If you like crowds, action, noise, lights and the motion of the ocean...

I'm a seasoned world traveler and booked , first time on a cruise. I made my own reservations for port excursions. The port stops are wonderful, with much to see, but often not enough time before you have to return to the ship.

The Bliss is new, very beautiful, but packed with 4000 or so noisy people going every which way all the time.

Embarkation and disembarkation were faster and easier than I expected with so many people aboard; many families, elderly, people in wheelchairs, even with assistance dogs. Happy to see they are all made welcome and comfortable.

I liked my cozy single studio (99 compact sq feet) on deck 12, the ship's service in general (although some employees, like my groups' waitress in the Manhattan room every night seemed tired and was impatient), overwhelming choice of dining, entertainment (the musical plays Havana and Jersey Boys were outstanding) and the spa (I had an expensive massage)... but I grew weary of the crowds, confusion and noise, waiting at the elevators, then giving up and usually walking up and down the stairs. This fatigue added to my getting vertigo from the movement of the ship, which bordered on seasickness, which I've never had. I couldn't wait to get into each port and walk on solid ground, but the vertigo dizziness/balance issue didn't cease, even several days after the cruise ended.

I'm very glad my one and only cruise was on this magnificent ship and that I got to see some of Alaska. But I learned that I'm not a big-ship or motion-of-the-ocean fan and would not cruise again even if it was free.