Tag Archives: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss Sailing Toward Open Seas

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Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss departed Meyer Werft, the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and sailed backwards on the narrow Ems River on its way to the North Sea. It was expected to arrive at Eemshaven, Netherlands, on the evening of March 14.

Norwegian Bliss will offer seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle throughout the summer.

The ship will feature many first-at-sea activities, including the largest two-level race track at sea, Q Texas Smokehouse, Coco’s chocolate and treat shop, and the Tony Award-winning Broadway show “Jersey Boys.”

Measuring 994 feet long, 136 feet wide, and at a gross tonnage of 168,028, the Norwegian Bliss made the narrow passage through Meyer Werft’s sea lock with less than four feet clearance. This very careful manoeuvre took about two hours at a speed of only 0.2 knots.

After passing through the sea lock, Norwegian Bliss continued along the river stern first, which helps with the manoeuvrability of the ship and is a key component when navigating through such narrow passages. The journey to Eemshaven included cruising through the narrow passages of the Friesenbrücke Bridge in Weener; Jann Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

Norwegian Bliss as seen on AIS in Eemshaven

Upon arrival in Eemshaven, the ship will take on additional provisions and crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for technical and nautical sea trials. This will be one of the final phases before Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of its 16th ship on April 19 in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Norwegian Bliss will then begin passage across the Atlantic Ocean on April 21 and will arrive in the U.S. on May 3 for an inaugural tour. Events will take place in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, and will conclude with a christening ceremony on May 30 at the new Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle.

Norwegian Bliss will begin seven-day Alaska cruises June 2. In the fall, it will cruise to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. In winter of 2018, it will sail to the Caribbean from Miami, and in the 2019 fall/winter season, she will cruise from New York City to Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Terminal at PortMiami

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Norwegian Cruise Line PortMiami

Cruising from Miami is about to become even more stylish. Norwegian Cruise Line has announced plans for a new and exclusive terminal at PortMiami slated for completion by fall 2019, just in time to welcome Norwegian Encore to her homeport where she will offer seasonal cruises to The Caribbean. Pending final approval by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, the project will begin May 2018.

“Norwegian has been sailing from Miami for over fifty years, longer than any other cruise line, and we are honored to be partnering with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County to construct an iconic terminal that will contribute to Miami’s world-famous skyline and strengthen its position as the Cruise Capital of the World,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  “We look forward to welcoming Norwegian Encore and the thousands of guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line and her sister brands to this state-of-the-art terminal.”

So if you’re cruising from Miami, what can you expect? At nearly 166,500 square feet, the new Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal, designed by Miami-based global architecture firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners, will accommodate ships of up to 5,000 passengers, and feature new technology to support faster and more efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in.

Groups and charters will also feel a warm welcome arriving at a dedicated lounge and service area.  A new parking garage and valet parking area with direct access to the terminal and lounge are also scheduled to be completed. The project will be constructed to LEED Silver standards, focusing on innovation in design and terminal operation to create a platform that will optimize energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies and maximize the use of local materials and resources.

The modern terminal design draws inspiration from a nautilus, with a spiralled and multi-level façade opening up to grand ocean views. Innovative lighting, inviting indoor and outdoor waiting areas, and other guest-centric elements will enhance the overall passenger experience in what will surely be a gem in Miami’s skyline. Take a look at renderings of PortMiami’s upcoming Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal below.

PortMiami Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal
PortMiami Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal
PortMiami Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal
PortMiami Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal
PortMiami Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ momentum accelerates into 2018

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ net income rose 23% last year to $780 million, as European pricing and bookings recovered faster than expected and the booking curve extended to a near-optimal length.

Revenue rose 10.7%, to $5.4 billion.

The Wave season for 2018 has started strong and the outlook for 2018 is bullish, driven by a strong economy and consumer demand, CEO Frank Del Rio said.

“This year is by far the most excited, the most energized and the most optimistic I have ever been at the start of a new year,” Frank Del Rio said.

He said the strong demand environment of late 2016 and 2017 has “accelerated through this year’s early Wave season, as both the number of bookings sold and the price points achieved reach record levels” across all three brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

“Our overall booked position during the first seven weeks of 2018 further improved compared to the same time last year,” he said.

He said on average NCLH guests are booking five weeks earlier than at the end of 2016.

Del Rio said the weak link if there is one, is China. “I don’t think China is hitting on all cylinders as it can,” he said, referencing the continued tensions with South Korea and the resulting uniformity of short cruise itineraries, which can only visit Japan. Nevertheless, he said China was profitable in 2017.