GinnyHoppa811

The only thing I know I want to see for our cruise right now is a cocoon cardigan in a warmer fabric. I may do one in fleece too for nights. I have one in cotton and it’s great but I’d like a nicer one. I’m contemplating a maxi skirt with pockets but I’m not sure if that will get use in Alaska.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

$5 a person for the laser tag and I think the same for the go karts.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I’m sad about Cirque, I really wanted to see that. Jersey Boys looks family friendly but I didn’t look closely. My kids are little and not exactly the sedentary type so shows are out regardless of the rating.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

What about a moleskine and passport case? We have almost nothing that needs printed so apps cover it quite well but I’m an obsessive note taker so the moleskine is more important than anything else.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I did see some of those videos of staff "quality testing" the go kart track and wonder if they really are that slow? They don't seem very fast and remind me of the snails pace cars I've seen videos for on the Joy.

Personally I’m hoping they are a bit slower. I won’t try them otherwise.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I follow a few of the crew members on Instagram just so I can get sneak peeks. lol. just search #norwegianbliss and #nclbliss :)

Good idea! I searched and found some new ones that really show how big it is. I’ve been trying to explain to my kids and “hotel ship” doesn’t begin to cover it.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We are also sailing on the Bliss this summer. 6/16/2018. I only have a few answers.

 

1. Yes kids are allowed in the hot tubs but remember the pool water is really cold on Alaska sailings so you will have a lot of adults in there and some times the adults are not very happy about a ton of kids in with them.

 

2. we have two family member members that have Celiac disease and I would not feel super safe about the cross contamination in the food. I would suggest a call in before hand. The head of dietary should be able to go over menu ideas for the cruise. If you do not need to worry about cross contamination, the buffet will have options.

 

3. On the first day enjoy getting to know the ship. Check in with the kids program that is age appropriate and meet so new friends.

 

Our little ones loved dancing to the live atrium music every night. Also Im not sure if there will be a glow party for the kids on this ship but it was fun painting teeshirts for the event. Shirts and paints provided by the staff.

 

Have fun!

I know buffets are a risk but they work so much better for our group generally. I’ve been searching the menus (though can’t find any of the new labeled ones or the kids menus) and I feel pretty meh about it. I’ll definitely be checking in on the ship when I figure out who and where that’s supposed to be on the Bliss and emailing beforehand.

I’ll be watching the Bliss dailies when it finally debuts and hopefully there will be a kids glow party (or a kids included Masquerade, not sure what that one involves).

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Definitely let everyone carry their own "stuff"....you're not a pack mule, after all!

 

Really the only things you'll need to keep with you are anything of VALUE (like electronics), medications, jewelry, and in my case, my makeup!! You really don't need a change of clothes in your carry-on....

Sorry, I meant around with you during the cruise. My children are the spawn of a drunken octopus and a cat and them back and forth to get stuff more than necessary is not a prospect I love, especially on a big ship .

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Will answer what I can and what others already haven't :)

 

 

What are the best things to do on the first day besides the pool?

Just get familiar! Since you have kids, I'd recommend heading to the kids center to get registered and find out all of the info first. I always suggest to avoid the buffet on the first day and hit up the dining room for lunch, it's nice and quiet. Take your time, don't rush, and just enjoy.

 

What kind of hands on class/activities on the ship could kids attend? I know the kids club will have stuff but I’m thinking more about stuff for us adults that they could tag along on. Like is there still an origami class?

There will likely be too many events for you to even keep track of. Browse through some of the threads here, and you can likely find copies of the Freestyle Daily (the daily program) from recent cruises that other CCs have shared. They obviously change cruise to cruise, but most of the daily activities remain relatively similar.

Alaska questions:

 

 

Short activities for kids in Victoria?

I live in Victoria.. so if you have any specific questions feel free to let me know. Victoria is the perfect place to get off and go for a walk. No real need to plan ahead. Fisherman's Wharf is a short walk from the pier (20 mins) and it's a great place to take kids to get ice cream and enjoy the scenery. Beacon Hill park is a big winner for kids, there's a big play park, a petting zoo and lots of space to run around.

Thanks! I’m not sure if anyone will want to be off the ship but it’s always better to have a plan.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I just was on the Getaway last week. The specialty restaurants are excellent and outstanding, and I think breakfast everywhere on the Getaway is excellent as well. As for lunch/dinner, the complimentary restaurants are good (Savor is the best in my opinion) and the Garden Cafe is a very typical buffet; nothing to write home about but perfectly fine - I made several delicious salads at the buffet for lunch.

What are the differences in the main restaurants? I’d thought I read they were all the same menu.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

My kids always carried their own small bag out and about off the ship.

 

 

 

On the ship, we didn't carry anything. I was often in a hoodie because I get cool in AC but the ship temp is "normal."

 

 

 

Just take lots of layers, including water proof because the weather in unpredictable and ever-changing.

We are definitely planning lots of layers! I run hotter than the rest of my family so I’ll be the weirdo in a tank top and jeans.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for this recommendation, I just bought some but have not tried it yet.

