Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Bliss, has been officially christened in her summer home of Seattle.

The 168,000-gross-ton ship, the company’s largest, cruised into the Port of Seattle and the recently renovated and expanded Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, a public-private investment between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Port of Seattle.

The christening ceremony took place on board and was led by the ship’s godfather, radio presenter Elvis Duran.

“Norwegian Cruise Line has been cruising out of the Port of Seattle for eighteen years, and the public-private investment that made the enhancement of Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 possible, demonstrates the commitment we have to the city of Seattle,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“This month, Norwegian celebrates 24 years of cruising to Alaska, and with Norwegian Bliss joining our Alaska fleet we will have the largest capacity in our history, offering guests more options to experience the majesty of that destination.”

Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “As the largest ship to ever be christened in Seattle, Norwegian Bliss’ ceremony was our most exciting one yet. We thank the Emerald City for a very warm welcome and their partnership, and we are looking forward to continuing and strengthening our relationship with the Port of Seattle for years to come.”

Norwegian Bliss, the third ship in the Breakaway class, will commence her inaugural summer season with cruises to Alaska, including calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria, British Colombia, beginning 2nd June. She will join Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl as the youngest fleet ever to cruise to Alaska.

In October, the ship will sail select voyages to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. For her autumn/winter season, she will sail to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami, and in 2019 she will sail from New York City to the Bahamas and Florida, the Southern and Western Caribbean.