All About Brand New Norwegian Bliss and Why She Will Debut in Alaska but Concentrate on India!!

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is all set to launch its new vessel Norwegian Bliss in June, 2018. The vessel is set to sail from Alaska and can accommodate 4,000 guests.

Last year, NCL witnessed double digit growth from India market, with growth across all its three brands Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC). NCL now feel there is a gap in the market for cruises in India.

Speaking about the new product, Felix Chan, Vice President- Sales Asia, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said, “One of our key focuses in India will be promoting the Norwegian Bliss, the newest ship to be launched in next June from Alaska. We will promote this cruise aggressively in India market. Along with over 30 F&B outlets, we also offer a lot of Broadway production shows with a large in-house entertainment team. We will also introduce the Haven Horizon Lounge with 270 degree observation lounge for the first time. I have met a lot of Indian agencies and many of them have already started selling the Norwegian Bliss. This is quite unusual for India market as usually consumers here book quite late usually between 30-45 days before the sailings.”

Norwegian Bliss will have some very exciting new features, including an amazing  go-cart track, outdoor laser tag course and a free-fall slide with a translucent loop that extends 11 feet over the side of the ship. Dining will once again be revitalised with a Texas smokehouse-style venue called Q, Indoor – Outdoor Mexican Los Lobos Cantina, and the ever popular Cagneys.

Another new flavor on the Bliss will be chocolate, the theme of a Deck 6 a la carte sweets emporium that will feature an entry with an enclosed oversized chocolate fountain gushing with liquid chocolate. Called Coco’s, it will sell handmade pralines, truffles, crepes and other desserts paired with select teas and coffees.

Entertainment on-board will include the fantastic Broadway Production, Jersey Boys. Rock the night away at The Cavern Club or have a great night out at Social, the comedy and night club.

Speaking about the growth in luxury segment, Felix Chan further said, “We have witnessed tremendous growth in our luxury business from India market. RSSC has seen great response; this is one of the top inclusive luxury cruises in the world. We have more travellers showing interest and also reservations for luxury cruising from India. Indians like luxury sailings in Europe. These customers are not traditional cruisers, but want to experience the luxury on-board our RSSC and compare it with luxury vacations on land.”

Earlier the Indian cruise travellers preferred homeports such as Hong Kong and Singapore and short cruise vacations, but now the trend has changed. Travellers are looking for more exotic locations.

To further develop the brand, NCL have introduced a programme called Norwegian Edge under which the group has invested US$525 million to refurbish older vessels and maintain the standards of NCL experience. “ in 2018, we will have Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel going for refurbishment. We spend close to US$40 million per ship. Last year, we have upgraded RSSC Voyager and have got a very good response. This is an ongoing process.”

Having sailed on Norwegian Jade earlier this year, I would defiantly recommend NCL. I love the ships, the concept, the facilities, dining and entertainment. NCL cater for families, couples and if you are looking for something exclusive and special, look no further than The Haven, a ship within a ship.

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