‘Norwegian Bliss’ in Ocho Rios!

When the Norwegian Bliss entered into service in April 21, 2018, she was hailed for her energy efficiency. She was built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany to meet Alaska’s environmental regulations. Later that year, while sailing to Seattle from New York, the Norwegian Bliss passed through the Panama Canal and became the largest cruise ship to ever transit it. She achieved another significant milestone when she visited San Diego for the first time. Upon docking, she became the largest ship in terms of passenger capacity and length to dock at the port’s facilities. She has 20 decks and 2,220 cabins, and can carry 4,000 passengers.

Last Friday, she made her maiden voyage to Ocho Rios and was greeted by a team of cruise shipping and government officials, organised by representatives of Lannaman and Morris Shipping Company, which is the shipping agent for Norwegian Cruise Line vessels.

As Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett welcomed the captain and crew, he hailed the energy-efficient construction and design of the vessel.

He explained that “the instant convertibility (of a cruise ship visit) is the excitement”. He explained further that cruise is a lifeline to the people of Ocho Rios as the arrival of cruise vessels signals economic opportunity, which is distributed among the residents as a result of their creative industry. He recalled the history of tourism in Ocho Rios and explained the transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a port which last year won the honour of named the number-one port in Jamaica. It also awarded in Oman last year as the world leading cruise destination. He thanked Captain Robert Lundberg for the two visits planned for Jamaica this year and encouraged him to return more often.

During the reception, commemorative memorabilia were exchanged.

The agent for the Norwegian Bliss is Lannaman and Morris Shipping Limited.