NCL claimed the ship would be the first to be custom-built for the “ultimate Alaska cruise experience”, promising new onboard features and amenities, although it has not yet disclosed what these will be.

Norwegian Bliss, which is the first of the line’s ships to debut in Seattle, will sail seven-night Alaska voyages every Saturday from Pier 66 in Seattle, with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway in Alaska and Victoria, in Canada, along with “scenic glacier cruising”, the line said.

NCL has also revealed a new 15-year agreement with the Port of Seattle to invest $30 million to upgrade the facilities of Pier 66.

This will include an expansion of guest check-in space by 300% to more than 150,000 square feet, a new VIP lounge with views of Elliott Bay and the addition of two new elevated bridges to improve passenger boarding.

Andy Stuart, president and chief executive of NCL, said: “Norwegian was the first cruise line to begin cruising to Alaska from Seattle in 2000 and it’s only fitting that we bring our newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, directly to this incredible location.

“Alaska is one of the top destinations for our guests and we are thrilled to be the first cruise line to offer them the opportunity to experience this coveted destination onboard a state-of-the-art cruise ship custom-designed for Alaska, the first of its kind to ever debut in Seattle.”

Meanwhile, Norwegian has revealed the name of the designer who will create the signature art on Bliss’ hull – an artist named Wyland.

The line said he was known for his whale murals and marine life paintings, and that he had “inspired generations to be passionate about the importance of marine life conservation”.

The artwork for Norwegian Bliss will be revealed later this month.