Norwegian Bliss Christened in Seattle – Largest West Coast Ship Ever
Following a month of inaugural tours around the United States including New York, Miami and Los Angeles, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss, was christened in Seattle, the ship’s homeport for the summer season of Alaska cruises. From Seattle, ports visited will include Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria, British Colombia. Also in Alaska this summer are Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl.
The 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss was greeted at the Port of Seattle with a water-canon salute by the Seattle Fire Department. The recently renovated and expanded Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is a joint venture between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Port of Seattle. The enhanced terminal facility has three times the original square footage, a dedicated lounge for suite guests and provides a seamless, comfortable and stylish ship-to-shore experience.
“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 on board the ship, another Norwegian first. Led by the godfather, Elvis Duran and The Morning Show crew, nearly 2,400 people witnessed the christening ceremony as it was broadcasted throughout the ship.
Special guests included governor of Alaska Bill Walker and local officials from Seattle. Also in attendance was the internationally renowned marine life artist Wyland, whose larger-than-life mural adorns the hull of Norwegian Bliss, and stands as an inspiring reminder of the splendor of Alaska and the importance of preserving the world’s oceans.
“As the largest ship to ever be christened in Seattle, Norwegian Bliss’ ceremony was our most exciting one yet,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We thank the Emerald City for a very warm welcome and their partnership, and we are looking forward to continuing and strengthening our relationship with the Port of Seattle for years to come.”
Read next: Take a peek inside Norwegian Bliss
After the traditional blessings, honorary Godfather, Elvis Duran, officially christened Norwegian Bliss with the symbolic breaking of a bottle across the ship’s hull.
Norwegian Bliss will cruise seven-day voyages to Alaska from Seattle. In October, itineraries begin to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. For fall/winter season, Norwegian Bliss adds Eastern Caribbean from Miami. Come 2019, the ship will sail from New York City to the Bahamas and Florida, and the Western and Southern Caribbean.
