Norwegian Bliss to debut in Alaska in June 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss will be the first cruise ship to be custom-built with onboard features and amenities designed specifically for itineraries in Alaska.

To be constructed at Meyer Werft’s yard in Papenburg, Germany, the 167,800gt Norwegian Bliss is Norwegian’s third Breakaway-Plus class ship. The 4,000-guest vessel will be the first of the line’s vessels to make her debut in Alaska when she begins service in June 2018.

Each Saturday, Norwegian Bliss will sail seven-day cruises from Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle, US to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria and British Columbia. Guests will also be able to enjoy scenic cruising alongside Alaska’s glaciers.

“Norwegian was the first cruise line to begin cruising to Alaska from Seattle in 2000 and it’s only fitting that we bring our newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, directly to this incredible location,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian. “Alaska is one of the top destinations for our guests to explore and we are thrilled to be the first cruise line to offer our guests the opportunity to experience this coveted destination aboard a brand new, state-of-the-art cruise ship custom designed for Alaska, the first of its kind to ever debut in Seattle.”

Norwegian’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and the Port of Seattle have also signed a 15-year agreement to jointly invest US$30 million to upgrade the Pier 66 facilities. This will enable the port to expand the guest check-in space by 300%, create a new VIP lounge overlooking Elliott Bay, add two elevated passenger boarding bridges, and more.

“The Port of Seattle is proud to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line as we work to bring people from around the world to see the great Pacific Northwest from Seattle to Alaska,” said Ted Fick, Port of Seattle CEO. “Our long relationship together is evident in this historic and unprecedented 15-year lease here at Pier 66.”