NCL Bliss Review and Trip Report 2025

Introduction: It’s Cruise Day on the Bliss…Again!

It’s Cruise Day on the Bliss…Again!

I’ve barely had time to shed an eighth of a cinnamon roll’s worth of extra fat from my thighs since my last cruise on the Bliss (barely a month ago), but here I am, waiting to embark again. As is so often true with love, the fates (or adult responsibilities) just can’t seem to keep us apart. I’d go so far as to say the Bliss and I are exclusive now, were it not for the other 4,000 passengers waiting in line at Pier 66 to hop onboard her (I’d like to pitch this as a reality show: “One ship, 4,000 lustful passengers. Who will consummate the relationship first, with a carrot cake baby on the way to prove it?”).

So while much of my experience over the next 7 days will feel like sugar infused déjà vu (I could swear I’ve seen that hot fudge sundae somewhere before), there are a few significant differences this time around to keep our relationship fresh. First, the itinerary. While we’ll be revisiting a few of our favorite spots (Juneau, Ketchikan, and another late night randevu in Victoria), the Bliss will also be treating me to a peaceful hike in Sitka and a romantic tram ride followed by tidepooling (if we can time it right – fingers crossed) in Icy Strait Point. Or I’ll just stay onboard for 7 days eating frosting off her stern – we’ll see. I’m just hoping we can stay afloat through Endicott Arm long enough to share a kiss in front of Dawes Glacier. It’s not the glacial ice that has me concerned, it’s me diving into a port side hot tub after devouring three room service chocolate cakes and tipping us over faster than a cybertruck in a “Hands Off” protest.

Which brings me to the second significant difference this time around…no kid! Thank God he’s in school this week so I don’t have to explain the icing on my neck and suggest that maybe he not mention it to dad.

But I’ve not only ditched my kid, husband, and geriatric dog, I’ve also ditched my in-laws who will be arriving from NY midway through my sailing to a list of chores I didn’t quite finish before leaving (“if you guys could just clean out the fridge of rotten salad drippings and wash your own sheets, that would be great”). BYE SUCKERS!

Freestyle Daily Schedules

For those interested in seeing the Freestyle Daily schedules for this cruise, I’ve posted all of them to this link. For those interested in seeing food pics, stay tuned (I aim to please).

Embarkation Day Lunch in the MDR on the Bliss

Both Taste and Savor are open for lunch (starting at around 11:30) on embarkation day on the Bliss. I’ll pay zero dollars to anyone who can guess what I ordered (since I always order exactly the same thing, even a penny for each correct answer would quickly surpass what I paid for this cruise).

Photo 1: Orange chocolate mousse
Photo 2: Five spice mango tapioca pudding
Photo 3: Risotto primavera with pesto
Photo 4: Roasted tomato soup
Photo 5: Sweet corn hush puppies

The embarkation day lunch menu can be found HERE.

Embarkation Day on the Bliss

Here are some photos of my first day onboard the Bliss, this time WITHOUT my 12-year-old. You’ll note some differences from my April sailing: I didn’t visit the arcade, Speedway, waterslides, or Splash Academy. But I did consume a 12-year-old’s preferred number of ice cream cones even though I couldn’t use my kid as an excuse this time (“this one’s for my son”). Instead I claimed a twin whom I referred to as “Prof. Snooze” instead of “Prof. Cruise” (because she’s the boring one who never orders the green tea flavor because it interferes with her sleep). It almost worked too until I realized I wasn’t wearing “Prof. Cruise’s” signature baseball cap, but had just ordered a triple scoop of coffee flavor (“but what about your caffeine sensitivity ma’am?”).

Photo 1: My favorite bar, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar (because it has sugar in the name), where I won’t need to spend nearly as much time on this sailing since I’m sans kid: “Mommy needs another drink!”

Photo 2: Relaxing in the Observation Lounge with my first slice of carrot cake without hearing 40,000 times (give or take 1 or 2): “THIS IS SO BORING, MOM!”

Photo 3: The atrium chandelier, where I stood for 45 minutes so I could watch the colors change without hearing: “What, are you 5, mom? Oh, look at all the pretty colors! Can we PLEASE go swimming in 50 degree temps now!”

Photo 4: Hard ice cream (available at the buffet, along with soft serve): “Make it a double, it’s for my twin!”

Photo 5: Emergency dessert that I don’t have to hide under some maxi pads so my kid won’t find it: “GROSS MOM, WHY ARE THESE IN THE FRIDGE?!?! AND AREN’T YOU WAAAAAAY TOO OLD TO EVEN NEED THEM?!?!”

