Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship Review
BANANA WIND VACATIONS cruised on Norwegian Cruise Line's NORWEGIAN BLISS. This our Description, Review & Photos. Bliss is the epitome of Freestyle Cruising!
VIEW: Norwegian Bliss Photo Gallery
As you can imagine the staff of BANANA WIND VACATIONS has been on many cruises - large, small and in between. We have to say, as far as mega ships go the Norwegian Bliss may have the best all around amenities of any. There really is something new and different for everyone regardless of age.
ACTIVITIES
Let's begin with what makes Norwegian Bliss different. At nearly 1,000 feet, the longest go-kart racing course at sea allows guests to race at speeds up to 30 miles per hour through twists and turns to compete for the best times. While this is fun and exhilarating don't let the 19th deck open air surrounding ocean views distract you.
Aqua Racer gets your heart pumping with two water slides side by side where you can race in inner tubes. For the truly courageous try Ocean Loops, where you stand inside a small enclosed tube, arms folded across your chest. Just waiting for the moment the floor below disappears thrusting you down a nearly 90-degree drop before propelling you back up again through a loop in the slide that extends 11 feet over the side of the ship. Guaranteed - you will scream!
Norwegian Bliss is also home to the first dedicated outdoor at-sea laser tag experience in North America, that is great fun for the entire family. The course is themed on an abandoned space station and is open day and night.
Ocean Loops extends 11 feet over the side of the ship.
Go-kart race track on Norwegian Bliss
ENTERTAINMENT
You might say Norwegian Cruise Line went overboard in the entertainment department with Norwegian Bliss. The 2006 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. Jersey Boys is a sensational experience in the Bliss Theater. The behind the scenes show digs deep into the lives of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as well as showcasing hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," and countless others. This is not your standard 45 minute cruise show. This is a major investment and it is a grand slam!
Havana! is an all new, full-length Broadway-style show that takes place in a Havana nightclub that features extravagant costumes, along with original and classic Cuban tunes. This show got rave reviews on our inaugural cruise. Happy Hour Prohibition transports guests to a New Orleans speakeasy on the eve of the prohibition era for a rowdy good time. This is performed in the intimate bar, Social, which also features both family friendly and adult stand-up comics. After 10 pm Social becomes a chic nightclub with a DJ Spinning dance tunes.
The Cavern Club, inspired by The Beatles performances at the legendary club by the same name in the 1960's is now open for you on the Norwegian Bliss. A Beatles cover bands performs some of the most popular Beatle songs in sets representing a particular Beatles era. Get there early. Seriously. The Cavern was packed every night for each performance.
Jay & Carol with WyLAND
Beatles cover band at The Cavern Club
CREATIVE FOOD & DRINKS
Norwegian Bliss delivers an outstanding variety of included and specialty restaurants (extra charge) ($). Here is a quick look:
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Texas Smokehouse Q ($) - Texas BBQ (brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, etc). Becomes a lounge for dancing at night
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The Local - 24 Hour casual American comfort food and bar
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Los Lobos ($) - Upscale contemporary Mexican cuisine
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Taste - A main dining venue
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Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville ($) - Cheeseburgers in Paradise, Conch Fritters, Fish specialties, Key Lime Pie, and Frozen concoctions.
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Savor - A main dining venue
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Coco's ($) - Sweet shop
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The Manhattan - A main dining venue
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La Cucina's ($) - Tuscan-inspired small plates and tapas
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Garden Cafe - The main buffet
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Cagney's ($) - Prime steakhouse
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Le Bistro ($) - Gourmet French cuisine
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Ocean Blue ($) - Alaskan salmon and seafood dishes
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Food Republic ($) - Hip food and ambiance featuring chic food from around the world
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Teppanyaki ($) - Japanese favorites
WATERING HOLES
Norwegian Bliss is loaded with outstanding bars from the Atrium to pools to show lounges - even a Starbucks. Try Norwegian Cruise Line's owned blended Patron tequila. Here is a look at at some recommended specialty bars:
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The Cellars - A Michael Mondavi Wine Bar
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Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Beers and frozen concoctions like 5 O'Clock Somewhere, Incommunicado, etc.
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District Beer House - Hip urban beer hall featuring Seattle and Miami famed brewing companies. 21 beers on tap and 50+ bottles.
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Sugarcane Mojito Bar- 10 tempting mojitos and other rum based cocktails. Or select a flight to sample.
Country Platter from The Local
Balcony cabins, Norwegian Bliss
Conch Fritters & Cold drinks, Margaritaville
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
THE STUDIOS - For Solos: Designed and priced for solo cruisers. 82 Studios at 100 square feet, each are efficiently designed with full size beds. Bonus: A video feeds virtual ocean views. And there is a Studio Lounge exclusively for Studio guests to share: coffee, snacks, bar, comfy seating , etc.
Cabins for Everyone: Mimi-Suite's have more living space than Balcony cabins, plus a rain shower. Balcony cabins are generous in size with a king bed, while Family Balcony cabins have a Queen bed, an upper bed and a single sofa bed. Oceanview cabins have large picture windows, and Family Oceanview cabins have double sinks, are designed to sleep five and are intelligently located near the children's facilities. Inside cabins are stylish with many located near children's facilities.
The Haven: Norwegian Cruise Line's highly acclaimed ultimate in luxury ship-within-a-ship complex. Features include private access, priority embarkation and disembarkation, private concierge and butler service, exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard pool and sun areas, private bar & lounge, exclusive restaurant, direct and private access to Mandara Spa and fitness center. Haven Suites come in a variety of sizes and represent the most luxurious suites at sea with breathtaking 17, 18 and 19 deck views.
NORWEGIAN BLISS ITINERARIES
In addition to repositioning cruises along the Mexican Riviera and through the Panama Canal, Norwegian Bliss will primarily cruise Alaska roundtrip from Seattle during the summer, and the Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami during the fall, winter and spring.
Norwegian Bliss Alaska itinerary
Norwegian Bliss Eastern Caribbean
Studio Cabin for solo guests
Balcony Cabin
Haven Suite
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