Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) newbuilding ‘Norwegian Bliss’ is to feature the largest race track at sea, original new dining concepts, waterslides that round the side of the ship and more amenities, the company revealed.
Upon her maiden voyage set for June 2018, the cruise ship will boast many firsts at sea, including the largest competitive race track at sea and an open-air laser tag course.
Many of the ship’s amenities were announced by Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO, at an exclusive event at Virtuoso Travel Week at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas earlier this month, where media and travel partners were able to journey through the ship through interactive 3D virtual reality experiences of the ship’s race track, observation lounge, the waterfront, pool deck and a waterslide.
“Norwegian Bliss will no doubt be our most incredible ship to date,” said Stuart. “We have elevated ‘Norwegian Bliss’ on board experience to new heights, bringing the best features from across our fleet, plus exciting new first-at-sea activities like the largest race track and new dining concepts to create the ultimate cruising experience.”
At about 167,800 gt and able to accommodate 4,000 pax, ‘Norwegian Bliss’ is currently being constructed at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2018.
The competitive track will be longest at sea at nearly 1,000 ft and will feature four speed settings, accommodating novice, intermediate and advanced drivers, reaching up to 30 miles per hour — with a special ‘turbo boost’ available on each lap.
The electric cars will run silently thus not disturbing those seeking to enjoy peace and quiet.
The open-air laser tag course will be themed as an abandoned space station, while the ship’s Aqua Park will include two multi-story waterslides.
During her inaugural summer season, ‘Norwegian Bliss’ will offer seven-day Alaska cruises each Saturday from Pier 66 in Seattle, where she will be the largest ship to seasonally homeport on the West Coast.
‘Norwegian Bliss’ will also feature a lineup of entertainment offerings, including the Tony-Award winner for ‘Best Musical’ Jersey Boys. Continuing its tradition of featuring original artwork on its ship’s hulls, NCL has commissioned Wyland, one of the world’s premier marine life artists, to design the hull art for the cruise ship..
She will sail her inaugural Winter season beginning in November, 2018, sailing seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises each Saturday from Miami, featuring calls in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.
