Norwegian Bliss Review
Relaxing and fun Panama Canal trip
Rating by category
Additional details
Chose this cruise because a tour agency was offering a great price for an escorted cruise package. Having someone else take care of the arrangements is a must when traveling with my elderly parent. Also, the itinerary was less port intensive with a sea day or two in between each port.
If you have status with NCL, embarkation is always a breeze. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Port was a very different experience. It seemed that it took a while for the tour group to get called to start the walk down into the custom area. When we got there, we saw custom agents having to use cell phones to take photos of arrivals. Labor intensive to say the least, and the customs employees handled themselves very professionally.
The exercise layout for the Bliss is a little strange. Deck 7 outside has the tenders/ life boats and it only goes partway up and down the side of the ship. Deck 8 is the waterfront that is split with chairs / lounges and walking area. It was thoughtful of the dining staff to provide coffee/hot water and pastries around the waterfront bar areas for the cruisers enjoying the outside scenery. The walking area does not go around the front of the ship so walkers have to cut through the inside of the ship to continue walking.
Cabin Review
Inside Stateroom
The cabin was meant for three people with a bunk from the ceiling. There are individual light fixtures above each single bed with a USB port. The bed itself was heavenly! There were no shelf space for clothes like the jewel class ships. We used the nightstand and inside shelves of the closet which was limited. Bathroom/ shower is bigger.
Cabin Stewards are always pleasant and got to know our routine. They are the best ambassadors for NCL!
Port Reviews
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
Stayed at the visitor center only and watched the cultural performance which was excellent. The stalls offered enough variety for my shopping needs and the jade museum was informational.
Mazatlan
Security at port was extensive. Went out for a walk and returned for the mariachi band and folklore show in the bliss theater.
Puerto Vallarta
Watch for drainage ditches in the unexpected places like along walkways in central square. A companion fell in one and severely sprained her ankle and cut her hand.
We did get a taxi dispatcher to get us a cab and negotiated an one hour tour and it was great. We were two women too and had the driver was very nice and took our photos along the way.