At a ceremony held at the company’s corporate offices in Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. President and CEO Frank Del Rio and Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, shared the exciting news that Norwegian Bliss, the brand’s sixteenth ship, will seasonally homeport in Miami in winter 2018.
Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian’s newest cruise ship is currently being constructed at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and is scheduled for delivery in spring 2018. During her inaugural summer season, Norwegian Bliss will sail weekly seven-night Alaska cruises each Saturday from Pier 66 in Seattle, offering guests the premier way to see America’s last frontier, while also providing all of the innovative features, entertainment, signature dining and on board experiences that Norwegian Cruise Line is known for around the globe. The ship’s itinerary will feature calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic glacier cruising.
For more on Norwegian Bliss’ inaugural season in Alaska and other Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2018 and 2019 cruise schedule click here.
En route to Miami following the completion of her Alaska cruising season, Norwegian Bliss will sail one five-night Pacific Coastal sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles on 30 September, with an overnight stay in Vancouver and calls in Victoria, British Columbia and San Francisco. Norwegian Bliss’ seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises will feature calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas, adding Ensenada, Mexico on its eight-night itinerary. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience, Norwegian Bliss will depart Los Angeles on 3 November for a 14-night journey to Miami through the new locks of the recently expanded Panama Canal, with calls in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.
“We are incredibly excited to announce that we are once again bringing our newest and most innovative ship to Miami, with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss in November 2018. As the Caribbean is our most sought-after winter destination, there was no question that Norwegian Bliss would sail from Miami. This incredibly dynamic ship will offer stunning ocean views from almost every venue, spacious and thoughtfully designed accommodations that fit with every cruiser’s needs, and a variety of exciting and engaging venues that will continue Norwegian’s history of innovation in providing the ultimate dining and entertainment experiences at sea.”
– Andy Stuart
The same features that make Norwegian Bliss the ideal ship for the ultimate Alaska experience will also allow guests to experience the Caribbean like never before. The crown jewel of these features is an incredible 180 degree Observation Lounge, located at the front of the ship on deck 15. Spanning 20,000 square feet, the sprawling Observation Lounge will be a breath-taking experience, offering floor-to-ceiling windows that will be the perfect spot from which to take in the stunning sunset views of the beautiful islands of the Caribbean during her winter season or the awe-inspiring glaciers and vistas of Alaska in the summer.
The lounge, designed with rich woods and a silver and grey colour palate, will offer an abundance of plush, modern seating including couches and chaise lounges to take in the view, along with a 360 degree polished aluminium and quartz-topped central bar where guests can enjoy fine cocktails and spirits.
In the spirit of Norwegian’s long history of innovation, Norwegian Bliss will have accommodations for everyone on board, with options ranging from staterooms designed for solo travellers, family-friendly connecting staterooms, ultra-chic suites and more.
Norwegian’s signature ship-within-a-ship concept, The Haven by Norwegian, will once again adorn the top of the ship with 80 ultra-luxurious suites. The exclusive key-card access three-story enclave on decks 17 -19 will be a secluded paradise with a private restaurant with outdoor terrace, private lounge with a dedicated mixologist, courtyard area with retractable roof that features a pool, two whirlpools, sauna, spa treatment rooms and sunbathing deck. All suites in the Haven will enjoy the services of a butler and a private concierge, as well as priority access to reservations, VIP embarkation and disembarkation, exclusive reserved seating in the ship’s theatre and much more.
Guests staying in The Haven on Norwegian Bliss will take in luxury, style and stunning views with their very own exclusive two-story Haven Observation Lounge, a brand new feature for The Haven, which will feature expansive 180 degree views from two decks, the same as the ship’s officers’ experience from the Bridge, and beverage service.
Each suite in The Haven by Norwegian will feature crisp ultra-luxurious modern furnishings in rich wood tones, accented by custom stonework, marble-topped nightstands and vanities, and indulgent linens. Suite options will include the largest and most luxurious suites on board, The Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites, which will have a new look and feel with an indulgent cream and grey colour scheme, include captain’s views and two spacious balconies. Additional Haven suites include The Haven Two-Bedroom Family Villa, The Haven Courtyard Penthouse, The Haven Deluxe Spa Suite, The Haven Forward and Aft-facing Penthouses and the all-new The Haven Suite that can connect with a balcony stateroom, so large familiesand groups are able to be accommodated with ease.
Norwegian Bliss will also feature new connecting stateroom options across stateroom categories-ideal for large groups and families traveling together who want to enjoy quality time together at sea. The ship’s 308 Mini-Suites are designed for guests looking to enjoy a little more of a spacious experience at sea featuring larger bathrooms than a standard Balcony stateroom with some offering bathtubs, and a balcony for gazing out to sea. Designed to offer guests near constant views of the sea, Norwegian Bliss will have 1,088 Balcony staterooms that feature plush décor in soothing cool tones, along with a sofa, vanity and desk area and coffee maker.
Norwegian Bliss will also include 111 ocean view staterooms that feature large picturesque windows to take in the spectacular sea views. Solo travellers can enjoy Norwegian’s popular award-winning Studio staterooms aboard Norwegian Bliss, now with virtual ocean views. The Studio staterooms include thought-out features and amenities designed and priced for solo travellers. The Studio complex is comprised of 82 staterooms, accessible by private key card-entry with access to a private lounge exclusively for Studio guests with snack service, board games and a member of the Cruise Staff dedicated to leading solo traveller meet ups and activities. All staterooms feature a full-sized bed, a window to the corridor, and separate areas for toilet, sink, and shower. Select Studios connect, perfect for single friends traveling together.
Norwegian Bliss’ also offers 374 inside staterooms, which include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed. Select Inside staterooms also have up to two additional Pullman beds to accommodate families. All rooms feature USB plugs.
Though the company will be releasing additional details on the ship’s dining, entertainment and on board offerings in the coming months, looking at Norwegian Joy, the first Breakaway-Plus Class vessel, some of these might include a two-level racetrack, an open-air laser tag course, thrilling simulator rides and interactive video walls at the Galaxy Pavilion as well as hover craft bumper cars, a state-of-the-art racing simulator and two multi-story waterslides.
For more info on Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship built for the Chinese market click here.