Return to Cruising Ship Guide: Norwegian Bliss

When is Norwegian Bliss slated to resume operations?

Norwegian Bliss has changed deployment, originally scheduled to resume operations in Alaska in July 2021, the ship will now return to sailing on October 24, 2021. Departures will be 5- and 7-night sailings to the Mexican Riviera roundtrip from Los Angeles. Itineraries will include stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Norwegian Bliss will return to Alaska for the 2022 season as scheduled. 

Norwegian Cruise Line is requiring that ALL guests and crew be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to sailing and provide proof of vaccination for sailings departing on or before December 31, 2021.

Cruising on Norwegian Bliss? Here’s our guide to everything you need to know before you board. 

About the Ship: Norwegian Bliss was built in 2018 and is part of the line’s Breakaway-Plus class. Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, the vessel has the capacity to hold over 4,000 passengers. It commonly offers seasonal sailings in Alaska and the Caribbean. 

Explore Our Expert Review of Norwegian Bliss

Activities + Entertainment: With mini-golf, go-carts, laser tag, and waterslides, Norwegian Bliss is certain to offer an action-packed vacation. Cruisers can release tension in the spa's Thermal Suite, take in the sights from the 20,000-square-foot Observation Lounge, or relax on the adults-only Spice H20 sundeck, which transforms into an after-dark party spot. 

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Cabins: With 2,220 total cabins, Norwegian Bliss accommodates every type of cruiser from budget-conscious families to couples seeking a luxury experience. Balcony cabins account for nearly half of the ship's staterooms. Explore All Norwegian Bliss Cabin Types

Read More: Norwegian Bliss Cabin Virtual Tour

Dining: Norwegian Bliss offers 17 different dining venues, guaranteeing you are certain to never go hungry. Onboard you will find Norwegian Cruise Line dining staples such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Teppanyaki, Los Lobos, Q Barbeque, and more. 

Explore All Dining Venues & Reviews for Norwegian Bliss

Price: As sailings are filling up quickly with the return of Norwegian Bliss to Alaska for this summer, the prices seem to be changing daily. Right now you can expect to pay about $100 to $125 per person per night for entry-level accommodations. Consider booking a balcony cabin, so you have your own private oasis to view the majestic scenery of Alaska. Balcony cabins on Norwegian Bliss currently start at about $150 per person per night and go up from there based on location and category. If you find a price you like for the sailing you want, book it as chances are it won't last long!

Find a Deal on Norwegian Bliss Alaska Sailing

What to Expect at Embarkation & Onboard Protocol

Norwegian Cruise Line has a 100% vaccination requirement. This means that many protocols you may see with other cruise lines at this time may differ from what you will find on any Norwegian ship. You can expect a number of health checks and requirements for embarkation.

Norwegian has designed an enhanced, staggered embarkation process and a new check-in system to streamline check-in for guests by allowing documents to be signed electronically. Prior to boarding, guests must acknowledge vaccination status prior to their sailing and bring proof of vaccination to the terminal for their cruise. All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test, administered and paid for by Norwegian, prior to boarding and receive a negative result. 

Onboard, Norwegian will offer a mask-free cruising experience, no social distancing, all restaurants and venues will be open, and no capacity restrictions. Note, as government regulations evolve, our health and safety protocols may evolve to comply with local requirements.

For more details on Norwegian’s Sail Safe plan and answers to frequently asked questions, click here.

Tips from Our Community Members 

Book shows and specialty restaurants before boarding. - CruisingShelly

Observation lounge - Deck 15. Not to be missed. It’s absolutely a stunning place for coffee, snacks, or a drink from their bar in the evening. - Kingstonmom

The Bliss was definitely designed for viewing in Alaska- the 15th floor Observation Lounge will be great for viewing at Glacier Bay. The view from the Garden Cafe forward on Deck 16 right above the Observation Lounge is the best for spotting whales, dolphins, etc. - mizkambi

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Latest Update: August 25, 2021