Photo 6: Doing angels on the big bed I have all to myself without fear of a dutch oven or foot to the ribs.

And now I’m off to…do whatever the h*ll I want. Because, #solocruise!!!

Another Benefit of Cruising Solo

Arguably the best part of cruising solo? You get the entire bread basket to yourself! #carbaddict (Tip for the MDR on the Bliss: Arrive at the Manhattan Room by 4:40 for a guaranteed window table.)

Night 1 Dinner in the MDR on the Bliss

You might think cruising on the same ship 5 times (including 2 times just a month apart) might get boring. It doesn’t. But I do like to mix things up a little. And since, as a vegetarian, I can’t really change what I order in the MDR, I’ve decided to reverse the order in which I request items be delivered. So this time I’m starting with dessert first, which I now deeply regret not doing for my first 100 or so cruises. But it’s never too late, right? Would you ever try this or is the perplexed look my waiter gave me when I stated, “I’m a dessert first kinda gal,” totally justified?

Here’s what I ordered in the order in which I ate it:

Photo 1: Honey crème brûlée
Photo 2: Warm chocolate lava cake
Photo 3: Vegetable burrito
Photo 4: Cream of cauliflower soup

My Inside Cabin on the Bliss

This cabin’s interior is identical to the one I sailed in with my son a few weeks ago, minus the smells and kid-related detritus which seems to reproduce faster than a drunken rabbit o*gy. However, its location further down the hall on deck 5 forward means more steps required to transport my emergency desserts. And while balancing 5-6 plates like some b-rate circus act kept my neighbors entertained between sets at the comedy club, it created some stress for my cabin steward who was like, “oh goodie, in addition to the 30 rooms I have to clean today, I get to dig cake crumbs out of the hallway carpet and scrub icing off the door (because opening the door is always the hardest part). There’s a reason I always tip extra and it has nothing to do with my generosity of heart. Anyway, here are some photos of my cabin followed by a narrated tour I filmed on my Bliss cruise a few weeks ago.

Norwegian Bliss Interior Cabin Tour 2025

Day 2: Buffet Cinnamon Rolls on the Bliss

I know I should love the Bliss for her sophisticated navigational instruments, but if I’m being honest, it’s mostly for her buns. Or, rather, her buffet cinnamon rolls. And yes, I’m that jerk who disfigures the whole tray to secure the one (six) in the dead middle because they have the most icing. #sorrynotsorry Here are roughly 20 photos of their good side (because every side is a good side as long as you avoid the edge pieces).

Day 2: Behind the Scenes Tour on the Bliss

This morning I attended a complimentary Behind the Scenes ship tour offered as a loyalty perk to those Platinum and above. It was especially enjoyable for me, as we visited the largest galley onboard where a team of dedicated chefs work practically 24/7 preparing enough carbs and dessert to keep me satiated (there are several smaller galleys for the other 4,000 guests).

We also visited the laundry facility where I snapped some photos for those of you stuck at home, low key pissed at me for posting all of these cruise pics. To you I say, it could be worse, your laundry pile could look like this.

In all seriousness though, images of my fellow humans working 10-12 hour shifts below sea level at repetitive tasks like loading laundry machines gives me pause. I don’t have anything very profound or helpful to say about it other than simple luck of birth has allowed me this life where I get to travel the world, doing what I love, and I will never take that for granted. Never ever ever. And I hope I can pass along some of my good fortune where I can.

Day 2: Lunch at Taste on the Bliss

In sticking with my earlier stated intention regarding the order of my food consumption in the MDR, I ordered the molten lava cake first, as it’s clearly the most decadent item on the menu. But then I wondered if the fried tortilla bowl filled with fried mozzarella and cheddar cheese (atop a few shreds of lettuce and a kernel or two of corn for those trying to pass it off as a salad) might actually have more calories and fat than the flan de coco I planned to eat next and got all flustered. Anyway, when the cream-based soup is judged the lightest dish of your meal, you know you’re doing something right.

Pro tip: The Freestyle Daily states that Taste and Savor open for lunch at noon, but they always open by 11:45am. Get there early to avoid crowds and for a window table. Lunch in the main dining rooms is complimentary and served on sea days and some port days (depending on when the ship will be at port). I highly recommend trying the dining room for lunch at least once! There are three different rotating menus featuring some of my favorite items.