You’re welcome! It was recommended to me by someone when I was complaining that my daughter kept eating all our lemons and no lemonade mix tasted like actual lemon wedges in water. It’s pretty amazing. I use it on veggies (especially broccoli and asparagus) sometimes now since it is easier to keep than lemons and makes such a fantastic lemon flavor.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Where are people getting children’s Bonine? My search is only turning up the 25mg tablets

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

What do you carry around with you for yourself and your kids on the ship? What do you carry it in? We’ll be in Alaska so at the least I’m sure we’ll need jackets of some kind. Do you give smaller kids their own bag to carry?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We arrive in Juneau at noon and depart at 9pm.

 

 

 

We'd like to go to Mendenhall Glacier, check out the visitor center and do a bit of hiking for a few hours before going into town for shopping, dinner, etc.

 

 

 

I've been trying to research the best & most affordable way for 2 adults to do this and have been getting conflicting answers.

 

 

 

1. Been told to take City bus for like $2 a person.

 

 

 

2. Told NOT to take City bus as it's only every hour and drops you off at mile from Visitor Center.

 

 

 

3. Told to take shuttle bus at $45 a person (so $90 RT).

 

 

 

4. Told that if I'm paying $90 for a shuttle bus, i'd come out cheaper renting a car and then I can do things on my own schedule.

 

 

 

5. Told renting a car would be a pain in the butt just for driving to Mendenhall and that I should just take a taxi.

 

 

 

6. I asked about cost of taxi and was told that it was $45. Then someone else said, nope, closer to $60.

 

 

 

At this point I'm really wishing I could just Uber. $90 for a shuttle bus that goes 10 miles seems outrageous to me. I'd rather grab a local, give them $25 and have them drop us off.

 

 

 

Has anyone done this trip to Mendenhall from pier? Any tips or advice? I'll be on RCCL Explorer of the Seas next month.

Both of the bus brands that I found to book to the Glacier were $45 a person round trip. We have a bigger group so I’m not sure if renting if at all cost effective. I haven’t looked at that.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

For laser tag...

 

 

 

LASER TAG: $5 PP/PER SESSION

 

- no minimum age

 

- no height or weight requirements as long as the player can hold the gun.

 

 

 

For hot-tubs, unless an age mimimun is specified, the child is allowed. However, there are many on this forum who are against children in the hot-tub for a multitude of reasons. My kids and I have no problem using the hot-tub, though. ;p

Awesome, thanks! My post started with just those questions but grew quite a bit while typing. I’ll post the Alaska specific in the other forum later. Those were stuck on while I was thinking about ncl questions.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I’ve been stalking the Bliss threads for a year so I know ship specific info doesn’t exist yet (but soon!!!!) but a lot of my questions will hopefully be the same as other Norwegian ships.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We’re booked on the Bliss this summer with our 5 year olds. This is our first cruise so any general advice you have would be welcome but I have a couple specific questions that I’m hoping someone here would know.

For laser tag, are kids generally allowed? My son saw it on the pictures I showed him and he’s desperate to play. He hates being in the water so this is currently his number 1 goal.

Are kids still allowed in hot tubs? They like to sit with me for a few minutes at a time.

What are the usual gluten free offerings in the buffet?

What are the best things to do on the first day besides the pool?

What kind of hands on class/activities on the ship could kids attend? I know the kids club will have stuff but I’m thinking more about stuff for us adults that they could tag along on. Like is there still an origami class?

Alaska questions:

Are there any junior park ranger activities or similar on the ship for Sawyer Glacier?

Recommendation for decent kids binoculars?

Does the Mendenhall Glacier center have any jr ranger like activities?

Short activities for kids in Victoria?

What is there for kids outside the pool and kids club?

Sorry, That ended up as more than a couple. Thanks for the help!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Try true lemon. It’s dry lemon powder. Each packet is about the equivalent of a wedge but I’ve found I only need have for my full contigo for a good amount of lemon flavor. It’s not fake at all and tastes properly lemony. I keep some in my bag at all times and plan to bring a whole new box with us on our cruise.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Would you go swim with Dolphins in Mexico? I wouldn't, so I know if was in your shoes choosing to do this excursion or not the answer would be no I wouldn't go, I understand what everyone has written below in regards to it being what they are born to do and bad apples and all that. I think it's totally a personal choice. Has it been your dream to dog sled? There are a billion other amazing excursions to do in Alaska. Some ships bring sled dog puppies on-board for people to pet and get their picture with the dog in port which is another way to see the dogs if it's a dog you want to see.[/quote]

 

 

 

I might point out that if the puppies were not ultimately be going to used as sled dogs and be kept outside which is what the OP hates, the puppies would not exist. So the OP will be supporting the practice she hates if she attends the puppy petting event.

