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Imagine exhilaration whilst exploring the wilds of Alaska. Imagine relaxation upon finding your slice of paradise in The Caribbean. Imagine Bliss. That's what you'll experience when you holiday on board Norwegian Bliss. Custom-built for the spectacular, Norwegian Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge for you to soak in every stunning moment, from bald eagles soaring over glaciers to dolphins splashing through warm turquoise waters. Come aboard and experience the best dining, entertainment, and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivalled natural beauty. Whether you choose to go tropical or a little wild, there’s one word to describe the experiences awaiting you on one of Norwegian’s newest ships: Bliss.
We loved our quick Mexico cruise which was our second one with NCL in 2 yrs. -Great main dining room meals and the buffet was amazing. -Jersey Boys was performing and it was fantastic. The house band SIGLO was a classic rock cover band that performed almost every night and they were also amazing. -CABO: e-Bike excursion in Cabo was so much fun the only thing was the 45 min bus ride to the ranch. We rode bikes with the group thru the ranch area then rode to the beach which was deserted and very beautiful. The bikes had wide tires to make travel easy on rugged terrain. The Lunch on the ranch was also delicious. Our dock time in Cabo was short, 1pm so we would have liked to stay an hour or two longer. -MAZATLAN: we went to a beautiful hotel "DoubleTree Mazatlan" on our own and purchased a 'Resort Day Pass' from the front desk. It was 500 pesos but you got back a credit of 400 pesos to use in their restaurant. We enjoyed our lunch in their restaurant which had lots of delicious choices within the 400 peso limit. They had beautiful pools which we swam in with a great view of the ocean. We were pretty much the only ones there and had the pool to ourself. ALSO, there is a Day Spa on the property and we got a massage which was an additional cost of something like $60 USD. The massage was the best I've ever had! They even gave you a lite healthy snack at the end in a peaceful room with lemon infused cool water. Great price for a WONDERFUL massage. The taxi which is very easy to take from the port (there is a taxi stand) was $20USD one way. The hotel can help getting a cab back to the port. I HIGHLY recommend going to the DoubleTree Mazatlán for a day of blissful relaxation. Resort pass hours start at 10AM. We will try to be there when it opens at 10AM to spend more time there. -PUERTO VALLARTA: We did a walking tour of the Malecon (seaside boardwalk) and Gringo Gulch but I didn't care for it. It would have been better to take a taxi to the Malecon and another to the shopping area of the Gringo Gulch area. The tour didn't give us chance to do independent shopping and strolling. Only 20 minutes at the Gringo Gulch area to shop then they took us to a silver jewelry shop which I had no interest in seeing. The guide was very nice though and knowledgeable.
I watched a ton of YouTube videos and scoured Reddit threads before I left, so I felt pretty prepared as a solo first time cruiser. Still, there were things that surprised me, mostly in good ways. For context, I had a voucher for a free inside cabin from a land-based casino, which I only had to pay taxes and fees on. I did pay to upgrade to a club balcony suite and added More at Sea (before FaS returned), the spa package, and upgraded MaS wi-fi to a voyage pass. I would have added Vibe beach club, but it wasn’t available when I booked or when I boarded. Embarkation & Cabin Embarkation from San Pedro was less hectic than I expected. Took a Lyft from LAX, but I saw the NCL transfer folks near baggage claim when I arrived so might consider purchasing through NCL in the future. Got to the port around 12:20p for my 12:30p check in, dropped my bag with a porter, and got through security in about five minutes. Was pleasantly surprised to discover my Casinos at Sea booking included priority check-in and boarding. Literally was onboard within 20 minutes of dropping my suitcase. Wandered around the ship to get my bearings and only had to wait about an hour for the cabin to be ready. My club balcony suite on deck 14 felt super spacious for one person, so much so that I probably could have stayed in a solo balcony and been fine. I liked that I could easily pop up just a flight or two of stairs to the Observation Lounge, pool deck, Mandara spa, Spice H2O, and Garden Cafe without having to wait for elevators. Food & Beverage I had been able to make advance dinner reservations for 2 for my preferred specialty dining restaurants dates/times and just swung by the dining reservations hub after boarding to change one dining time and inform them I was a party of 1, not 2. Don’t worry if you’re trying to book advance solo reservations- just book for 2 since that’s the smallest size table they have anyway. You won’t be charged double if you show up solo. As a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys everything from exceptional street food to Michelin starred meals around the world, I went in with low-to-mid expectations regarding food. I thought Cagney’s, Le Bistro, La Cucina, and Food Republic were all worth an upcharge, though I might not have opted for four at full price if I hadn’t had the MaS package. Also paid $25 for lobster tails in the Manhattan Room one night, and they were excellent, especially at that price. The Garden Cafe was solid, if not particularly inspiring or creative save for the Indian section. I loved the option of dosas and sambar