Norwegian Breakaway, which is owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines, has been under construction since September 2011 and will be launched in the UK next Monday (April 29).

The Aqua Park on the 4,000 capacity cruise ship will feature five full-size water slides, including twin free fall slides - the first ever at sea - and a three-story sports complex.

Simmonds will officially open the Aqua Park and become the first person in in the UK to swim in the pool, while she will also be meeting with guests and experience the new ship.

The 18-year-old from Walsall, who won two golds as well as a silver and a bronze at London 2012, will also be joined by Olympic swimmer Chris Cook, representing Breakaway's charity partner Just a Drop, who are championing clean, safe water in communities throughout the world.

"I am so excited to be involved with the launch of Norwegian Breakaway and support the Breakaway Water Project," said Simmonds.

"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."


Norwegian Breakaway's home port will be at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal in Manhattan, New York, and make seven-night cruises to Bermuda from May to September.

It will be the largest cruise ship based year-round from New York City.

"We are so thrilled to have Ellie on board to launch the ship to the UK market," said vice-president and general manager international of Norwegian Cruise Line Francis Riley.

"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."

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