There is no better way to set sail on the open waters of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean than by traveling on the new ship BLISS with the Norwegian Cruise Line. I was lucky enough to be invited to experience the ship in Los Angeles for a quick two-day inaugural sailing to Ensenada, Mexico. After I disembarked, it set sail for Seattle and then sailed its way to Alaska. After this, it will make its way to the Caribbean for its 2018 sailings. Other ports on the Norwegian Bliss itinerary are the Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, and the Mexican Riviera.
Norwegian: NCL Bliss Deck Plans
Once onboard, the first thing I noticed about this stunning ship was the Norwegian Bliss deck plans! (I know, who notices things like that? Well, I do.). The Norwegian BLISS deck plans were exclusively created with the passengers of the cruise ship in mind. The NCL deck plans include 20 decks, with 15 out of the 20 accessible to the public. The remaining 5 decks are used for cargo, storage, engines and other crucial sections to make the BLISS run smoothly. The Bliss can hold up to 4,000 passengers.
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: What Type of Room/Suite/Villa Will I Stay in?
Starting from Deck 5 of the Norwegian Bliss deck plans, guests can experience staterooms with family size ocean view rooms and balcony-sized affordable rooms. Decks 5, 8-15, 17 and 18 are the only decks that have staterooms or villas. The higher the deck, the more elaborate the staterooms become. On Decks 17 and 18, guests can experience suite-sized rooms and a 2-bedroom family villa with a balcony.
Guests staying in the specialized Haven Suites and Villas have exclusive access to the Haven Restaurant and the Horizon Lounge! What an experience that would be! Almost like having your very own deck, or at least I would think it could feel that way!
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: What Type of Activities Are There for Me To Do?
This all-inclusive style ship has it all as there is no doubt that guests of the BlISS will have a fun-filled adventure on this ship. The NCL deck plans are not only filled with stunning rooms for guests to lounge in, but there are amazing activities to engage in. On Deck 5, there is a Splash Academy and Entourage Teen Club that keeps teens and children occupied with games, parties, and musical activities.
Parents can drop off their children and experience some fun adult time. As guests jump from deck to deck, the never-ending activities implode on them, making it difficult to choose one activity. Some of the activities offered on the BLISS include an Aqua Park on Deck 16, a fitness center on Deck 16, go-cart racing on Deck 19, and laser tag on Deck 20.
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: What Will I Eat?
Options for complimentary dining and specialty dining are never-ending aboard the Norwegian BLISS. Decks 6 and 7 are where the magic happens in the food service! The Taste, the Manhattan Room, and the Savor are three main dining rooms open to the public. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals in these dining rooms, including wine and Chef’s special dishes.
In addition to the main dining rooms, the restaurants Q and Teppanyaki are open to guests for an additional fee. Guests can choose for a Texan BBQ at the Q or a Japanese style shrimp dish at the Teppanyaki. Other dining experiences aboard the BLISS include 24-hour room service ($7.95 charge), the Garden Café (buffet) on deck 16, Cagney’s Steakhouse, The Bake Shop, Food Republic, Ocean Blue, Los Lobos, La Cucina, Dolce Gelato (all on Deck 8), Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Sea and Le Bistro, both on Deck 17.
For all you chocolate and coffee lovers, don’t forget to stop by CoCo’s for a trip into chocolate heaven or Starbucks for a mouth-watering venti macchiato (that is some sort of coffee for those of us who don’t drink it!).
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: Where and What am I going to Drink?
There are two bars located on Deck 6, the Atrium Bar and the Mixx Bar. Deck 7 has a Skyline Bar, which is a cocktail bar with awesome views. The lounge bars are also endless on the Bliss including the amazing Maltings Whiskey Bar, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, the Vibe Beach Club and the A-List Bar.
One of the most spectacular lounges onboard the Bliss is the Observation Lounge on Deck 15. This bar offers amazing drinks to guests along with 180-degree panoramic views. Spice H20 is an adult-only escape found on Deck 17 that allows adults to dance under the stars. This unique lounge area includes lounge chairs and hot tubs!
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: What? Can I Shop Too?
Shopping is an essential activity when traveling on the Bliss. You can check out the stunning jewelry at the Jewel Box, the Tides or the Time Zone.
The most unique store aboard the Bliss is the Margaritaville Store on Deck 8, which was inspired by the restaurant/bar. Shop for the latest fashion and beauty trends at the Sandbar and Tradewinds.
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: Relaxation
Relaxation is a must on board the NCL Bliss and the Thermal Suite Pass is where stress comes to rest. Guests can enjoy an amazing acupuncture session, Botox, a bamboo massage, an express shave, couples massage, facial, and of course, there is more. An interesting facial given at this spa is the epic 24 Karat Facial, made from glittering authentic gold. After a facial like this, you will look and feel like a million bucks.
Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans: What Type of Entertainment is Onboard?
To quench your entertainment needs, the NCL deck plans are where the parties begin. Everything from Jersey Boys to Social Comedy and Night Club to Havana the Musical and cover bands like Liverpool, a reenactment of the Beetle’s music. If you are looking for a unique experience aboard the Bliss then the Happy Hour Prohibition-The Musical is exactly what you need! Complimentary theme parties are also held on the pool deck and you can dance to the songs from the disco days or have a Texas-style line dancing contest. There is also a Bliss Casino, located on Deck 7, that is filled with poker tables and slot machines.
No matter what type of vacation you are looking to take, a cruise through the open waters on the Norwegian Bliss is a must. Imagine the sea breeze blowing through your hair as you sit on the balcony of the Haven family-style villa. You can enjoy comedy nights, win big at the Casino, and lounge at the Humidor Cigar Lounge for a good smoke. The NCL Bliss deck plans will keep your mind and body so occupied during your vacation that you will never want to leave the ship again!
Disclosure: As is common in the travel industry, I was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purposes of review by the Norwegian Cruise Line. While it has not influenced my review, PointsandTravel.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. All Photos were taken by the author/or were given permission from the photographer. Affiliate links are located in this article.
