This morning at an event at the company’s corporate offices in Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its newly built ship, Norwegian Bliss, which begins sailing in 2018, will homeport seasonally in Miami.
“We are very proud that at least one ship in each of our brands homeports in Miami,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “That tradition is going to continue as we do everything we can to enhance PortMiami as one of the world’s greatest ports.”
Del Rio added, “This is home. Not just to me and my family, but to Norwegian and our brands. We are committed to the port for a long-term basis, not just for Bliss, but for many ships to come. Now with Cuba opening up, PortMiami’s presence in the world of cruising is bigger than before.”
Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, shared that the company had just celebrated its 50th anniversary in December, but is looking to the future. The new ship arrives to PortMiami November 2018 after her inaugural summer season in Alaska. The Norwegian Bliss will sail seasonal from Miami and Alaska; the Miami sailings begin on Nov. 17, 2018 on 7-day Eastern Caribbean sailings departing on Saturdays with ports of calls that include St. Thomas, Tortola, and Nassau.
After completing her inaugural Alaska cruising season, Norwegian Bliss will sail on a 5-day Pacific Coastal sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles on Sept. 30; and a 7-day Mexican Riviera sailing to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, adding Ensenada on its 8-day itinerary. En-route to Miami, the Norwegian Bliss will also depart on a 14-day sailing from Los Angeles on Nov. 3 through the new locks of the recently expanded Panama Canal with calls in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.
The new ship will feature a custom design with a range of accommodations including luxury suites in The Haven by Norwegian, Studio staterooms for solo travelers with virtual ocean views, and new connecting staterooms that are perfect for large families or groups traveling together. In addition, the ship will also feature two observation lounges, including one exclusive to guests of The Haven.
“We are very happy. We are thrilled that we can bring all the innovations we are bringing on Norwegian Bliss,” said Del Rio. “With each vessel the Norwegian brand introduces, you’ll see more innovations; not just little tweaks. We look forward to sharing more of Bliss’ special features in the following weeks to come.”
Norwegian Bliss sailings are open for sale as of Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017 for travel partners and Latitudes members, and will open to all guests on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. For more information, visit bliss.ncl.com.
