Largest Cruise Ship to Transit the Panama Canal
Norwegian Bliss is now in the record books as the largest cruise ship to transit the Panama Canal. The newest ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,004 passenger Norwegian Bliss made its North American debut in New York City on May 4-6. From there, Norwegian Bliss cruised the eastern seaboard for another inaugural debut in Miami on May 8-10.
Built with Alaska cruising in mind, Norwegian Bliss charted a course that would take it through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific Ocean.
As scheduled, there will be yet another inaugural event in Los Angeles on May 25-27. Afterwards, the ship will head up the west coast to Seattle. When Norwegian Bliss arrives in Seattle, the official naming ceremony and more festivities are planned for May 30-June 2.
“We are very proud to showcase our newest ship and celebrate one more exciting milestone with Norwegian Bliss as the largest passenger ship to transit the new Panama Canal,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.” We are excited for this sixteenth ship in our young and modern fleet to begin welcoming guests in her home port of Seattle and provide them with the outstanding service, dining, entertainment and amenities for which we are recognized.”
Not only is Norwegian Bliss the largest cruise ship to transit the Panama Canal, it is also the first cruise ship to have a the largest, 1,000-foot, open-air race track. Alex Vega, Miami-based celebrity car guru, delivered two fully customized electric go-karts prior to the ship’s Miami departure. One go-kart is a metallic royal blue and the other is a bright cherry red. Both go-karts sport real leather seats and stitching details to create a more “real” race car experience.
Beginning June 2, Norwegian Bliss will cruise seven-day voyages to Alaska from Seattle. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia. After an premier Alaska season, Norwegian Bliss will then cruise to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. For the fall/winter season, the ship will crusie the Eastern Caribbean from Miami. In 2019, Norwegian Bliss returns to New York City for seven-day cruises to the Bahamas and Florida, the Southern and Western Caribbean.
Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
