Norwegian Bliss Review
Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Breakaway-Plus ship, Norwegian Bliss, is an interesting balancing act. With planned sailings in Alaska and the Caribbean and cabin options that range from very affordable to ultra-luxe, the ship works hard to meet the demands of a varied audience. The result is a smartly designed ship that provides both family-focused thrills and expansive spaces for relaxation and scenery-gazing.
What We Love
The Interior Design: Mega-ships that carry thousands of passengers often look like unwieldy behemoths from the outside, but this one makes up for it with attractive and comfortable interiors. The restaurants and bars — notably the seafood restaurant Ocean Blue and Mexican restaurant Los Lobos — feel stylishly themed without a hint of gaudiness. Even the buffet, Garden Cafe, has minimalist, modern furniture and fabrics in bright patterns. The thermal spa channels a clean-lined Nordic vibe with rows of loungers (some heated) around a series of pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Be sure to check out the (literally) sparkling “spa salt room” where you can experience halotherapy, a relaxation treatment where the air is infused with salt.
The Observation Lounge: This expansive, forward-facing space is among the most dramatic — and beautiful — spaces on Bliss. With floor-to-ceiling windows, bars that serve drinks and snacks, and seating in configurations that will suit any size group, this inviting lounge seems tailor-made for gazing up at Alaska’s glaciers. We love the velvet-upholstered, window-facing loungers that are situated throughout the area.
The Haven: This exclusive enclave of suites for those in search of a truly high-end experience exists on other Norwegian ships, but the concept feels elevated here. Impeccably designed and offering a number of private amenities — an observation lounge, sun deck, pool, and restaurant — the Haven feels a world apart from the rest of the ship.
Food Republic: While not exclusive to Bliss — you’ll also find it onboard Norwegian Escape and other newer ships — this Pan-Asian restaurant still delivers some of the best shareable food we've tried at sea. Its small-bites/global fusion concept (with iPad ordering, natch) focuses on dumplings, skewers, and other chopstick-friendly fare. The miso black cod skewer, tuna and truffle “pizza,” and pastrami and sauerkraut dumplings are excellent. You can also enjoy a selection of dishes from Food Republic at the equally enjoyable District Brew Pub, which serves craft beers on tap in a fun, casual environment. Both of these venues are considered specialty dining, and items are priced a la carte. Expect Food Republic items to cost between $6 and $12, while District Brew Pub charges an extra $7 to $12 per beer or cocktail.
Best Known For
Race Track and Laser Tag: Bliss Speedway electric go-kart racing and an impressive laser tag complex feature prominently on this ship and are among the marquee kid-friendly amenities here. The go-karts allow you to race a friend at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour over two decks, while laser tag lets you challenge a larger group to an open-air game set amidst a galactic backdrop. Some games will even be played in the evening, adding to the effect. Each item will have an extra charge onboard — $15 per person for the go-karts and $9.95 per person for laser tag.
Solo Studios: Norwegian seeks to attract solo travelers by offering inside Studio staterooms designed and priced for singles. Everyone who books these snug but expertly designed 100-square-foot accommodations enjoys access to the Studio Lounge, where they can socialize with other solo travelers.
Who It's Good For
Multigenerational Families: Guests of all ages will enjoy Norwegian Bliss. This is especially true for multi-generational families that have a variety of lodging and entertainment needs between them. If grandma and grandpa want a plush suite, mom and dad want some quiet time at the spa, and the kids want to spend the afternoon in the pool, all will find what they need here.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Not Everything Scores a Perfect 10: A ship that tries to be many things to many people risks not getting it all right, and this one doesn’t in a few instances. Bliss' barbecue specialty restaurant, Texas Smokehouse, doesn’t live up to the hype, and the Ocean Loops waterslide that’s cantilevered over the edge of the ship is known to experience technical issues — there’s an escape hatch for riders whose momentum isn’t good enough to carry them through to the end. Passengers who want to dine around during their cruise can also expect to pay steep a la carte prices in some of the ship’s specialty restaurants, although specialty dining packages do lower the cost a bit