norwegian bliss alaska cruise august 2023

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7 Night Alaska Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

The scenic beauty of an Alaska cruise will brighten your spirit—from breaching whales to snow-capped peaks.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Norwegian Bliss - Passenger Capacity: 4,004 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2018 Last Refurbished:  2021

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

Cruise Line

Cruise Ship

Norwegian Bliss

Departing From

Destination

Ports of call.

Seattle, Washington , Juneau, Alaska , Skagway, Alaska , Glacier Bay, Alaska , Ketchikan, Alaska , Victoria, British Columbia

Special Promotions*

Norwegian: FREE Gratuities for Balcony and abov...

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Norwegian Cruise Line: up to $50 Onboard Credit*

• Itinerary & Pricing

7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing on the Norwegian Bliss

Departure dates: oct 2024 - aug 2025, stateroom prices for oct. 5, 2024.

Published prices from

Based on cabin prices

Taxes & Fees Included

Based on Oceanview cabin prices

Based on Balcony cabin prices

Based on Suite cabin prices

Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise fare rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau and Ketchikan Cruise

7-night norwegian bliss cruise.

From $1,459 per person* Includes government taxes, fees and port expenses of $0 per person

Norwegian Cruise Line

One of the most scenic and thrilling cruises is Alaska, and this 7-day itinerary even includes Icy Strait Point and its wilderness experiences. Just outside of Juneau is where you'll find the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Walk the nature trails and explore the Visitor Center with its view of the Juneau Ice Field. Icy Strait Point is home to the largest Native Tlingit village in the state and its waters are teeming with wildlife, including orcas and humpbacks. Since every shop at Icy Strait Point is Native-owned, this is the place for authentic goods and handicrafts. Your last port is Victoria, the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest. With its green spaces and Victorian architecture, it is stunning. See Butchart Gardens and the stately Craigdarroch Castle.

Included Extras

  executive member benefit.

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Norwegian Cruise Line sailing†

Onboard the Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss

Costco member reviews.

• Year Built: 2018
• Year Refurbished: 2021

Double Occupancy Capacity: 4004

Imagine exhilaration while exploring the wilds of Alaska. Imagine relaxation upon finding your slice of paradise in The Caribbean. Imagine Bliss. That’s what you’ll experience when you vacation on board Norwegian Bliss. Custom-built for the spectacular, Norwegian Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge for you to soak in every stunning moment, from bald eagles soaring over glaciers to dolphins splashing through warm turquoise waters. Come aboard and experience the best dining, entertainment, and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivaled natural beauty. Whether you choose to go tropical or a little wild, there’s one word to describe the experiences awaiting you on one of Norwegian’s newest ships: Bliss.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Rock-Climbing Wall
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Religious Services
• Safe Deposit Boxes
• Self-Service Laundromat

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Spa Thermal Suite

• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Full-Service Spa
• Spa Services/Massage
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Business Center
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Infirmary/Medical Center

The Manhattan Room

Main Dining

Savor:  Balancing classic favorites with unique new dishes, dining at Savor is a must. Offering guests an extensive menu of deliciously fresh flavors along with chic and modern decor, visiting this Main Dining Room is always in style. Complimentary.

Taste:  Serving a wide variety of cuisine, Taste offers a stylish and contemporary atmosphere. Plus, with a menu that changes daily and carefully selected wine recommendations, you'll experience a different culinary adventure with every visit. Complimentary.

The Manhattan Room:  One of three Main Dining Rooms, The Manhattan Room is where guests can enjoy specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Complimentary.

Specialty Dining

American Diner:  Pull up a chair at this casual diner and order from a diverse selection including lobster rolls and crispy chicken. Experience a slice of Americana with every bite. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Cagney’s Steakhouse:  Steak is the standard at Norwegian's American-style steakhouse. Sip your favorite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Certified Angus Beef® perfectly prepared. And don’t forget to order Cagney's famous truffle fries. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Coco's:  Come to Coco's because anytime is a good time to savor a decadent Mad Milkshake! With assorted bonbons and chocolate specialties from around the world, gelato, crepes and more divine treats than days in your cruise, Coco's is the sweetest spot in the entire ship. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Dolce Gelato:  Slow churned, dense and intense in flavor, gelato is Italy's answer to ice cream. And with so many flavors to choose from, our version is the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely stroll. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Food Republic:  Travel somewhere new with every delicious bite at the Food Republic by the Pubbelly Boys. A fusion of foods and cultures from around the globe, every sumptuous dish has been specially curated by the Pubbelly Boys, the culinary team who have reinvented the South Beach dining scene. Travel to Peru with the boys and indulge in their version of ceviche. Jet away to Japan and try a new kind of sushi roll. Or have a hearty helping of noodles from China the way the boys envisioned it. With new iPad menus, a variety of familiar favorites and unique additions from around the globe, you can travel the world without ever leaving the ship. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

La Cucina:  Buonasera! Enjoy the finest ingredients at Norwegian's vibrant Italian ristorante. Dine on classics like pasta carbonara or lobster fettuccine. Then indulge in the affogato. Your good evening just got better. Seating options include inside, atrium al fresco or ocean-side. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Le Bistro:  You may think you're in La Colombe d'Or, the charming French hotel filled with the art of its famous patrons, Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse and Renoir. Le Bistro is a feast for the senses. The walls are adorned with paintings and the menu is filled with modern classical and contemporary French gourmet fare. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Los Lobos:  Bienvenido a Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavors with a modern twist. From handcrafted margaritas to carne asada marinated in guajillo chiles and tequila to Ibarra chocolate ice cream topped with dulce de leche sauce, the chefs at Los Lobos focus on the details and unique flavor combinations. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Ocean Blue:  Tastefully nautical and temptingly delicious, Ocean Blue is not to be missed for seafood lovers. Whether dining inside or oceanside on The Waterfront, enjoy fantastic vistas and fresh, locally-sourced seafood. Cruising Alaska? Savor fresh Alaska salmon. Island hopping The Caribbean? Scoop up some flavorful ceviche or grilled snapper. Add a little local flavor to your day at Ocean Blue. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Teppanyaki:  Flying shrimp. Onion volcanoes. Twirling knives. The sizzles and surprises never cease at this authentic Japanese hibachi restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, chops and grills steak, seafood and chicken on a large steel grill right before your eyes. The chilled, sake-infused Wasabi Cocktail will have you flipping too. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Bake Shop:  Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent treats such as French macarons, chocolate bonbons and gourmet cupcakes. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Haven Restaurant:  A private fine-dining experience for guests of The Haven, serving unique signature dishes and wine offerings from Norwegian's impressive selection (private access for guests of The Haven only).

Q Texas Smokehouse:  Smoked over hickory, oak and pecan wood, all meats are infused with delicious flavors – whether ribs, chicken or brisket. Tap your cowboy boots to the beat of live country music and dig into some authentic Texas BBQ. Whether cruising Alaska or the tropics, you're only a short walk away from the smokehouse. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Garden Café

Casual Dining

Garden Café:  Chefs whip-up freshly, prepared-to-order omelets, crêpes, pasta, seafood, ethnic cuisine, burgers, delightful desserts and more. Complimentary.

The Haven Lounge:  Exclusive to The Haven guests, enjoy your favorite cocktail and light bites surrounded by ultimate luxury (private access for guests of The Haven only).

The Local Bar & Grill:  The Local offers classic pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. With popular dishes like the Reuben Sandwich and Fish n' Chips, The Local has all your favorite comfort foods. Complimentary.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

• > Inside Stateroom
• > Ocean View Stateroom
• > Balcony Stateroom
• > Suite Stateroom

This stateroom offers two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and two pullman beds.

Inside (Category: IA)

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate up to four guests total.

Sailaway Inside (Category: IX)

A Sail Away Inside stateroom guarantees an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned between time of booking up to one day prior to embarkation.

Inside (Category: IF)

Inside (category: ib), family inside (category: i4).

An affordable family option, these staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and two pullman beds.

Solo Inside (Category: IT)

These staterooms include a queen-size bed and the same amenities as other inside staterooms. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.

These staterooms offer clear views of the ocean, two single beds that convert to a queen-size bed, and a private bathroom.

Oceanview with Picture Window (Category: OA)

Enjoy a large picture window with amazing views and two single beds that convert to a queen.

Oceanview with Picture Window (Category: OB)

Sailaway oceanview (category: ox).

A Sail Away Oceanview stateroom guarantees an Oceanview stateroom or better! Please note that the view may be fully obstructed, partially obstructed, porthole or picture window. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Family Oceanview (Category: O4)

Perfect for families, most of these staterooms are near the kids' area and include two single beds that convert to a queen and additional bedding that can accommodate up to three additional guests. Sleeps up to five.

Family Oceanview (Category: O5)

Solo oceanview (category: ot).

These staterooms feature a large round window and a queen-size bed. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to 2 guests.

Aft-Facing Balcony (Category: B1)

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and are aft-facing, so the view from your private balcony is amazing.

Large Balcony (Category: B6)

These staterooms offer incredible views from the balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep one or two more.

Balcony (Category: BA)

Enjoy easy access to all the delicious dining and exciting activities on board from your stateroom that includes two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to four total guests.

Balcony (Category: BF)

Sailaway balcony (category: bx).

A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Family balcony (category: b4).

Perfect for families. Include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to two more guests.

Solo Balcony (Category: BT)

These spacious staterooms include a queen-size bed, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.

Suites offer a comfortable bedroom, a living area and a private balcony.

Club Balcony Suite with Larger Balcony (Category: M6)

Featuring two beds that convert to a queen and a sofa bed - some also include an additional pullman bed. These Club Balcony Suites also offer amazing views. Enjoy the dining and excitement just steps away from The Waterfront.

