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Norwegian Bliss cruise review
Norwegian Bliss in the Caribbean photo feature
Norwegian Bliss Goes To Sea video
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CRUISE REVIEW
NORWEGIAN BLISS Caribbean cruise Winter 2018-19 by Richard H. Wagner |
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This was a seven day cruise from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas. The ship called in St. Thomas, Tortola and Nassau. (See our related photo feature). In summary, I had a very good cruise experience on Bliss.
Norwegian Bliss is an improved version of the line of ships that began with Norwegian Breakaway. Like sisters Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Joy, Bliss is somewhat larger than Breakaway but overall the design is similar. One of the things that I like about this line of ships is that they are not all the same. As above, they are all similar and have in common a large number of standard features that Norwegian's regular customers have come to expect. However, Norwegian has also demonstrated a willingness to try new concepts on each new ship. The most significant new concept on Norwegian Bliss was the addition of an observation lounge. This required structural changes and the re-location of a number of venues. However, it was a clear improvement to the design. It is much larger than observation lounges on other cruise ships. But at the same time, it is more intimate because its interior has been arranged into living room style sections. It also differs from previous observation lounges in that it has dining stations not just a bar. In keeping with its role as a large family-friendly resort ship, Bliss has a large amusement park on its upper decks. A go-cart racetrack has replaced the ropes course on earlier ships. In addition, a laser tag arena has been added to the forward section of the open decks. While these are not my thing, I could see that they were popular with my fellow passengers. Also, one of the nice things about the design of these ships is that the amusement park does not intrude upon those who are not interested in it. For those looking for quiet time outdoors, there is the Waterfront promenade on Deck 8. Dining When I speak with other cruisers, dining on Norwegian has a mixed reputation. Admittedly, there have been times when the food was not great. However, in recent years, the line has made a commitment to dining and the quality has significantly improved. On Bliss, I was pleased to see this commitment being carried forward. I was particularly pleased by the main dining rooms. All three follow the same menus. These change each night and offer good variety, ranging from popular favorites to intriguing exotic dishes. For dinner, the large Manhattan Room is the most impressive. For breakfast and lunch, I like the more intimate Taste and Savor restaurants (which is good since the Manhattan is usually only open for dinner). I was particularly impressed by the friendly service in Taste, although the service in all of the restaurants was good. Bliss has several specialty restaurants including some traditional favorites and some new concepts. With regard to the traditional favorites, over the course of my voyages with Norwegian, I have found that the line's specialty restaurants are very good at cooking filet mignon. You can have filet mignon in three of the specialty restaurants; Le Bistro, Cagney's and La Cucina. Each one prepares it slightly differently but each one can be relied to prepare it just as ordered. While it is a close call, my favorite is the Italian-style La Cucina's version because it has the most contrasting flavors.. These three restaurants on Bliss simply confirmed my beliefs. I was also pleased to see pizza back on the menu at La Cucina. At one point, Norwegian installed special pizza ovens in the La Cucinas around the fleet. As a result, this venue offered very good pizza. However, some villian decided to take pizza off the menu - - a very sad day. Now all is once again well. The only problem is that it makes for a very filling meal when combines with the filet. |
Le Bistro is in a different location than on Bliss' predecessors. It is on Deck 17 rather than on Deck 6. While the old location was not bad, the new location is an improvement. Instead of an interior room, you now have a room with windows. Even at night, this gives the room a lighter less confining atmosphere. In the daylight, there are impressive views. As in past versions of this restaurant, the décor carries forward the French-inspired theme of this venue but with a different array of artwork.
Turning to the new concepts, Los Lobos is a Mexican-inspired restaurant. It occupies the space occupied by Moderno on earlier Breakaway-class ships. While Moderno was fun with a parade of servers coming around to each table cutting off slices of the various cuts of meat until you were ready to burst, most people will find Los Lobos Mexican-style cuisine more popular. The guacamole was made at the table, which not only makes it fresher but unveils more flavors. In the area occupied by the Supper Club on Norwegian Escape, Bliss has the Q Texas Smokehouse. As the name indicates, this is a Texas barbecue venue. I do not claim to be an expert on barbecue but I enjoyed this experience. The chili was good, although it could have been spicier for my taste. I also liked the live band which played country-rock and country-pop tunes during dinner. Entertainment The main show in the ship's theater is “Jersey Boys.” This is a sea-going version of the Broadway bio-musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I thought it was well done. Furthermore, even though I had seen it before elsewhere, the strength of the music kept me from being bored with the plot. Bliss' production cast also performs a second show: Havana, which is a musical tribute to the golden age of the Cuban capital before the Castro regime. Again, the production values were good and the cast performed well. For me, the highlight of the entertainment was the Cavern Club. This venue occupies the area originally occupied by Fat Cats on Norwegian Breakaway. Instead of blues, it features British rock. It is named after Liverpool's Cavern Club where The Beatles played numerous times early in their career. This venue looks nothing like its namesake but the idea is there in the names of the British Invasion bands scrawled on the wall behind the stage. On some nights, a house band plays British music. On others, a Beatles tribute band plays. When the latter group was playing, it was standing room only. Indeed, it has proved so popular that a full Beatles-tribute concert was performed in the ship's theater on the last night of the cruise. During the day, Bliss offered the standard set of activities offered on Norwegian ships including trivia contests, and bingo (see our daily programs page). While Norwegian does some enrichment, more could be offered.. Nautical Norwegian Bliss performed well on this voyage, making her itinerary on time and with essentially no movement. Of course, the weather was good throughout the voyage and thus did not present a challenge to Bliss. The ship was in good condition with no visible signs of rust. |
Above: Captain Robert Lundberg.
Below: Hotel Director Jovo Sekulovic. 
Above: A studio cabin. These interior cabins are equipped with video screens that show what is going on outside the ship. The beds are narrower than on Bliss' predecessors but that gives the cabin more floor space and makes it easier to get around in the cabin.
Below: A balcony cabin. 
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