Norwegian Bliss to Cruise Alaska from Seattle

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its next new vessel, Norwegian Bliss, will cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

The third ship in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class, the 167,800-gross ton Norwegian Bliss will be able to accommodate 4,000 guests.

The ship will be constructed at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and is scheduled for delivery in spring 2018.

“Norwegian was the first cruise line to begin cruising to Alaska from Seattle in 2000 and it’s only fitting that we bring our newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, directly to this incredible location,” said Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Alaska is one of the top destinations for our guests to explore and we are thrilled to be the first cruise line to offer our guests the opportunity to experience this coveted destination aboard a brand new, state-of-the-art cruise ship custom designed for Alaska, the first of its kind to ever debut in Seattle.”

After a transatlantic cruise and a Panama Canal transit through the new locks, the ship will sail north along the West Coast, reaching Seattle for the start of the summer cruising season.

Norwegian Bliss will sail weekly seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises each Saturday from Pier 66 in Seattle.

The ship’s itinerary will feature calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic glacier cruising.

Norwegian Cruise Line has entered into a 15-year agreement with the Port of Seattle to collectively invest $30 million to upgrade the Pier 66 facilities.

The guest check-in space will be expanded by 300% to more than 150,000 square feet, a new VIP lounge will offer expansive views of Elliott Bay, and two new elevated passenger boarding bridges will provide easier and more comfortable passenger boarding.

“The Port of Seattle is proud to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line as we work to bring people from around the world to see the great Pacific Northwest from Seattle to Alaska,” said Port of Seattle CEO Ted Fick. “Our long relationship together is evident in this historic and unprecedented 15-year lease here at Pier 66.”

Norwegian Bliss will be available for reservations in January 2017.

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