 

 

 

DON

 

 

 

Dolphins and sled dogs exist in very different situations though. I would not do a dolphin swim except under maybe very particular conditions but sled dogs wouldn’t be a problem at all so long as I was sure they were well cared for.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Tbh, I’d kill not to eat with all 10 but I get a 1/6 vote on the matter and less than than truly because I’m not willing to cause a scene. Good to know about the difference in restaurants. I hadn’t considered test at all. Food allergies are going to be a thing so I really have no idea at this point what the best idea will be beyond upping my alcohol tolerance and drinking heavily (currently this means 2 shots so..)

Sent from my iPad using Forums

So what I’ve learned here is that our group of 10 should definitely make reservations on the Bliss this summer.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

My sister, niece and nephew and I went to the murder mystery lunch on the Epic and it was fun. You have a set menu. The show was fun (it was some of the Second City people when they still had that). A bit of audience participation. And as it was near the end of the cruise, a lot of the inside jokes clicked with the audience. They’re not for everyone, but we had a nice time.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

That sounds really fun. We’ll have to keep an eye for that that.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

From the FAQ on the package

 

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/specialty-dining-package/faq

 

 

 

IN WHICH VENUES WILL MY SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGE BE HONORED?

 

Specialty dining packages are honored in the following specialty restaurants: steakhouses, Churrascarias, French, Teppanyaki, Los Lobos, Q Steakhouse, Margaritaville at Sea and Italian restaurants. Guests who have purchased the package may also choose to dine in other select à la carte priced restaurants, entertainment-based restaurants, Bayamo, Pincho Tapas Bar, and Ocean Blue restaurants, for the following per person upcharges:

 

• 
   
  
• Ocean Blue - $15 USD
   
  
• Bayamo - $15 USD
   
  
• Cirque Dreams/Illusionarium - $10 USD regular seats/$15 USD premium seats/$35 USD VIP seating on Breakaway
   
  
• Sushi -$7 USD
   
  
• Raw Bar - $7 USD (Seafood Platter not included)
   
  
• Pincho Tapas Bar - $7 USD
   
  

Room Service, Mini Bar, Food Republic and District Brewhouse, Specialty Items in the Asian restaurant, Hot Rock, a la carte items in the Main Dining Rooms, The Bake Shop items, The Bake Shop, O’ Sheehan’s Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.

 

 

 

 

 

BTW

 

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your lost shaker of salt is right here in Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea. Savor signature items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise. Sip on a Who’s to Bla ...

 

• 
   
  
• PRICE $14.95 USD
   
  

 

• 
   
  
• Items on menu are individually priced. An 20% gratuity and specialty service charge will be charged at time of payment.
   
  

What’s this about a murder mystery lunch? Is this new or done on several ships?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

While the BLISS is yet to be afloat - NCL does have the deck plans out LINK:

 

 

 

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/Norwegian-Bliss

 

 

 

Click on deck 13 or 14 and look midship forward to the grey inside cabins

 

sort of standing on end. These should be sideways inside cabins that give

 

just a bit more room with the entrance on the side of a rectangle instead of

 

on the narrow end.

 

These cabins are however not convenient to the stairs or elevators.

 

The childrens "Splash Academy" is to be located on deck 5 midship starboard.

 

 

 

Look the deck plan over - note that the game plan is to have more Balcony cabins

 

and fewer inside cabins (IC) and ocean views (OV). With this in mind book

 

your inside cabin with prime location early on.

 

 

 

Your deck 12 options are fine but these cabins are all end entrance IC.

 

In reference to those WHITE SPACES and voids you see this is ships

 

engineering space and crew serve (cabin steward storage work areas).

 

The areas you see with a bold rectangle with an "X" marked in it are

 

elevators - if you see a blank white space near there it is perhaps crew

 

elevators. The hash mark areas near elevators are stairs. When using

 

the deck plan scheme line up the elevators (or stairs) to see what is

 

a deck above or below you. On deck 12 forward the dark blue and teal

 

green cabins are Studios and should not be confused with insides.

 

Cabins with a small white square are handicap fitted and generally

 

have more space for maneuvering wheelchairs and scooters. These

 

cabins can be booked but you maybe asked to move for a HC psgr.

 

 

 

Good that you are planning early for your cabin selection to weigh the

 

merits and get all the pros & cons of location size etc.

 

 

 

Need more information just post the "?" and as noted while the BLISS

 

is yet to be floated and christened you can dream. Your deck 12 location

 

would be well centered in the ship for the least motion problems.

 

You did not mention your sailing - Transatlantic - Panama Canal -

 

Alaska ? Also since you post here on CC when you book your cruise

 

consider signing onto the Roll Call and get more information and

 

come Meet & Greet your fellow CC passengers !

 

 

 

All the Best for the New Year !

Thanks for the help! We ended up with a deck 12 room. 5 was tempting for the proximity to kids club but it seems like it might end up too noisy. We’re on an August sailing to Alaska. We’d been planning on the first Alaska itinerary but I’ll be glad to have the experiences of people here first (and save a lot from the kids sail free promotion).

Sent from my iPhone using Forums