Family Club Balcony Suite (Category: M4)

Perfect for for families. Located mid-ship with easy access to everything, these Club Balcony Suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, sofa bed, additional bedding for two, and a private balcony.

Club Balcony Suite (Category: MA)

Most located mid-ship with easy access to everything, these Club Balcony Suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, sofa bed, some feature additional bedding for up to four total guests, and a private balcony.

Club Balcony Suite (Category: MB)

Club balcony suite (category: mc), sailaway club balcony suite (category: mx).

A Sail Away Club Balcony Suite stateroom guarantees a Club Balcony Suite stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (Category: H2)

Located in The Haven, these Suites offer amazing ocean views, a wet bar and spacious balconies. They include a king-size bed, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Large Balcony (Category: H5)

These luxury Villas located in The Haven provide the ideal retreat for the family. Featuring two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with a double sofa bed, additional bedding and two bathrooms, they offer stunning views from the large balcony.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony (Category: H6)

Perfect for the family, these Villas are located in The Haven and feature two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed, the other with a double sofa bed, plus additional bedding and two bathrooms.

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: HB)

Located in The Haven, these Penthouses feature a king-size bed and a double sofa bed, two bathrooms, and incredible views from the spacious, aft-facing balcony. Plus, a concierge and 24-hour butler attend to your every wish.

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony (Category: HC)

These Penthouses are located in The Haven and include a king-size bed and single sofa bed, plus a private large balcony with a fantastic view.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: HE)

Take in breathtaking forward-facing views. These Penthouses have access to The Haven and feature a king-size bed plus a sitting area.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony (Category: HF)

These Penthouses located in The Haven feature a king-size bed and single sofa bed to accommodate up to three guests. Admire the spectacular ever-changing views from the balcony.

The Haven Forward-Facing Penthouse with Balcony (Category: HG)

Pamper yourself in luxury and exceptional service in The Haven. Enjoy the spectacular views from the forward-facing balcony, a king-size bed and a double or single sofa bed to accommodate up to four guests, plus living and dining areas.

The Haven Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: HI)

Total pampering awaits with features like a private balcony, king-size bed, whirlpool tub, soothing décor and a sitting area with a vanity. This penthouse suite is located near the aft of the ship and includes access to The Haven and all its premium amenities.

• Ship Name: Norwegian Bliss
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2018
• Ship Class: Breakaway Plus Class
• Maximum Capacity: 6,057
• Number of Passenger Decks: 20
• Number of Crew: 1,716
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 111
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,396
• Total Inside Staterooms: 456
• Tonnage (GRT): 168,028
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 4,004
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 2,043
• Suites with Balcony: 80
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Bahamas

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

LIVE ALASKA NCL BLISS 04-22-2023 to 04-29-2023 Review

By graphicguy , March 22, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

" And another from graphicguy! Thank you for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic! "

graphicguy was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' and 5 points.

Wellllllllll...we're about a month of this sailing out of Seattle.  It's going to Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan and Victoria B.C.  Am in a Club Balcony and as been my recent cruise experience, I'm solo.

Kind of quiet Meet and Greet, but I've organized it. Go to the end of the thread if you're on this sailing and sign up so I can give NCL a more accurate count.  They usually proved some snacks and drinks.

The particulars......Seems any cruise I've taken since the restart (hard to believe, but I've sailed 5X since then) has been last minute bookings.  Have done this itinerary before and probably ranks as one of my top 2 or 3 (Bermuda and Mediteranean being the others).  What got me to look at this cruise was a targeted promo NCL was offering.  It's still not clear to me who they were targeting or why.  Just that some of us here at CC received coupons.  In particular, 20% off the cruise fare on Alaska itineraries.  It went as high as 50% off the cruise fare, but that is for sailings on the older ships.  Plus, I've never been on the Bliss before.  

While many look for deals on fares only, I look for the high value cruises.  That is, I don't worry about what the DSC is, what the tips will be, etc.  I look at the total cost of what's coming out of my pocket.  That includes the fare, the tips, the perks, the service charges, etc.  Individually, all those charges may be higher or lower than any other cruise line's similar charges.  But, the only thing that really matters is what my total out of pocket is by the end of the cruise.

So, let's take a look....the pricing is a little wonky.   Not sure how it happened the way it happened, but I'm not complaining.

FARE=$2,822

(DISC)=-$1,064

TOTAL=$1,758

Let's stop right there for a moment.  For those of you more astute mathematicians out there, 20% off is $564, amiright?  My discount was $500 more than that, or the $1,064.  How?  Why?  I dunno.  But, in fairness (and a genuine desire not to be surprised with an NCL email stating "whoops, we made a mistake, here's the correct fare"), I contacted NCL and told them of the error.  They admitted to it, but also said they could not change it as it was already booked.  Alrighty, then!

IF you've followed any of the threads here at CC about the Alaska discounts, you'll note it's a weird deal.  Those of us Latitude members have had a 10% discount showing on the Encore to the Caribbean.  Nothing to get excited about.  But, the Alaska one, was a good and real discount.  Apparently, it was also one that caused NCL agents fits, as it was relayed to me. Good idea, just poorly implemented. 

Not one who is a Cracker Jack decoder of NCL's discount jargon, but for those of you who know this stuff, here they are as they appear on my invoice.  

I think what some of this means is I have the drink package, the SDP (2 of them).

Let's add those in...

FARE=$1,758

BEV SRV CHARGE=$153

DIN SRV CHARGE=$18

TAX AND PORT FEES=$325

TOTAL=$2,253

NCL, out of their infinite generosity is giving me $75 OBC.  AMEX Platinum is giving me $200 OBC.

My TA would have probably kicked in at least $50 OBC on this one, but she went on to other, greener pastures to work.  Not sure where, she just sent me an email saying "au revoir" (actually, not that term).  Tried to hook up with someone else at her agency, but apparently, they are in flux.

So, booked this directly through NCL.  I then transferred it to one of those YouTube travel vloggers/Travel Agents.  So far it's going well.

We'll continue this as things come up.  

The goal is to do this live from the time I leave my house to the time I walk off at disembarkation, chronicling everything in between (WiFi willing).

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Share on other sites.

Following! I'll be on the Bliss May 13-20, with a slightly different itinerary.

Great information Graphicguy!

Thank you for sharing it. I took advantage of the NCL Latitudes 20% off deal too and I booked it straight through NCL, since I was booking it so close to sailing. Got my helicopter tour booked for Juneau already. This is our 1st time sailing to Alaska. Does anybody have a suggestion on a few "must-see" things for the Skagway or Ketchikan ports? 

smillerholmes

Maybe by following I will get a coupon too!   🤔

Panhandle Couple

LATDBLX  = double cruise credits.  14 pts this cruise

LATREW = you are getting the Latitudes on board discounts for the level you are at. (gold, platinum, etc)

SHX50 = $50 shore credit at each port

wacruiselover

We get on the Bliss as you are getting off. This will be our 4th Alaska cruise. Three on the Bliss and one on the Encore. I personally like the Bliss better but both are nearly identical. I will be curious how full the cruise is and who is entertaining in the various bars. Our last trip (Sept 2022) was great overall but the Beatles group had a brand new George who was pretty lacking. We saw the show in the theater but skipped going to the ones in the Cavern Club. Hopefully they will be better on your (and my) cruise. Thank you in advance for doing this review.

Make sure you read up about Skagway and the results from last years rock slid. I think that RRA last year was a tender. Not sure about this year. Then Juneau has just limited visits to 5 ships per day. Several ships may be shuffling ports. 

ChiefMateJRK

7 hours ago, graphicguy said: Kind of quiet Meet and Greet, but I've organized it.

Are  🐀 🐀 allowed at your meet and greet?

(asking for a friend)

Following too, going in May

Happycrafter123

I’ll be excited to follow your posts!  We are going on the Sun on a similar itinerary later in the season and I’ll be particularly interested in any feedback on the NCL shore excursions, if you do any.

enjoy the planning stage right now!

3 hours ago, SightCRR said: Make sure you read up about Skagway and the results from last years rock slid. I think that RRA last year was a tender. Not sure about this year. Then Juneau has just limited visits to 5 ships per day. Several ships may be shuffling ports.  sightcrr

I had heard about the rock slide.  Also heard everything was back to normal.  Can’t remember the source of the reports.  So, who knows?

debenson0723

Always enjoy your reviews, especially as another solo cruiser, and Bliss is my favorite ship in the fleet (3 times so far).  I always say if Bliss had Onda on board, it would be the perfect ship. I have become a very last minute booker (last month it was the Joy at 21 days out...booked and checked in the same day). Will be checking back in 30 days from now (or maybe a few earlier to check your pre-cruise posts). 

6 minutes ago, debenson0723 said: Always enjoy your reviews, especially as another solo cruiser, and Bliss is my favorite ship in the fleet (3 times so far).  I always say if Bliss had Onda on board, it would be the perfect ship. I have become a very last minute booker (last month it was the Joy at 21 days out...booked and checked in the same day). Will be checking back in 30 days from now (or maybe a few earlier to check your pre-cruise posts). 

19 hours ago, mmcm1886 said: Great information Graphicguy! Thank you for sharing it. I took advantage of the NCL Latitudes 20% off deal too and I booked it straight through NCL, since I was booking it so close to sailing. Got my helicopter tour booked for Juneau already. This is our 1st time sailing to Alaska. Does anybody have a suggestion on a few "must-see" things for the Skagway or Ketchikan ports? 

Skagway….even if you just roam around the town (which is touristy), it sits with a backdrop of a mountain so close it looks like you can touch it.

The White Pass and Yukon Train excursion is worthwhile, too.

