(11:45 a.m. EDT) -- Norwegian Cruise Line announced (April 27th, 2012) the sun deck amenities to be found on its under-construction Norwegian Breakaway set to launch April 2013. The 144,017-ton, 4,000-passenger ship will feature an unprecedented five top-ship waterslides, a three-story sports complex with a ropes course, an adults-only deck space and a for-fee beach club.

Here's what passengers can expect to find atop the ship:

Waterslides. Breakaway will feature five waterslides, two more than any other cruise ship. "Free Fall" comprises two side-by-side slides, atop which passengers will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath them -- a concept first introduced by Carnival Cruise Lines on Carnival Spirit, which will begin sailing Australia itineraries in October. Two additional side-by-side twisters (called "The Whip") are designed to pit passenger against passenger. The more tame "open-flume body slide" rounds out the offerings.

Adults-only deck space. The obligatory adults-only sun deck space is Spice H20, a stern-situated enclave that debuted on Norwegian Epic in 2010. Like the version on Epic, Breakaway's Spice features a movie screen, bar, hot tubs and plush loungers. Breakaway's Spice also has a dual waterfall feature under which passengers can cool off. At night, the space turns into an outdoor dance club.

For-fee beach club. Passengers 18 and older can access the Vibe Beach Club by purchasing an "access pass." The club features ocean views, an oversized hot tub, chaise loungers and a water feature. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels will also be available. The entry cost -- and what that cost will include -- are yet to be determined, said spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews.

Sports complex. Borrowing another page from Carnival's playbook, Breakaway's three-story sports complex will feature a ropes course, a concept introduced on Carnival Magic. Breakaway's version, the largest at sea, will have 40 different elements, including a "zip track" and "The Plank," a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Younger cruisers will have their own mini-version. Other sports complex features will include a rock-climbing wall, basketball court, bungee trampoline and "spider web," a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage with a spiral slide.

Kids' activities. For the younger sun deckers, the Kids' Aqua Park features Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick and Squidward; a kiddie pool and mini-slide; and the requisite water-spraying aparati. Other Nick-branded kids' activities will include a Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora's Dance Party, character meet-and-greets and impromptu games utilizing pies and slime.

Top-ship dining. The Garden Cafe, Breakaway's "action station" buffet venue will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts.

Norwegian has been revealing a steady stream of information on the Breakaway, including its solo cabin-and-lounge complex, Haven suite complex, kids' activities, restaurants and itineraries (the ship will homeport in New York). Cruise Critic will be covering every step of the process, from steel cutting to launch.

--by Dan Askin, News Editor