Bliss on a Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest, most spectacular megaship, Norwegian Bliss, takes contemporary cruising to new levels. 

Cruiseco's From the Bridge, summer 2017-18 

Norwegian Cruise Line has been changing the face of cruising for more than 50 years. It was the first line to buy a private island for its guests, bring ten-pin bowling on board, introduce the “ship within  a ship” concept—The Haven—and revolutionise  rigid dining and entertainment schedules with freestyle cruising.

Norwegian Bliss, launching in April 2018, is Norwegian’s 16th ship and, like its fleetmates, boasts a host of innovative features.

Among the most eagerly anticipated is the racing track on the activity-packed top deck where you can whizz round the two-level, 300m track in go-karts that reach 48km/h. Thrill-seekers will also enjoy galactic games in the open-air laser tag court and screaming down waterslides that loop over the side of the ship.

For more relaxing ocean views, head to  the Observation Lounge; this venue is new to Norwegian Bliss and its vast expanses of  floor-to-ceiling windows provide an amazing outlook on the spectacular destinations the ship visits in Alaska, Central America and the eastern Caribbean. Light bites are served during the day and in the evening it’s bound to be a top spot for a cocktail.

Bliss for the tastebuds

As you’d expect on a super-stylish megaship that accommodates 4,004 guests, there’s an incredible choice of lounges, bars, restaurants and eateries. The Waterfront on Deck 8 features restaurants and bars that have indoor and outdoor seating lining its 400m boardwalk. Venues include Los Lobos (gourmet Mexican food and designer margaritas); Ocean Blue (à la carte seafood); La Cucina (Italian cuisine); Cagney’s Steakhouse (one of the line’s signature restaurants); and the laid-back Sugarcane Mojito Bar.

On Deck 8, you’ll also find the share  plate-style Food Republic, which specialises in a mix of Asian cuisines, the Bake Shop and Dolce Gelato for lovers of sweet treats, plus several more bars that cater for wine, whisky and craft-beer aficionados.

Then there’s 678 Ocean Place, a three-deck central hub with restaurants, shops, entertainment and guest services spanning Decks 6 to 8. No-charge restaurants here include the main dining rooms The Manhattan Room, Taste and Savor. The Local Bar & Grill is open 24/7 and is similar to O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill on other Norwegian ships. The Garden Café on Deck 16 is the buffet option with indoor and outdoor seating.

What’s on show?

Entertainment is a big deal on Norwegian ships and Norwegian Bliss will showcase everything from stand-up comedy to the best of Broadway. Headlining in the Bliss Theater will be the Tony Award-winning musical, Jersey Boys. Renowned director-choreographer Warren Carlyle is also developing an original Cuban-inspired musical theatre show exclusively for the ship.  

Another first for Norwegian Bliss is Social,  a comedy club that transforms into a nightclub after 10pm. Two comedy performances will  be featured six nights a week, offering adults-only and family-friendly acts, including  a cocktail show called Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical. 

Fans of smaller-scale entertainment will enjoy the Cavern Club, a lounge where a Beatles cover band gets the audience rocking and rolling to Fab Four classics.

Suites to hit the sweet spot

Like the entertainment, the ship’s suites are designed to meet the needs of many different types of guests.

Solo cruisers will have attractively priced virtual ocean cabins and their own private lounge and socialising space; group travellers can book interconnecting rooms; and there’s an extensive range of accommodation to suit young couples and families as well as multigenerational groups, from inside cabins  to mini-suites and spa balcony cabins.  

The exclusive Haven is set over three decks and includes 80 suites and its own private pool with retractable roof, restaurant, sauna and spa treatment room. The Haven’s two-deck Observation Lounge boasts panoramic views  to the main Observation Lounge.

Bliss on the Panama Canal

Norwegian Bliss is set to sail 7-day cruises in Alaska from June to September, repositioning to Miami to sail eastern Caribbean itineraries in the US winter. The 14-night Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles to Miami—departing November 3, 2018—offers the chance to experience everything the ship has to offer while exploring fascinating ports of call in South and Central America.

The first stop is Mexico’s Puerta Vallarta, a charming town set around beautiful Banderas Bay. A stroll along the boardwalk —El Malecón—features interesting shops, stylish restaurants and performance artists. Out-of-town tours include ziplining, hiking  and horse-riding in the rain-forested hills.

Transiting the Panama Canal is high on many cruisers’ wish lists and the Observation Lounge is the perfect venue to witness this engineering marvel. Norwegian Bliss will make the 77km journey between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on day 11.

Colombia’s Cartagena is another highlight. The walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with historic plazas, cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings.

FACT FILE

Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Vessel: Norwegian Bliss
GRT: 167,800
Maximum guest capacity: 4,004 Crew: 2,100
Entering service: 2018
Facilities: The Haven, 300m go-kart track, open-air laser tag court, Observation Lounge, The Waterfront on Deck 8 featuring restaurants and bars with indoor and outdoor seating lining the 400m boardwalk, Bliss Theater, Social comedy club and 678 Ocean Place—a three-deck central hub with restaurants, shops, entertainment and guest services that spans Decks 6 to 8.

CRUISE ITINERARY

NCL’s 14-night Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles to Miami on Norwegian Bliss departs November 3, 2018. Ports of call include Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Puerto Quetzal, Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera) and Cartagena in Colombia.

Package fares start from AU$7,055 per person, twin share and include Economy Class airfare from Australia to Los Angeles and returning from Miami, a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Los Angeles at Beverley Hills Marriott, a 2-night post-cruise stay in Miami at Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, and port charges, air taxes, government fees and prepaid gratuities.