Norwegian Bliss

The 2018-built Norwegian Bliss cruise ship is the 3rd of four Breakaway Plus-class NCL vessels, together with the sisterships Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Joy (2017) and Norwegian Encore (2019). This class is approximately 7,000 GT larger than the previously biggest vessel in the fleet, Norwegian Epic. Bliss is NCL's 16th vessel and the 11th built by Meyer Werft (Papenburg Germany).

The vessel (IMO number 9751509) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000710) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Miami (Florida USA), the company is publicly traded on NASDAQ/NYSE (NYC). NCLH's major shareholders include Apollo Global Management (USA), Genting Group (Malaysia) and TPG Capital (USA). In 2017, NCL held a global cruise market share of 8.7% (passengers) and 8.4% (revenue). NCLH (the shipowner) operates the brands NCL, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent.

The 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss incorporates the innovative features of Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, along with several new interactive experiences. The vessel showcases an expanded Haven complex – the line’s “ship within a ship” concept. Accessible only by keycard, this exclusive area features an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard with retractable-roof pool, whirlpools, spa treatment rooms, sauna, and a private sundeck. Additional differences from the Breakaway class include more Haven Suites (42 increasing to 55), 26 additional Penthouses, 14 Spa Suites, and an expanded number of Studio cabins (from 59 to 82). The ship is homeported in the Port of Miami.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Bliss staterooms (2069 total, across 42 categories) include 1724 outside cabins, 374 Inside cabins, and 82 Studios (solo cabins).

Most staterooms measure 160-170 ft2 (15-16 m2). The ship has 1138 Balcony cabins, 111 Oceanviews and 374 Inside cabins. Wheelchair-accessible cabins number 47. The largest accommodations are The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites (1455 ft2 / 135 m2) with a wraparound terrace of 490 ft2 / 46 m2.

The 82 Studio cabins for solo travelers feature virtual views and exclusive access to the Studio Lounge. The vessel also offers many connecting staterooms suitable for families across multiple cabin categories.

The ship has 20 decks, including 16 passenger-accessible decks and 11 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Norwegian Cruise Line introduced à la carte specialty dining aboard Norwegian Bliss, allowing guests to enjoy gourmet dishes with the freedom to choose the number of courses. Norwegian Bliss offers 11 complimentary dining venues, along with numerous specialty restaurants such as Le Bistro, La Cucina, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Bayamo by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces. These signature restaurants feature enhanced menus with classic favorites and new creations. Passengers can enjoy anything from a light soup to a premium dinner featuring Maine lobster, tailoring each meal to their preferences.

The ship introduces the new “Q Texas Steakhouse” (barbecue eatery with live country music) offering brisket, chicken, ribs and sausages smoked over oak, pecan and hickory. Los Lobos, a modern Mexican venue, first debuted on Norwegian Dawn in 2016.

Norwegian Bliss is the first NCL ship with a full-service Starbucks store. The first Starbucks at sea debuted in 2010 on Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). Another new amenity was Coco’s, a chocolate-themed dessert venue serving pralines, crepes and truffles, paired with specialty teas and coffees. Coco's was removed during the vessel’s 2025 drydock.

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Bliss restaurants and food bars.

• Savor Restaurant (forward Main Dining Room / complimentary)
• The Manhattan Room (aft Main Dining Room / complimentary, Freestyle dining, dinner-only; includes a dance floor for evening shows)
• Taste Restaurant (forward Main Dining Room / complimentary)
• Private Room at Taste (group private dining, 100 seats, with separate lounge area)
• Le Bistro French Restaurant (dinner-only, reservations required; US$20 cover charge)
• The Local Bar & Grill (complimentary pub-style eatery with 24-hour service; modernized version of O’Sheehan’s Pub)
• Q Texas Smokehouse (live country music, Texas-style barbecue)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese Hibachi specialty dining; reservations required; surcharge US$29 per person; open for lunch and dinner)
• O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (sports bar with 24-hour American cuisine; complimentary)
• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar (Asian cuisine; complimentary; located in the O’Sheehan’s Pub area)
• Food Republic (international à la carte dining concept with iPad ordering)
• Pincho Tapas Bar (Latin cuisine)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (specialty dining; reservations required; US$30 cover charge; children dine free from the kids’ menu)
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse; US$20 cover charge; outdoor seating available)
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant (US$15 cover charge; outdoor waterfront seating)
• Bayamo Restaurant (Cuban/Latin seafood restaurant)
• Palomar (introduced in 2025, replacing Ocean Blue) – NCL’s first Mediterranean seafood restaurant; specialty dining with US$39 cover charge; indoor and outdoor seating
• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville At Sea (initially complimentary but switched to à la carte pricing due to high demand)
• Garden Café (complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating; serves global and Asian cuisine)
• Los Lobos Cantina (Mexican restaurant)
• The A-List Bar (44 seats) offering handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits and wines; named after NCL’s President and CEO Andy Stuart

