Amazing Panama Canal Cruise

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Bliss

15 Night Panama Canal - Westbound (Miami To Los Angeles)

Sail date: January 27, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Bliss

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 10230

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

Overall great cruise. Went Jan/Feb so there were no kids on board (we were told 18 in total). Weather was perfect and I loved that the captain and pilot explained so much about the Panama Canal as we were preparing to go through and then during the transit.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Delayed a bit as cruise was late disembarking prior cruise passengers. But we were called upon timely and efficiently.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Loved most of the specialty restaurants as we went to all of them, some twice. The worst and absolute slowest service was LeBistro. Would not return. Unpleasant staff and our party of 2 spent more than 2 hours in dining room and had reservations. Missed shows that evening. All other restaurants, including complimentary, were very good to excellent.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
spent alot of time in thermal spa as pre-purchased the daily pass for the entire cruise. Wonderful facility with amazing views. Husband went to fitness center everyday and liked it alot.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Liked Six. LOVED Jersey Boys! Loved the Beatles band. Comedians were hit or miss. Walked out of one show (I think his name was Dan) as he was horrible. Could've used a few more shows for this long 15 night voyage though. The rock band was also very, very good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Mostly excellent. Aside from waiter in LeBistro, and a few grumpy bartenders, especially one at the bar outside of Taste and Savor, everyone else was lovely.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Very clean. Great ship layout. Easy to find everything.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Perfect size. Loved the larger bathroom and shower. Plenty of storage space. Great location on ship.

Ship tip

If the itinerary has alot of sea days, purchase the thermal spa day pass.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Panama City, Panama

5 out of 5

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

3 out of 5

Acapulco, Mexico

4 out of 5

Manzanillo, Mexico

3 out of 5

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5

Mazatlan, Mexico

4 out of 5

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Very easy. Only issue was with NCL shuttle bus to airport. Waited about an hour on the bus before leaving for the airport. Next time we will get an Uber.
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9 Comments

Ladyjunecliff     8 months ago

Sounds great

Gwbigdog     8 months ago

Thanks for sharing

javawoody     8 months ago

Appreciate the review

byhisgrace     8 months ago

Appreciate your feedback

bubbles60     8 months ago

Sounds fun. Thank you for the positive review.

shawnee13675     8 months ago

Been through the Panama Canal multiple times and have always thought it very interesting. Glad you enjoyed it.

HeavySeas     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your cruise

Dumfy75     9 months ago

I agree with you about the thermal suite on the Bliss, we spent a lot of time in there when the weather wasn’t so good. Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

karlgrgurich     9 months ago

Sounds awesome

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