MIAMI — In 2018/2019, Norwegian Cruise Line passengers can set sail from the Port of New Orleans to Caribbean destinations on one of the line’s newest and largest ships.

After returning from its summer 2018 season in the Baltic, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will reposition from the Big Apple to the Big Easy for its winter 2018/19 season and cruise to the Caribbean, visiting ports of call like Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Ocho Rios, George Town, Roatán, Bay Islands and Harvest Caye, which boasts the first-ever pier in Belize that allows guests to walk straight off the ship.

“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-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 Gem, a fan-favourite Jewel-class ship, will now sail from New York City for the winter 2018/19 season on a series of cruises to the Caribbean, Canada & New England, and the Bahamas & Florida. It will share its Manhattan homeport with Norwegian Escape, which will reposition for summer 2018 for the first time since it was christened in 2015, sailing from New York City to Bermuda on seven-day cruises every Sunday beginning April 22, 2018.

Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her new homeport of New Orleans on November 11, 2018 and will sail a variety of cruises to the Caribbean through April 7, 2019.

By repositioning the Norwegian Breakaway to New Orleans, NCL is offering a more convenient departure port along with a newer and larger ship for cruisers sailing from the Crescent City to explore. The ship features a wide variety of accommodations, The Haven by Norwegian, over 25 dining venues, an aqua park with five slides, a ropes course with zip lines, Broadway entertainment and more.

Guests currently booked onboard Norwegian Gem from New Orleans will have their reservations protected and will be automatically moved to the new vessel and itinerary. Norwegian Breakaway’s new Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans will open for sale on Oct. 24.