Ketchikan has the lumberjack shows, which is kind of kitschy.  But, if you like that sort of thing, it’s available.  I did enjoy the Crab Fisherman’s excursion.

Just going over the perks….

Took Free at Sea.  By now, everyone knows what that is…

-Drink package

-2 Specialty Dining credits

-$50/cabin shore excursion credit

-a little WiFi

You pay for tips for the drink package and the dining package.  Get this out of the way up front.  Drink Package tips are $153.  I know for a fact, without the drink package I would probably spend that amount after day 2 of the cruise.  So, well worth it for me.

$18 SDP tip?  Two really good dinners for $18?  Absolutely!  Sign me up.  This is particularly true given the Bliss has two of my favorite SDP venues…..Food Republic and Los Lobos.

Given I’m Sapphire Latitudes, I get two more SDs, which means I’ll probably hit up Teppanyaki and Ocean Blu, too.  

I’m an outlier.  But, as much as people have praised LeBistro, I’ve never had a meal worth my while.  The last time I dined there I had Lobster Thermidor.  The Lobster was tough.  The sauce was pretty gross looking and tasting.  Had Coq Au Vin one other time.  It was so salty, I could not eat it.  Both times the restaurant manager said they’d credit the meal.  Problem was, it was “free” and they credited nothing.  They didn’t even put the dining credit back in my account (believe me, I tried to get them to do just that).

Cagney’s has always serviced me well prepared steaks and sides with great service.  I know some have had issues with the venue.  But, no complaints on my end.

Food Republic has such a wide variety of thing I like, I’ve never had even a mediocre meal there.

To me, Ocean Blu is the best restaurant on ANY NCL ship.

I get a “bag” of free laundry for being in a Club Balcony, and another free bag because I’m Sapphire.  That means, I pack light and get laundry done as needed.  Given this is an Alaska itinerary, my clothes will be more sweatshirts and Khakis, which are bulkier, than the usual Caribbean outfits of light weight Hawaiian Shirts and shorts.  Will need that extra laundry perk.  Plus, they always do a great job with my laundry.

www3traveler

Did you add any time to your cruise to see Seattle?  If you do, I could make some suggestions for you.

There should be a Port Valet program again this year-- your bags are collected on the ship, send directly to the airport, to your particular airline and see see them again at your home airport.  You will be given information and instructions for the Program during your cruise.  This is a Port of Seattle program not a program of Norwegian.  The program is free to use.

AK Dreaming

I'm on this cruise too!  Heard our whole Haven is booked by a charter, but we don't know who.

19 hours ago, Panhandle Couple said: LATDBLX  = double cruise credits.  LATREW = you are getting the Latitudes on board discounts for the level you are Enjoy!

CC mods/admin have made it easier by designating the NCL decoding a sticky, just look it up on the top of page 1 here with the NCL forum, it's right there for all the previous & currently "known" codes - 

Going to fix this for GC ... goin' to be a happy guy b/c

14 minutes ago, www3traveler said: Did you add any time to your cruise to see Seattle?  If you do, I could make some suggestions for you.   There should be a Port Valet program again this year-- your bags are collected on the ship, send directly to the airport, to your particular airline and see see them again at your home airport.  You will be given information and instructions for the Program during your cruise.  This is a Port of Seattle program not a program of Norwegian.  The program is free to use.   Enjoy

I’ve actually used that program.  It’s great.  Thanks for the reminder.

6 minutes ago, AK Dreaming said: I'm on this cruise too!  Heard our whole Haven is booked by a charter, but we don't know who.  

I had heard that.  I put in a “POOR” bid, anyway.  Who knows, maybe someone in the charter group doesn’t show up on the day of the cruise and they pick my name out of a hat without tossing it back. 😉

Trying to decide whether it's worth it to book the VIBE given it's Alaska, in April.  Rainy?  Cold?  I sure would like the views from there, however.  Ping-Ponging back and forth on this.

On the one hand, I'm wondering if the cruise is going to be crowded given the lack of much activity on the Roll Call.  But, if it is sold out, I would appreciate being in the VIBE, but only if I can use it given the weather.

I will be on this cruise with a small group of friends.  I just signed up for the meet and greet.  It's my 5th Alaska cruise but everybody elses 1st.  I get to be the guide, "we're walking...we're walking!"   I have been packing for weeks now and have the days numbered on my calendar.  See you there!

1 hour ago, graphicguy said: Trying to decide whether it's worth it to book the VIBE given it's Alaska, in April.  Rainy?  Cold?  I sure would like the views from there, however.  Ping-Ponging back and forth on this.   On the one hand, I'm wondering if the cruise is going to be crowded given the lack of much activity on the Roll Call.  But, if it is sold out, I would appreciate being in the VIBE, but only if I can use it given the weather.

This early in the Season, I would not waste the money on the VIBE.  Use that money for the train ride to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.  If the train is running, this early in the Season that would be a gorgeous trip-- cold but gorgeous.

8 minutes ago, www3traveler said: This early in the Season, I would not waste the money on the VIBE.  Use that money for the train ride to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.  If the train is running, this early in the Season that would be a gorgeous trip-- cold but gorgeous.

Great advice!  Good suggestions.  Thanks!

Just check the Port of Seattle 2023 Cruise Ship Schedule, when you board you will be the ONLY cruise going out that day.  Coming back in, HAL Eurodam will also be dismebarking passengers.  SEATAC (the airport) will be crowded but not nearly as bad as a couple weeks later when the Season really fires up.

If you have not cruised out of Seattle before, be sure to be outside as you leave Pier 66.  You should be able to see the Seattle Space Needle built for the 1962 Worlds Fair and is still in use today.  There is an Observation Floor near the top of the Needle-- the elevator going up the outside is glass enclosed.  On a clear day you can see for ever.  To the South of Pier 66 is the Washington State Ferry Terminal and South of that hopefully you will be able to see Mount Rainier which is a do dormant volcano.

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The Best Way to Experience Alaska is with Norwegian

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Cruise to Alaska: Feel Free to Let the Outside In

Come aboard Norwegian Cruise Line to Alaska and feel what it's like when you let the outside in. Browse through our Alaskan cruises and find the best cruise deals designed to make your cruise experience unforgettable. With 7 cruise ships sailing from 5 departure ports , including land and sea packages on our Alaska Cruise Tours , there's something for everyone to enjoy. From action-packed wilderness adventures and extraordinary sightseeing on our shore excursions , to an extended sailing season, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect Alaska cruise holiday designed for you. With ships custom-built to help you see nature at its most majestic, you can witness whales breaching the surface, marvel at spectacular glaciers, and experience everything Alaska has to offer. When you cruise with Norwegian, the awe of Alaska stays with you throughout your holiday.

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Enjoy the Freedom to Cruise Alaska the Way You Like

There's a reason why the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian - we've got something for every type of traveller. Thrill-seekers will jump for joy at our two-level race track and laser tag, followed by a stroll down The Waterfront , our revolutionary quarter-mile oceanfront promenade, for a glacier-side meal, available on board Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss . Looking for a more intimate cruise ship experience? The newly revitalised Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit bring that and more with beautifully renovated spaces and staterooms. Sip a cocktail with spectacular views from the coziest spot at Spinnaker Lounge or take a dip in one of five luxurious hot tubs. Whichever ship you choose, Alaska and the holiday of a lifetime await.

Explore Alaska by Land and Sea

Head deeper into the frozen wilderness with one of our Alaska Cruise Tours on board Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Spirit, combining your cruise with an immersive land holiday that goes beyond the expected. Spanning from 7 to 15-days, these cruise holiday packages include overnight stays in Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Homer, Talkeetna, and Valdez. Exclusive to Norwegian, all Cruise Tours are led by local Alaskan guides to provide you with an authentic Alaska experience.

Alaskan Ports of Departure

Alaskan ports of call.

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Alaska Cruise Image Gallery

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• The Waterfront on Norwegian
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Explore Alaska Cruise Ports

Best Alaska EXCURSIONS

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest

Experience Alaska’s premier attractions glaciers and wildlife, from two very different vantage points, by land and by sea....

Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer - One Way

Cruise on the Wilderness Explorer expedition vessel through Misty Fjords, a waterway that ancient glaciers carved out of the rugged landscape. ...

Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show

Discover the rich culture of Southeast Alaska’s Native Americans and witness a rip roaring lumberjack competition on this comprehensive tour of Ketchikan. ...

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Join an adventure of a lifetime aboard the Aleutian Ballad, as seen on Discovery Channel’s - The Deadliest Catch. ...

Alaska HOTELS

Crowne Plaza Seattle

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle offers both a distinctive style and an ideal setting with unparalleled access to all that makes Seattle one of America's greatest cities. Conveniently located in downtown Seattle just minutes away from historic Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and within two blocks of over 25 restaurants and shops. Inside, we offer the Regatta Bar and Grille, a full service restaurant/lounge and complimentary exercise facility. Our Sleep Advantage Programme, offering luxury bedding, sleep amenities, quiet zone floors, and guaranteed wake up calls, is included in all of our spacious rooms offering city skyline and surrounding mountain & water views.

This 3.5 star hotel offers luxury and convenience with charming views from its exquisitely appointed rooms. Located Downtown, just steps away from historic Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and other attractions.

• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

The Westin Seattle

The Westin Seattle is the front door to downtown shopping, attractions, dining, and much more. This ideal urban retreat is steps away from the Washington State Convention Centre, Pike Place Market, and Space Needle. Our unique design offers breathtaking views of the Northwest's beauty including Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Our 891 smoke-free guest rooms and suites are designed to provide ultimate comfort and tranquility for our guests.