Here’s everything I ordered (menu is posted HERE):

Photo 1: Molten lava cake
Photo 2: Queso frito tortilla bowl
Photo 3: Flan de coco
Photo 4: Cream of mushroom soup

Day 2: Dress Up…or Not?

It’s “dress up or not” night on the Bliss and you can tell by this photo which team I play for. Obviously I’ve repurposed my prom outfit here and carefully selected it from my cabin closet for what I’ve judged to be my most formal meal: dinner at La Cucina. I can’t wait to see how it shimmers under candlelight. Ha! But seriously, one of the things I love most about NCL is optional formal nights and an overall casual and laid back vibe – especially on Alaska sailings.

For those who’d like to see the dress code for every dining venue, I’ve copied it here. Basically don’t wear a robe (can’t say I’m not a little disappointed in that one, but I understand there’s risk of the waist tie coming loose and revealing exactly what 45 carrot cakes looks like on the belly of a middle aged woman) or anything you’d see in a 90’s rap video and you’re in!

I’m curious, what do others think about the dress code on NCL? Should other cruise lines adopt something similar?

Night 2: Dinner at La Cucina on the Bliss

Here’s what I ordered presented without comment because I had an entire bottle of 19 Crimes Chardonnay (included with my dinner for free as a loyalty perk) to myself (last time I had to share it with my son – see the last photo for proof of my excellent parenting) and fear I might commit all 19 crimes if I don’t sit here with my hands secured under my butt and my mouth shut. Anyway, here’s what I ordered (menu posted to FB comments). Cost to dine here is $40 + 20% gratuity without a dining package or loyalty perk.

Photo 1: Torta di ricotta con crema al limone
Photo 2: Risotto al funghi di bosco
Photo 3: Mozzarella caprese
Photo 4: Bread service
Photo 5: Please consider nominating me for Mother of the Year

NCL La Cucina Menu 2025

Alaska Cruisers: Important Tip for Sitka!

If you’re calling in Sitka on your cruise to Alaska regardless of cruise line or ship and plan to explore the town on your own or book a private tour, you MUST reserve a seat in advance on the complimentary shuttle that transports cruise passengers from the cruise pier into town. It isn’t walkable and you risk missing out on Sitka if you don’t book in advance (popular times WILL fill up quickly, sometimes even before you embark your ship). To book tickets visit sitkadock.com and select your ship, date you will be in Sitka, and preferred departure and return times. You can and SHOULD do this before boarding your cruise. The earlier, the better! Your ticket will be emailed to you. Be sure to take a screen shot and save it to your phone just in case you can’t open your email. Here’s what mine looks like:

Night 2: Icons on the Bliss

This show was billed as “a concert experience featuring the songs of musical legends (icons) from the last six decades. From Dolly to Gaga, our cast of vocalists and orchestra will pay tribute to the music these legendary artists created by collectively showcasing hits that everyone can sing along to.” Throughout this entire show, I was poised to take to the stage as either this decade’s obvious choice of icon with an original score called “Henry, You Are A Good Boy” (a delightful tune I sing to my elderly rescue dog to remind him of all his lovable qualities) OR to represent the 90’s as Whitney with my rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” But my butt, while clenched and ready to jump up upon hearing my name called, remained seated due to a glaring and unacceptable oversight. They call *this* entertainment. Don’t worry you can still catch me at karaoke if you’re a music producer looking for ripe (possibly a bit over-ripe, but representation matters) talent. Seriously though, skip “Icons” if there’s something else that attracts your interest on night 2. It’s pretty underwhelming compared to NCL’s Broadway style production shows which shouldn’t be missed – stay tuned for my review of Jersey Boys on Night 6.

Day 3: Sitka, Alaska

While many of my fellow passengers on the Bliss have been planning their Alaska port activities and excursions for months, even years, I’m 100% winging it today (and every day). I’ve cruised to Alaska so many times (dozens and dozens on every line and itinerary), I consider it my second home and treat every port day like a retired local: “Maybe I’ll go on a hike today. Or maybe I’ll sit around in my PJ’s and watch out the window as tourists get rained on.” That being said, Sitka is one of my favorite Alaska ports because there are so many free or inexpensive things to see and do within walking distance of the (free) cruise ship shuttle stop in town. You can have an enriching, beautiful day here without spending a penny. For those new to Sitka, here’s my popular port guide for fellow cheapies (stay tuned to see what I end up doing – your guess is as good as mine).

Day 3: Breakfast in the MDR on the Bliss

I’ve decided to post photos of this very reasonable MDR breakfast (she only ordered three items?!) without disclosing the full plate of Indian food and four cinnamon rolls I ate at the buffet while (impatiently) waiting for Taste and Savor to open (breakfast hours for both Taste and Savor were from 7:00-9:00am today).

