Mexico cruise

Item: Norwegian Bliss
Rating: 4
Author: cadycruiser

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review to Mexico

cadycruiser

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 06, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Bliss

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 10417

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Norwegian is a good cruise line but there are some drawbacks. There is a LOT you will pay for on the cruise ship. I’ve taken 2 cruises on this line. Definitely get the drink package, but be aware you will be charged taxes on all of the drinks at the end. Ended up being $200 for us. As mentioned before, many of the things that make this ship stand out are extra charges. Food is good but plan on one or two nights specialty dining. Also, both times ship was at capacity and VERY crowded. Couldn’t take the elevator a lot because it was always at capacity. Hard to get a chair at the pool unless you got there by 10 or so but the entertainment was great and drinks were good, although average wait time to get a drink ranged from 5-15 minutes. Best part of the ship? The observation lounge by far!!!!

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Crowded, but overall fine.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

If you don’t do any specialty restaurants, the main dining room food starts tasting all the same. The breakfast buffet is excellent. The drinks were excellent.

The Observation Lounge

5 out of 5

Awesome place to relax but drinks take forever.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

If you want to do the race track and laser tag, you almost can’t get in without buying the unlimited pass which is expensive. We signed up the first day and couldn’t get a slot until the last day for go carts. Only one slot open for laser tag and it was raining so we didn’t get to do it. Worst part of Norwegian is how they nickel and dime you. Pools were crowded and you had to wait an average of 30-45 minutes for the water slide.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

This was really good! Jersey boys was amazing and the music bands were awesome.

Children's Programs

My 11 year old didn’t go.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Cabin stewards were great. Bartenders were very slow.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Great layout, best bathroom I’ve had on a cruise—very roomy and great shower. Only drawback, bed was just ok.

Ship tip

If you want to do laser tag or go carts, get the unlimited pass or you won’t get to do it more than once.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3 out of 5

Went to a beach resort.

Thumbs Up 0

Mazatlan, Mexico

4 out of 5

Went to a beach resort—more things to do here.

Thumbs Up 0

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

4 out of 5

Only bad part, it was way too short—had to be back on the tender at 1:30. Best location but too short of time to do an excursion.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Absolutely a complete mess. Waited in the same spot for 45 minutes. A total mess, people pushing and shoving. What a mess.

4 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Ricdalek 5 years ago

IIRC, NCL recently raised the price of the drink package (if not chosen as a perk). However if you choose it as your perk, you still pay the 20% gratuity of the non perk price.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

afahey 5 years ago

We’ve been on 2 NCL seven day cruises with the drink package and only paid additional money if the drink exceeded the price cap on the package or if you added an additional tip. I would definitely question the additional $200 on your bill for the drinks.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Gpeerman1 5 years ago

You only pay taxes on drinks while sitting in us port. No where neer $200 I've been on 7 Ncl cruises everyone with the drink package

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Second attempt to Mexican Riviera (first stopped by Norovirus :( - and sure glad we did! :)

Great time!!!

A very hot fun time