With just seven days to go until Norwegian Breakaway’s UK inaugural in Southampton, Norwegian Cruise Line is pleased to announce Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds as UK ambassador for the event on 29 April.

As part of the UK celebrations, Ellie will officially open the Aqua Park and be the first in the UK to swim in the pool. Throughout the day, Simmonds will be meeting with guests and experiencing the new ship first-hand, which brings the best of NYC to sea.

Francis Riley, vice president and general manager international of Norwegian Cruise Line said, “We are so thrilled to have Ellie on board to launch the ship to the UK market. As a swimmer, her love for water makes her a natural choice to launch our Aqua Park and we are honoured that she will be first in the pool! She is an inspirational role model for people across all ages and we are looking forward to giving her a taste of our famous Norwegian Cruise Line hospitality.”

Ellie Simmonds will also be joined by former Olympic swimmer, Chris Cook, who is representing Breakaway’s charity partner, Just a Drop, championing clean, safe water in communities throughout the world. Donations made through the partner website will go towards a special ‘Breakaway Water Project’, which will help bring clean water to a village in Africa.

Ellie Simmonds said, “I am so excited to be involved with the launch of Norwegian Breakaway and support the Breakaway Water Project. As a swimmer, I love being around water and the way that the ship has been designed gives such a great sense of place. I can’t wait to see the ocean facing Waterfront and five slide Aqua Park – the biggest at sea!”