Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled the artwork designed by one of the world’s leading marine-themed artists, Wyland, for its next-to-be-released ship, the Norwegian Bliss. The ship, which will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, will begin sailing to Alaska in June 2018. Titled “Cruising with theWhales,” Wyland’s artwork for the ship’s hull features an image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the central element of the design.
Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, unveiled the design alongside Wyland at the Wyland Galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“Humpback whales are an iconic part of the Alaskan landscape and one of the most exciting sights visitors can see while cruising the Last Frontier,” said Stuart. “That’s why it’s so fitting that an artist of Wyland’s caliber was commissioned to create the artwork for our first ship designed specifically for Alaska.”.
“As a marine-themed artist who has painted some of the world’s largest murals, it’s an honor to have the opportunity to collaborate with Norwegian and showcase my art on such a grand scale,” Wyland said. “I can’t think of a more perfect canvas for a marine-themed artist than the Norwegian Bliss.”.
The ship will also be equipped with flue gas scrubbers, which will significantly reduce air emissions, including reducing sulfur emissions into the atmosphere by up to 99 percent.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 167,800 and a capacity for 4,000 passengers at double occupancy, the ship will be built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and is scheduled for delivery in spring 2018. It will depart every Saturday from Seattle's Pier 66 for seven-night Alaskan cruises
The ship will make stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, Canada, in addition to a glacier cruise. More information about accommodations, dining options, and onboard amenities will be available in the coming months. Reservations for the Norwegian Bliss will open in early 2017.
