In a cruise industry first, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it will be building a new ship for the Alaskan waters.
The new Norwegian Bliss will be the first ship custom-built to sail increasingly popular waters of Alaska with amenities designed specifically for an Alaskan holiday.
Alaska is one of the most popular international destinations for Australian cruisers and the Norwegian Bliss will sail with 4,000 passengers from Seattle for seven-day itineraries with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska and Victoria in British Columbia.
She will begin operations in June, 2018.
Norwegian was the first cruise line to enter into Alaskan waters in 2000 and Andy Stuart, the president and CEO of the company said that the ship will be the first of its kind to enter the market.
“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,” said Mr Stuart.
A number of cruise lines sail in Alaska with Royal Caribbean sending Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas for its summer 2017 itineraries. Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess has seven-day itineraries while Holland America Line also sails in the region.
Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for its lively hull artwork and the company has commissioned a marine mammal artist and conservationist Wyland to create the piece. The design will be revealed later this month.
“Norwegian was the first cruise line to enter into Alaskan waters in 2000″…. I don’t think so! Try P&O in the 1960s and you might be close!