In a space of just two years, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway were launched in 2013 and 2014 respectively. This was Norwegian Cruise Line's audacious answer to the mega-cruise ship construction craze that had been going on from the late 1980s onwards, till today. This pair of Breakaway-class behemoths redefined the concept of "fun ship" with Broadway shows, gravity-defying slides, and enough dining options to make a cooking show reach millions of audiences. Both stretch 1,068 feet long, weigh 143,962 gross tons, and host up to 3,963 double-occupancy passengers plus 1,640 crew. Norwegian's "Freestyle Cruising" philosophy finds itself complete. And with subtle tweaks, route evolutions, and post-launch refreshes, we have two ships carved with distinct personalities: Breakaway as the original trailblazer, Getaway as the polished sequel.
In 2025, with Breakaway sailing year-round from Miami to the Caribbean and Getaway splitting time between Europe and the U.S., these sisters remain Norwegian's major flagships, carrying millions on itineraries from sun-soaked Bahamas summers to fjord-filled Norwegian winters. This guide compares them head-to-head—size, amenities, dining, entertainment, cabins, and more—drawing from recent cruiser reviews, deck plans, and Norwegian's updates. Whether you're plotting a family blowout or a couples' escape, here's everything to pick your floating playground.
Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway | Ship Specifications
At their core, Breakaway and Getaway are near-identical. Both are marvels of marine engineering, built by Germany's Meyer Werft yard. Both are powered by diesel-electric engines hitting 22 knots, and both are designed for 4,603 max passengers. But Getaway edges out with minor hull differences for efficiency, and both received $100M+ refitting and upgrades in 2018-2020, adding LED lighting, Wi-Fi upgrades, and COVID-era hygiene tech.
| Feature | Norwegian Breakaway (2013) | Norwegian Getaway (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 143,962 GT | 143,962 GT |
| Length | 1,068 ft (326 m) | 1,068 ft (326 m) |
| Passenger Capacity (Double) | 3,963 | 3,963 |
| Crew | 1,640 | 1,640 |
| Decks | 20 (18 passenger) | 20 (18 passenger) |
| Maiden Voyage | April 2013 (Europe) | April 2014 (Europe) |
| Current Homeport (2025) | Miami (Caribbean/Bahamas) | New York (Bermuda/Europe) |
| Refurbishments | 2018 ($100M: Bow thrusters, LED) | 2020 ($120M: Virtual LED Skyline) |
| Fuel Efficiency (2025) | LNG-ready retrofit planned 2026 | Same, with enhanced scrubbers |
*Ship homeports are subject to change. Please check current locations at CruiseMapper.com or go to the Norwegian’s website.
Naturally, Breakaway is the original veteran with 1,000+ sailings. While Getaway has smoother stabilizers for choppier transatlantic routes. Both boast Norwegian's signature hull art: Breakaway's NYC skyline by Peter Max, Getaway's Miami beach scene by David "Lebo" Le Batard.
Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway | Amenities and Activities
Both ships followed the "neighborhood" concept which Royal Caribbean introduced earlier in their Oasis class ships. This concept involves dividing decks into zones like the Pier 17 (NYC-inspired boardwalk) and the 678 Ocean Place (adults-only serenity). Slides, rope courses, and pools dominate the neighborhood scene. In this, Getaway with a virtual LED "skyline" wrapping Deck 8, steals the spotlight.
- Water Works and Thrills: Identical Drop Slides (10-story freefall), Aqua Racer (dueling tubes), and Ocean Loops (body slides) are the mainstay. Breakaway's 200-ft ropes course manages to exceed Getaway's when it comes to height, but both deliver the vertigo experiences that cruisers crave. In 2025, both added "Glow Parties" with UV-lit slides.
- Pools and Sun Decks: Each ship has 5 pools (including infinity at the stern) and 9 hot tubs. Getaway's Mandara Spa (22,500 sq ft) feels fresh post-2020 refurbishment, with salt rooms and tea lounges. Breakaway, on the other hand, has a larger Mandara fitness center.
- Unique Vibes: Breakaway's Svedka Vodka Ice Bar (sub-zero chamber) is a frosty novelty, while Getaway's Social Comedy & Night Club adds improv shows that add liveliness to the social and entertainment scene. Both have the Trade Winds Marketplace for duty-free hauls.
| Category | Breakaway Highlights | Getaway Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Slides & Ropes | Ocean Loops, Free Fall | Same + enhanced lighting |
| Pools/Hot Tubs | 5 pools, 9 tubs | Same, plus infinity edge upgrade |
| Spa/Fitness | Mandara (22,500 sq ft) | Larger salt room, tea lounge |
| Unique Features | Ice Bar, Illumination Room | LED Skyline, Social Comedy Club |
Cruisers swear by Breakaway's "energetic chaos" for families, while Getaway's "polished flow" suits couples. As per 2025 Cruise Critic scores, it’s a matter of 4.2/5 vs. 4.3/5 scores, hung in a balance that sways between collective scores and individual preferences.
Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway | Dining
Norwegian Cruise Line has a no-reservations-needed policy. This is the best experience for many cruise travelers out there, who like spontaneity in their plans that hover around 20+ venues blending casual and upscale dining. Both ships share staples like the main dining rooms (Taste and Savor), but Getaway's 2020 refurbishment has added plant-based diets that vegetarians and vegans can love.
