Norwegian Bliss, the newest upcoming vessel from Norwegian Cruise Line, just passed a major construction milestone during a float out ceremony at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The new ship, which will be the third in the line’s Breakaway Plus class, will remain in the shipyard for the final phase of its construction ahead of its official delivery date on April 19. The float out ceremony marked the public debut of the new ships hull art, designed by marine life artist and conservationist Wyland. Named “Cruising with the Whales,” the artwork includes an image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design, a nod to the ship’s upcoming Alaska itineraries.
The Norwegian Bliss will have a capacity of approximately 4,000 guests and will sail with a number of features and amenities specifically designed for Alaska cruises, including a 180-degree Observation Lounge. The new ship will be the first to make its debut in Seattle, with weekly seven-day Alaska itineraries beginning this May and offering calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and scenic glacier cruising.
Following preview events in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles, Norwegian Bliss will sail into Seattle for its official christening on May 30, with summer cruises to Alaska beginning June 2. The ship will spend its summer seasons with seven-day cruises to Alaska, and fall seasons sailing to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. In winter of 2018 the new ship will sail to the Caribbean from Miami, and in the 2019 fall/winter season it will cruise from New York City to Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.
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