By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Werft laid the first keel block for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss at its yard in Papenburg, Germany on 24 May 2017.
Andy Stuart, the line’s president and CEO, laid the traditional lucky coins before the first block of keel was lowered into place in the dry dock by Meyer Werft’s engineers. The coins are etched with the outline of the ship’s signature hull, which has been designed by wildlife artist Wyland.
“We are overjoyed to celebrate the keel laying of Norwegian Bliss, our 16th ship and sure to be our most innovative ship to date,” Stuart said. “We have seen overwhelming anticipation and excitement from our guests and travel partners for Norwegian Bliss, from her awe-inspiring, custom-designed spaces like her observation lounges to her elegant suites in The Haven by Norwegian. We are all thrilled to see this magnificent ship begin to come to life with the craftsmanship, precision and cutting edge technology that Meyer Werft consistently delivers.”
Scheduled for delivery in April 2018, Norwegian Bliss is the third in the line’s Breakaway Plus Class and also the 12th ship that Meyer Werft has built for Norwegian. She will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for cruising in Alaska, US.
“We are very happy to celebrate the start of the block assembly for another newbuild with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Tim Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft. “This ship will be another milestone in our collaboration to create most efficient and innovative cruise ships.”
During her inaugural summer 2018 season, Norwegian Bliss will sail weekly seven-day Alaska cruises each Saturday from the recently expanded Pier 66 Cruise Terminal in Seattle. The ship’s itinerary will feature calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic glacier cruising.
Norwegian Bliss will start her first winter season in November 2018, sailing seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises each Saturday from PortMiami, featuring calls in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.