Experience life on-board Norwegian Bliss

Many new ships are showstoppers, but Norwegian Bliss has groundbreaking features never before seen at sea. The wow-factor stretches across all 20 decks of this 4,004 passenger titan. This ship takes all the best elements of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet and presents them in one amazing seaborne experience.

For the young at heart it’s possibly the ultimate fun ship; for lovers of fine cuisine, it is a sure-fire winner; while those who seek top-notch entertainment will be in their element. One thing’s for sure, it’s impossible to miss the spectacular blue and white ocean-themed livery on the hull, created by marine-life artist Wyland.

Where to eat

There are no fewer than 27 dining options including the new modern Texas Smokehouse ‘Q’ that features live country music. There’s also Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea or Los Lobos, both of which feature Mexican favourites. Ocean Blue offers the finest fresh seafood and has both inside and alfresco dining; while a reservation at the company’s popular Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant is a hot-ticket.

Tastes of Tuscany are bountiful at La Cucina; while Cagney’s Steakhouse, serving Premium Black Angus Beef, is hard to beat – as is the sublime French bistro. There’s also a trio of main dining rooms called Taste, Savor, and the Manhattan Room.

Where to sleep

Accommodation options cater to all budgets and requirements – from extended families to single travellers. The thirty different grades include Inside, Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms as well as Mini-Suites. These provide superb comfort with a separate shower, sink and bathroom areas.

Each stateroom has two single beds that can convert into a queen-sized bed. There is also a full-sized flat-screen TV plus the option for connecting cabins and varying sizes. The much sought after Family Staterooms come in all sorts of combinations to suit all groups of passengers. There are also 82 funky Studio Staterooms for solo passengers; these have hip lighting as well as an unusual bathroom design and offer access to a dedicated lounge.

The 95 Haven Suites are Norwegian’s private top-tier accommodation and are perfect for families as well as passengers looking for the variety offered on a large ship while enjoying the privacy that’s the hallmark of a smaller one. The Haven Mini-Suites, Suites, Villas and Penthouses are located atop the ship near to the exclusive sundecks and pool. They feature round king-sized beds, special Bliss bedding, sitting room, private Jacuzzi, concierge service and 24-hour butler service.

What to do

The world’s largest onboard go-kart circuit is nearly 1,000 feet long and spans two decks. The race-track has 15 bends where you can challenge nine other racers at up to 30mph with sound effects making the karts simulate F1 cars.

An Aqua Park boasts waterslides that loop 11-ft over the side of the ship 159-ft above the waves. For something less hi-energy, the Observation Lounge at the front of Deck 15 has floor-to-ceiling windows affording sweeping panoramas.  Alternatively, there’s the chance to chill-out in the Mandara Spa, a sophisticated retreat with heated stone loungers in its Thermal Suite; as well a snow-room, steam-room, salt room, saunas and heated ‘vitality’ whirlpool.

NCL is renowned for its entertainment and the West End musical ‘Jersey Boys’, featuring the musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, tops the bill. Another highlight is ‘Havana’ which brings the sultry and seductive rhythms of Cuba in its 1950s heyday to life on stage with a large cast of seriously talented dancers. In the Cavern Club, with its backdrop of weathered brick and vintage posters, a Beatles tribute band — dead ringers for John, Paul, George, and Ringo — catapults the audience back in time with early Beatles hits one night and Sgt. Pepper tunes the next.

There are 14 bars and lounges including the District Brew House which serves a variety of cocktails and craft beers from Red Hook Brewery and Elysian Brewery in Seattle; or there’s the Local – a pub with billiards and darts that serves food 24-hours a day. The Cellars offers an extensive wine list featuring varietals from Washington State vineyards, Tuscany and Robert Mondavi’s own Napa Valley Estate. Families are not forgotten as there’s the Splash Academy kids’ clubs for youngsters aged three to 12; teens have their own club which keeps them amused from morning ‘till late at night.

What I loved

The space-themed laser-tag is straight out of a Star Wars comic book and is great fun. I enjoyed an interactive battle with other gun–toting guests as we hunted for enemies against a spooky backdrop of an intergalactic bunker.

Top Tip

Make reservations for the hugely popular ‘Jersey Boys’ and ‘Havana’ shows in the Bliss Theatre. There are kiosks scattered throughout the ship that make it easy to get the best show times. These kiosks can also be used for speciality dining reservations, spa appointments, race-track rides and laser-tag slots.

If you would like to know more about Norwegian Bliss, click the link below to visit our website with more information. For any questions, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 1234 118 for expert advice on Norwegian Cruise Line.