The Westin Seattle is the front door to downtown shopping, attractions, dining, and much more. This ideal urban retreat is steps away from the Washington State Convention Centre, Pike Place Market, and Space Needle. Our unique design offers breathtaking views of the Northwest's beauty including Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Our 891 smoke-free guest rooms and suites are designed to provide ultimate comfort and tranquility for our guests. All guest rooms offer high speed internet access and flat screen televisions and feature the Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Bath. Visit Relish Burger Bistro, our contemporary venue featuring a modern twist on an American classic.

Distance/Airport: 14.5 miles Distance/Pier: 1 mile

Package includes: Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Hotel is only available for the Joy sailings - Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

The hotel is located in downtown Seattle, connected to Washington State Convention Centre via an underground walkway. Light rail links and Pike Place Market are less than a mile away. Overlooking Elliott Bay, the Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and Waterfront Park are all within 12 minutes of the hotel.

Distance/Airport: 12 miles Distance/Pier: 1 mile

Package includes: Room and room tax Bellman/ Porter gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room.

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodations will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and a surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and a surcharge will apply.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Alaska Cruises

A Local Guide to Alaska's Glaciers

With over 27,000 glaciers, Alaska is one of the best places to see these majestic pieces of nature up close.

Let the Outside In

The best way to experience Alaska is with Norwegian. Learn why our ships are uniquely designed for the best glacier experiences.

See Alaska The Authentic Way

Choose from eight Cruise Tours to see the heart of this great land.

Learn When to See the Northern Lights

Find out the best times to see this scientific phenomenon on your Alaska Cruise.

Why You Need to Cruise the Inside Passage

Few of the many reasons why you will want to consider cruising The Inside Passage.

Explore Seattle

Check Out Seattle on Your Alaska Cruise

Cruise Alaska Without a Passport

Did you know it's possible to cruise without a passport? Learn more about cruising to Alaska without a passport.

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Norwegian Bliss Alaska Cruises 2024

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure aboard the magnificent Norwegian Bliss. As a member of the prestigious Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet, the Norwegian Bliss stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. With a multitude of decks boasting meticulously designed plans, it accommodates a generous number of guests while ensuring ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The ship's expertly trained staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every aspect of your journey exceeds expectations. At the heart of the vessel lies its main attraction, a stunning atrium, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and a grand staircase, setting the stage for an unforgettable voyage. Discover the wonders of the Last Frontier as Norwegian Bliss set sail from Seattle in style and comfort aboard this remarkable vessel.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) Alaskan cruises typically range from seven to nine days, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's landscapes. Cruises sail past iconic sights such as Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, and the Hubbard Glacier. Ports of call include Alaskan favorites like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau, offering guests opportunities to explore the rich local history and culture. Norwegian provides a variety of shore excursion options, from adventurous activities to wildlife viewing, making each day a new journey into Alaska's heart.

Alaska itinerary on board Norwegian Bliss from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Almost every Norwegian Bliss cruise to Alaska includes a visit to a tidewater glacier, glaciers which flow into the ocean, often with powerful calving. The most popular destinations are Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Strait of Georgia, Tracy Arm. The cruises nearly all call at Ketchikan, Skagway or Juneau, with some rarer alternatives for Haines, Hoonah and Sitka. Find and plan your next 2024 Alaska cruise out of Seattle, Washington; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; with Norwegian Bliss.

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Timetable 2024

7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Norwegian bliss, norwegian cruise line.

Date: September 28, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: October 5, 2024

Date: October 12, 2024

Date: October 19, 2024

10-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Date: April 2, 2025

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: April 12, 2025

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: April 19, 2025

Date: April 26, 2025

Date: May 3, 2025

Date: May 10, 2025

Date: May 17, 2025

Date: May 24, 2025

Date: May 30, 2025

Date: May 31, 2025

Date: June 7, 2025

Date: June 14, 2025

Date: June 21, 2025

Date: June 28, 2025

Date: July 5, 2025

Date: July 12, 2025

Date: July 19, 2025

Date: July 26, 2025

Date: August 2, 2025

Date: August 9, 2025

Date: August 16, 2025

Date: August 23, 2025

Date: September 6, 2025

Date: September 13, 2025

Date: September 20, 2025

Date: September 27, 2025

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website.

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Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Review and Alaska Trip Report 2024

by Prof. Cruise · April 20, 2024

Introduction

By way of a quick introduction, I’m Sarah, also known as “Prof. Cruise.” I retired after 10 years as a college professor to pursue my passion for cruising, moving across the country to Seattle where I now live downtown and within a five minute walk of the NCL cruise terminal at Pier 66. My passion for cruising is only equaled by my love for Alaska. I’ve cruised there so many times locals now wave to me, ask me to take in their mail when they travel, and flag me down to see if they can borrow a cup of sugar to which I reply, “you know I don’t actually live here, right?” I’ve cruised to Alaska dozens and dozens of times on nearly every cruise line and itinerary.

Anyway, the cruise I’m reporting on here was my second on the Bliss to Alaska, but was significant in that it was the very first Alaska cruise across all lines and ships of the 2024 season. It was also my first time cruising solo on the Bliss (last time I had my son with me). The itinerary included port stops in Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria and an evening sailing through the Endicott Arm Fjord (where we were supposed to view the Dawes Glacier, but couldn’t get close enough due to ice and weather conditions). I’ll be providing a detailed trip report from each day as well as highlighting some features I loved about the Bliss (and a few I didn’t) and some tips for those booked on or considering her. But first, here are three links to get you started. The first two are videos, one a full ship tour and one a cabin tour . The third takes you to all the dining menus (MDR, specialty, fast casual, room service, and more) I collected onboard. As always, feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences on the Bliss to the comments.

Norwegian Bliss Ship and Cabin Tours

Norwegian Bliss Dining Menus

Norwegian Bliss Alaska 2024: Daily Trip Report

Day 1: embarkation day.

Theme of day one on the Bliss: Cruising solo. Here are some photos that capture my first few hours onboard the Bliss.

Photo 1: Looking at my apartment from the aft of the ship while making faces at my husband and son and dog who are stuck at home.  Also taunting them: “Neener, neener, neener!”

Photo 2: The chocolate covered strawberries I polished off all by myself because I’m cruising solo and so very thankful I don’t have to share.

Photo 3: The desserts I’m hoarding in my mini fridge for late night emergencies.  With no one to judge me.

Photo 4: Me doing angels on the big bed for one.

Photo 5: A basket of carbs all for me.

These photos could also be used as evidence for why I’m not mature enough to work a real job.

Embarkation Day Lunch

Not that I’m in a rut or anything, but ever since I started sailing on NCL back around 2350 BC (when they still allowed animals onboard and Captain Noah was at the helm), I’ve eaten lunch on embarkation day in the main dining room and have ordered the exact. same. thing. 40,000 hush puppies later and they’re still delicious! Here’s everything I ordered (both Taste and Savor opened for lunch around 11:45am):

Photo 1: Five spice mango tapioca pudding

Photo 2: Sweet corn hush puppies

Photo 3: Orange chocolate mousse

Photo 4: Risotto primavera with pesto

Photo 5: Roasted tomato soup

Night 1 Dinner in the MDR

I ate my dinner in the MDR tonight.  And I’m going to say something extremely controversial now because I know no one reads my commentary when I post food pics.  So here goes it: I’m voting for Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.  No just kidding, I’m voting for Biden.  No actually I’m voting for Kennedy.  Or maybe I’m going to sit this one out in protest.  So now that I’ve offended the four people who bothered reading to this point, I’m going to say what I really came here to say: I think NCL’s version of chocolate lava/melting cake is better than Carnival’s even with the inclusion of fruit (strawberries) which generally have no business anywhere near dessert. There.  Unfriend me if you must.  Anyway, here’s everything I ordered to night (with photo 5 serving as evidence for my bold assertion with regard to cruise line signature chocolate desserts)…

Photo 1: The pepper that disqualified me from the clean plate club (but I didn’t let that stop me from ordering two desserts)

Photo 2: Vegetable burrito 

Photo 3: Cream of cauliflower soup 

Photo 4: Bread service

Photo 5: Warm chocolate lava cake

Photo 6: Honey crème brûlée 

Day 2: Sea day

Good morning!  It’s day two, our first full day which we will spend at sea enjoying some frigid temps, April showers, and large-ish swells (it’s ALWAYS a good time to cruise to Alaska as far as I’m concerned, but some jet lagged grumpy pants seem to disagree). 

Anyway, I have a personal cruise rule that doesn’t allow me to take any elevators.  It’s a weak attempt at obesity mitigation that honestly doesn’t help all that much and mainly serves to further justify my obscene cruise gluttony.  And mega ships like the Bliss always cause me to reconsider the policy.  Take this morning, for example.  I hiked from my cabin on deck 5 (where the cheap cruisers live) to deck 16 at 5:45 to hit the gym (where I planned to sit on a spin bike while binging Suits on my iPad as further justification for two breakfasts with servings so large most would count them as six breakfasts).  Before we continue with this story, we need to back up a few weeks.  Back in March I participated in the Big Climb where I crawled like a half dead snail up 69 floors of the Columbia Tower in Seattle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  But somehow these stairs on the Bliss are worse.  And there are mirrors on every landing reminding you of how awful you look and guilting you into continuing.  So this morning I huffed and puffed and passed out briefly before nearly drowning in my own sweat to make it up to the gym.  And after 10 minutes of getting my fan and iPad set up on a spin bike in the spin room (which was unlocked with no sign indicating that I couldn’t use it), I was swiftly kicked out (only those taking a class can use the bikes).  And I was like, THANK GOD! to the trainer who looked very confused.  And my brain was like, “well, I tried” and then I proceeded to The Local for my first breakfast (photos to come). I’ve included the daily schedule for today in this post as a reward for those who read to the end of my stairs saga. 

