After making its debut in New York on May 3, 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss made its way down to Miami where Recommend had the opportunity to hop on board and experience the newest member of the Norwegian fleet. From the nightly entertainment and fine dining venues to the on-deck activities and spa, there is much to explore aboard the Norwegian Bliss. While the cruise line may use the slogan “Feel Free” to encourage guests to feel at home and make the most of their stay on board, we say that these five experiences are absolute must-dos.
5. Go-Karting at Sea
Thrill-seeking cruisers can head to Norwegian Bliss’ deck 19 to fill their need for speed behind the wheel of a go-kart on what is the longest racetrack at sea. The 2-story racetrack allows drivers to go as fast as 30 miles per hour, but slower drivers are welcome, too. Taking a few laps around the track with glimpses of the sea in the horizon feels surreal as you focus on maneuvering through the twists and turns. For drivers vying for a spot on top of the leader board, each race ends with displaying the drivers’ best lap times; the ultra competitive can also race for trophies and prizes in a Grand Prix.
4. Overboard Water Slides
Adrenaline-pumping experiences don’t end at the go-kart racetrack thanks to the Norwegian Bliss’ Aqua Park. The waterpark features some classic rides, but what really caught our eye was the Ocean Loops slide. Riders stand inside a small enclosed tube with their arms folded across their chests when suddenly the floor beneath them disappears, sending them down a nearly 90-degree drop before being propelled back up again to go through a loop in the slide that is actually positioned over the edge of the side of the ship. The Ocean Loops slide is definitely not for the faint of heart.
3. Futuristic Laser Tag
Imagine an abandoned space station that hasn’t been inhabited for more than 200 years, and you have the setting for Norwegian Bliss’ action-packed game of laser tag. With the attention to detail inside the laser tag arena, it’s easy to feel fully immersed in this futuristic world set in space, while you explore the space station and zap anything that gets in your way. This activity is especially great for families.
2. Observation Lounge
Occupying almost all of deck 15, Norwegian Bliss’ Observation Lounge is a sight to be seen for anyone looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy themselves on board. Floor to ceiling windows offer Norwegian’s most expansive views at sea and a full service bar inside the lounge means guests don’t have to go far to grab a cocktail to sip on while taking in the views. Scattered throughout the lounge are groups of sofas and chairs that create an almost living room-like atmosphere so families or groups of friends can comfortably spend time together in the lounge. We can only imagine how the Observation Lounge will give way to stunning views of glaciers on the Alaskan sailings this summer.
1. Nightly Entertainment From Cuba to Liverpool
After a full day of fun and a tasty dinner at one of the ship’s more than a dozen dining venues, Norwegian Bliss keeps the amusement going with a full line up of options to keep guests entertained all night long. For the theater-lovers on board, Norwegian Bliss puts on a production of the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, as well as its own original musical Havana. Those in need of a laugh can enjoy some stand-up comedy, while the Cavern Club offers guests a chance to relive the days of Beatlemania with a Beatles tribute band playing inside a bar that transports them back to Liverpool. We danced off a few calories at the nightly dance parties on the pool deck and inside the ship’s nightclub, but don’t forget about the bars scattered throughout the ship and the casino.
