Norwegian Bliss Review: 12 Things That Surprised Me Onboard
I just wrapped up a cruise to the Mexican Riviera on Norwegian Bliss, and this ship surprised me in more ways than I expected.
Some of the surprises were big, like the Observation Lounge and Waterfront. Others were smaller details, like how easy tendering felt, how good the crew was, and how many quiet little corners I could find around the ship.
I also made a full video on this, which is worth watching if you want to see the ship, venues, outdoor spaces, cabin bathroom, and views for yourself.
Watch the Full Video
The video gives you a closer look at the spaces I’m talking about here, especially the Observation Lounge, Waterfront, pool decks, Speedway, and exterior artwork.
Quick Verdict: What Surprised Me Most About Norwegian Bliss?
The biggest surprise was how well Norwegian Bliss balances a large-ship experience with smaller, more relaxed spaces.
This is not a tiny ship, but it rarely felt overwhelming to me. The Observation Lounge, Waterfront, smaller bars, and outdoor seating areas helped spread people out and made the ship feel more personal.
If you like scenic views, cozy lounges, outdoor oceanfront spaces, and a ship with plenty to do, Norwegian Bliss has a lot going for it.
12. The Pool Decks Had More Space Than I Expected
For a ship this size, I was pleasantly surprised by the pool decks. Especially compared to the older Breakaway Class ships like Getaway, where the pool deck felt small and cramped.
There were plenty of chairs, good energy, easy access to bars, and enough space to enjoy the sun without feeling completely packed in. It felt lively, but not chaotic, which is a tough balance on a sea day.
I never made it to Vibe or the Haven on this sailing, and I didn’t feel like I missed out on outdoor space.
My only small complaint is that I wish there were more towel stations. If there was another one, I didn’t find it.
11. There Was Always Something Happening
The onboard activities also surprised me.
Between comedy shows, karaoke, trivia, sudoku challenges, sushi-rolling demos, and game shows in the atrium, there was almost always something going on.
What I liked most is that it didn’t feel forced. You could jump in and participate, or you could hang back and just watch. That is the kind of cruise activity style I tend to enjoy.
10. The Speedway Was More Fun Than I Expected
The Speedway is one of those features that sounds like a gimmick until you actually try it.
It is a go-kart track on the top deck of the ship, and I was surprised by how much fun it was. The electric karts were quiet, the fake engine sound was subtle, and the cars had more punch than I expected.
It is an upcharge activity, but I thought it was worth doing at least once. There are not many places where you can say you drove go-karts on top of a cruise ship.
9. Tendering Was Surprisingly Easy
Tendering is usually one of those cruise experiences people dread, but on this sailing, the process was much easier than expected.
The announcements were clear, the line moved quickly, and multiple boats were loading at once. I counted five tender boats lined up that morning.
It was efficient, drama-free, and it gave us some unique views of Norwegian Bliss from the water.
8. The Ship Shows Off the Ocean Views
Norwegian Bliss does a great job keeping the ocean visible.
Whether I was in District Brew House, Garden Cafe, Spice H2O, the Observation Lounge, or near the back of the ship, there always seemed to be a window or open deck nearby.
That matters. I don’t like ships that make you forget you’re at sea.
On Bliss, the outside world feels connected to the ship. For scenic sailings like Alaska or the Mexican Riviera, that design choice makes a big difference.
7. The Club Balcony Bathroom Was a Real Upgrade
If you’ve seen my full cabin tour, you know the bathroom was one of the biggest perks of the Club Balcony Suite.
The bathroom felt noticeably larger. You get double sinks, a larger glass shower, and more room to get ready.
It is not a life-changing upgrade, but it does make daily routines more comfortable, especially if more than one person is sharing the cabin.
Of course, the Club Balcony Suite usually costs more than a standard balcony, so you’ll need to decide whether that extra bathroom space is worth it for your sailing.
6. The Exterior Artwork Gives the Ship Personality
The exterior artwork on Norwegian Bliss surprised me more than I expected.
The hull art was created by Wyland, a conservationist artist known for his Whaling Walls. The design includes orcas, ocean blues, and a sense of wildlife and adventure that fits the ship’s Alaska routes especially well.
I like that Norwegian gives its ships recognizable personalities through the hull art. When you see Bliss, you know it is Bliss.
It also makes for a great backdrop for vacation photos and video.
5. The Interior Still Looked Fresh
Norwegian Bliss launched in 2018, but the ship felt very well maintained during my sailing.