Day 2 Breakfast at The Local

Really this should be called “pre breakfast” because it’s where I get all the healthy crap with vitamins necessary for survival out of the way (what a poor design choice to have fruit be healthy and cinnamon rolls practically skip the stomach all together en route to the thighs).  Anyway, The Local is a complimentary English pub style restaurant open 24/7 for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks.  Here’s the menu and everything I ordered followed by my real breakfast (procured at the buffet):

Photo 1: The Local breakfast menu.

Photo 2: Breakfast sandwich hold the ham (apologies to my meat eating friends who are forced into becoming vegetarian food gawkers for the week).

Photo 3: Seasonal fruit salad (the best, freshest, ripest fruit you’ll find on the ship.  If you have to eat fruit).

Photo 4: Oatmeal with raisins I promptly rehoused to an entirely different table so I wouldn’t barf all over my oatmeal (which, honestly, already looked a little like barf).  The entire cup of brown sugar went right in though.

Photo 5: The #1 best breakfast item on NCL (available in one spot on the buffet – don’t miss them!).  Hot cinnamon rolls!  The other breakfast pastries (with the exception of the chocolate croissants which are decent) are dry and not that great.  

Day 2 Lunch at Taste

Taste is one of the three complimentary main dining rooms on the Bliss (Taste and Savor are located across from each other on deck 6 while the Manhattan Room is larger and located on deck 7.  They all serve the same menus, but only Taste and Savor are open for lunch and only on sea days). I got there at 11:45 to beat the rush, but after no one else appeared for like 15 minutes, I started to think it was something I said (a pretty good bet with me). Anyway, this is my favorite of the three rotating lunch menus on NCL because it features a fried taco salad bowl.  I always try to order just the taco bowl sans salad, but they always look at me weird, so I tell them never mind and just eat out the fried hunk of mozzarella and cheddar cheese shreds before shoveling out the beans and vegetables onto another plate and devouring all the crispy deep fried goodness.  It’s like the county fair at sea!  

I also ordered the tiramisu, noteworthy because it’s so delicious it’s worth sacrificing 3 nights of sleep due to extreme caffeine sensitivity (I’m the fully grown woman who orders an oat milk vanilla “steamer” like a five year old every time she gets invited for coffee). Anyway…

Photo 1: Cream of mushroom soup (a week’s worth of sodium, but so delicious)

Photo 2: Tiramisu (goodbye sleep)

Photo 3: What it looks like to be shunned on a cruise ship

Photo 4: Queso frito tortilla bowl

Day 2 Sea Day Activities

A chilly and rainy morning stroll along the waterfront on which I bragged to several passersby that it was “just a regular Sunday in April for this hearty Seattle gal” before promptly heading up to the Observation Lounge to secure a padded indoor lounger with a water view where I vegetated for the next 3 hours (get there early on sea days to snag one). 

But before I made it to the Observation Lounge, I stopped at my cabin to hair dry my shoes and hang my socks on the handy little wet sock hooks (there obvious purpose on an April Alaska cruise).  It occurred to me midway through this process that I should have packed some “poopourri,” not just for its intended purpose, but for the pungent smell of steaming sneakers.

Later, I briefly attended a presentation in the theater entitled “This is Alaska.”  I say briefly because as soon as I realized it was just a sales pitch for overpriced excursions I’ve done 10 times before and not a lecture by a naturalist (no sign of a naturalist onboard yet), I marched right out of there trying not to be rude, but probably coming across as extremely rude due to the marching. 

I ate and ate and ate.  Before eating some more. And then it was time for lunch. 

Something strange appeared in the sky later in the afternoon.  UFO?  No, sun!  And blue skies!  They started setting up outdoor dining at the restaurants along The Waterfront which I found overly optimistic considering it was only 40 degrees at 3:30.  Any takers?

After dinner I attended Jersey Boys which is one of the things that keep me coming back to the NCL mega ships despite the 400 flights of stairs I have to climb each day.  The full-length broadway style shows, including this one, are phenomenal and seeing them for free (well, sort of)…at sea…feels like the ultimate life hack.  Honestly, one night in a hotel room in New York plus dinner and show tickets would likely cost more than my entire cruise fare. 

Then I ate again. And flopped into bed while celebrating an extra hour of not sleeping tonight (we were instructed to turn our clocks back one hour) due to that tiramisu I ate for lunch.  Tomorrow is our first Alaska port of call: Sitka. 

Night 2 Dinner in the MDR

Tonight is “Dress up or Not” night (see the second photo for a description of NCL’s “formal night” policy).  Now seems like a good time to educate you on what we Seattleites consider formal.  This is pretty much as dressed up as we get with rain boots mandatory from about October through May (hat is optional, but I hate being cold and this is Alaska in April, so I figure better safe).  

The third photo captures tonight’s emergency desserts from the Observation Lounge, all with an international flare: Biscuits with fresh jam and cream, green tea pound cake, and chocolate cardamom pudding.  There was also a red velvet cupcake, but I ate it half way down the stairs for fuel.

Off to dinner (yes, it’s 4:30, don’t judge, plus I’m seeing Jersey Boys at 6:30)!

If you want to guarantee yourself the best seat (#aftview) in the Manhattan room, line up at 4:30. Another hot tip, if you’re heading to a two hour show right after dinner, don’t order the spicy pad Thai requiring you drink a gallon of water.  Who else is (unfortunately) in the small bladder club?  Here’s everything I ordered:

Photo 1: Cherries jubilee (nearly every dessert contained fruit or vegetables tonight.  For the love.)

Photo 2: After Eight mint chocolate mousse (despite trying to make the 6:30 show, I still ordered two desserts because I’m not giving up my dessert for ANYTHING, even one of the best shows at sea)

Photo 3: Spoils of being a lame nerd who eats early and is in bed by 9pm. Early bird, worm, etc.

Photo 4: Pad Thai

Photo 5: Thai spring roll (there seems to be a theme happening here)

Day 3: Sitka

Day 3 breakfast in the mdr.

We’re not scheduled to arrive in Sitka until 10:30, so I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast in the MDR where I conducted a little experiment in which I tried to determine how many items I could order before my waiter asked, “are you sure no one else is joining you?”  Sadly I never got to an answer because after the third item I feared I might get too full for my buffet cinnamon rolls, so I aborted the whole thing (for today, remember science always involves a lot of trial and error).  Here’s what I had with room to spare no thanks to my waiter who asked, “is that all?” after I’d already ordered approximately 40,000 calories worth of breakfast carbs. 

Photo 1: Table with a view (I arrived right when they opened at 7)

Photo 2: Pretzel roll sandwich hold the ham (one of the two daily specials)

Photo 3: Yogurt parfait 

Photo 4: Belgian waffle 

So, my port day in Sitka.  Sitka is the first and oldest city in Alaska so it’s fitting that it was the very first port of the 2024 cruise ship season.  I last visited here in late October on the very last cruise of the 2023 season.  And I did essentially the exact same thing today as I did 5 months ago.  I swung by a few historical sights on my way to the Indian River Trailhead where I hiked until hitting significant snow at which point I turned around after promising my mom I wouldn’t do anything too reckless like challenge a bear to a snowball fight (honestly, she doesn’t let me have any fun). Then I hit the waterfront on the way back to the ship where I snapped some photos and saw my first eagle of the trip perched in a tree near the playground stalking tourist children fattened up from 45 soft serve cones in two days.  

Some may be wondering why I cruise to Alaska so often and why I’d want to do the exact same thing two cruises in a row.  My answer?  It’s always magical, ethereal, with so many lessons to teach me.  And it’s never, never the same.  In October, as the environment around me began settling into winter, I witnessed the retreat, slowing down, and self preservation necessary for surviving a harsh season.  

Today?  I saw the first signs of vibrancy, of life bursting through the surface ready to grow and embrace the coming warmth.  A good reminder of the cyclical nature of life for all of us.  

Now I’m ravenous, so please excuse me while I head to the MDR to order two of everything because when I texted my mom to reassure her I was still alive, she informed me that I’d better eat an extra large meal and it turns out moms DO know what’s best for us.

Night 3 Dinner in the MDR

It’s not often that I’m tempted by multiple salads, but tonight I wanted all of them.  But then I worried about being a stereotype (vegetarian, salad, you know).  So I went with the obvious choice, the one with candy in it.  And it seems after only 3 nights the chef knows my preferences and put extra brittle in mine.  I also appreciated some warm soup after a chilly, drizzly day at port.  Then I carb loaded for tomorrow’s hike with pasta and bread.  When my waiter brought the dessert menu featuring tiramisu cake, I literally said out loud “NOT AGAIN Satan, I will NOT sacrifice another night of sleep for your sweet cream and espresso soaked ladyfingers.”  So instead I confused my waiter by ordering the sugar free cheesecake and the brownie s’more with enough sugar to murder a diabetic from three counties away. 

Photo 1: Roasted beet salad (with extra candy)

Photo 2: Sugar free vanilla cheesecake 

Photo 3: Minestrone soup

Photo 4: Brownie s’more

Photo 5: My plate right before I licked off the remaining pesto (what, I ran out of bread)

Photo 6: Rigatoni primavera with pesto

So I went up to the buffet for some extra dessert (I didn’t have a chance to stock up on emergency desserts from the Observation Lounge today) and accidentally walked away with a whole second dinner to eat in bed while watching Netflix. Oops.

Also, here’s today’s Freestyle Daily.

Day 4: Juneau

Day 4 buffet breakfast.

