I have to be honest. While I liked the first post, and I know we are supposed to like all posts equally, wait that may be our kids, anyway I’m way more excited about this one. In case you missed the first post centered on Food and Entertainment (shows/bars) here is a link. This Post will focus on things to do on-board and accommodations. All of the activities I am going to talk about are included in your cruise fare. We were on-board for 3 days and despite a VERY active schedule, we did not experience everything. Let’s start with the one most talked about, the Go-carts!
Like many of you reading this, I was first like “I’m too cool for Go-carts”. Not the case. These things are fun! They are also fast, yet safe. A few people have asked, “Don’t you feel like you are going to drive off the edge of the ship?”. The answer is YES. That is part of what makes it fun. Actually, I’m just kidding, you feel very safe the whole time, but there is nothing like racing a go-cart and catching glimpses of the sea while making tight turns and trying to pass your fellow passengers. I have a couple tips here. 1. Sign up as early as you can for this. We signed up within 20 minutes of getting on-board and were able to get a spot. People signing up an hour or two after embarking had some trouble. 2. If you are on the Bliss when it goes to Alaska, dress appropriately. Maybe consider bringing gloves. It was around 55 degrees when we went and my hands were freezing. Next up Laser Tag.
Laser tag was as fun as it sounds. You are put into teams and given your gear. Each team has a base where you can return to recharge if you are hit a certain number of times. Our team won by a convincing margin. My wife claims it was due to her. I make sure to point out that as a gentleman I was acting as a shield for her which allowed her to slightly out score me. My blog, so my version of the story is what will be on the record. My tip here, pay attention to the instruction at the beginning. There is a shield function on the gun which will improve your longevity and reduce trips to the recharging station.
Even though it was not exactly pool temperature (mid 50’s), we felt it our duty to try out the water slides. There are water slides for all ages. A splash pad with slides for the younger kids is close by the other water slides on the main pool deck. There is a relaxing slide for bigger kids and adults where you go down on a tube. It was cool, as it had lights inside it while you are going through. The next water slide is not for the faint of heart. This slide has about a 3 story drop and you actually go out over the edge of the ship. You start by stepping into the tube. After a countdown the floor literally drops out from under you. The rest you have to experience for yourself. For those of you who are concerned for us for braving these cold temperatures, we thank you for thinking of our well being. Do not lose sleep though, just know we had very strong drinks before and waiting for us after as we stepped into one of the many hot tubs around the ship. But not long enough to have ill effects, just long enough to warm up.
We had an opportunity to tour the spa, and if that is your thing, you have to do this. It was beautiful and had so many options in it. They of course offer massages, but also offer a beauty salon and barbershop for the men. Curious to know how many men actually take advantage of this. The spa has the regular features, heated stone loungers in front of large viewing windows, large soaking pool, and steam room. It goes a bit beyond by offering a salt room, 2 types of saunas, and a cold room with snow. Kudos to NCL for adding a lift by the pool so that it can be handicap accessible.
One of the items I was absolutely blown away by was the fitness center. Holy cow. It was better than most gyms I have been in. The spin room inspired me to call up my favorite spin instructor Sherri and tell her she needed to go on this ship! I could do an entire blog post on the fitness center alone. There were free weights, plenty of treadmills, elliptical machines, and rowers that you should not have a problem finding a way to get your workout in if the buffets and other incredible food cause you to feel the need to balance out your health plan.
The accommodations on the ship were nice from what we could tell. We had a balcony cabin on deck 15 near midship, starboard side. The bed was incredibly comfortable. The bathroom was very small, though most are on cruise ships. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of outlets in the room. Overall, we thought the room was a little on the small side. We felt like it would be a bit challenging to add two children to the room, even though that would theoretically be an option. Interior cabins, ocean view cabins and suites are available. If you have never been on a Norwegian ship, they all have fish swimming in one direction on the carpet. The fish always swim towards the front of the ship. That is to help you navigate the corridors. I’m not ashamed to admit, I did get turned around at one point and had to ask one of the cabin stewards for direction. She’s a big ship!
Since this is a family oriented blog, I would be remiss if I did not talk about the kids clubs. There are programs for the following ages, Guppies 6 Months – 3yrs (parents required), Turtles 3-5yrs, Seals 6-9, Dolphins 10-12. There are 3 separate areas (Guppies, Splashpad, Entourage) where activities are designed to be age appropriate. All are incredible. There were no kids in these areas when we toured the ship so we actually hung out in Entourage, the teenagers lounge, playing air hockey and video games. We figured we would set the high scores and give them something to work towards. That should keep them busy for at least 5 minutes.
All the kid zones are near the Arcade (additional charges may apply). Again, we stayed there playing different games so it is not just for kids, adults can have a lot of fun there too. Areas we did not get to include but are not limited to bowling and mini-golf.
I can’t recommend this ship enough, especially if you are travelling with kids. For more pictures of the Bliss check out one of our albums on Facebook.
Bliss Day 1
Bliss Day 2
Bliss Day 3