Here’s what I ordered (menu posted HERE):

Photo 1: Traditional buttermilk pancakes
Photo 2: Pretzel roll sandwich hold the ham (daily special)
Photo 3: Yogurt parfait

Day 3: Hiking the Gavan Hill Trail in Sitka

When I passed my cabin steward in the hall today, he thoughtfully suggested that I “TAKE A HIKE!” While I briefly contemplated staying in for most of the day amassing a giant collection of dishes from all my cabin snacks that said steward would have to clean up, I decided to take his suggestion (wait, do you think he was actually trying to get rid of me?) and went for a hike.

I hiked the Gavan Hill Trail, a new trail to me and one I would consider difficult for the average cruiser. Here’s the route I took if anyone wants to give it a go:

I began near the end of Baranof Street (about ½ mile from the cruise ship shuttle stop in downtown Sitka). From Baranof Street, I followed the Cross Trail connector 0.8 miles to the Cross Trail. Then I turned right and hiked 0.3 miles to reach the Gavan Hill Trail (it’s well marked). The Gavan Hill Trail is steep with multiple staircases, switchbacks, and log steps, but the payoff is spectacular with sweeping views of the surrounding area. I continued along the ridge to the Harbor-Gavan Hill Shelter where I turned around. This hike was around 5 miles roundtrip (but you could continue on much further if you’re looking for a longer hike).

I’ve hiked dozens of different trails on my cruises to Alaska and have included a link to my Hiking Guide (with a section on safety) below. Check it out for a free way to really immerse yourself in the wonders of Alaska while avoiding cruise crowds. There are hikes/walks for all fitness levels, so don’t be intimidated if you don’t consider yourself a hiker.

Post Hike Snack at The Local

Tiny little post hike snacky snack from The Local. What? Did you not hear the part about the HIKE. On VACATION? I earned this! Note: Everything at The Local is included in your cruise fare. See a link to the menu below.

Photo 1: Hot fudge sundae with a carrot cake chaser
Photo 2: Spinach and artichoke dip
Photo 3: Veggie burger with fries

Night 3: Dinner in the MDR on the Bliss

Tonight I ordered a Waldorf salad which, while delicious, always reminds me of a dish you’d throw together with the remaining few items in your fridge just prior to a move – hmmmm, I’ve got lettuce, an apple, a celery stalk, some walnuts, and a nearly empty jar of mayo.

Anyway, here’s everything I ordered (menu is posted HERE):

Photo 1: Brownie s’more
Photo 2: Bananas foster
Photo 3: Rigatoni primavera with pesto
Photo 4: Waldorf salad

Day 4: Hiking the Perseverance Trail in Juneau

Here are some photos from my hike in Juneau today. I hit the trail early, as we only have a half day here. The Perseverance Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Juneau and for good reason. It’s accessible from downtown (and walking distance from your cruise ship), relatively easy with minimal elevation gain, offers signs with fascinating historical facts about the area, and features dramatic mountain and basin views and waterfalls. This is also a great area for busting open rocks to let out some pent up frustration with your cabin mate (I mean to look for the prolific quartz in the area) and to pan for gold in the nearby river to fund your dream of living on a cruise ship (you can purchase a cheap gold panning kit at the nearby Last Chance Museum if it’s open).

While the official trailhead and parking lot are pretty far up Basin Road (and honestly the hardest part of this trail is probably walking there from your ship), you can access the trail from any point along the left side of basin road.

Difficulty Level: Moderate (rocky in areas, but not much elevation gain – suitable for most hikers)

Miles (one way) from Trailhead: 2.3 miles (if you want to extend your hike, this trail connects to many others such as the Flume trail, Granite Creek, Silver Bow Ruins, Gold Falls, The Glory Hole, Red Mill, and Mt. Juneau).

Day 4: Lunch at Taste

This is the 3rd of 3 rotating lunch menus on NCL and features the best corn chowder at sea. Or on land. And definitely in space (the astronaut version’s a little dry). I’ve been known to skip an entree and just order 4 bowls of chowder. Or not skip an entree and order 4 bowls of chowder.

