Norwegian Cruise Line will join the Arctic cruising race with the deployment of a newbuilding and an investment in the port of Seattle.
The company said the 167,800-gt Norwegian Bliss, which is currently under construction in Germany, will start sailing in the region in June 2018.
Norwegian Bliss will conduct weekly seven-day cruises starting from Seattle.
Andy Stuart, president of NCL, said: “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.”
To facilitate its plans, NCL has signed a 15-year agreement with the Port of Seattle that will see the cruiseship owner invest $30m to upgrade pier facilities.
“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,” Stuart added.