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Bliss features an expanded 55-suite Haven complex with a large sundeck, two whirlpools, private dining, specialty restaurants, a Thermal Suite, 14 treatment rooms (Haven Spa) and a fitness center.

NCL Bliss is the world’s second cruise ship (together with NCL Joy) to feature a Ferrari-branded racetrack (deck 19), and the first North America-based ship to offer one. Built by RiMO Supply (Germany) in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches, this is also the first Formula 1-branded racetrack at sea.

• The 2-level track spans two decks and offers ocean views from 60 m (200 ft) above sea level. Up to 10 racers can drive electric Ferrari-branded go-karts simultaneously.
• The karts reach speeds of up to 40 mph (65 kph). Compared to Joy, Bliss’ track is 40% longer and includes 10 turns (Joy has 8), two of which extend over the side of the ship.
• Unlimited weekly passes cost USD 100 per person; day passes cost USD 30; single rides cost USD 10. Unlimited pass holders use a separate priority line.
• Passengers in Concierge and Haven accommodations enjoy complimentary rides. The RiMO technology ensures durability against UV exposure and saltwater conditions.

Norwegian Bliss also offers an open-air laser tag course (top deck), an Aqua Park with Double Aqua Loop (two multilevel waterslides—one extending over the hull, another with a transparent loop) and two racing slides (over 110 m / 360 ft long) with transparent sections.

Pool Deck 16 has two swimming pools positioned away from the deck’s center, plus cantilevered whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides. The kids’ water zone features splash pads, tipping buckets, water cannons and slides.

Entertainment options also include NCL’s fireworks show (once per voyage), “Rock of Ages”, “Cirque Dreams”, and “Illusionarium” (magic show). Below is the full list of lounges, clubs and entertainment venues for adults, teens and children.

• Bliss Theater (907 seats; Broadway-style productions; two shows nightly). Highlights include “Jersey Boys”, “Four Seasons” (Cuba-themed show by Warren Carlyle) and “SIX: The Musical”.
• The Supper Club (dinner theater with aerial acrobatics; surcharge US$30-40)
• Atrium (3-deck hub “678 Ocean Place” with LED screen, dance area and live events)
• Atrium Café & Bar (specialty coffee and tea)
• The Library; Card Room; Internet Café (24-hour)
• Social Comedy & Night Club (103 seats; stand-up comedy and DJ events)
• Mixx Bar (29 seats; piano bar between Taste and Savor restaurants)
• Bar 21; 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar; Tobacco Road Liquor Bar; Prime Meridian Bar; Studio Lounge; Waves Pool Bar (deck 16)
• Maltings Whiskey Bar (premium whiskies and beers; doubles as Library)
• Horizon Lounge (exclusive indoor venue for Haven passengers)
• Humidor Cigar Lounge (16 seats; smoking-permitted)
• The Cellars Wine Bar (operated with Mondavi; wine tastings, tapas menu, outdoor seating)
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar (indoor/outdoor; live Latin music)
• Carlo's Bake Shop (premium bakery by Buddy Valastro)
• Tradewinds Tax & Duty-Free Shops (alcohol, tobacco, souvenirs, jewelry, perfumes, fashion brands, chocolates)
• The Cavern Club Lounge (Beatles tribute venue; 45 indoor seats + 45 outdoor)
• Bliss Casino (gaming lounge with smoking and nonsmoking areas, LED screens, VIP room; served by Skyline Bar)
• Skyline Bar (cocktails, bar-top poker screens)
• The Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft / 402 m outdoor boardwalk with dining and entertainment venues)
• Bliss Ultra Lounge & Nightclub
• The Haven Lounge & Bar (VIP lounge with light buffet service)
• Waves Pool Bar (outdoor bar serving beverages)
• The District Brew House (craft beer venue with 50 bottled and 24 draft beers; partnership with Wynwood Brewing)
• Dolce Gelato (Italian gelato bar)
• Starbucks Coffee Bar (44 seats)
• Atrium Boutiques (duty-free shops)
• Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo-video services)
• Galaxy Pavilion (interactive gaming center with VR technology)
• Aqua Park (multideck water park with pools and slides)
• Kids' venues (Splash Academy, Guppies Nursery, Kid’s Aqua Park)
• Mandara Spa & Fitness (Thermal Suite, Snow Room, Salt Room, Medi Spa, 24 treatment rooms, salon, barber shop, fitness classes)
• Spice H2O (adults-only lounge; served by Breezeway Bar & Grill)
• Entourage Teen Centre (games, jukeboxes, teen disco)
• The Haven complex (exclusive sundeck, courtyard, lounge and restaurant)
• Rock Climbing Wall; Jogging Track; Sports Complex (Spider Web climbing wall, Bungee Trampoline, Mini Golf, Ropes Course, Zip Line, The Plank)
• Vibe Beach Club (99 seats; adults-only, with whirlpools, loungers, bar, private cabanas)