Here’s everything I ordered (link to the menu HERE):

Photo 1: Raspberry panna cotta
Photo 2: Mocha pot de crème
Photo 3: Spanish frittata
Photo 4: Corn chowder
Photo 5: Four bowls of corn chowder

Wines Around The World

The first time my 12-year-old took a sip of wine his face looked like mine any time a crumb-sized stray olive piece comes within 6 miles of anything I might consume. And then he asked one of those awful questions parents of my generation are expected to actually answer instead of just hoping their kids will fumble around to an answer on their wedding night like, “the species has managed to survive for thousands of years without any discussion of this.” Anyway, he asked, “why do grownups like wine?” And I was like, “we don’t. I think we just feel smart holding the glass.” Honestly, that’s all I could come up with. I hate wine. It’s gross, stains your teeth, and gives you a headache. And it isn’t prepared with sugary syrup, cream, or chocolate like a proper adult beverage should be. Anyway, that didn’t stop me from attending “Wines Around the World” today on the Bliss. Because even free booze that tastes like dirty mop water is still free booze.

Wines Around the World is a complimentary wine tasting for Latitudes members (that’s NCL’s loyalty program) who are Platinum and above. There were four different stations set up in Food Republic, representing five different countries: Italy, France, Chile, Argentina, and the United States. We tasted two wines, a red and white, from most countries, for a total of eight wines. For each wine we learned about where the grapes were grown and how the location affected the characteristics of the wine. Information about acidity, tannins, sweetness and alcohol content was also provided. We were able to rinse our wine glasses out after each pour and crunchy breadsticks were provided as a palate cleansers. Pours were fairly generous and the group was fairly large, so triple pours went unnoticed (not that I would ever do that ). So while l’m normally a cheap drunk, today I was a free drunk! While Wines Around the World is complimentary for those Platinum and above, it’s required that you register in advance. Stop by the CruiseNext desk on embarkation day to find out when and where it will take place and to sign up (today it was at 2pm).

Night 4: Dinner in the MDR on the Bliss

On tonight’s menu was eggplant, breaded and fried with a side of carbs, which is really the only acceptable way to eat eggplant. Plus cream cheese filled carrot cake, which I consider the female version of carrot cake because all of her important parts are on the inside. I also ordered bruschetta, but got so distracted talking to the two guys named Miles sitting next to me that I ate half of it before remembering to snap a photo. AND I also ordered cannoli, but didn’t photograph it at all because I’d just found out Hatless Miles travels the country full time in a motor home and I had a MILLION questions (and obviously changed his name from Hatless Miles to Nomad Miles and scolded him for stealing one of my dreams before declaring him my new bestie).

Photo 1: Cream cheese filled carrot cake (pronouns: she/her)
Photo 2: Eggplant parmigiana
Photo 3: Bruschetta

Day 4: Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier

Today I feasted my eyes on the most spectacular sight of my Alaska cruise so far: room service chocolate cake. In other news, we visited the Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier. Here are a few insider glacier-day tips for those sailing on this Bliss itinerary soon:

1: You’ll enter the fjord at approximately 4:30pm and will arrive at the glacier (if you’re lucky enough with the ice conditions to actually get close) around 6:30pm. The Captain will spin the ship around so everyone has a chance to see it.

2: Today we caught only a distant glimpse of Dawes Glacier due to fog and ice conditions (which is more often the case these days). If this is your one shot at Alaska, I strongly suggest you book the excursion. It’s pricey, but worth it. You’ll board a small vessel and will spend 5 or so hours exploring the fjord and glacier (getting very close).

3: My favorite viewing location is outside on deck 7. This area is where the lifeboats are stored, but there are also several open viewing spots. I love being so close to the water and there are fewer crowds than on the upper decks (I call it my “secret deck,” but I suppose the secret’s out now!).

4: Dress warm! I was comfortable in a puffer coat over a thermal base layer. Consider a hat and gloves if you plan on being outdoors for an extended period of time.

5: Speaking of which, GO OUTSIDE. While there are plenty of comfortable places to take in the views indoors (the Observation Lounge and the buffet are my two favorite indoor spots), to truly experience Alaska, you need to breathe it in. Feel the cold mist on your nose. Listen to the soundtrack of the natural world. The splash of giant icebergs bobbing up and down, whale spouts, birds calling to each other like, “someone left an unattended pastry on their balcony…GO!”

Day 5: A spectacular and FREE day in Icy Strait Point

Here’s everything I did in Icy Strait Point, busting the myth that you have to spend a fortune on excursions when cruising to Alaska.

1. Sky Peak Gondola: I took in sweeping views of the surrounding area onboard the Sky Peak Gondola. Normally this costs $49, but I used my $50 excursion credit, making it free. There’s also a free gondola (the green one), if you don’t have excursion credit.

