SEATTLE — Norwegian Cruise Line’s next new vessel, Norwegian Bliss, will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities “for the ultimate Alaska cruise experience”. The ship is set to make its debut in June 2018.

Norwegian Bliss will cruise to Alaska from Seattle, the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to make its debut in that city. The third ship in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class, Norwegian Bliss will weigh in at 167,800 gross tons and accommodate some 4,000 guests.

“Norwegian was the first cruise line to begin cruising to Alaska from Seattle in 2000 and it’s only fitting that we bring our newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, directly to this incredible location,” said Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “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.”

After a transatlantic cruise and a Panama Canal transit through the new locks, the ship will sail north along the West Coast, reaching Seattle for the start of the summer cruising season. Norwegian Bliss will then sail weekly seven-day Alaska cruises each Saturday from Pier 66 in Seattle, calling in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C.

Continuing Norwegian’s tradition of decorating each ship’s hull with signature art, marine life artist Wyland has been commissioned to design the hull artwork for Norwegian Bliss.  Known for his iconic whale murals, marine life paintings and sculptures, Wyland’s design for Norwegian Bliss’ hull art will be revealed later this month.

Norwegian’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has entered into a 15-year agreement with the Port of Seattle to collectively invest US$30 million to upgrade the Pier 66 facilities. Plans include expanding the guest check-in space by 300% to more than 150,000 square feet, a new VIP lounge with views of Elliott Bay, and the addition of two new elevated passenger boarding bridges to expedite the boarding process.

Norwegian Bliss will be available for reservations in January 2017.