Norwegian Bliss: The world’s most exciting cruise ship launches
Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Bliss is the latest giant of the seas from Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Bliss is the latest giant of the seas from Norwegian Cruise Line, a ship that manages to be everything to everyone, from a family fun park to a couples’ retreat. Décor is decidedly contemporary for a mainstream vessel (taking inspiration from upmarket sister company Oceania) and it boasts a number of firsts. Bliss has an astonishing 27 dining options and it flies the flag for Norwegian’s Premium All-inclusive service – so you can drink for free in all the bars and restaurants. The 4,000-passenger ship left Bremerhaven, Germany, on April 19 for Southampton on her way to the US for a summer sailing amid the splendour of Alaska.
Norwegian Cruise Line The Observation Lounge sweeps across and around the front of the ship
THE WOW FACTOR You’ll see her coming from afar – the front of the ship painted with whales, porpoises and turtles by famed American marine artist and conservationist Robert Wyland. It’s just as spectacular on the inside looking out: the Observation Lounge sweeps across and around the front of the ship and two-deck-high sloping windows give spectacular views from an area that’s both lounge and bar. Above this, the giant yet stylish Garden Café buffet restaurant shares the panorama as well as having ceiling-high windows along the sides of the ship. And in the atrium hangs an enormous, sparkling glass chandelier while the very top of the ship has a go-kart track 300 yards long that’s open to all at $5 a go.
Norwegian Cruise Line Standard balcony cabins have a sofa, small desk and coffee maker
THE LIFESTYLE Life onboard is a heady mix of traditional cruising delights and modern attractions. There’s always lazing on a lounger in the sun – but there’s more than one option pool-side. The 21-and-over Spice H2O, inspired by Ibiza beach clubs, is lazy by day and loud as the sun goes down. More of a hideaway is Vibe ($100 for the cruise) while the main pool area is always a favourite. There are also infinity hot tubs that jut out over the edge of the deck, and you need to try the twisting, turning Aqua Racer waterslides and Aqua Park. Other things to do onboard include an open-air Lasertag course – fun for all the family – and that two-level electric-car race track at the top of deck 19 where you can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. More traditionally, there’s the Mandara Spa, with everything from acupuncture to a classic gents barbers, a huge free gym and, of course, a library for those in search of calm.
Norwegian Cruise Line Two-deck-high sloping windows give spectacular views from an area that’s both lounge and bar
NIGHTLIFE There are 14 bars, open all day, that swing into life as the sun goes down. Try the District Brewhouse, packed with craft ales, or the pub-like Local (it serves 24 hours), Maltings (whisky), Sugarcane (mojitos) and Cellars (wine). The Cavern, official offshoot of the Liverpool venue, features a Beatles tribute band alternating between the early years and Sgt Pepper. And there’s late night clubbing in the Social. Shows in the huge, ship-wide theatre are top-notch with the Frankie Valli musical Jersey Boys and Cuban song and dance extravaganza Havana.
Norwegian Cruise Line Décor is decidedly contemporary for a mainstream vessel
STATEROOMS The vast majority are outward facing and most of those have balconies. These are neatly decorated in dark wood effect panels contrasting with cream stretches of wall lined with large mirrors, modern art and a recessed TV (with BBC, US channels and movies). Standard balcony cabins have a sofa, small desk and coffee maker, sleekly modern shower rooms with tiled floors and a variety of jets that catch you from varied angles. There are 374 inside cabins including 82 rooms for solo travellers in the middle of the ship, with virtual reality windows showing live footage of the outside, and with their own Studio Lounge offering 24-hour drinks (including wine). There’s also the top-deck Haven, a plush retreat where you’ll find the Deluxe Owner’s Suite, two-bedroom Family Villas, penthouses and spa suites. The Haven also has its own indoor pool, restaurant and its own discreet version of the Observation Lounge; it’s a place you’d happily live in permanently.
Norwegian Cruise Line It’s just as spectacular on the inside looking out