We were previously on the Bliss a year earlier for a Panama Canal cruise and loved it. This cruise was good, but not great. Two main reasons I believe:
1. The nickel and diming is out of control. We had charges on our account for .60 and .80 and $20 pp/per day service charges. That adds up fast! I'm also really NOT HAPPY that lobster night was taken away.
2. On our last Bliss cruise, the ship was supposedly full. Well.... this time there were substantially more people on board. We often found the dining rooms full the Local full, and even the buffet at late lunch one day. I love the big boats but even they have their limits. We have an Alaska booked on the Bliss in September '25. This was not a bad cruise and I love the Bliss, but I just don't know if I want to (or can afford to)do this again.
This ship also has a fine cigar lounge. I love it.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Simple and efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The Main dining, La Cucina, le Bistro,The Local, Los Lobos, and the buffet (except for lack of drink service) were excellent. 4 stars because there is no longer a lobster night- it's another upcharge that's ruining the cruise experience.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I purchased the Spa package for the first time. It was great! You must check out the gym and spa on this boat- they're awesome! Also, there's always a game or music somewhere. We love the trivia.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment on the ship is outstanding! The Beatles cover band is fantastic (and I'm not a rabid Beatles fan). Jersey Boys is great. There were also two bands playing the pool and deck 6- great! I didn't see the comedians but my nephew said they were very good.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Excellent staff on this ship. Room steward was great, bartenders were great, specialty dining and main dining wait staff was excellent. The buffet waiters were non-existent though. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Love everything about this ship. Wish it had 1 more elevator bank though.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
First time in an interior cabin. It was TIGHT. The bathroom was normal size though, which made it livable. Smaller closet, no couch and little room on the sides of the bed. We didn't spend much time in the room so it was OK. If we can save a bunch of money compared to a balcony, we'll likely do it again.
Ship tip
Spend time in the Observation Lounge on deck 15. It's outstanding!
Not bad. Started out as a real cluster because people are color blind and can't follow instructions. After the staff herded everyone off the stairs, things went well.
Agreed about the obvious cuts in some of the food. And especially the bar menus -- they've dumbed-down the quality of several of the signature drinks and eliminated several ingredients from the bar shelves.
All the mainstream cruise lines charge daily gratuities or service charges. This is nothing new and definitely not unique to NCL. You can opt to prepay them, or they get charged to your onboard account.
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