Norwegian Bliss-Mexican Riviera Halloween
Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review
7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)
Sail date: October 27, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Bliss
Traveled as: Large Group
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
We really enjoyed the Bliss. This was my 3rd cruise, my husband’s first. We were traveling with family and friends. I have traveled NCL and Carnival. I really like NCL, it’s fun but not super wild party mode the entire time. I get the spa package and I love it, although it was way more crowded this time and louder and less relaxing than on the Escape. I also got the Vibe Beach Club this time. I really liked that a lot. I enjoyed knowing I had a reserved place to go each day. The cabana was pretty sweet. The food was pretty good. I wrote separate reviews for each place I ate. Overall The experience was fantastic. Based on reviews I had read I was worried about the ship being overcrowded. Other than the spa, it really wasn’t bad. Expect the buffet to be busy; especially during peak hours. The main pools are pretty busy too. But if you want quiet, you can usually find a spot to relax.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Q Texas Smokehouse
I didn’t care for the Q. My salmon was very dry. I will admit that it may have been partly my fault. I have never had anyone ask me how I want my salmon prepared. So when they said rare, medium, etc. I was a little surprised. I said medium. I guess I should have said rare? My husband had the brisket and it was tasty, but it was a tiny portion. The sides were served in little condiment sized dishes. The coleslaw was pretty good. The night we were there the entertainment (band) seemed exhausted. The main singer was on a stool, yawning and rarely smiled. Very low energy. It was pretty dull. I heard they were more up other nights. Also, while there another couple said they had a sampler platter and it was delicious. So I would try that.
The Observation Lounge
The Observation Lounge was right by my room, so I came out to get coffee and just chill out. It’s a really nice place to relax and look at the ocean. The bar is good too. In the morning the have a small continental breakfast up there.
Cagney's Steakhouse
Cagney’s was fantastic. I had the lobster and steak. It was so good! You could cut the steak with a butter knife. We were so full when we left.
Los Lobos
Los Lobos was good, I had the shrimp skewer. It was delicious. My daughter had a seafood enchilada and she thought it was fantastic. I also had the guacamole, it was also very good.
Vibe Beach Club
I absolutely loved the Vibe Beach Club. I had a cabana. It was nice knowing I didn’t have to rush up and save a seat. The hot tub was great and the bar was awesome. The service was fantastic.
Garden Café
There are many options at the garden cafe and the food is pretty good. The service is friendly and they are quick. I specifically enjoyed the omelette bar in the morning. It can get pretty crowded at prime times, but you can always find a spot.
Atrium Bar
The drinks are great, but some of the servers were a little cranky at the Atrium. Maybe because they have high volume? I’m not sure, especially Day 1. 😬
The Local Bar & Grill
I had the fish and chips for lunch. The fish was okay, but the fries were served limp and cold and the server was pretty inattentive. I went back another night just for drinks and was ignored by the servers for 40 minutes.
Teppanyaki
Loved, loved, loved!! The food was great and the entertainment was fun! We had a really good time! I had steak and shrimp, it was so good!
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Sea
I really liked Margaritaville. I had to have the Cheeseburger in Paradise and it was excellent. A neighboring table ordered a side of nachos and it was HUGE!! My friend loved her meal as well, she had the turkey burger.
Onboard Activities
Bliss Casino
I had a lot of fun in the casino, played roulette. Won some cash. My friends hung out in the smoking side quite a bit and won more than I did. It’s fun.
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
San Pedro (Los Angeles), California