Following a month-long tour around the US with previews in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, Norwegian Bliss was officially christened yesterday in Seattle.
The ship will spend the summer homeporting in the Pacific Northwest city, operating cruises to Alaska following a media preview sailing that’s currently underway from May 30 to June 2. Norwegian Bliss joins Norwegian Jewel and Pearl as the youngest fleet ever to cruise to Alaska.
The vessel was welcomed to her summer home with an epic water-cannon salute by the Seattle Fire Department as she cruised into port. The recently expanded Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 received the 168,000 ton ship early yesterday morning.
“Norwegian Cruise Line has been cruising out of the Port of Seattle for eighteen 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 chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “This month, Norwegian celebrates twenty-four 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.”
The christening ceremony took place onboard – another Norwegian first. Led by godfather Elvis Duran and The Morning Show crew, nearly 2,400 people watched the ceremony as it was broadcast throughout the ship from the 900-seat Bliss Theater. Special guests included governor of Alaska Bill Walker, local Seattle officials, and the artist whose massive mural adorns the ship’s hull – Wyland.
After the traditional blessings, Duran christened Norwegian Bliss will the bottle break across the ship’s hull, wishing a safe voyage to all guests and crew who will travel on the vessel.
Bliss will cruise 7-day voyages to Alaska from Seattle, and operate a number of cruises to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles in October. For her fall/winter season, she will peruse the waters of the eastern Caribbean from Miami, and in 2019 will cruise from New York City to the Bahamas and Florida, the southern Caribbean, and the western Caribbean.
