HALIFAX -- The maiden voyage for one of the world's largest cruise ships included a rain-drenched visit Monday to Halifax, where the 303-metre Norwegian Bliss showed off its most unusual entertainment option: an elaborate, two-level go-kart track.
Billed as the largest race track at sea, the outdoor course twists and turns for more than 300 metres across two upper decks.
"The cruise lines are going above and beyond in term of putting amenities on board to grab the attention and interest of passengers," said Lane Farguson, spokesman for the Halifax Port Authority.
"I've never seen one like this with a two-level go-kart track."
Operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd., the 168,000-tonne ship was built in Germany and launched on April 21. It was expected to spend the day moored in Halifax before sailing for New York in the evening.
Farguson said the addition of electric go-karts reflects the cruise ship industry's latest bid to appeal to younger travellers.
The Norwegian Bliss, which can carry up to 4,004 passengers, also offers a water park specifically designed for young children.
And aside from the usual resort-like venues -- like a casino, spa, night club and mojito bar -- the massive ship also offers an advanced laser tag experience and huge water slides that hang over the edge of the ship.
The outdoor venues weren't getting much use Monday as passengers headed into Halifax for guided tours under grey, overcast skies and the temperature hovering at a dreary 8 C.
"For the cruise guests at this time of year, they know the weather can be hit and miss," said Farguson. "That's the reality of cruising in this part of the world this early in the season."
The Port of Halifax enjoyed a record year in 2017, with 173 vessel calls and 292,000 cruise ship visitors. This year, the port expects to set another record with almost 200 vessel calls and about 300,000 passengers expected.
"It's a very exciting time for the cruise industry in Halifax," said Farguson.
On Oct. 9, the port is expecting its busiest day, with five cruise ships carrying 11,000 passengers.
Despite its immense bulk, the Norwegian Bliss is not the largest cruise ship to visit Halifax.
In September 2016, Royal Caribbean International's Anthem of the Seas pulled into the historic port. That ship can carry about 4,900 passengers and is 348 metres long.
The largest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, which is 362 metres long and weighs in at 228,000 tonnes. Launched in France in June 2017, it can carry 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members.