for breakfast! The only thing that wasn’t to my taste was a burger from The Local- fries were fine, but the meat had a musty, gamey flavor that just turned me off. I couldn’t stomach more than a couple bites. I’m not a super heavy drinker, but I liked having the beverage package so I just didn’t have to think about it. Mostly stuck to wines and shots of tequila- there were plenty of decent options included in the package. The one espresso martini I had was top notch. The package probably worked out in my favor in the end, but not by much. Still, it’s something I’ll pay for on every cruise for ease and convenience. Entertainment The only show I saw was Jersey Boys, which I’d give a solid B. I’ve seen a lot of musicals on Broadway, and they’re just not usually my preferred kind of live theatre these days. (Full disclosure: I am a playwright and performer so not the average audience member. Take my opinion with a grain of salt.) I had made an advance reservation online, showed up 20 minutes before showtime, and got a seat in the fifth row on the aisle. Did not make it to any comedy shows, Icons, trivia, arts/crafts, or much live music, though the piano crooner I caught a few minutes of at District Brew House was entertaining. I loved bingo and didn’t mind the extra cost. It’s less than what I’d spend in the casino for that hour. Same goes for Deal or No Deal. I actually wish they had more game shows and bingo sessions. I enjoy dancing and closed out The Social on a few nights. Nice to feel comfortable and safe as a woman alone on the dance floor! I do wish the DJ had a wider variety of music- by the third night, I knew his playlist. The only theme party I really prepped for was the Glow Party, and it was by far my favorite night of the cruise. I had my white dress, glow-in-the-dark body paint, and a big tube of glow sticks I brought to share. The vibes were great, and it seemed like everyone was in an extra celebratory mood. I only wish it had started a little earlier or gone a little later. Mandara Spa I had the voyage spa package and really enjoyed my time in the thermal suite. But since it was my first cruise and I had so much to explore and discover, I only ended up going in twice for a few hours at a time, so I’m not sure I got my money’s worth. I might opt to instead book a couple single thermal spa visits on future cruises, although I would definitely try to get a full voyage package for Alaska because being warm and cozy with those views would be delightful. Got one (slightly) discounted massage on a port day but wouldn’t pay the ship premium again for the quality of the massage. Also, the treatment room I was in shared a wall with the thermal suite near the pool. Every time someone activated the jets along that wall, my room loudly vibrated. Not super relaxing. Every port had much cheaper massage options within walking distance, so I’d probably go that route in the future. Ports & Excursions In Puerto Vallarta, I walked off the ship around 10a, no lines or waiting. There’s a little flea market right there if you just need quick souvenirs or supplies. I took the free open air shuttle from the ship to the cruise terminal area, which has more shops and some food/beverage stalls. Was easy to get a taxi from there to the romantic zone. I had already searched for tacos, art galleries, and tourist attractions and took myself on a self-guided walking tour and taco tasting. Picked up some cool street art! Caught a taxi back to the cruise terminal around 2:30p and was back on the ship with plenty of time to spare before sailaway. In Mazatlan I decided to take advantage of the MaS discount and booked the Old Mazatlan Observatory shore excursion through NCL. It was a nice time but confirmed my suspicions that I have a limited tolerance for guided tours and don’t really enjoy being on a group timeline. I prefer to wander as I will and not have to wait on other people to catch up, etc. I think I’d have enjoyed it a little more if I had arranged my own transportation from the port and wandered around the observatory at my pace. The tradeoff is that you do meet people and make new friends while waiting around, but since I don’t really have a problem meeting people when I want to, that’s not enough of a bonus for me personally. Lesson learned! I didn’t get off the boat in Cabo because I’ve been there before, plus I didn’t want to deal with tendering and wanted to see what the vibe was like onboard on a port day. (Mellow and relaxed!) Debarkation I feel like this was the process I was least prepared for. Didn’t realize in advance that I needed to pick up different luggage tags for debarkation or that they determine when your bags will be available for collection at the cruise terminal if you don’t self-assist off. I knew I had to put my suitcase in the hallway on the last night though, so I asked at Guest Services that evening and figured it out. Once they announced my disembarkation group, I took the stairs down. The line to get off the ship took about 10-15 minutes, and my suitcase was waiting for me by the time I cleared the speedy automatic customs/immigration process. Final Thoughts Overall, I had an absolutely fantastic time. I’m a cruise convert for sure! Really appreciated the people I met through the NCL solo meetups and the Cruise Critic meet and greet. Special shout out to David (one of the cruise director…assistants? Not sure of his title) who led the NCL solo meetups- great energy and always took the time to greet me by name. Made me feel really welcome. As a solo woman, I felt safe onboard the whole time. Security was discreetly present, but I saw very few instances