We were a family including 1 Grandma, 2 daughters, 1 cousin, 1 grandson in 3 balcony rooms, celebrating a 50th Birthday in addition to Halloween. Overall, it was an OK cruise, but we have had much better on the previous 4 NCL ships (Dream, Getaway, Escape, Spirit). The Bliss, being brand new, was a beautiful ship, with the very large Observation Lounge the best part of the ship, and the race cars next best feature (even at $9.99/ride). Room Steward was pleasant but not spectacular, bartenders were attentive and friendly (except for the blonde European gal in the Atrium), but service was severely lacking in all restaurants (fee + included) except for Riza & Denise the first night in Taste. Having a number of large groups on board this sailing, there were a few times I was unable to get into a venue due to ‘closed for private event’ sign posted. The adult pool and the shenanigans like boobs popping out during ‘adult games’ were easily seen by the kids on the second story of the kids splash area & slides. That in addition to the language and hollering during the adult games was entirely inappropriate for little ones. I continue to be amazed that no separate area for a kids pool is a standard feature on NCL ships, especially newer ones, save for the awesome Spirit which got the kids pool & its location spot-on. We had a terrible birthday dinner at Cagney’s, overcooked steak for everyone, a terrible Le Bistro dinner (food), and a great, entertaining dinner at Teppanyaki. Games in the Atrium were fun, cruise director and asst cruise director were a lot of fun. Kiddo (11 yo) loved the kid’s club as usual, made a lot of friends and took advantage of the race track 4 times, all on-demand bookings without reservations. The silent disco was a blast, it was only offered a few times, but should be a standard nightly offering. Jersey Boys was very good, but about 30 min. too long. Embarkation was a nightmare in San Pedro, clearly some labor issues going on, we waited 2 hours once we got to port, all of it standing. I got sick the last day of the cruise, which lasted another 5 days until I was well enough to go back to work, in office. I can’t say what the bug was, but the symptoms were identical to norovirus and took way longer than any stomach bug I have ever had. I talked to other passengers after cruise who also complained of on-board illness. All the new bells & whistles included, I would still pick a smaller NCL ship next time, or the Getaway, as the next NCL pick. We did all of our own excursions, not using anything sponsored by NCL.