Bucket List Cruise

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 44

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Bliss

15 Night Panama Canal: Mexico & Costa Rica (Los Angeles To Miami)

Sail date: January 12, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Bliss

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 13176

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

The main event is the canal crossing which is narrated. It takes an entire day to cross. Really enjoyed the cruise starting from the Pacific side and ending in Miami. The Mexican ports minus Acapulco were nice. I cannot recommend a visit to Acapulco due to the damage sustained by a Category 5 hurricane last October 2023. Its very sad to see the damage to all the homes and hotels. Not much to see there accept if you do a boat tour. The whales are around many of the Mexican ports during our winter, so boat tours are a good option. We did the coffee plantation tour in Guatemala. It was excellent and the clear skies gave our group a great view of the Volcanoes, and yes one was erupting.

Embarkation

3 out of 5
A bit slow. Your rooms are not ready till 2PM.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
NCL Bliss excels with choices. Three main dining venues + the Garden buffet. Really enjoyed the Pub & The American diner for its friendly and fast service. Excellent sandwiches. Many al carte choices.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Pools and hot tubes. The race track and the Loop are really nice rides. Very unique for a cruise ship.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Music everywhere.. Jersey Boys & SIX are top notch shows

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Excellent service. Very friendly.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Very large vessel. Takes some time to figure it out.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
typical veranda. bath size larger then most. Bedding a bit hard.

Ship tip

We found a room around the stairs & lifts are easier to navaigate then a room down the hall.

Ports of call

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5 out of 5

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5

Manzanillo, Mexico

4 out of 5

Acapulco, Mexico

2 out of 5

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

5 out of 5

Panama City, Panama

4 out of 5

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Cartagena, Colombia

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Self assisted off by 730AM. Easy off. Quick taxi to Miami airport $50 for two.
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9 Comments

Ladyjunecliff     9 months ago

Another bucket list done. Thanks!

Gwbigdog     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Ruby13     9 months ago

Thank you for sharing your experience

Niavlys     9 months ago

Thank you for your review and advice

Skooby     9 months ago

Interesting itinerary. Glad you had a good time.

karlgrgurich     9 months ago

Glad you enjoyed ….especially the transit!!

javawoody     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing your experience

bubbles60     9 months ago

Sounds wonderful!

cruising2004     9 months ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise! Thank you for your review.

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