Norwegian Bliss Cruise Reviews - Reviews

It was a great trip, I can't wait to go again!!! Thanks NCL

I did not receive the $50 on board credit from RCI while on ship. I expect they will send it by mail. The steam room in the spa had design issues. If you didn't pull your legs up onto the bench when the steam went off you burned your legs quite badly. The art auctions were fun and the director Chris did an amazing job and was the best entertainment. The folding chairs in the atrium were not comfortable and disappointing. The Jersey Boys production was good but you needed to know you need reservations to see it. The ice cream at the buffet was a nice touch. We have never gone this late in the year so I expected it to be different weather. Unfortunately it was overcast, rainy, and cold the whole cruise. The only excursion we did this time was through RCI in Skagway and it was good. We didn't use any of the shore excursion credits from NCL and I'm very glad we opted out of the drink package as we drank very little and the gratuities that would have been charged were probably 10 times what we actually paid.

Two of our ports were canceled due to a storm. We only compensated $150 per stateroom which I thought was insufficient. The other ship the Encore, who was docked at the same port in Juneau, got to continue on their itinerary. Other than that, the cruise was great.

If I could give 0 stars I would. This was our first trip on NCL. We planned to go to Alaska for our 10 year anniversary, which is why we were there. To start I would like to say the entire cruise was nightmare. While on board as far as entertainment there was nothing to do, bingo, deal or no deal, wheel of fortune, fruit carving, and ice sculpting were not acceptable for entertainment. We decided to go to bingo and we paid $75+ for 3 rounds of bingo, that is way too much money. Icons was a great show, the comedians were funny the first night so we went the second night just to hear the same repeated jokes. Anthony the pianist while in the brew pub was very entertaining. Mervan and Ravi were the best part of this entire cruise. They were in the district brew pub each night we were there. They are very attentive, kind, entertaining and appeared to truly enjoy working. As far as food, this was a joke. The buffet had the same food day after day, the food lack any flavor, and tasted as if it was made in advanced. Nothing was fresh other than the omelets for breakfast. We went to Teppanyaki, the entertainment top notch, the food mediocre at best. We went to the main dining hall, my husband ordered the surf and turf which he had to pay extra for, the steak was as dry as can be tasted as if it was pre cooked and sat under the warmer for hours, the lobster was so tough he needed a knife to cut into it. The service was poor it took forever to someone to come over for a drink order and we left early prior to dessert because we were already there for over 2 hrs. Next let’s talk about the port cancellations. We were informed shortly before departure that we were not going to Ketchikan or icy straight due to the storm and safety reasons. We were upset but understood it was for our safety, then we found out our sister boat Encore and another boat that was with us in Juneau were able to make it to those stops on the same day we were supposed to be there. I saw pictures posted of beautiful weather and them going on their excursions. As for us….we floated in and out of the cove that was supposed to be protecting us. While in the cove we were hit with 8-9 ft waves, then the boat decided to drive out of the cove and stop( not anchored) just floating and getting slammed by 14-15ft waves. How was this protecting us? I understand that we could not dock in Victoria but there was no reason for us to travel out of the cove. We spent a lot of money to see Alaska, Sitka and Juneau were just tourist sites this was not true Alaska. We had 2 tours planned in the cancelled ports, yes we got our money back but this is not enough for the disappointment caused. I do not understand why other boats including one from NCL were able to make it to dock and stayi safe. When going to guest services with our concerns we were told that we were going to be given $150 and 15% off the next NCL trip if booked before 2025. This is not acceptable, first $150 is a joke, second I will never be traveling with NCL ever again. They offered to refund our prepaid tips for the staff, that is absurd, we said no, the guest service representative told us that most people were taking this money back. Why would a $9.21 billion dollar company take the money from their staff, whom worked so hard. It was not their fault the NCL as a whole failed. This shows me how they care more about their money than the staff. This trip was such a disappointment and the compensation that we were given was a joke.

you would be better off to take a smaller Holland or Princess ship to see alaska. they usually dock right in town so you dont have to wait to be shuttled into the towns and we went in september to avoid children on ship but september weather is hit or miss.

