I was fortunate enough to be one of the very first people to live aboard the Norwegian Bliss this past weekend in New York and I don’t think I was fully prepared for all its magic. As a very long time cruiser of NCL and after about 10 cruises with the brand – I can assure you that the Bliss IS everything we have been waiting for in a ship.
I strongly believe each Norwegian ship has something to offers its guests that I love – and that’s why Norwegian has long been a favorite of mine. I have only ever cruised one time with another company and I disliked it so much that I have never left Norwegian since – they are that good!
With the coming of Norwegian Bliss you are going to be blown away by this mega-ship and its offerings. There is so much stuff to do on board AND Norwegian does an incredible job of planning daily itineraries so that there is always something to do.
Here are the 10 ways I think this ship is bringing the magic!
The Food:
The Norwegian Bliss is coming in hot with 27 dining options! That is right .. 27!! By calculation, I could not even eat at each place on a week cruise, which means there is plenty of options to choose from. My personal favorites and new additions to the ship are: Coco’s crazy delicious milkshakes, elote and table side guacamole from the first Mexican restaurant on board – Los Lobos, Food Republic – bringing tapas style plates on a globally inspired menu, and Dolce Gelato – which gelato is not new to Norwegian but it was new to me.
Can we talk about food presentation? Norwegian is always delivering!
*Side note – I 100% judge a place on its ability to poach an egg. Everyday on board I order poached eggs for breakfast and even find them on other dishes – and each time, Norwegian delivers.
Food Republic
Savor Restaurant
Food Republic
Dolce Gelato
Coco’s
Starbucks at sea:
That is right coffee addicts – you can now get your fix with a view! What I loved about finding this gem on the ship is that they have the same drinks and food that you would expect at a Starbucks back home (limited menu on the food) but all the greats are there.
Racetrack at sea:
Whaaat? I know right! You can now go atop the ship and utilize the 2 level racetrack with go-carts! Imagine being at sea and racing your friends and family with the breeze in your hair and views of the open ocean – does it get any better?
Unobstructed views on the Waterfront:
This is new for Norwegian as they are offering this waterfront along one side of the ship that has outdoor dinning and lounges with nothing blocking the views. In times past the safety boats were there but have been moved to give you a more serene experience at sea.
You’ll find options to dine outside on the waterfront at places like Los Lobos, La Cucina and Ocean Blue. There is also Dolce Gelato, Maltings Whiskey Bar and The Cavern Club.
Blissed out luxury
Its all in the details! Every inch of the Norwegian Bliss was designed carefully bringing more luxurious touches around every corner. Some of the details that caught my eye were the wainscoting, art, simple yet elegant sitting areas, plush seating in the main dining areas, and overall elevated decor throughout the ship.
678 Ocean Place
678 Ocean Place
678 Ocean Place
Observation Lounge
Sitting area
A List Bar
Vertical drop slide
Calling adventure junkies: imagine walking into a slide and when the door closes you fall vertically into the waterside that hangs over the side of the ship AND you can see the wide open ocean during your slide!
Silent disco
If you have never been to a silent disco you have no idea what you are missing out on. You know how at some point in your life you have been to a party or club and hated the music but only one thing could play at a time? Silent disco aims to change that by giving each of its attendees their own headset with multiple channels to listen to music. So while Debra over there might want to boogie to 80’s music you can still get down with your dance music.
Silent Disco – retrieved from ncl.com
Observation lounge:
You know .. for viewing glaciers and Caribbean islands! There is actually 2 observation lounges on board. The Haven has a private observation lounge called the Horizon Lounge for those who book within that category. For the rest of the ship there is an Observation lounge.
Horizon Lounge
Observation Lounge
Broadway Shows!
The Bliss is offering a show that is brand new called Havana! The only way I can describe this performance is muy caliente!! So definitely see this show.
Jersey Boys is also on board and it is not a condensed version of the show – its the real deal.
