By Dana Niland

CJ Contributor

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that New Orleans will be the new homeport for its Norwegian Breakaway ship.

The 4,000-passenger ship will spend its winter 2018-2019 season sailing out of New Orleans to the Caribbean, visiting ports including Cozumel, the Costa Maya, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Roatan, Honduras and Harvest Caye, Belize.

“Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest and newest ship from Norwegian to sail from New Orleans, and we are thrilled to bring our signature Breakaway-y that only class ship to this important homeport,” said Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We want to provide more opportunities for our guests across the country to explore beautiful destinations and enjoy all of the spectacular features of our newest ships, along with the freedom and flexibility that only a Norwegian cruise can offer.”

Norwegian Breakaway, which debuted in 2013, was the first ship in the line’s signature Breakaway class, and features The Waterfront, a quarter-mile promenade deck with waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment, along with 678 Ocean Place, a three-story complex where guests can enjoy nightlife, gaming and more.

The ship will undergo a two-week dry dock next spring, and will receive a full refresh of public space, including new flooring, updated furniture, new décor and new carpeting in staterooms.

“The Port of New Orleans values our close partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and appreciates the addition of Norwegian Breakaway to the cruise schedule next year. The passengers begin and end their Norwegian Breakaway cruise from our historical city will experience Port NOLA’s commitment to high level service and the Crescent City’s vibrant energy,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. “Our cruise business contributes significantly to the hospitality industry’s regional economic impact and we are pleased to welcome the largest ship we have ever accommodated.”