One of the biggest cruise ships ever built today received a New York-style kickoff, literally, at an entertainment-studded christening ceremony in the city.

New York’s high-kicking Rockettes served as godmothers for the 4,028-passenger Norwegian Breakaway — the latest from Norwegian Cruise Line — at the hour-and-a-half-long event. It took place as the vessel was docked at the city’s Pier 88.

“We bless this ship and all who sail on her,” a dozen members of the Rockettes said in unison from a stage before cutting a yellow ribbon to trigger the smashing of a bottle against the vessel’s hull.

Billed as the largest cruise ship ever based year-round in New York, the 146,600-ton Breakaway features a distinct New York flavor that includes Broadway shows such as the ’80s rock musical Rock of Ages, restaurants by New York chef Geoffrey Zakarian and an outdoor hot dog stand by New York’s Sabrett. New York artist Peter Max designed a giant, New York-themed mural for its hull.

This is an excerpt from USA Today as it appeared on May 9, 2013. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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