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Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the first look at its new balcony and mini-suite stateroom designs for Project Breakaway, the project name for the company’s two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. Each of the 144,017 gross ton vessels will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths.
Norwegian commissioned design group Priestmangoode from London, working in conjunction with Tillberg Design of Sweden, to design the staterooms for Project Breakaway. Project Breakaway staterooms combine the form and function of the line’s Jewel class ships’ staterooms with the modern and contemporary design touches of Norwegian Epic. Priestmangoode won accolades and awards for designing the Studios, the first staterooms designed specifically for solo travellers onboard Norwegian Epic.
Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer, says, “The overall design theme for Project Breakaway’s staterooms is ‘modern boutique hotel meets the sea.’ 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 want to maximise the use of space within the staterooms, so our guests are as comfortable as possible and storage space is well planned throughout. Ultimately, our goal is to achieve a good balance of form and function – well designed, beautiful, comfortable and sensible living space,” said Sheehan.
Project Breakaway ships represent an opportunity for guests to “break away” from the routine of work, school, and daily life, and find respite at sea. The new ships take the best from Norwegian’s existing ships, drawing on the line’s experience of launching 10 ships in the past 10 years – starting with Norwegian Star and Sun in 2001 and culminating with the launch of Norwegian Epic in 2010.
Project Breakaway ships will each have 1,024 balcony staterooms and 238 mini-suites set in rich panelling with warm tones and accent colors. Each balcony stateroom has a king-size bed that can be separated, with a pillow top mattress set against a chestnut leather headboard cushioned and tufted to make reading and sitting up in bed more comfortable. There is a lighted recess above the bed to hold books, magazines, tablet computers or electronic reading devices. Each room has a sofa bed with additional storage. A built-in 26-inch flat screen television is mounted on the wall and tilts so it can be seen from the sofa or the bed. Underneath the television is another recessed nook to hold cruise information, books and magazines. There is also a built-in vanity area with shelving and plenty of storage space. LED lighting surrounds the perimeter of the ceiling to give the room warmth. There is also a full-size closet that is easily accessible with sliding doors. The staterooms are energy efficient, with key card access to control lighting in the room.
The balcony bathroom features a contemporary, clean design, ensuring generous and comfortable space. There are multiple rich-wood shelving areas to help reduce clutter and keep everything within easy reach. There is an enclosed cupboard 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 tap. A private shower with a shaving bar for the ladies completes the room.
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 taps 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.
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