Norwegian Bliss Alaskan Cruise

Item: Norwegian Bliss
Rating: 5
Author: njanders26

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review

njanders26

Contributor Level: First Mate

53 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 5

Helpful Votes: 289

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 12, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Bliss

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 12511

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Absolutely amazing trip to Alaska on the Bliss!!!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation in Seattle was a breeze! From drop off to on the ship was probably 45 minutes and I arrived at 11:00am.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Norwegian has some of the best food at sea! I typically pay extra to eat at the specialty restaurants because the quality and freshness is so much better than at the buffet or MDR as they are cooking food in large quantities so the quality is not always the best; however, that’s not to say it is not good or even great especially when you compare it to other cruise lines.

Q Texas Smokehouse

5 out of 5

This was probably some of the best barbecue I have had on land or sea. I’m not sure how they can get so much flavor in that food on a cruise ship! I dined at Q 4 of the 7 nights because I wanted to try everything. The deviled eggs, chili, tortilla soup, chopped salad, and loaded fries are just some of the starters you NEED to try. When it comes to entree you might as well get the Pitmaster Platter and try a little of everything, there is so much food that you almost need 2 people to share it. I never did try the salmon but I will definitely next time. If you have room for dessert than try the banana pudding, peach cobbler, or the pecan pie. All were delicious! I also had quite a few of the smoked peach margaritas which went down so smooth it could cause some trouble.

Los Lobos

5 out of 5

Los Lobos is a nice addition to the NCL fleet! While I enjoyed Moderno this is an awesome change. The table side guacamole is fun to watch and just as great to eat. You should try the spicy margarita with just a little kick but not too overwhelming with heat. The quesadillas, queso fundido, empanadas, and ceviche are some good choices for starters. For entrees I would recommend the carne asada, stuffed poblanos, or the mahi mahi tacos. The good thing about the dining package is you can try all these amazing restaurants and all the food they have to offer. Yes it’s an extra cost, but for me personally, if I’m paying for the cruise then I want to have the best food and that is going to be in the specialty restaurants and not the buffet.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Norwegian always does a good job keeping every age group entertained throughout the day. You can enjoy the pool party and activities outside if you’d like, or head to the atrium for trivia or adult orientated game shows, or catch your favorite piano player at District Brewhouse. There is never a lack of entertainment or activities. Then on the new ships you have go karts, laser tag, and virtual reality games.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The theater shows are always top notch, well produced productions. On the Bliss I enjoyed watching Jersey Boys twice because it was a stellar show. Different from Broadway or the movie so that was nice as I enjoy little surprises when I watch something I’ve seen before. The District Brewhouse was also a favorite hangout at night because they have a piano player who is always witty and entertaining to watch.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Having been on many NCL ships the service is always the same amongst the different ships. It does not matter if it’s a small ship the the Dawn or a large ship like the Bliss, you are always treated like family and the staff get to know you personally during your stay. People always complain that their room was not cleaned during the 10 minutes they stepped out to get coffee, or the waiter took 5 minutes to bring us water. It is vacation and the staff are serving thousands of people to ensure everyone has a memorable experience and not just catering to your every single need or want. Treat the staff with respect and dignity and they will do the same!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Some people either love or hate the layouts of NCL ships, but I personally enjoy the design. Some have grand atriums or open shopping and dining along an entire floor. On NCL everything is more broken up so you can have many experiences. 678 Ocean Plaza is the heart of the ship and can access most of the restaurants, shopping, casino, and some bars. The atrium had a large screen that can also be viewed from The Local or O’Sheehans. You have bars and lounges scattered throughout the ship so you are never far from one. And the Waterfront is amazing to enjoy your dinner as the sun is setting or just to take leisurely walk around the ship. The upper decks are just as nice and nothing ever seems crowded with this layout because people are broken up.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

I really enjoy the studio cabins on NCL’s newer ships. As a solo traveler it is just the right size for me and I’m not paying for 1.5 or 2 people like in a standard room. The shower is on the smaller size if you are over 6’ or more than 200lbs, but it is manageable. The bed is comfortable for a full size and plenty of storage space. On the Bliss the port hole is a screen that shows the outside of the ship like a virtual window. On other ships it’s just decoration that allows some light in but cannot see in or out. Access to the studio lounge is also a plus! You can get your own coffee, juice, fruit, or pastries without having to go very far.

Ship tip

The Observation Lounge is an amazing space to view the Alaskan Scenery without going outside. With that, it can get quite busy on sea days or when visiting the Glaciers so I would get there early and find the perfect spot. Then you can go get your coffee or breakfast and bring it back to your perfect location.

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Ports of call

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Did not do an excursion on this trip but there is plenty to do just walking around. One of the popular excursions in Skagway is the White Pass train, it is definitely on my list to do one of these times.

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Disembarkation

5 out of 5

No one ever likes having to leave the ship, so tensions are always high and people want to get off the ship as fast as they got on. However, disembarking is going to take longer because it’s done in a shorter period of time and everyone is congregated and blocking areas used to get off the ship. With that said, I found disembarkation to be smooth and quick as I waited in a less crowded public area and waited for my color to be announced. Once in the terminal I quickly found my bag and made my way to the bus. There is no need to rush as it will just make it worse. So enjoy the last morning of your cruise and just relax and be patient.

Traveler Photos

5 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

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cruisereckoning 4 years ago

Thank, sounds great.

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CruiseQueenNH 5 years ago

Glad you liked "Jersey Boys", I might see that onboard next year. It's my dream to see a Broadway show onboard...I love musicals and have yet to see one on a ship. At worst, I think we might have "Jersey Boys" onboard next year, but that wouldn't be the worst thing....I've been dying to see the stage show! Either way, I'm sure I'll be excited to see the musical next year....no matter which show it is.

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CourtneyV 5 years ago

Love your thorough review! Glad you had a great time!

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bobduck1993 5 years ago

I think Alaska would be extra special aboard any ship!

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