Awesome Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 44

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Norwegian Bliss

14 Night Western Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 02, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Bliss

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 18110

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Overall the cruise was fantastic. The ports were certainly interesting. The ship was ok but I was not wowed by it. Would I do this itinerary again? Definitely. Would I go on the Bliss again? Only if it was the only ship for the itinerary but I would not seek it out. Having said that, the crew on this ship was awesome through and through. The specialty restaurants were ok, but I have had better on other NCL ships (except the Haven restaurant - that was awesome)>

Embarkation

5 out of 5
No issues (full disclosure - I was traveling in The HAVEN)

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
I did not eat in the main dining rooms. I did eat in all of the specialty restaurants and none of them stood out. Not bad, not good. Service was ok in all, maybe slow in some. Buffet was nice, food selection was good.

Ocean Blue

3 out of 5

Quality here is certainly not what I have had on other ships. I actually would not recommend. Gave it an okay because our server was very good.

Los Lobos

5 out of 5

Best of the specialties I went to. Again service was slow but the food was delicious and the margarita was to die for. Also the guac at the table was a nice touch.

Food Republic

4 out of 5

It was good. Service was good, food was decent.

The Observation Lounge

5 out of 5

All I can say is WOW! Awesome space. I only did a walk through of the main observation lounge but from what I saw, it seemed even nicer than the Haven's version.

The Local Bar & Grill

3 out of 5

Nothing spectacular. Wanted a burger, got a burger, but nothing to rave about.

The Haven Restaurant (Exclusive to Guests of The Haven)

5 out of 5

The Haven Restaurant was perfect. I can't say one negative thing about this. From the crew to the food to the service - all good!

Teppanyaki

5 out of 5

Teppanyaki never disappoints. Love this venue and the Bliss' version was great.

Q Texas Smokehouse

5 out of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed this venue. Music was a bit loud but it was fun and the food was very good.

Le Bistro

4 out of 5

Again, better on other ships, but ok. Nothing outstanding.

La Cucina

4 out of 5

Food was good. Service was spotty but they were super busy when we went there.

Coco's

5 out of 5

All I can say is OMG! Had a sundae the last night of the cruise and it was spectacular! Had to share it with someone else.

Cagney's Steakhouse

4 out of 5

I dined in Cagney's three times on other NCL ships and it was fabulous. On the Bliss, not so much. Service was not bad, but not sharp. Meal was ok but not spectacular.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Fitness Center was good for what I needed it for. Not sure if this is where I put it, but Bingo and Deal or No Deal are always a good way to past the time.

Tradewinds Tax-and-Duty-Free Shops

3 out of 5

Same old, same old. Nothing has changed except maybe the design in the last 20 years.

Fitness Center

4 out of 5

It was fine. I liked that I could do the treadmill and look out at the ocean.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Jersey Boys was awesome. I cancelled out reservation for SIX after people who saw he gave it lousy reviews. The ventriloquist (whose name I have forgotten) was terrific. There was some stuff done in the Atrium by the Cruise staff that was really good as well.

Bliss Theater

5 out of 5

Perfect. Nice and big, acoustics were good. Saw Jersey Boys and it didn't disappoint.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everyone I dealt with on that ship terrific. There is not one person in the crew that I encountered that I would say a bad word about.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Ship was ok but definitely not a favorite. Layout was different from what I was used to. Atrium should be so much bigger than it is, considering the amount of stuff that goes on there. Elevators are an absolute nightmare - not sure what can be don't about that. Common areas were clean and maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
My cabin was perfect for two of us. The room steward kept it immaculate and there was more that enough room for two of us.

Ship tip

There are a lot of people on this ship and you have to plan accordingly. Personally, I prefer the smaller NCL Breakaway to this one. However, the Observation Deck is to die for , especially I would think for the Alaska trips.

Ports of call

New York, New York Did not visit port

I live here

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5
Did Kennedy Space Center and it was a lot of fun. I highly recommend!

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5
Second time there. Upgraded to a Villa the night before. Loved it!!!!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

1 out of 5
Got off the ship briefly but did not feel particular safe.

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5
Did the Stingray City excursion. Awesome and a must do!!!

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5
Did Little French Key VIP. Not the fanciest of places, but very comfortable and would do it again.

Harvest Caye, Belize

5 out of 5
Rented a Villa. Awesome!!!!

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5
Visited the ruins. Didn't have enough time to do anything else.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Did the Seal Lion and Manatee Excursion - by far the must fun I have ever had!!

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Again, I stayed in the Haven so no issues.
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2 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

cruisereckoning    4 years ago

Glad you enjoyed

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