Who doesn’t love new car smell? What about new cruise ship smell of adventure and a plethora of fun filled activities and amenities? We all love those! So if you’ve been following my Alaskan adventures you know that there is incredible scenery and adventure on an Alaskan cruise. The tough part is always – which ship is best for you and your family? How to plan the cruise? (read my 10 Tips for Planning an Alaskan cruise) That’s a tough call until now with the brand new Norwegian Bliss ship set to sail from Seattle to Alaska in June. This new cruise ship is expected to not only introduce new features like go-karts and laser tag but also to up their already amazing list of features – connecting solo cabins sound like an instant winner! While the ship arrives in the U.S. this week to be officially christened and welcome travel industry guests to tour all the features of the new ship, I figured, I would provide 5 highlights of The Norwegian Bliss ship that I find quite attractive and exciting (official photos from Norwegian Cruise Line until I can get onboard for my own photos).
5 Highlights of the Norwegian Bliss Ship
Norwegian Bliss Solo Studio Cabins & Connecting Studio Cabins
For those who have always wanted to sail to Alaska solo now you have the opportunity to do so in your own cabin WITHOUT the single supplement. Last year, I had to pay a single supplement on the Holland America cruise which was annoying and made the cruise cost twice as much (I’m still a bit bitter but hey it was all about Oprah!). Not so on the Norwegian Bliss, now you can book a solo cabin and enjoy! The ship will have solo studio cabins on Decks 10, 11, 12 forward.
(Pro Tip – Book Early as Studio Cabins tend to sell out first on the cruises)
I previously sailed Norwegian EPIC when I ran away to Europe. On that fun filled adventure cruise, I was able to take a tour of the Studio Cabins for Solo Travelers (they were sold out when I tried to book). Norwegian was the first in the industry to focus on solo (not necessarily single) travelers with their small inside cabins with double bed. To say these have been a hit is an understatement. So to read that the new Norwegian Bliss will have connecting solo cabins! Well that’s impressive. Imagine you and a friend want to travel together but don’t relish sharing a bathroom or each having a small twin bed. Now you can each book a studio cabin with a connecting door. You each get a double bed and your own bathroom space. I can already think of a few friends that would love this option. I think you get to an age and like your own space to decompress without another person in the room (or a twin bed). Multi-generation family cruisers like me (Aunt Sue) and mom (Grandmom) can now each have their own rooms without sharing an inside cabin (Grandmom snores!). Each studio cabin will have a virtual view to enhance the cabin space.
Studio Cabins and Studio Lounge are forward on Decks 10, 11 and 12.
The Mandara Spa & Salon
The spa on Norwegian was already heavenly but Mandara Spa on Norwegian Bliss is definitely luxury. They sell a limited number of spa passes in advance and I always recommend spa lovers book the pass if they have a good amount of time at sea. The Norwegian Bliss will feature their famous Thermal Suite as well as a Vitality Pool and both a Salt Room and a Snow Room. Spa lovers get ready to bliss out.
Go Karts on Norwegian Bliss
I love bumper cars and go karts, neither of which I ever thought I’d see on a cruise ship out at sea. The Norwegian Bliss will feature a racetrack on the top of the ship – get your helmets and car ready to race friends and family to capture the checkered flag. If anyone needs to find me, it’s not quite F1, but I’ll be here on the track!
The Observation Lounge on Norwegian Bliss
The observation lounge in one word – WOW! Floor to ceiling windows give you an impressive viewpoint in Alaska and elsewhere. No longer will you need to find a space and lean forward for a good view. This enclosed vantage point will keep you warm in Alaska and up close to the glacier views. For those other sea days, bring a good book, grab a window seat and enjoy a drink from the bar.
Entertainment on Norwegian Bliss
I tend to find the entertainment choices a mixed bag on cruises. There’s so much talent and yet some cruise lines miss the mark in their curation. The Norwegian Bliss is kicking it up to Jersey Boys with a side of the Beatles (cover band) and a speakeasy. These music features are in addition to the many lounges and featured headliners and nightly shows. Passengers of all ages can enjoy the music of the past which laid the ground work for the music of today. I dare you not to sing along, that is if you can leave the relaxing spaces on the ship like the ultra luxury and exclusive The Haven, a private hotel within the ship.
Final Thoughts – New Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship
So these are just a few highlights that I’m excited to see arrive in the U.S. aboard the Norwegian Bliss ship as it sets sail to Alaska in June. Knowing what I saw on my Alaska trip last year, those fortunate folks are going to have a fantastic base of operation aboard the ship as it sails from Seattle to Alaska with two sea days and stops in
- Ketchikan (7 am – 3 pm)
- Juneau (7 am – 1:30 pm)
- Cruising Sawyer Glacier
- Skagway (7 am – 5:30 pm)
- Victoria, B.C. (4 pm – 10pm)
Highlights in each city (based on my prior visits and experiences):
- Juneau – Dog Sledding (sadly canceled on my last trip), Mendenhall Glacier (I strapped on crampons and went glacier hiking), Nature tours, Seaplane tours, Taku Glacier Hovercraft Adventures
- Skagway – White Pass Railway
- Ketchikan – Misty Fjords Seaplane (incredible experience landing on the water), Lumberjack show, Totem Poles, Zodiac Expedition
- Victoria – Butchart Gardens (one of my favorite gardens) and Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel
Thoughts on the new Norwegian Bliss cruise ship? Will you consider it for your next Alaskan cruise adventure from Seattle to Alaska?