2. Whale watching right from my cruise ship. I was able to see both orcas and humpback whales, including humpback whales bubble net feeding, right from onboard the Norwegian Bliss. Because private excursion vessels are required to keep a certain distance from whales, I was actually closer to them on the cruise ship than those who paid hundreds of dollars extra for an excursion.

3. Two short hikes. I enjoyed two short, scenic nature hikes, one at the top of the Sky Peak Gondola, and one right next to the cruise pier.

4. Beach combing/tide pooling. This is one of my favorite activities in Icy Strait Point and one that virtually no one else does. I simply looked up the tide charts in advance and headed to the beach area below the red cannery buildings about an hour before the scheduled low tide. I found an abundance of sea creatures and even saw additional humpback whales from shore. Plus, the views from here were stunning .

I’m shocked when I hear people say there isn’t much to do in Icy Strait Point or that it’s “boring.” It’s one of my favorite ports in Alaska and one that’s easy to do on your own for free! I enjoyed a truly spectacular day at a cost of zero dollars.

To see the video I captured of humpback whales bubble net feeding, go here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/719461850540055

Room Service on the Bliss

I decided to order room service chocolate cake for lunch fearing I might waste away from all the calories burned on my hikes. Which brings me to the answer to the top question burning in the bellies of my readers: What’s the best dessert on the Bliss?

Drum roll……..the room service chocolate cake!

Better than The Local’s hot fudge sundae? Yes! Better than all four versions of carrot cake offered onboard? Yes! The room service chocolate cake is virtually identical to the chocolate cake served at Cagney’s Steakhouse, only you can eat it in bed while binging Netflix! I ordered two slices along with a veggie burger, a pizza, and two cheesecakes I’m saving for when I get up to pee tonight (“well as long as I’m up…”).

Room service from the “all day” menu costs $9.95 + 20% gratuity per order (but you can order as many slices of chocolate cake as you want). Breakfast is $4.95. It’s a good way to spend any onboard credit you have on upgraded desserts now that Coco’s and The Bake Shop are gone from the Bliss (RIP).

Jersey Boys on the Bliss

Jersey Boys on the Bliss is a full-length Broadway musical, strikingly similar to the version you may have seen in New York sometime between 2005-2017. It tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and includes many of the group’s top hits including: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Working My Way Back To You.” And I sang along to every song! Not out of nostalgia (I was born many years after their rise to fame), but because I’ve seen this show four times previously, including just a month ago. But I’ve enjoyed it every time! Be sure to make a reservation (online prior to your sailing if possible), as the theater was full. If you don’t have a reservation, they open it up to standby guests 10-15 minutes before show time.

Night 5: Dinner in the MDR on the Bliss

I took a real risk tonight ordering a dessert with vegetables AND no sugar, but I simply can’t see carrot cake on an NCL menu and not order it. (Link to menu HERE):

Photo 1: Carrot cake (sugar free)
Photo 2: Fig and apple cobbler
Photo 3: Potato gnocchi
Photo 4: Mozzarella and plum tomatoes

Day 6: Ward Cove (Ketchikan)

We’re scheduled to dock at Ward Cove near Ketchikan today. If you’re a new NCL cruiser to Alaska, you might be disappointed to learn that your ship won’t be docking in downtown Ketchikan and will, instead, dock at Ward Cove, a 20 minute shuttle ride from most of the popular tourist spots in this charming and historic town. But don’t fear, I’m here to help you make the best of it:

Day 6: Buffet Breakfast Tips for the Bliss

Here’s what my typical buffet breakfast looks like:

-Indian food: check!
-Hot cinnamon rolls: check!
-Custom yogurt parfait with raisins removed from the granola with the precision of an insect surgeon: check!

A few words about the buffet on the Bliss at breakfast. While the food is delicious, it’s a zoo during peak hours (8am-10am ish). Only everyone’s there voluntarily (though you’d hardly know it by the way they fight over bacon like an unsupervised toddler tossed it between the bars of their cage).

If you’re booked on this Bliss, here are a few buffet tips for breakfast:

1: The further back you walk, the more open seating you’ll find. There are almost always open seats at the very back, even during peak hours (this is also true at lunch and dinner)

2. If you want a more serene spot to enjoy your buffet breakfast without having to walk all the way back to your cabin, go one deck down to the Observation Lounge. It’s not crowded in the morning, there are plenty of nice spots to eat, there are beverage stations, and there’s a continental breakfast set up to supplement your buffet items (fruit, pastries, cereal, deli meats, and cheese).