We arrived in Juneau early and only have a half day here, so I opted for a buffet breakfast along with 4,500 of my fellow passengers (note the capacity of the Bliss is only 4,000, but it’s like humans multiply and forget what a line is at the smell of bacon).  If you’re booked on this Bliss, here are a few buffet tips for breakfast :

1: The further back you walk, the more open seating you’ll find.  There are almost always open seats at the very back, even during peak hours. 

2. If you want a more serene spot to enjoy your buffet breakfast without having to walk all the way back to your cabin, go one deck down to the Observable Lounge.  It’s not crowded in the morning, there are plenty of nice spots to eat, there are beverage stations, and there’s a continental breakfast set up to supplement your buffet items (fruit, pastries, cereal, deli meats, and cheese). 

3. While the buffet is large, the selection of items mostly just repeats in many different stations.  However, there is a yogurt bar, hot cinnamon rolls, and a small (but fabulous) Indian section (located on the port side toward the back) that you don’t want to overlook.  

Photo 1: Selection of breakfast Indian offerings.

Photo 2: Heaven on a plate (for like two seconds before it became heaven in my belly).

Photo 3: Made to order veggie and cheese omelette with breakfast potatoes and a custom yogurt parfait.  

My Port (Half) Day in Juneau

When I checked the forecast this morning it looked like rain and temps hovering around 35 degrees so I suited up like a deep sea fisherman risking life and limb for her daily catch despite a promised hurricane. So of course we had sun and not a drop of rain.  You’re welcome everyone!  I sought out some standing puddles just so my rain boots wouldn’t start looking for alternate employment.  And my rain coat did, in fact, get wet.  But from the inside after I’d already sweat through three base layers. 

Anyway, I walked through downtown for research purposes (I’m working on an article for the blog about Alaska cruising in April) and then headed out for today’s hike on the Perseverance Trail.  I don’t hike this trail as often when I visit Juneau because I usually opt to hike to the top of the Mt Roberts tram.  But the tram wasn’t open for the season yet, so I wouldn’t have the option of taking it back down the mountain (which I don’t usually do anyway, but psychologically I like having the option).  

I’m happy I decided on Perseverance today both because it was a gorgeous combination of vibrant evergreens, snow capped mountains, waterfalls, and rivers.  But also because on my way back, two different people from the Bliss recognized me from my blog and thanked me for the Alaska cruise hiking guide I wrote (which was how they learned about this hike).  I spend a lot (LOT – I’m a painfully slow writer) of time writing reviews, guides, etc and sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads them.  So it was rewarding to learn I’d helped someone.  Because that’s the secondary reason I do all this (I mean obviously the primary reason is so I can cruise all the time, lol).  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to every person who visits my blog, reads my articles, offers me support, feedback, and information, and shares in my passion for cruising.  Thank you!

Night 4 Dinner in the MDR

Regrets, I’ve had a few.  On my last NCL cruise (to Antarctica/South America in December) I missed skillet cornbread night in the MDR because it was my son’s birthday and he wanted to celebrate at Teppanyaki.  I’ve regretted prioritizing my kid’s happiness over that cornbread ever since.  So I was NOT going to miss it tonight even though we were scheduled to cruise through the Endicott Arm fjord during dinner.  It was so quiet in the dining room it was like being in church and let me tell you, that cornbread was a religious experience.  

Photo 1: Eggplant parmigiana 

Photo 2: Carrot cake

Photo 3: Cannoli 

Photo 4: Skillet cornbread 100% worth sacrificing important family relationships and once in a lifetime scenery.

Coco’s and The Bake Shop

I upgraded my emergency desserts tonight both because I have a ton of onboard credit to burn through and because I was too tired to trek up 40 million stairs (I am NOT overly dramatic and prone to exaggeration, how dare you) to the Observation Lounge.  Instead I visited Coco’s and the Bake Shop for some premium chocolates, macarons, and a *mini* cupcake (which demonstrates my incredible restraint).

Endicott Arm Fjord

We didn’t make it to Dawes Glacier due to ice.  Honestly the whole thing was kind of unimpressive coming right on the heels of the skillet cornbread.  

Day 4 Freestyle Daily

Day 5: Icy Strait Point

Settle something for me please.  

The first time my husband saw me eating a cupcake like this shortly after we got married he said “there are many things about you I wish I’d known before we got married, but this one really takes the cake.”  To which I replied, “through sickness and bad puns.”  Anyway, this is how cupcakes are supposed to be eaten right?  Or were the rest of you raised by the same wolves as my husband?  Share your perspective to the comments please.

Day 5 Breakfast in the MDR

I’ve reached the point in my cruise where my body is craving fruit.  It practically shouted at me this morning to “put a vitamin in me woman or I’m going to refuse to poop out of protest!” (Sorry, but I’m just reporting the facts.)  So I started breakfast with the half grapefruit and orange segments which both made for a pretty photo and hopefully placated my immune system who I almost started to sympathize with when she was like, “I’m doing my best to defend you against 4,000+ germy humans, half of whom whisk right past the hand washing station at the buffet because the guy singing the washy washy song received his vocal training from a dying boar.”  Then I accidentally poured a cup of blueberries over my pancakes because I thought it was a second cup of syrup and was like, “THERE, ARE YOU HAPPY?!?!”

Photo 1: Half grapefruit and orange segments 

Photo 2: Traditional buttermilk pancakes 

Photo 3: Egg and avocado wrap (one of the two rotating daily specials

Sea Creatures at Icy Strait Point

As a youth I wanted to be two things when I grew up.  A writer (you have ample evidence by now for why that didn’t work out) or a marine biologist (what do you mean I have to study science and not just throw fish at lovable sea lions all day?).  Anyway, if you need to find me for the next several hours (like to bring me some buffet snacks, hint hint) I’ll be photographing every one of the thousands of sea creatures on this beach in Icy Strait Point.  Some dreams never really die, we just modify them to better suit our talents: mediocre cruise blogger/star (fish) paparazzi.  

Day 5 Lunch at The Local

This afternoon I lunched at The Local (complimentary pub restaurant) where I ordered the Reuben with no corned beef (because there isn’t a single vegetarian entree on the menu).  But I was too embarrassed to order it like that so I was like, “can I get the artisan grilled cheese?” Blank stare. “Okay, how about the Reuben with no corned beef?” Done! And yes, everyone sitting near me raised an eyebrow in perfect sync like they belonged to the same boy band. I also ordered the carrot cake which, for a dessert with vegetables in it, is a 12/10. 

Photo 1: Artisan grilled cheese aka Reuben sans corned beef

More of Icy Strait Point 

Nature trail with a giant eagle nest (a new addition since my last visit, which I speculated might be animatronic until I saw two eagles flying toward it during sail away and thought, “even Disney isn’t that good and this ain’t Disney”).

Walk to Hoonah as a Haiku:

Beautiful but wet Eagles flying everywhere Three cute seals swam by

Night 5 Dinner in the MDR

I always order the stuffed mushroom caps both because they’re delicious, but also because they are always SO. SMALL. and the jokes practically write themselves:

Honey, I shrunk the mushrooms!  What’s the mushroom’s favorite song? It’s a Small World After All.  Etc, etc.  For note, as a human so short I once mistook a cake topper as an actual bride and groom due to our similar proportions, I gave those mushrooms a nod of empathy before popping all three into my mouth at once like a trio of tic tacs.

The gnocchi is usually one of my favorite entrees, but this time they were practically drowning in so much overly rich sauce (wait, WHO ARE YOU and what have you done with the woman who asks for an extra side of alfredo sauce at Olive Garden to pour over her fettuccine alfredo), I had to throw in a life ring and then put them through a decompression process before eating them. Cobblers are the only dessert that should include fruit and even then in a topping to fruit ratio of 25/1.  While tonight’s ratio was closer to 1/1, it was still delicious, served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Photo 1: Mozzarella and plum tomatoes (basically the bruschetta, but easier to eat)

Photo 2: Stuffed mushroom caps

Photo 3: Apple and fig cobbler 

Photo 4: Potato gnocchi 

Photo 5: Banana split (disappointing, I’d skip it)

Day 5 Freestyle Daily

Day 6: Ketchikan 

Day 6 breakfast cupcakes .

Despite what you may have heard, cupcakes are NOT a breakfast of champions.  After starting my morning at 5:30 with an Oreo and a red velvet, I made it 13 minutes on the elliptical machine before I nearly barfed into the towel return bin (true story). 

Here’s the thing though, since I posted my preferred cupcake eating technique to Instagram and Facebook with accompanying photo, a few of the comments I received have really been weighing on me, keeping me up at night even.  As you know, I take dessert very seriously and when two alternate cupcake eating methods were proposed, I simply had to attempt them.  So this morning I busted out my emergency dessert (because this really WAS a pressing matter) and attempted the…

1. “Best for last” technique where you break the cupcake in half, eat the unfrosted half first to get it over with and then eat the frosted half. And the…

2. “Dipping” approach where you break off small bites of cake and “dip” them in the frosting.  

Results: Delayed gratification has generally served me well, but I don’t want to experience half my dessert like some depression era baking hack. Fail!  As for the dipping technique, that one was an immediate miss as my cake didn’t hold up to the weight and density of the frosting and crumbled.  I adapted by spooning little dollops of frosting onto broken off pieces of cake, but it was way too much work (I probably burned more calories doing that than I did on the elliptical this morning).  

