned. 

 "The overall design theme for Project Breakaway’s staterooms is 'modern boutique hotel meets the sea,'" said NCL's CEO, Kevin Sheehan, in a press statement. "We strongly considered the overall needs of our guests when designing these staterooms and wanted them to be greeted with an ambiance that is warm and inviting and has a very contemporary feel with clean, modern lines. We also wanted to maximize the use of space within the staterooms, so that our guests are as comfortable as possible and storage space is well planned throughout. Ultimately, our goal is to achieve a really good balance of form and function.

According to NCL's description, bathrooms in these staterooms feature "a contemporary, clean design, ensuring more generous and comfortable space. There are multiple rich-wood shelving areas to help reduce clutter and keep everything within easy reach for guests. There is an enclosed vanity underneath the sink that hides the trash bin, along with more storage. The built-in sink is generous in size and has an easy to use faucet.   A private shower with a shaving bar for ladies completes the room."

In addition to 1,024 balcony staterooms, each Project Breakaway ship will offer 238 mini-suites.

NCL's description: "The mini-suites are a roomier version of the balcony stateroom with a larger, more luxurious bathroom that incorporates a large, modern double sink with two faucets complete with a mosaic glass tile backsplash. There are open and enclosed storage spaces under the sink. The bathroom also features an oversized spa-like shower with a rain shower head and multiple body spray jets, along with a separate handheld shower head."