By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the hull art for Norwegian Bliss, which will debut in June 2018.
Entitled ‘Cruising with the Whales’, the artwork has been designed by marine artist and conservationist Wyland and depicts a mother humpback whale and her calf to signify the ‘beauty of Alaska and the importance of conservation’. Wyland unveiled the design at the Wyland Galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“Humpback whales are an iconic part of the Alaska landscape and one of the most compelling sights visitors can see while cruising the Last Frontier,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO. “It was only fitting that an artist of Wyland’s calibre should create the artwork for our first ship designed for Alaska, which includes humpback whales and other signature marine life found in the world’s oceans. We hope that our guests are just as inspired as we are by this beautiful artwork.”
Wyland has been diving for the past 30 years and has painted more than 100 ocean murals throughout the US and 18 countries worldwide. He has taken advantage of Norwegian Bliss’ hull to create a life-size portrait of manta rays, dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles.
“As a marine artist who has painted the largest murals in the world, it is an honor to have the opportunity to collaborate with Norwegian and present my art on such a grand scale,” said Wyland. “I can’t think of a more perfect canvas for a marine artist than Norwegian Bliss and I hope my art inspires people to see the beauty in nature and hopefully work to preserve it. Norwegian is as committed as I am to ensuring the health of the oceans and our planet and I look forward to our partnership as we use art, science and adventure to inspire a generation to take care of our blue planet.”
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 is the first of the line’s cruise ships to be custom-built with onboard features and amenities designed specifically for itineraries in Alaska.
From June 2018, 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.