‘Cruising with the whales’ will grace the hull of Norwegian’s upcoming new build, which will seasonally homeport in Seattle beginning Summer 2018’.
Norwegian Cruise Line will continue its tradition of featuring original artwork on its ship’s hulls and have just revealed the signature art for Norwegian Bliss, due to cruise to Alaska beginning in June 2018.
The art has been designed by one of the world’s premier marine life artists, Wyland. Known for his iconic whale murals, marine life paintings and sculptures, he has inspired generations to be passionate about preserving the oceans and the incredible wildlife that calls it home.
It is entitled ‘Cruising with the Whales’ and prominently features a stunning image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design, signifying the beauty of Alaska and the importance of conservation.
NCL’s president and chief executive officer, Andy Stuart, joined Wyland to reveal the design at the Wyland galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: ‘Humpback whales are an iconic part of the Alaska landscape and one of the most compelling sight visitors can see while cruising the Last Frontier.
‘It was only fitting that an artist of Wyland’s caliber should create the artwork for our first ship designed for Alaska. We hope that our guests are just as inspired as we are by this beautiful artwork’.
The significant extent of Wyland’s public artworks, his award-winning art galleries and his non-profit foundation’s community service projects have made him one of the world’s most recognized and beloved artists.
Wyland decided to take advantage of Norwegian Bliss’ unique canvas to create a life size portrait of the planet’s most spectacular marine life, including giant manta rays, dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles, to give the viewer the sense of being part of the ocean’s realm. The beauty in Alaska and along the Pacific coast has inspired many of Wyland’s paintings and sculptures and contributed to his inspiration for Norwegian Bliss’ hull artwork.
‘As a marine artist who has painted the largest murals in the world, it is an honour to have the opportunity to collaborate with Norwegian and present my art on such a grand scale’ said Wyland. ‘I can’t think of a more perfect canvas for a marine artist than Norwegian Bliss and I hope my art inspires people to see the beauty in nature and hopefully work to preserve it.
‘Norwegian is as committed as I am to ensuring the health of the oceans and our planet and I look forward to our partnership as we use art, science and adventure to inspire a generation to take care of our blue planet’.
The third ship in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class, Norwegian Bliss, will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruise experience and the first NCL ship to make its debut in Seattle. As further commitment to protecting the unique ecosystems found throughout Alaska, the ship will be outfitted with exhaust gas scrubbers which significantly decrease air emissions.
Norwegian Bliss will sail weekly seven-day Alaska cruises from Pier 66 in Seattle, offering guests the premier way to see America’s last frontier.
What do you think of today’s news? Are you excited for the prospect of marine-life themed hull art for the line’s upcoming vessel? Do you plan to sail on Norwegian Bliss? Leave us your thoughts and comments!
