Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship is now the largest vessel to be named in the US city
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
American radio presenter Elvis Duran has officially christened Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss during a ceremony in her new Seattle homeport, making her the largest ship to be named in the US city.
Norwegian Bliss was welcomed into the port with a water canon salute by the Seattle Fire Department before she berthed at Pier 66’s recently renovated Bell Street Cruise Terminal. The christening followed the ship’s month-long tour around the US including previews in New York, Miami and Los Angeles.
“Norwegian Cruise Line has been cruising out of the Port of Seattle for 18 years and the public-private investment that made the enhancement of Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 possible demonstrates the commitment we have to the city of Seattle,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “This month, Norwegian celebrates 24 years of cruising to Alaska and with Norwegian Bliss joining our Alaska fleet, we will have the largest capacity in our history, offering guests more options to experience the majesty of that destination.”
In a first for Norwegian, the christening ceremony took place onboard the ship in the 900-seat bliss Theatre. Led by Duran and ‘The Morning Show’ crew, the event was watched by nearly 2,400 people as it was broadcasted in Q Texas Smokehouse, the new 20,000-square-foot Observation Lounge, the Atrium and other venues throughout the ship.
After the traditional blessings, Duran officially named the ship with the symbolic bottle break across the ship’s hull, wishing a safe voyage to all guests and crew.
“As the largest ship to ever be christened in Seattle, Norwegian Bliss’ ceremony was our most exciting one yet,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian. “We thank the ‘Emerald City’ for a very warm welcome and its partnership, and we are looking forward to continuing and strengthening our relationship with the Port of Seattle for years to come.”
After a preview sailing from 30 May to 2 June, Norwegian Bliss will begin her inaugural summer season with seven-day cruises to Alaska that include calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria, British Colombia. In October, the vessel will offer select voyages to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. For her autumn/winter season, she will sail from Miami, Florida to the Eastern Caribbean and in 2019 she will operate itineraries from New York City to the Bahamas, Florida and the Southern and Western Caribbean.