Below are the NCL Bliss venues by deck.

• Deck 20: Laser Tag Course, Ropes Course, Aqua Racer Waterslide (entry level)
• Deck 19: Haven Courtyard (sundeck, Jacuzzies), Vibe Beach Club, Speedway (racetrack), Mini Golf, Sports Complex
• Deck 18: Ocean Loops Waterslide, Haven Sundeck, Courtyard, Lounge, Restaurant
• Decks 17–18 (forward): two 2-level Haven lounges – Horizon Lounge and Haven Lounge
• Deck 17: Haven Courtyard pool, Jacuzzies, waterslides, jogging track, rock climbing wall, Le Bistro, American Diner, Galaxy Pavilion
• Deck 16: Garden Café, pools, Kids’ Aqua Park, Fitness Center, Mandara Spa, Salon, Barber Shop
• Deck 15 (forward): Observation Lounge & Bar (444 seats; 2723 ft2 / 253 m2), exclusive for Concierge passengers; panoramic views and buffet service
• Deck 13: Infirmary / Medical Center
• Deck 11: Studio Lounge (exclusive to Studio cabin guests)
• Deck 8: Cellars Wine Bar, Maltings Whiskey Bar, Cavern Club, Humidor Lounge, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, The A-List Bar, La Cucina, Palomar, Cagney’s, Food Republic, Dolce Gelato, Carlo's Bake Shop, Tradewinds Shops
• Deck 7: Box Office, The Local Bar & Grill, Bliss Casino, Manhattan Restaurant
• Deck 6: Shore Excursions, Internet Café/Library/Card Room, Photo Studio, Meeting Rooms, Guest Services, Art Gallery, Atrium Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, Teppanyaki, Taste, Savor, Mixx Bar, Starbucks, Social Comedy Nightclub
• Deck 5: Children’s venues (Splash Academy, Guppies, Video Arcade, Entourage)

Signature activities include the two-level Ferrari go-kart track, outdoor Laser Tag Course, multistory water park, outdoor tai-chi area and luxury-brand shopping district.

Galaxy Pavilion (gaming center) features interactive video walls and Oculus VR technology. Equipment includes three XD Dark Ride motion simulators, six Xbox stations, Star Wars Battle Pod, and hovercraft bumper cars.

Itineraries

Norwegian Bliss’ itinerary program is based on weekly 7-day Alaska voyages departing Seattle, WA on Saturdays. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC.

After her inaugural Alaska season, the ship was homeported in Miami, Florida for winter 2018-2019, operating 7-day Caribbean cruises visiting St Thomas (USVI), Tortola (BVI) and Nassau (Bahamas).

In January 2018, NCL announced that for winter 2019-2020, Bliss would be homeported in New York City. From NYC, she operates 18 Caribbean roundtrips ranging from 7 to 14 days, visiting ports in the Bahamas (Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay), St Lucia, St Thomas USVI, Antigua, Jamaica (Ocho Rios), Puerto Rico (San Juan), Barbados, St Maarten, St Kitts, Roatan, Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel) and Belize (Harvest Caye).

In late October 2016, Norwegian Bliss’ hull art was unveiled, themed “Cruising with the Whales.” The design is by Robert Wyland, an American artist internationally known for his large outdoor marine-life murals (“Whaling Walls”). The hull artwork features a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece, symbolizing Alaska’s natural beauty and the importance of marine conservation.

Construction officially began on October 28, 2016, with the steel-cutting ceremony. Instead of the traditional water method (injecting metal with heat), Bliss used the dry plasma cutting method, which offers higher precision and generates less debris.

