Video: Norwegian Bliss Delivered

Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of the 168,028-gross-ton Norwegian Bliss from Meyer Werft during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany, marking the conclusion of an 18-month building period.

The delivery follows extensive testing of all machinery and systems, sea trials and intensive crew training both at sea and in the Dutch port of Eemshaven, Meyer Werft said.

Norwegian Bliss, the third ship in the line’s Breakaway Plus class, is the first cruise ship specifically designed with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruising experience. It is the 15th ship built for Norwegian Cruise Line by Meyer Werft.

The 333.46 meters long cruise ship can accommodate 3,998 passengers onboard and includes many attractions, one of them being a large go-cart track.

The ship is flagged in the Bahamas and classed by DNV GL. Its technical features include the electric pod propulsion drive and improved hydrodynamics, together with many energy saving systems such as heat recovery or extensive water cleaning systems. The exhaust gas from its engines is cleaned in a special scrubber system, according to Meyer Werft.

“Norwegian Bliss is one of our most highly-anticipated ships to date, and today marks another exciting milestone for the newest and most innovative ship of our young and modern fleet,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“The Meyer Werft team, along with our operations teams, ship officers and crew members, has done an incredible job bringing Norwegian Bliss to life and we cannot wait for guests to experience all she has to offer.”

Before cruising to Southampton, England to begin its transatlantic journey on April 21, Norwegian Bliss will embark on a two-day European inaugural preview cruise.

The ship will then head to the U.S. on May 3, from where it will kick off its U.S inaugural tour, concluding with a grand christening ceremony at Pier 66 in Seattle, Washington on May 30.

In June, Norwegian Bliss will embark on its first seven-day voyage to Alaska, where it will spend most of its summer months, while during winter the ship will offer tours to the Caribbean.

Image Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line, Meyer Werft; Video: Unimedien