The Haven experience is top notch, however this last experience with port cancellations and the pitiful excuse of compensation has left a bad taste in my mouth. Alaska was a bucket list destination for us. It was by far the most expensive, cost of the cruise and having to take time off work (we are both self employed so no paid vacations). The thought of getting to see Alaska for the first time, made it all worth it. We knew it would probably rain so we brought along all the gear. We didn’t get off in Sitka because it was pouring rain. We were promised stunning scenery that will take our breath away. I did get some great pics, but nothing like photos I had seen from other cruisers. They cancelled our last two ports, and we were supposed to see Dawes Glacier and it didn’t happen. We did get to see some orcas, on the observation deck, in the pouring rain😆 About the cancelled ports… this is where we get frustrated. The ship was supposed to alter its course in an attempt to outrun this storm system, but our sister ship, the Encore, made it to its port at Ketchikan and had no issues, as well as the Sun and another ship that I don’t recall the name. They offered us a pitiful $150 on board credit, and 15% off a future cruise. ( BTW that 15% was for the first guest only, and equaled to about $375 for cruise I was looking into). According to news sources Royal Caribbean, had a similar situation happen when they had to cancel ports due to the hurricane(Milton I believe) they offered, up front, to refund the cost of the two ports(which I had asked for initially from NCL and they shot me down and said they wouldn’t do any more) I feel that the cruise home was horrible, they had puke bags on the stair wells, so why couldn’t we make the ports again?? Since the other ships made it just fine and had great weather? I feel this was all handled horribly and I’m not sure about dealing with a company that values $$$ over the people that pay them several thousand dollars to be there!

Overall it was an excellent first cruise and we plan on cruising to Alaska again, only next time we'll make sure we have longer times in ports.

THis was a group of 23 women. Overall, fun. The biggest challenge was group communications as Wi-Fi was sporadic both on and off the ship.

It was good overall, but it will be my last cruise. A lot of tipping expected by everyone from tour guides to wait staff. Spent more than I wanted to. I'd rather drive or fly on my own and not feel trapped on a ship with 4,000 people.

The excursion prices are outrageous. I know this likely isn’t set by Norwegian, but man…. When I say these workers on the ship are fantastic, I mean it and I seriously hope that they are paid what they’re worth—gold! Every single one of them!

Love cruising Alaska but would not recommend this cruise.

I would never take a Norwegian cruise again after the way they handle my luggage they offered a port valet service but my bags still are no where to be found and there is no number to call at Ncl. Only email. I feel violated. And believe my bags never left the ship. They impossible to reach. Only contact via submission over email. Yo call the ship they want me to pay 7.95 a minute. My bags are big at the terminal or airport I’m disgusted with this company. Do not use them

The Bliss was not our favorite ship. They have a lot of trivia and game shows but not kuch else. I wish they would add Two more shows. The staff was underwhelming. They did rarely smile and was not the service I have had on other cruise lines. Port times are short and you do ride a shuttle every port. If you want to really see Alaska , book another cruise line.

This was a theme group cruise so because of that we had a good time. The food, service, entertainment, were all great. The time at the ports were problematic. Being in port 6am-1 or 3 pm doesn’t work well. Other cruise lines have better itineraries for Alaska.

We enjoyed most of the ports. The itinerary was difficult as we arrived in port at 6 am and returned early to the ship. The day in Ketchikan we were cut short a few hour due to a parade for the 4th of July. We did not get the chance to explore the city after the Lumber Jack show. Other ports the restaurants were just opening as we needed to get to the ship. Victoria, we arrived at 8pm. It was a late evening and then an morning to leave the ship.

We liked the actual ship and a good deal of the staff, but we really did feel like it was all about a place to upsell us. The pressure took away from the fun. The views however, were awesome, and it was very relaxing to just rest on the balcony. I'm glad we followed the advice of the travel agent and booked an "unobstructed" view with our balcony. Some of those times were my favorites.

Ship size was awesome but placement of things caused there to be overcrowding in spots. Food was good. Shore excursions offered through the cruise line were good. We saw tons of wildlife which made the entire cruise!! Alaska is beautiful regardless of the ship you go on. We would try Norwegian again, in a different location. We would love to do a land trip to Alaska and Canada to get more time to explore. Overall a nice family cruise.

The cruise is what you make of it. When you book it you should be aware that it has short port times and if that is a biggie for you, don’t book this cruise. I had a great time, enjoyed the food and the wonderful people on board but not all passengers felt the same. If you don’t want to shell out the money for a balcony, don’t, you won’t feel like you are missing out, at least I didn’t. It was fun but I would visit Alaska by land next time and take day trips out on a smaller boat. But it was a great experience regardless!

Had a wonderful time, loved the cruise. Wish we had not become ill. Checking Facebook, a lot of passengers got sick on that sailing.

Loved the Alaska cruise and can’t wait to go back!