Norwegian Bliss Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,409 reviews

21 Night Panama Canal Cruise booked 7 days before departure

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Bliss
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thiax13
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

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Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2019
Cabin: Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom

I booked this trip at the last minute because 1) The Panama Canal was on my list and 2) I had an unexpected long opening in my calendar. First Norwegian cruise for me. Generally lovely ship except for the disappointingly small and only pool for non-Haven guests. Staff were generally very accommodating, curiously though, the entertainment staff and cruise director had an "attitude" I did not appreciate. Stateroom was comfy. Steward was terrific! Beverages are way overpriced (captive audience). Food was OK. Recommend eating at Taste and Savory whenever able - food is cooked to order rather than eating in "The Bay of Pigs" (main buffet style dining facility which gets a little old on long trip and is not the best at enforcing guest hand hygiene). With the exception of a few shows (hypnotist, Jersey Boys), I did not care for most of the evening entertainment - just not my style. Sound systems in the smaller venues were very loud, inhibiting ability to talk w/ other guests. However, when ship's captain needed to make an announcement, we could NOT hear these well in the common areas. Shore excursions were mixed - I had low expectations so was OK. Lecturer on Panama Canal was helpful; very limited other educational opps on this trip. While my review is critical, I paid a discounted fare because I booked so late and had a great time. I would travel w/ Norwegian again. Enjoy!!!

Cabin Review

Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom

Clean. Quiet. Mid-ship balcony was nice. Water was hot. Plumbing worked great. Room phone did not work, but was promptly replaced once I brought it to staff attention. Nice TV for this size room. HVAC adjusted quickly to any changes I programmed. Bed was very comfy!

Port Reviews

Santa Marta

This is a poor city and needs tourist money. None of the tours enticed me. Thus, I simply walked around the area close to the port - and actually ran into tour group after tour group from our ship. They were very disappointed they paid for the same tour I "invented" for myself. There is a little pharmacy close to port where I was able to purchase Coca-Cola products for very little money (beats the $3.20/can for Diet Pepsi on the ship).

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