All of this wasn’t for nothing though as I discovered a new technique especially effective for those of us with small (but mighty!) mouths: Frosting redistribution.  I simply broke the cupcake in half and redistributed half the frosting onto the bottom half.  Even distribution of frosting? Check!  Ease of consumption? Check! Clean nostrils? I think there may still be a stray M&M up there, but no frosting. Check!  Success! Maybe I should just have an omelette for breakfast tomorrow though. 🤷‍♀️

Today’s Hike in Ward Cove: Frog Pond Trail to the Perseverance Trail

Even though the Perseverance Trail is part of a trail system I discovered a few years ago within walking distance of Ward Cove (where NCL ships dock outside of Ketchikan), the name has so far discouraged me. When I think “perseverance” I think of some self help nonsense promising mental strength as a result of physical or psychological pain with no certain outcome. No thank you, I’m on vacation! But since I’ve “hiked” (it’s really more of a walk) the Frog Pond and Around the Lake trails about 10 times now, I decided to try this new trail after renaming it the “better to give up than have a sore ass at dinner” trail, thus removing any pressure or guilt.

While this trail did have significantly more elevation gain, it was gorgeous and ended at a secluded lake where I stopped for a few minutes to read one of my favorite poems by Mary Oliver :

So am I glad I tried this new trail? I’ll let you know how my ass feels at dinner! (I’ve booked La Cucina tonight.)

Night 6 Dinner at La Cucina

Tonight I used a platinum voucher to dine at La Cucina, the Italian specialty restaurant on the Bliss. My voucher included a complimentary bottle of wine which I had all to myself. So if you think I’m a bad speller who writes extremely weird reviews with a 100% clear mind, just wait till I have an entire bottle of wine in me. Here we gooooooooo!

The service tonight was…off, until it got really comically bad. The high point was when my waiter approached the table next to mine and called a clear “ma’am” a “sir.” I generously thought, “language barrier?” but when he realized his mistake three courses later, he just busted up laughing and was like, “you’ve been a lady this whole time?” Like maybe her gender identity changed between the antipasto and the risotto. I should mention that the bottle of wine I selected was called 19 Crimes, which I order every time because it’s the only one I can pronounce. But tonight it seemed very on brand and I offered to share a glass with my waiter who’d committed all 19 crimes before the 7 o’clock rush. The final crime occurred when I was informed that the dessert I’d ordered wasn’t ready yet and would I like the tiramisu (!!!) instead. You’ll recall I sacrificed an entire night of blissful cruise sleep to tiramisu like 72 hours ago and vowed to never order it again. Anyway, the food was very good, but only about 10% better than what I’ve been enjoying in the MDR and certainly not worth the extra $49 (not including the wine) it would have cost me without the voucher.

Photo 1: 19 Crimes Chardonnay

Photo 2: My table at La Cucina

Photo 3: Mozzarella caprese

Photo 5: Gnocchi a la something

Photo 6: Cannoli with a side of garlic to keep the devil from making me order that tiramisu

Okay, that review wasn’t so bad. I think I even used commas correctly a few times. Now off I go to do my best Whitney impression on (not at) the piano in the atrium even though karaoke doesn’t start for another 2 hours in an entirely different location and please come and visit me in the brig because “I, I, eye, will always love you youuuuuu!”

Night 6 Freestyle Daily

Day 7: Sea Day/Victoria, BC

Day 7 Room Service Lunch

I just finished a telehealth call with my therapist who gave me the following advice when I described the crushing depression I’m currently experiencing over my cruise ending tomorrow: “Turn on the news for a little perspective honey and please, for the love, don’t approach your friends and family for support because they will 100% resent and possibly even disown you.” Obviously I fired her, ordered a bunch of carby room service food appropriate for wallowing, opted for Netflix in bed over news, and am reaching out to you, my beloved cruise community for support, because I know you get it. Honestly, I’m not sure 7 night cruises should even be sold as vacations. By the time I figure out which direction to turn for my cabin coming off the stairs and which venue has the best chocolate cake (surprisingly, room service), they’re asking me to put my luggage outside by 9pm!

And to make matters worse, as soon as I disembark tomorrow, I’m moving (20 feet across the hall, but still!)! Which reminds me, if someone local to Seattle wouldn’t mind me crashing on your couch for a few days while I pretend to be lost at sea so I don’t have to help, I’d be ever so grateful.

Anyway, if you need me I’m in bed crying into my mac ‘n cheese and working up the strength to venture out to Coco’s to spend my last $11 in onboard credit on a giant ice cream sundae to further eat my sorrows.

Here are some room service food pics. There is a $9.95 + 20% service charge per room service order (but you can order as much as you want).

Coco’s

Last Supper at Los Lobos

“Supper” is such an old fashioned word and I like to think of myself as young and spry and hip (I mean as long as I pop a few Tylenol before rising from a seated position, I’m almost as steady as a drowsy toddler with some puréed food down her shirt), but coupled with “last,” supper feels appropriate for this occasion.

I was in the throngs of despair, yes, but at least there was guacamole and I was alone so I could double dip. The shareable guacamole was prepared table side which was a little awkward for this introvert, terrible at small talk. All I could come up with was, “how many times per night do you have to pretend to care about how people spent their day while you contemplate letting your knife slip on an avocado pit so you can spend a peaceful evening in the medical center?” He ignored my question and asked me where I was from. “Seattle.” And then I remembered protocol, looked at his badge which said “Philippines” and asked “small town or large city?” to which he responded “Manilla,” to which I replied, “oh, BIG city” and he moved on to his next table.

That guacamole was very (VERY) good and I ran out of chips before noticing how sad my little cup of untouched salsa looked.

I also ordered a betabel salad, the rajas and crema tacos, the elotes, and the tres leches cake. The tacos and the elotes were essentially the exact same dish, but with one including an edible delivery device and the other requiring another awkward conversation (they cut the kernels off the cob table side) and a fork. I dug around looking for the promised poblano peppers in the tacos, but found them more elusive than my dog on bath day (I looked for the peppers hiding under my chair which is where I usually find Henry, but they weren’t there either).

All my food was good (the corn with a side of corn and the salad) to great (the guacamole and cake) but again, not worth the a la carte price ($60 + 20% service charge) I’d have paid without my Platinum voucher.

Day 7 Freestyle Daily

Victoria, BC

Despite it being one of my favorite cities in the world, this is all I saw of Victoria on this sailing:

I’ve been to Victoria dozens and dozens (and dozens) of times and always get off the ship, even at night. My favorite thing to do there on evening stops is to walk to the lighthouse at the end of a long pier adjacent to the cruise ship piers to watch the sunset and snap some photos of the docked ships. However, because my sailing was in April, by the time the Bliss was cleared around 8:15pm, it was already dark. So I opted to stay onboard this time. Some may be wondering why Alaska itineraries round trip from Seattle stop in Victoria, most often in the evening, providing cruisers very little time in port. It’s to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act  which requires foreign-flagged ships transporting passengers between U.S. ports to make a stop in a foreign country. Don’t view Victoria as a wasted stop though – it’s a beautiful city, day and night!

Final Afternoon at Sea

On my final afternoon at sea I attended a matinee performance by The Beatles Experience in the main theater. This Argentinian cover band performed numerous shows throughout our sailing in both the theater and more intimate Cavern Club. They not only imitated the sound of the iconic band with near perfection, they also captured the essence of each band member to an almost eerie degree, like Lennon and Harrison had risen from the dead and reunited with McCartney and Starr to do what every famous musician most fears in retirement, performing on cruise ships. If you’re sailing on the Bliss, don’t miss them!

After the show we were instructed to stay seated for the traditional NCL farewell ceremony in which officers and crew are paraded out and introduced and they smile and wave pretending not to be resentful that this unnecessary spectacle has put them behind in completing their duties and that their 16 hour day is now 16.5. But the worst part was when the Captain came out and, even though I was sitting second row center, didn’t even acknowledge my week-long attempts at seduction with a little wink or nod or some other sign that he knew I existed. In a final desperate grasp at my dream, I imitated what I’d seen like 2,000 crazed women do earlier and flashed him while bobbing up and down and shouting in a glass shattering tone, “I love you Ringo” and back to the brig I went.

But that’s not where my legal troubles ended. As I went to disembark the ship the following morning I was flagged at immigration and instructed to “see finance” before I’d be allowed to leave. I was thinking “oh crap, I’m being busted for sneaking off some tiny boxes of cereal I’m going to try to pass off as a souvenir for my kid.” But it turns out I’d ended my 7-night cruise with a negative balance of $48 which I was given in cash. I mention this to drive home the point that I’m cheaper than a generic can of green beans, but also that you can have a relaxing, fun, indulgent cruise vacation without spending a lot on onboard “extras.”

A Few Tips for Debarkation Morning

You have two luggage options for debarkation. The first is self-assist which will get you off the ship sooner. However, you’ll be responsible for carrying all your own luggage off the ship. If you’d rather not haul your own luggage, you can place it outside your cabin door by 9pm the evening before debarkation. After debarking the ship, it will be available for you to pick up inside the cruise terminal (or if you have Port Valet, it will be transported directly to the airport for you). Here’s the debarkation schedule for each group:

While this is always me on debarkation morning…

…some may need to get off the ship as quickly and early as possible to catch a flight or get to work. If so, you’ll want to start lining up outside The Local at around 6:30am with all of your luggage. You’ll be processed through immigration right on the ship as you exit using facial recognition technology. Once the line starts moving, it’s a very fast, efficient process. If you don’t yet have transportation lined up, there will be taxis, shuttles, and NCL’s shuttle service all vying for your business as you exit the terminal.

Favorite Spots On The Bliss

I provide this section not because you care about my favorite spots to hang out on the Bliss, but as a service so you can avoid me should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being booked on the Bliss at the same time: “Well there’s 6 grand and 3 hours hearing about her baby who it turns out is actually a 25 pound dog of ‘uncertain lineage’ (it’s called a mutt, lady) we’ll never get back.” 