Havana!
Havana!
Havana!
Havana!
Jersey Boys
Sugarcane Mojito Bar:
A bar comprised of all things mojitos, its like they know what we want! The pineapple mojito was my favorite.
I know what you’re thinking, “Oh buoy! I can’t wait to book this!” I, too, am hoping to get back on board and explore Alaska!
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*Disclaimer: this post written in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line but as always, opinions are entirely my own.
Oh my god that food looks amazing. I saw your Instagram posts and could not believe the food is so good.
Author
The food in my opinion is the best part!!
Thanks for the review. I’ve been following you since you wrote about one of their other ships awhile back and . I booked my first cruise with them this summer.
Author
Ahh that’s amazing!! Have a wonderful time
We haven’t been on the cruise yet, but this looks pretty awesome. We’ll definitely want to cruise on board Bliss!
Author
Yes you will! Life changing
Commented before I think Nicole but I had to say Fabulous! Again! LOL….
Ryan
Author
Different ship kiddo! But thank you ?
Never been to a cruise ship yet, but after reading this, I wanted to go once. Seems like Norwegian has some of the best cruise ships in the world. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thanks for reading! I do like NCL a lot – been a faithful cruiser for over a decade and I am inclined to agree they do have some of the best cruise shipsm
Amazing post! This looks like so much fun I might just consider it now – wasn’t too sure about cruises initially but they seem fun! Great pictures too! 🙂
Author
Thanks!! Yeah cruising can be amazing
There is so much at Norwegian Bliss that caught my interest! Starting from the drinks at Coco’s, Starbucks at the sea (I cannot believe they have Starbucks coffee on board, I travel for miles looking for my early morning Starbucks fix when I travel to a new place), the vertical drop slide (I absolutely love it!), the race tracks for Go Karts and 27 dining options!! This cruise has to be the best ever!
Author
You summed it up : best ever! I agree
Wow that just seems incredible. A race track on a cruise? Haven’t been on a cruise in a while and it looks like they’ve stepped up their games haha
Author
Yes they certainly have! I think this ship is a game changer
To be honest, I am not a cruise person at all. But it does look like a nice way to let your hair down and enjoy for a few days with some friends or family.
Author
You’d be surprised just how awesome cruising is these days!
Sounds like a pretty luxurious adventure. That waterslide is insane and I love the silent disco. What if you and your dance partner are on different channels!! A beautiful cruise overall
Author
Haha yes that’s the best part of silent disco
Whoa this seems to fantabulous experience! I remember liking these pics in insta and the bits of info always fascinated me. Getting a clearer and complete picture here. Would love to get a cruise experience like this some day.
This looks like my kind of cruise ship! The food was making my mouth water just reading about it! I’ve always wanted to go on a waterslide at sea too!
I love how luxurious this cruise ship is! Perfect to spend a relaxing vacation for its facilities are perfect and so much to enjoy while you’re on a cruise ship. All of the food looks so mouthwatering and I love the presentation of the foods. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!
Unbelievable! I have never been on a cruise and this looks luxurious, almost perfect! And the vertical drop slide is a must!!!
Cruise is really high on our list and this looks like an epitome of luxury and purely a bliss. I loved the decor and the way they have taken care of every detailing. Vertical slide will top our list and the food too looks quite great. Beautiful write up and pictures.
I’ve only been on one cruise and it was with Norwegian. I thought it was great value, but the cruise ships and what they offer are definitely getting better since I went. A race track on a ship?? That is just too cool!
We recently booked our 4th NCL cruise. As New Yorkers we have been spoiled because our cruises have departed from NYC. Twice on the Breakaway and once on the GEM. However, our 4th cruise will depart from Miami on the Breakaway. So we will have to fly from NYC to Miami. I loved your coverage of the Bliss. Such beautiful pics and review. The food looks amazing! Thanks for sharing! Looking forwarded to reading more of these types of posts.