3. While the buffet is large, the selection of items mostly just repeats in many different stations. However, there is a yogurt bar, hot cinnamon rolls, and a small (but fabulous) Indian section (located on the port side toward the back) that you don’t want to overlook.

4. There’s a small area with gluten free bread products and dairy free milks (oat, soy, almond, lactose free).

Day 6: My port day in Ward Cove (Ketchikan)

Here are some photos and highlights of my day in Ward Cove (Ketchikan):

Photo 1: The Bliss docked at Ward Cove. While I prefer docking in downtown Ketchikan, I’ve captured so many beautiful photos of NCL ships since the line started docking here a few years ago.

Photo 2: Skunk cabbage. Consumed by bears emerging from hibernation to get their digestive systems moving. And also by cruisers who’ve consumed a Costco-sized block of cheese over the past five days.

Photo 3: Me to this slug: “You’re the whitest slug I’ve ever seen.” Slug back to me: “I could say the same thing about you, lady.”

Photo 4: If a tree falls on Prof. Cruise in the forest, will her fellow passengers be thrilled with the sudden abundance of carbs and dessert?

Photo 5: Around the Lake Trail. I donned the rainbow mirrored sunglasses because all the cool and successful cruise content creators were wearing them three years ago and it takes me awhile to catch up to trends. I’m anticipating an increase in followers of at least 5, probably because they can’t see my face and think I’m someone else.

Here’s a map of the area I walked/hiked today. It’s a 30 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal at Ward Cove (where NCL ships dock near Ketchikan).

Norwegian Bliss 2025 Dining Menus

I’ve posted every menu I collected on the Bliss (including all the main dining room menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) here:

The Observation Lounge on the Bliss

Located at the very front of the ship, the Observation Lounge offers comfortable seating and unparalleled views. It also features a bar and delicious complimentary snacks and unique desserts, many with an international flair and not available anywhere else on the ship. All of that makes it a popular spot and fighting for a seat among the crowds sort of feels like the purpose has been defeated. “I came up here to relax, not to declare my objections to mixed martial arts. You two should really have gloves and head protection on if you’re going to punch each other out over that lounger!”

I recommend avoiding the Observation Lounge on sea day afternoons unless you get there very early to snag a spot and bring something to pee into and an assistant to fetch your snacks. Otherwise if you get up for two seconds you’ll either lose your spot to a nimble grandma who’s been lying in wait with a 500 page novel she plans on finishing in one sitting or if you attempt to save your spot by leaving a sweater on your chair, you’ll get accused of being a chair hog, shunned, and required to wear a scarlet H on your shirt for the remainder of the cruise. Take full advantage of it on port days though when most of your fellow passengers are off the ship or in the morning or evening when it tends to be far less crowded.

Note that during the Bliss’s recent drydock, the Observation Lounge was reduced in size by around 30% to make room for 26 new balcony cabins. More passenger capacity = more revenue for NCL. But more passengers + smaller space = further reduced odds of snagging a prime spot. I’m pretty disappointed in this change. What do others think who have experienced the reduced space on the Bliss, Encore, or Joy?

Observation Lounge Tour on the Bliss POST Dry Dock

Night 6: Dinner at Teppanyaki on the Bliss

I dined at Teppanyaki tonight where I watched a masterful teppan chef prepare meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and rice on a flat grill around which I was seated with nine fellow passengers who avoided eye contact with the weird lady dining alone at a venue clearly meant for a rowdy group dinner among family/friends.

As a vegetarian, I’ve always found the rice, fried in equal parts butter and garlic, the best part of the meal. Otherwise, it’s pretty underwhelming. But I ate here for free as a loyalty perk (it’s $60 + 20% gratuity per person without a dining package or as a Latitudes perk), so it was worth sacrificing a night in the MDR to give away the punchline to all the jokes like I was some sort of clairvoyant, never mentioning that I’d eaten here with the exact same wait staff mere weeks ago. Honestly though, that bit where they cut off the egg snake’s head never gets old (oops forgot the spoiler alert).