Even though I’ll bait you with a shirt that reads, “ask me about my dog,” DO NOT ask me about my dog!  Or just steer clear of any venues serving free food or drinks and these additional areas of the Bliss:

The Waterfront On The Bliss

Rarely occupied by more than a dozen or so people during the day, The Waterfront is the perfect spot to avoid crowds and enjoy comfortable seating and fresh air and scenery if you don’t have a balcony cabin. Here I am doing just that, despite looking like I’m geared up for a blizzard:

You can also maximize your drink package without judgment by rotating among several bars located nearby. 

The Observation Lounge On Port Days

Located at the very front of the ship, the Observation Lounge offers comfortable seating and unparalleled views.  It also features a bar…

…and delicious complimentary snacks and unique desserts, many with an international flair and not available anywhere else on the ship.

All of that makes it a popular spot and fighting for a seat among the crowds sort of feels like the purpose has been defeated.  “I came up here to relax, not to declare my objections to mixed martial arts. You two should really have gloves and head protection on if you’re going to punch each other out over that lounger!” 

I recommend avoiding the Observation Lounge on sea days unless you get there very early to snag a spot and bring something to pee into and an assistant to fetch your snacks. Otherwise if you get up for two seconds you’ll either lose your spot to a nimble grandma who’s been lying in wait with a 500 page novel she plans on finishing in one sitting or if you attempt to save your spot by leaving a sweater on your chair, you’ll get accused of being a chair hog, shunned, and required to wear a scarlet H on your shirt for the remainder of the cruise. Take full advantage of it on port days though when most of your fellow passengers are off the ship!

The Bliss Hot Tubs On Port Days

Ditto on the hot tubs.  They probably contain more pee than water on sea days, but you’ll be totally in charge of how much pee is in them on port days while everyone else is off the ship. 

The District Brewhouse On Sea Days

Without the drink package on this sailing, I spent more time in the bars when they were closed.  With huge windows and skylights, comfortable seating areas, and no crowds during off hours, The District Brewhouse is the perfect spot to hang out to read, play cards or board games, or hide from the brother-in-law your husband swore you would hardly see if you let him tag along: “Hey, there you are!  I guess I’ll let you buy me a beer.  Wait, it’s closed?  I’m heading back to the pool to sun my butt crack then if you start missing me.”

Least Favorite Spot On The Bliss

The gym is always my least favorite spot on any cruise ship, but I hated it even more on the Bliss, probably because I found it too hot and too small for the size of the ship and thought it opened too late in the morning (6am).  For the size of the gym versus the size of the ship, it really should be been open 24/7 to have a prayer at accommodating everyone weird enough to exercise on vacation.  

Activities On The Norwegian Bliss

With thrilling water slides that shoot you out over the open ocean, laser tag, and Go-Karts, the Bliss is two parts ship and one part amusement park.  Note that any outside activity is weather dependent and will be closed if it’s too cold and/or rainy.

How Much Are The Go-Karts On The Bliss?

Ten laps around the course will cost you $15.

How Much Is Laser Tag On The Bliss?

One 10-minute session of laser tag on the Bliss will cost you $9.95. 

A Few (Honest) Thoughts on the Bliss to Alaska

Watch out wolf, you’ve got competition from the Bliss when it comes to being big and bad.  Average-sized cruise ships hug the shoreline, hoping to blend in so the Bliss won’t swallow them up and spit them back out into the ocean along with the pulverized organic waste destined to become fish food. 

In case you haven’t heard, the Bliss is a huge ass ship.  I think the technical term is mega .  And while there’s a ton to do for those not content to relax and eat for 168 hours straight (me), it’s not ideal for anyone looking for a more serene experience.  I also hesitate in recommending it for the 7-day Alaska itinerary from Seattle (even though I’ve done it twice myself), especially for those who haven’t cruised to Alaska before. Why? Because times at each port are limited and you’ll spend a lot of that time waiting in line for shuttles to transport you to town (NCL has the least desirable docking locations in Alaska) and because NCL offers very little Alaska-specific programming and food (as opposed to lines like Holland America and Princess that offer a lot). Also, popular ship activities will be very crowded on your two sea days.  If that doesn’t bother you and you decide to book for Alaska, be sure to reserve your preferred dining venues and ship activities as early as possible, because everything fills up fast.   

If you’re fortunate, as I am, to have visited Alaska many times, the Bliss is awesome on port days when most passengers are off the ship.  In fact, on my first cruise on the Bliss with my son, we stayed onboard for the majority of our time in port and practically had the entire ship to ourselves.  That’s when the Bliss is really fun and you can fully appreciate all she has to offer!  And she has a lot to offer.

I guess my advice would be this: If you’re cruising primarily for the ports or don’t like sailing with throngs of kids (especially during school breaks), consider avoiding the Bliss in favor of a smaller ship or different line.  If you’re cruising for the ship, have kids or don’t mind kids, and are happy staying onboard while at some of the ports or are on one of her longer, non-Alaska sailings, definitely book the Bliss.      

If you’re already booked on the Bliss for a 7-night Alaska itinerary, ignore everything I just said! Even though it’s not my ideal ship for Alaska, I enjoyed nearly every second of my time onboard and at port and if you venture with an open heart, a sense of humor, patience, and a grateful, adventurous spirit, I know you will too!

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Guide to Cruising from Seattle in 2024: Hotels, Transportation, Attractions, Safety, and More!

First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions

Homework (10 points):   Are you booked on the Bliss? Ask any questions you may have to the comments.

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5 Responses

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Thanks for your review. Your reviews a always a “must read” for us both because of the information you provide, the humor. Sounds as if you had a blissfull trip.

One request – Would you provide an itinerary of your future trips so that if we happen to be booked on the same cruise we can bring extra food onboard so we won’t starve when the waiter mentions that they’ve run out…

I absolutely LOVED reading this review! My family is going on this cruise in September and I just sent it to all of them to read because I loved it so much. I did have one question! Were you able to get cellphone service on the boat? I’m debating if the wifi package is worth it or if I should just pay for data? Thank you so much!!

Thanks so much for your kind words! No cell coverage on the ship unless at port in Alaska (you will have coverage in most places in Alaska, so you can use your phone while you’re docked if you just need to occasionally check in with family, post to social media, check email, etc). Make sure your phone is in airplane mode while you’re at sea. Sometimes it will connect to the ship’s cell signal and you’ll incur massive charges by accident. Also, if you do decide to buy an internet plan, keep in mind that you pay by the day, so the price will drop each day. I waited until day 2 to buy my plan (instead of buying it on day 1), because you can use your phone while you’re docked in Seattle. Hope that helps! Have the best cruise ever and eat some good food for me!!!

We will be on the Bliss in August with a group of friends. Please tell me more about the rocky beach with all the sea creatures (in Icy Straight, I think). Thanks so much!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Explore The Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian cruise line.

The Norwegian Bliss was built in 2018 and is among Norwegian 's 19 ships in its fleet. The Bliss is included in the cruise line's Breakaway Plus Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Bliss vs all of the other Norwegian ships.

Norwegian Bliss Size

How big is the Norwegian Bliss ? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Norwegian Bliss . Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian bliss capacity.

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Norwegian Bliss can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Norwegian Bliss Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Norwegian Bliss is 4,004 guests . The average capacity for the 19 active ships in Norwegian ’s fleet is 3,073 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Norwegian ships has a minimum of 1,936 guests and a maximum of 4,266 passengers.

Norwegian Bliss Crew Members: Staff on the Norwegian Bliss include 1,716 members. That's a guest to staff ratio of 2.3 to 1 . The average Norwegian ship includes 1,303 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.4 to 1 .

Norwegian Bliss Passenger and Crew Capacity

Vs norwegian fleet, norwegian bliss length.

How long is the Norwegian Bliss ? From end to end, the Bliss length equals 1,094 feet ( 333 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 19 active vessels in Norwegian ’s fleet, measuring 988 feet ( 301 meters).

The smallest Norwegian ship (in terms of length) measures 832 feet ( 254 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1,094 feet ( 333 meters). Our chart below shows the length of the Norwegian Bliss vs all other active Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Norwegian Bliss Built Date

When was the Norwegian Bliss Built? The Norwegian Bliss was built in 2018 and joined the cruise line’s Breakaway Plus Class.

Norwegian includes 19 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998 while the newest ship was built in 2023 . The average Norwegian ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

When was the last Norwegian Bliss Dry Dock? The Bliss experienced dry dock improvements in NA .

Renovations include the following:    The Norwegian Bliss has not yet undergone refurbishment. There has not been a dry dock needed as the Bliss is relatively new, having been constructed in 2018.

Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans

The Carnival Breeze has a total of 16 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 5 . The highest passenger deck is Deck 20 .

What does the Carnival Breeze offer in terms of things to do? The ship features 21 restaurants, 21 bars, 3 shows, 53 activities, and 15 other features for your enjoyment.

Click below to access deck plans for the Norwegian Bliss . The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all things to do offered on that level of the ship.

all deck plans

Frequently asked questions.

Norwegian Bliss Info

The Norwegian Bliss has not yet undergone refurbishment. There has not been a dry dock needed as the Bliss is relatively new, having been constructed in 2018.

The ship belongs to the Norwegian class of ships known as the Breakaway Plus class.

The ship features 21 restaurants, 21 bars, 53 activities, 3 shows and 15 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.

The Norwegian Bliss has a total of 16 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 5. The upper most passenger deck is Level 20.

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Norwegian Bliss. The ship's capacity is 4,004. When comparing the occupancy to the average Norwegian passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 3,073 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Norwegian ships.

The Norwegian Bliss was built in 2018. Norwegian includes 19 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998 while the newest ship was built in 2023. The average Norwegian ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

Each of Norwegian's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Norwegian Bliss is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

From end to end, the Norwegian Bliss length equals 1,094 feet (333 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 19 active vessels in Norwegian fleet, measuring 988 feet (301 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.