Norwegian Bliss Review: The Good, The Great, The Bad, and the Downright Ugly
Mexican Riviera – March 31 to April 4, 2025
Welcome aboard! This was my very first time sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, but not my first time sailing solo—this was my third solo cruise to date. The itinerary? A short but sweet Mexican Riviera sailing on the Norwegian Bliss, with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. So how did this floating megaresort measure up? Grab a piña colada (or a strong coffee) and let’s get into it—the good, the great, the bad, and yes, the downright ugly.
🚢 The Ship: Norwegian Bliss
Launched in 2018, the Norwegian Bliss is one of NCL’s Breakaway Plus-class ships, clocking in at over 168,000 gross tons and carrying up to 4,000+ guests. It’s built for big experiences—think go-kart tracks, laser tag arenas, Broadway-level shows, and a sprawling Observation Lounge that stretches the width of the ship.
What stood out most for me? How solo-traveler-friendly this ship is. Norwegian’s Studio Cabins and exclusive Studio Lounge are a game-changer. Even though I got upgraded, it’s great to know there’s a space for solo travelers to mingle without a hefty price tag.
✅ The Good
Let’s start at the beginning: LAX to the Port of Los Angeles was a breeze. I landed at 8:30 a.m., was at the port by 10:00, through security quickly, and thanks to an awesome surprise—an upgrade to a Balcony stateroom for just $130—I was one of the first on the ship.
Embarkation was smooth, with just a hiccup in the muster drill process due to the upgrade. That confusion lingered throughout the cruise, but honestly? It was manageable.
My upgraded Balcony stateroom? Spacious, clean, and surprisingly quiet. A win.
🌟 The Great
One word: Spa.
I splurged on the Thermal Suite pass, and let me tell you—it was worth every penny. The Bliss’s Thermal Suite is hands down the best I’ve seen at sea. Think:
- Endless padded loungers with ocean views
- Heated tile loungers for deep relaxation
- A bubbling therapy pool and hot tub combo
- Sauna, sanarium, steam bath, salt bath, and even a cold room (if you dare)
Pro tip: Buy the Thermal Suite pass on Day 1—spaces are limited and it makes every day onboard feel like a wellness retreat.
Entertainment? Nailed it.
- ICONS: A fantastic showcase of legendary music icons through the decades.
- Jersey Boys: Broadway-quality, energetic, and full of heart.
😬 The Bad
I’m just gonna say it—the food was a letdown. I’ve had better food at fast-casual spots back home.
Main Dining (Taste and Savor):
The ribs were fall-off-the-bone perfect, but drowned in an ocean of BBQ sauce. The mac salad and coleslaw? Tangy to the point of inedible. Night two, my ravioli smelled like it had been caught by a very angry lobster… and then left in the sun. Sent that one back fast.
The Local (Pub-style eatery):
Day 1 lunch—Reuben sandwich and fries. It was… meh. Reuben-lite, really. Later in the cruise I tried the pretzel bites and “beer cheese.” Better, but still not memorable.
Room Service:
Tried the Italian Sub and Strawberry Pound Cake. Solid 6/10.
Garden Café Buffet:
On the last day I stuck to basics—some deli meats, cheese, and coconut ice cream. Can’t mess that up.
🤯 The Downright Ugly
Here’s where things get real.
Guest Services: A Kafkaesque nightmare.
My Charles Schwab card got flagged. I cleared it, all good. Except… Finance couldn’t seem to process that. I received letters, voicemails, and more letters—every. single. day. Despite showing them the cleared transaction face-to-face, it kept happening. By night four, I was nearly in tears. This whole ordeal should’ve been handled digitally. The amount of time I spent in line at Guest Services? Borderline offensive.
Also messy: Mail mix-ups from my original cabin to the upgraded one. Everything was out of sync. I got someone else’s cruise documentation. Mine went to the old cabin. Chaos.
The Guests (or rather, the Facebook peanut gallery):
The Facebook group was a nonstop complaint-fest. Some passengers clearly expected Ritz-Carlton service on a mid-tier cruise line. Folks, this isn’t Silversea—it’s Norwegian. You booked a good-value, high-energy cruise, not a boutique yachting experience. The entitlement was exhausting. And let’s just say it wasn’t our international guests causing the noise. Some of my fellow Americans need a gratitude check.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Would I sail Norwegian again? Yes, with some caveats.
I’d consider The Haven for next time to avoid the Guest Services chaos. But honestly, the Thermal Suite alone might be enough to get me back onboard. Mornings in the Observation Lounge with a cup of tea in hand, staring out at the sea—pure magic.
This cruise had its highs and lows, but if you go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and a little patience, Norwegian Bliss can absolutely deliver a memorable getaway.
Want more solo cruise tips or ship reviews? Stay tuned—I’ve got more travel stories coming your way. 🌍🚢 Schedule a free consultation today!