Photo 1: Vegetable teriyaki
Photo 2: Garlic fried rice (my portion)
Photo 3: Miso soup (vegetarian version)
Photo 4: Egg snake, RIP buddy
Photo 5: Green tea cake
Photo 6: Seaweed salad

Find out what happens when the egg juggling trick goes wrong (and be sure to follow me on Facebook while you’re there): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1354357655799041

NCL Bliss Teppanyaki Menu 2025

The Waterfront On The Bliss

Rarely occupied by more than a dozen or so people during the day, The Waterfront is the perfect spot to avoid crowds and enjoy comfortable seating, fresh air, and scenery if you’re too cheap to book a balcony cabin. Here I am raising my hand (to identify myself as a cheap one) followed by a thumbs up, because…no shame (thrifties unite!). But seriously, The Waterfront is one of my favorite spots on the Bliss. It’s located on deck 8 on both the port and starboard sides (and wraps around the back of the ship, but not the front).

Day 7: Breakfast at The Local

I’m trying to pack as many meals as possible into this last day, so I started with a first breakfast at The Local since it opened earliest.

The Local Breakfast Menu on the Bliss

Fitness Center on the Bliss

Hot tip for the gym on the Bliss. Skip it! lol. But if you insist on exercising on vacation, here’s an actual tip that some may find helpful, especially for early port days. The stated opening time is 6am, but it actually opened at 5am every morning. How do I know this? I could lie and say I was up early puffing along on a treadmill earning those cinnamon rolls, but in reality, I passed by on my way to be the first in line at the buffet. Anyway, here’s a tour I filmed on a prior Bliss cruise followed by the class schedule.

Day 7: American Diner on the Bliss

Does the bread pudding at American Diner on the Bliss have raisins? Answering this question is just the kind of hard hitting investigative journalism my readers have come to expect. But I didn’t stop there. Upon learning firsthand (mouth?) that it does NOT have raisins, I moved on to a second burning question: Does it overtake room service chocolate cake as the best dessert on the Bliss? No. However, it does join the hot fudge sundae and carrot cake from The Local in a three-way tie for best free dessert on the Bliss.

So now that that’s settled, I also have to offer the bread pudding as proof that I learn more from all of you than you learn from me. Despite being sapphire on NCL and cruising on the Bliss four times previously, I had never tried the bread pudding at American Diner until encouraged to do so by several of you. As my cruise is nearing its end, I want to thank all of you for following along, chiming in, laughing with me, crying with me (now that it’s over), and sharing all of your experience and tips. This community is one of the reasons I love cruising. My sincere thanks to all of you.

Fruit and Vegetable Carvings on the Bliss

The fruit and vegetable carvings in the buffet on the Bliss are spectacular works of art! Art and food, an ideal pairing. And really, this is the only way fruit and vegetables should be enjoyed on a cruise! But seriously, even if you don’t plan on eating at the buffet, pop up there to see these amazing carvings each day.

Norwegian Bliss Debarkation Tips

You have two luggage options for debarkation. The first is self-assist which will get you off sooner. However, you’ll be responsible for carrying all your own luggage off the ship. If you’d rather not haul your own luggage, you can place it outside your cabin door by 9pm the evening before debarkation. After debarking the ship, it will be available for you to pick up inside the cruise terminal (or if you have Port Valet, it will be transported directly to the airport for you).

While I can often be found hiding under my bed on debarkation morning, some may need to get off the ship as quickly and early as possible to catch a flight or get to work I’m actuality flying to SLC to see my mom today, so I needed to be off early). If so, you’ll want to head to deck 7 near The Local at around 6:30am with all of your luggage. You’ll be processed through immigration using facial recognition technology. That early in the morning, it’s a very fast, efficient process (I was off the ship in 5 minutes and back at my apartment 5 minutes after that). If you don’t yet have transportation lined up, there will be taxis, shuttles, and NCL’s shuttle service all vying for your business as you exit the terminal. Here’s the debarkation Information and schedule for each group.

Conclusion: Would I Cruise on the Bliss Again?

As I set out on my 5 minute walk home from Pier 66, gazing back at the Bliss on this gorgeous Seattle day, I asked myself: “After 5 cruises on the Bliss, would I sail on her again?” Despite the things I don’t love about the Bliss – her size (a bit too large for me), the post dry dock reduction to her Observation Lounge, a lack of vegetarian options at many of her restaurants, and her less-than-ideal times and docking locations at several Alaska ports – I’ll continue to sail on her over and over again! Especially for what I paid for this cruise: $189 all in! (You can find out how I scored that amazing price HERE)

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I ALWAYS buy travel insurance to cover  my cruises, but I never purchase it through a cruise line. It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like travelinsurance.com* to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. Simply enter your total travel costs, dates of travel, and some basic information about yourself and compare many different plans at once. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

Homework (10 points): Ask any questions you still have about the Bliss to the comments. Or share your experience if you’ve cruised on her before!

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