of them needing to intervene for any reason. I personally didn’t experience any creepiness or unwanted attention, and I felt comfortable approaching and talking with strangers. One thing I did want to mention…In my preparations, YouTube influencers did a great job of convincing me that you absolutely MUST book The Haven or you’ll be settling for some kind of secondary, subpar experience. I’m sure it’s amazing, but as a first-timer I’m glad I didn’t succumb to the pressure. I had more than enough to do and explore, was always able to find a place to sit, and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. Indeed, there were places on the ship I never even got around to exploring, and activities/entertainment options like go-karts, mini golf, bumper bowling, trivia, comedy, etc. that I intended to try but didn’t make it to. I will probably treat myself to The Haven in the future, but you don’t NEED it to have a good time or be treated well. Same goes for Vibe beach club. I was disappointed not to have access initially, and I can see that having a more private or exclusive space might be a worthwhile indulgence. But Spice H20 was a lovely alternative, and by day 2, I wasn’t worried about what I might be missing. Probably better I don’t know yet, because yes yes I know what everyone says about not being able to go back. :) TL;DR Any trepidation I had about this being my first cruise and traveling solo was thoroughly unnecessary. NCL is a great choice for a newbie and/or solo cruiser. If you’re thinking about it, DO IT.
The Haven
Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven features our most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations as well as 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck.
Club Balcony Suite
Sublime, spacious suites ideal for the two of you or the whole family. Savour luxurious touches and breathtaking, private views.
Spa
Pampering begins here. The Haven Spa Suite, Spa Club Balcony Suite and Spa Balcony provide a more pampering spa experience at sea with easy access to the Spa and Fitness Centre. Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite can be enjoyed during regular business hours.
Balcony
See the world like never before. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your very own private balcony. Stylish and sophisticated appointments enhance these modern rooms.
Oceanview
Experience comfort all around you. These stylish staterooms feature fine appointments and clear ocean views.
Inside
Relax in lively style and smart sophistication. Our modern inside staterooms are highlighted with appointments like a TV, sitting area and more.
Studio
Specifically designed and priced for solo travellers, our Studios feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge - no single supplement required.
Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, our complimentary dining options include three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, our Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.
Speciality Dining
The best way to enjoy freshly smoked Texas barbecue at Q? Splitting a rack of ribs with friends, both old and new. Make your holiday even sweeter with rich chocolate delights from Coco's and then raise a glass of craft beer to toast unforgettable nights at The District.
Listen and learn in a lecture held by a guest speaker, Norwegian Cruise Line ships have much to offer to enhance your learning and senses.
Bars and Lounges
With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favourite may take a few days. Pull up a stool on The Waterfront and pair your favourite vintage with soothing waves at The Cellars - A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar. Grab a freshly muddled mojito anytime you like at Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Or Let your hair down in The District Brew House, offering more than 50 different bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap.
Entertainment
Top off spectacular days with legendary nights aboard Norwegian Bliss. Perfect your dance moves and clear your pipes as you go on an incredible audible journey with The Four Seasons in a Tony Award®-winning musical. Fans of the Beatles shouldn't miss a night rocking out in the famous Liverpool nightclub where the band played. And don't miss SIX, the sell-out award-winning musical that has not only taken the theatre world by storm but also the charts.
Activities
Interested in a little excitement? Burn rubber at the racetrack and then challenge your friends or family to some friendly competition on the Aqua Racer. Dare to whoosh over the side of the ship on Ocean Loops before dodging lasers during an exhilarating game of laser tag. Wanna get lucky? Bet it all at our award-winning Casinos at Sea® - where an electric atmosphere buzzes late into the night.
There are plenty of ways to be pampered. Unwind in the Thermal Suite with a steam or a dip in the Vitality Pool. Check out the Salt Room. Chill out in our unique Snow Room. Or simply indulge in a hot-stone massage. You deserve it.
Welcome to Mandara Spa. Start with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 speciality treatments offered by our well-trained massage therapists. Then unwind in the Thermal Suite with a steam or a dip in the Vitality Pool. Within these tranquil walls, experience the Salt Room, a dramatic grotto surrounded with layers of body-cleansing salt crystals.
We know a thing or two about letting the good times roll for everyone. And with our interactive Kids’ Aqua Park and fleetwide complimentary youth programs – Splash Academy and Entourage – there’s excitement for all ages on board.
