For active sea travellers who appreciate a generous choice of diversions, restaurants, entertainment and personalized pampering — all wrapped up in gorgeously sophisticated style and quality decor — Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new ship, named Bliss, excels. Not for the sedate, NCL has long been known for its razzle-dazzle bells and whistles that herald an abundance of experiences. This 2,043-stateroom, the 167,800-ton vessel has made an especially impressive initial splash. According to Cruise Lines International Association, approximately 25.8-million people vacationed at sea in 2017, a number expected to grow this year.

NCL has a keen eye not only on keeping its devoted passengers coming back again and again, but also wooing a new generation of Millennials. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, Bliss will travel, after Alaska, from Los Angeles to Mexican Riviera itineraries, then from Miami to islands in the Eastern Caribbean (autumn/winter season). In 2019, Bliss will return to New York City for seven-day sailings to the Bahamas, Florida, the Western and Southern Caribbean.