I did not notice the kind of worn carpets, broken furniture, or tired public spaces that can make a ship feel older than it is. The interior had a nice mix of styles, from glitzy spaces like the atrium to warmer, more relaxed areas like Palomar and the Observation Lounge.
Overall, the ship felt elevated without feeling stiff.
4. The Crew Was Excellent
The crew was one of the strongest parts of the cruise.
Everywhere I went, from dining to bars to shopping to the internet cafe, the crew members were friendly, professional, and helpful.
One small moment stood out. I asked for the Freestyle Daily, and instead of just handing it over, a crew member took a moment to recommend some of their favorite activities for the night.
That kind of personal touch makes a difference.
I will say, I do miss getting the printed Freestyle Daily delivered to the cabin every night. I heard other people mention that too.
3. The Smaller Venues Made the Ship Feel More Personal
One thing I really liked about Bliss is that everything does not revolve around one giant central space.
The ship has smaller bars, lounges, and tucked-away areas where you can people-watch, read a book, grab a drink, or just hide in a corner for a little while.
That helped the ship feel less crowded and more fun to explore.
For me, those smaller spaces are a big reason Norwegian Bliss worked so well.
2. The Waterfront Is One of NCL’s Best Ideas
The Waterfront might be one of Norwegian’s best design ideas.
This outdoor promenade wraps around much of deck 8 and connects directly to restaurants and lounges. You can dine outside, grab a drink by the water, or sit in a deck chair and watch the ocean go by.
It felt calm, intimate, and connected to the sea.
I also liked that it helped smaller inside venues feel larger because the experience could extend outdoors. On our sailing, it was rarely crowded, and there was almost always somewhere to sit.
1. The Observation Lounge Was My Favorite Space
My favorite surprise on Norwegian Bliss was the Observation Lounge.
This space stretches across the front of the ship with huge windows and panoramic ocean views. The seating options were excellent, with couches, loungers, and plenty of comfortable spots to settle in.
During the day, there were snacks and refreshments. At night, the space became more elegant and cozy, with music and a quieter atmosphere.
If you are sailing somewhere scenic, especially Alaska, this is one of the best seats on the ship.
I spent more time here than anywhere else. It is peaceful, comfortable, and a perfect example of what Norwegian gets right with the Breakaway Plus ships.
Best For and Skip If
Norwegian Bliss is best for cruisers who want a large ship with strong views, lots of venues, outdoor seating, good energy, and plenty of spaces to spread out.
It is especially good for people who care about scenic views, relaxed lounges, and having more than just one main public area.
You may want to skip it if you prefer very small ships, dislike extra-charge activities, or want a quieter, more traditional cruise experience with fewer big-ship features.
Final Verdict
Norwegian Bliss surprised me in a lot of good ways.
The ship has strong outdoor spaces, excellent views, a great crew, plenty of activities, and one of my favorite lounges I’ve found on any cruise ship. The Waterfront and Observation Lounge alone would make me consider sailing this ship again, especially on a scenic itinerary.
It is not perfect. Some activities cost extra, and small things like towel stations or the missing printed Freestyle Daily stood out. But overall, Norwegian Bliss felt well-designed, well-maintained, and easy to enjoy.
If you want to see these spaces for yourself, watch the full video above. And if you like honest cruise reviews and practical tips, subscribe to Brad On Board for more.
FAQ Section
FAQ
Is Norwegian Bliss a good cruise ship?
Yes, I think Norwegian Bliss is a good cruise ship, especially if you enjoy scenic views, outdoor spaces, smaller lounges, and plenty of onboard activities. The Observation Lounge and Waterfront were two of my favorite areas.
What is the best part of Norwegian Bliss?
For me, the best part of Norwegian Bliss was the Observation Lounge. It had amazing views, comfortable seating, snacks during the day, and a cozy atmosphere at night.
Is the Norwegian Bliss Speedway worth it?
I thought the Speedway was worth doing at least once. It is an upcharge activity, but driving go-karts on the top deck of a cruise ship is a unique experience.
Is the Club Balcony Suite worth it on Norwegian Bliss?
The Club Balcony Suite can be worth it if you value the larger bathroom, double sinks, and bigger shower. It is not necessary for everyone, but it made the cabin experience more comfortable.
What is the Waterfront on Norwegian Bliss?
The Waterfront is an outdoor promenade on deck 8 with seating, ocean views, and access to several restaurants and bars. It is one of my favorite design features on Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
Is Norwegian Bliss good for Alaska?
Yes, Norwegian Bliss seems especially well-suited for scenic itineraries like Alaska because of its Observation Lounge, Waterfront, outdoor viewing areas, and large windows throughout the ship.
