Newbuild is the twelfth ship the German shipyard has built for Norwegian Cruise Line
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Werft cut the first piece of steel for Norwegian Cruise Line’s new vessel, Norwegian Bliss, at its Laser Center in Papenburg, Germany on 28 October.
Executives from Norwegian’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and Meyer Werft gathered at the yard to watch as Frank Del Rio, NCLH president and CEO, pressed the start button of the computer-controlled cutting machine. The first plate of steel was cut by a plasma torch and will become part of the first of 81 blocks that will comprise the new vessel.
Norwegian Bliss is the twelfth ship Meyer Werft has built for Norwegian.
“As we close in on Norwegian Cruise Line’s 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction for Norwegian Bliss, our latest and most innovative ship yet,” said Del Rio. “Norwegian Bliss will offer the ultimate in Alaska adventures, both on and off the ship, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard in June 2018.”
Set for delivery in spring 2018, Norwegian Bliss is Norwegian’s sixteenth ship and the third in its Breakaway-Plus class. The vessel will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for Alaska voyages and the only Norwegian ship to make her debut in Seattle, US. Each Saturday, 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.
The 167,800gt Norwegian Bliss will accommodate 4,000 guests and feature hull artwork designed by marine life artist and conservationist Wyland. Additional details about the accommodation, dining venues and onboard offerings will be shared in the coming months. The ship will also be fitted with exhaust gas scrubbers to reduce sulphur emissions by up to 99%.