- Mainstream Musts: O'Sheehan's Irish pub (fish 'n' chips heaven), Garden Café buffet (global stations), and 24/7 pizza at Slice. The best thing is they are free dining places. While for paid dining, we have Teppanyaki ($39/person, hibachi spectacle) and Cirque Dreams Dinner ($59, aerial circus with filet mignon).
- Specialty Stars: Breakaway's Cagney's Steakhouse ($39) and Moderno Churrascaria ($39, Brazilian rodízio) match Getaway's, but Getaway takes the cake with Ocean Blue's sustainable sushi ($29) and a revamped Bistro ($29, French fusion).
- Sweet and Savory Twists: Both boast Il Adore gelato ($2/scoop) and Java coffee ($4/latte). Norwegian's mixology spot used to be the Shaker Bar (Breakaway), where you could have sweet meats, but both have stellar bars where you can also enjoy alcohol with sweets.
| Dining Type | Breakaway | Getaway |
|---|---|---|
| Free | O'Sheehans, Garden Café, Slice | Same + enhanced vegan stations |
| Specialty ($29-59) | Cagney's, Moderno, Teppanyaki | Ocean Blue sushi, Bistro French |
| Desserts | Il Adore gelato, Java | Same, plus 2025 sorbet flights |
Breakaway wins for it’s pubs while Getaway for refined seafood.
Average cruiser spend: $150/person/week on specialties.
Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway | Entertainment
Both ships have enough comedy dose for punchy punchlines and theatre setup for high-wire acts. But Getaway's LED Skyline turns Deck 8 into a digital canvas for drone shows. It’s awesome experience in itself.
- Headliners: There’s Breakaway's Rock of Ages (Broadway musical) and Cirque Dreams. Getaway has Burn the Floor (Latin dance sizzle) and Get Down Tonight (disco revival). Both have Headliners Club for rotating comedians and tribute bands.
- Nightlife: 678 Ocean Place (multi-level lounge with DJs) is identical, but Getaway's Social Comedy Club adds improv nights. Both host Glow Parties with blacklight everything.
- Daytime Fun: Breakaway's Aqua Park shows edge Getaway's for splash factor, but both have iPad-controlled laser tag in the atrium.
| Entertainment Type | Cabins to Avoid | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Shows | Rock of Ages, Cirque Dreams | Burn the Floor, Get Down Tonight |
| Nightlife | 678 Ocean, Headliners | Social Comedy Club, LED drone shows |
| Interactive | Laser tag, Glow Party | Same + virtual reality arcade |
Breakaway scores higher for musicals (4.5/5 on Cruise Critic); Getaway for techy spectacle.
Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway | Cabins
With 2,019 staterooms each, from 135 sq ft insides to 1,940 sq ft Garden Villas. Both offer The Haven (exclusive suites with concierge, pool, sundeck). Getaway's got a slight edge with updated Haven Restaurant post-2020.
- Budget Basics: Inside ($799/week) and Oceanview ($999) are identical, but Getaway's higher ones have better soundproofing.
- Balcony Bliss: Verandah cabins (200 sq ft + 30 sq ft balcony) dominate. Aft-facing "Spa Balconies" with direct Mandara access are identical hits.
- Suite Supremacy: The Haven Penthouse ($3,000+) includes 24-hour butler. Breakaway's forward-facing ones have epic bow views. Getaway's aft ones overlook the wake (displaced water behind the ship).
| Cabin Type | Breakaway Perks | Getaway Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Inside/Oceanview | 135-220 sq ft, virtual balconies | Same + enhanced Wi-Fi outlets |
| Balcony | 200 sq ft + 30 ft balcony | Spa Balconies with direct access |
| Suites (The Haven) | Penthouse, Villas | Updated Haven Lounge post-2020 |
Cruisers prefer Getaway's cabins for modernity (4.1/5 vs. Breakaway's 4.0/5).
Norwegian Getaway vs. Norwegian Breakaway | Itineraries and Vibes
Breakaway: Year-round Caribbean from Miami—7-night Eastern/Western loops to Cozumel, St. Thomas, Tortola. Family-focused, energetic.
Getaway: Summer Bermuda from NYC (7 nights to Royal Naval Dockyard); winter Caribbean. More couples/cultural, with European stints.
| Itinerary Type | Breakaway (2025) | Getaway (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Routes | Caribbean (Miami homeport) | Bermuda/Caribbean (NYC homeport) |
| Duration | 3-11 nights | 7-14 nights |
| Vibe | Family fun, party energy | Couples, scenic sophistication |
Breakaway is great for beach enthusiasts, while Getaway is best for skyline sails.
The Verdict
It can be said that both the ships are almost 95% twins, but Breakaway's raw energy suits families chasing thrills onboard, while Getaway's refined experiences appeal to couples craving novel experiences. Both earn 4.2/5 score on reputed cruise review portals. Book Breakaway if you prefer value, or Getaway for glamour. In 2025, with Norwegian's Prima-class, these classics endure as the soul of Norwegian cruise experiences.
