Norwegian Cruise Line has launched its newest ship Norwegian Breakaway to the UK market in an inaugural event held in Southampton.

At the overnight celebration event, selected travel partners and media were invited on board to experience first-hand all that Norwegian Breakaway has to offer.

The overnight inaugural event included activities with Paralympic athlete Ellie Simmonds, Norwegian Breakaway’s celebrity ambassador in the UK, and Just a Drop, the charity partner for the event.

Addressing the media onboard the vessel Norwegian Cruise Line chief executive Kevin Sheehan said: “Breakaway allows us to offer a resort style vacation at sea.

“This is something none of our competitors can do, allowing guests to eat when, where and what they want, while also enjoying a number of unique entertainment options.”

Sheehan added: “Some of the cruise ships on the market now have gotten so large, passengers say they feel they have lost that connection to the ocean.

“With the design of Breakaway we have tried to keep that connection, while also ensuring the voyage is very calm.”

Sheehan also confirmed he had received a call from rival Micky Arison, chief executive of industry behemoth Carnival Corporation, congratulating him on the philosophy behind Breakaway.

Entering service in May 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to Bermuda in the summer, followed by a seven-night Bahamas & Florida itinerary in the winter.

Breakaway will be the largest vessel to ever homeport in New York.

For more information on Norwegian Breakaway and her ground-breaking features visit the official website.

Norwegian Cruise Line will launch a sister ship, Getaway, in early 2014.