The 3,963-passenger Norwegian Breakaway is a bright, sunny ship built for the tropics. Launched in 2013 and based year-round in New York, the ship is aimed at younger, hip cruisers who appreciate an informal environment and nightlife as good as they'd find ashore. The ship sails to Bermuda in summer and the Caribbean and Bahamas in winter and for Brits, combines well with a city break in New York.

Breakaway was the first of its kind when it was launched; two sisters, Getaway and Escape, have followed since. The ship is packed with new, novel experiences for cruisers. Five waterslides cluster like rainbow spaghetti on the top deck, while there's a high ropes course in which you walk 'The Plank', extending eight feet out over the side of the ship, for that ultimate photo moment.

There are more restaurants than you could get through in a week, several of them clustered along The Waterfront, an indoor/outdoor eating area that's a real joy to experience in the Caribbean warmth. We particularly rate Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, for superb seafood, but there's also a Brazilian churrascaria, a French bistro, Italian, sushi, a Raw Bar, noodles, pizza and Norwegian's famous Teppanyaki, where the lightning-fast chefs are as entertaining as the sizzling dishes they produce in front of you.

Entertainment is a big feature of Norwegian Breakaway. The Burn the Floor dance show is superb, and the West End hit Rock of Ages is playing in the theatre. There's also jazz, stand-up comedy, a duelling piano show, a large casino and Bliss Ultra Lounge, one of the coolest nightclubs at sea.

Accommodation ranges from smart studios for solo travellers, with their own lounge, to The Haven, a sumptuous ship-within-a-ship complex of suites with a private pool, restaurant and deck area; our recommendation for those in search of a luxurious retreat as well as the attractions of a big, lively ship.