The ship is equipped with the world’s largest marine scrubber system, consisting of five units manufactured and installed by Yara Marine Technologies. These scrubbers remove 99% of sulfur oxide emissions. At maximum cruising speed, the vessel’s engines consume approximately 11 tons of diesel fuel per hour. The scrubber technology reduces the equivalent of roughly 1500 tons of sulfur oxide emissions. The five in-line units are lightweight and capable of operating in dry mode as well as in open and closed loops. Additional energy-efficient technologies include heat recovery systems, LED lighting, and improved hydrodynamic hull design.

The powerplant consists of five MAN marine diesel engines (2x 14V48/60CR and 3x 12V48/60CR) with a combined output of 76.8 MW. Propulsion output totals 44 MW.

Fun facts: The vessel required approximately 300 tons of paint. The total length of onboard cabling is 2200 km (1367 miles), and the total length of piping is around 400 km (249 miles).

On May 24, 2017, the keel-laying ceremony was held at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg. During the ceremony, the first of 90 blocks was lifted into the covered construction hall. NCL’s President and CEO Andy Stuart placed a “lucky coin” beneath the block before it was lowered into position.

On November 29, 2017, NCL announced the ship’s godparent: Elvis Duran, a U.S. radio personality and host of the NYC-based Z100 morning show. The vessel’s float-out took place on February 17, 2018, and Norwegian Bliss was officially delivered to NCL on April 18, 2018.

On March 13, 2018, the ship departed Meyer Werft for its conveyance down the Ems River to Eemshaven, Holland, arriving on March 15. She was assisted by tugboats and navigated in reverse (stern first) to the North Sea for sea trials. Due to a clearance of less than 4 ft (1.2 m) through the shipyard’s sea lock, the passage took about two hours at just 0.2 knots (0.2 mph / 0.4 kph). In Eemshaven, the vessel embarked additional crew and supplies before heading to the North Sea for trials.

The official handover to NCL took place on April 19 in Bremerhaven, Germany, and the christening ceremony was held on May 30, 2018, in Seattle, WA (USA).

NCL Bliss drydock refurbishment – 2025 review

The ship’s first drydocking, conducted from January 17 to February 2, 2025, at Damen Shiprepair Brest, France, introduced several upgrades.

A new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, was added on Deck 20. Designed by SMC Design, it offers lawn-style games (such as Cornhole and Giant Jenga), a relaxation zone with sun loungers, and a stage for live entertainment.

New stateroom additions include 3-Bedroom The Haven Premiere Owner’s Suites on Deck 18 (overlooking The Haven Horizon Lounge on Deck 17), 24 Balcony staterooms, and 2 Club Balcony cabins. These were created by repurposing a section of Deck 15’s forward Observation Lounge.

Dining venue modifications on Deck 8 include Cagney’s Steakhouse (replacing Los Lobos) and Palomar, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant (replacing Ocean Blue). On Deck 6, Teppanyaki replaced Coco’s.

Inaugural itineraries – 2018

The following tables present the ship’s Inaugural itineraries, including ports of call, port times, and per-person USD pricing based on double occupancy.

(Repositioning) 12-night / 13-day Inaugural Transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York City – from USD 1000

During the 2-day inaugural preview in NYC, Norwegian Bliss was berthed at Pier 88 in Manhattan. On May 4, the ship welcomed brand partners, U.S. media, cruise industry representatives, and godfather Elvis Duran. The Z100 morning show was broadcast live from the vessel. Following a cocktail reception in The Haven’s Horizon Lounge, VIP guests enjoyed the premiere of the “Jersey Boys” show in the Bliss Theater.

(Repositioning) 15 nights / 16 days, Inaugural Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles – from $1350

The ship’s 2-day preview sailing from Miami (May 8–10) was an exclusive voyage for VIP guests, including Wyland (hull artist), Elvis Duran, members of The Morning Show, and Alex Vega (The Auto Firm).

7 nights / 8 days, Inaugural Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle – from $1200

8 nights / 9 days, Inaugural Mexican Riviera cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles – from $850 pp

On November 3, 2018, the ship repositioned on a 14-night Panama Canal voyage from Los Angeles to Miami, visiting Ensenada (04), Mazatlan (06), Puerto Quetzal (09), Puerto Caldera (11), and Cartagena (14). Prices started from $700 per person.

7 nights / 8 days, Inaugural Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami – from $800 pp

Godspeed!