Norwegian Cruise Line‘s third Breakaway Plus class vessel, the Norwegian Bliss, emerged from the Meyer Werft building dock in Papenburg, Germany this past Saturday, marking a major milestone for its construction. There, the ship will remain in the shipyard port while it undergoes its final phase of construction, and will see its first crewmembers members as they move into their staterooms and begin their training.
Norwegian Bliss’ construction began in October 2016 as the 12th Norwegian Cruise Line ship to be built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard. It’s 1,082 feet in length by 136 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 167,800 and a max capacity of 4,000 guests.
“Our partners at Meyer Werft have done an excellent job realizing our vision for a ship designed to experience Alaska and the Caribbean like never before. We are counting down the days until her official debut in Seattle this summer, where guests will be able to race around the world’s largest two-level race track at sea against the backdrop of Alaska’s wild frontier, and enjoy other first-at-sea experiences.”
– Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer
The excitement surrounding the Norwegian Bliss
From Broadway’s smash hit Jersey Boys to laser tag to a race track, the Norwegian Bliss has a lot of excitement and entertainment surrounding it. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be on the inaugural sailing of the ship this may and will be giving my followers a firsthand account of all the activities onboard.
One of the things I’m most eager to see is actually something that isn’t inside the ship, but actually on the outside. Soon to be seen first publicly at the upcoming float out in Germany, the ships signature hull. Its artwork was designed by world-renowned marine life artist and conservationist, Wyland. You might know him from his famed marine life paintings, awe-inspiring murals, and sculptures. Now, Wyland’s Norwegian Bliss hull design, “Cruising with the Whales,” features a striking image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design.
Why the whale mural?
Norwegian Cruise Line has big plans for their third Breakaway Plus class ship and it involves wildlife in Alaska. The Norwegian Bliss will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for Alaska, able to offer guests unique experiences like the 180-degree Observation Lounge. Additionally, Bliss will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s first ship to make its debut in Seattle. Starting May 2018, weekly seven-day cruises will have guests embarking on America’s last frontier with ports-of-call in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic glacier cruising.
Keep an eye out for more coverage before my sailing on the Norwegian Bliss in May. In the meantime, book your next cruise vacation on Norwegian Cruise Line today over on Travelocity!
