Bliss / Live / Solo - Dec-01-08-2018...

[sid_9169]

Beautiful artwork and sculpture is around every corner on the Bliss...

 

I haven't had a drink all day today. Very unusual for me, but I think I'm going to have some wine tonight at the Haven restaurant. I'm hoping it will knock me out, I couldn't sleep at all last night.

 

I also haven't been to Vibe at all today. I like it up there, but I'm starting to think it's more of a "thrill of the hunt" thing for me. And, with the increased cost, I definitely haven't gotten my money's worth this week. Add in the cost of the crummy internet, and I'm close to $250 in addition to the cost of the cruise...

[sid_9169]

I'm getting out my fanciest outfit for dinner tonight. Wich includes a half decent pair of shorts, as well as my new fancy lighting bolt shirt that I bought myself for my birthday. I asked Pam if shorts would be okay, and she said no problem.

 

In addition, I have been wearing my infamous t-shirt that caused such a ruckus on my Vista review. If you don't know what that is, you'll have to go back and read that. I don't want to stir up any more trouble than I already have this week...

[Lupush]

Would be grateful if you could take a shot of the Haven Dinner Menu!  Enjoy!

[JC5240]

I was on the Bliss the week before OP (11.24 - 12.1), and I must say that this ship ended up being the quietest with regards to nightlife than any other NCL ship I've been on. DBH ended at 11:45p, all the live music around the ship was done by midnight. The only thing open was the Social nightclub, and that basically went on all night. But I was shocked to see the lack of entertainment after midnight throughout the entire week of the cruise. Even the nighttime parties ended early.

 

However, on the Getaway and Breakaway, the parties went on well into the late night, as well as Howl at the Moon. Sometimes they'd even play past 1:30AM. I was a bit disappointed with the nightlife on the Bliss, but overall had an amazing time.

 

Sorry to hijack OP - LOVING your review. Definitely helping with the post cruise blues since you boarded as i disembarked!

 

On 12/2/2018 at 7:31 PM, MsJersey84 said:

Following Sid I love your reviews I have followed you on Carnival cruises and now my husband and I have booked our first NCL and I was checking out their board and saw you over here. AWESOME!!

We are super excited about our a Breakaway cruise in Oct but are worried about the night life.. On Carnival we normally do a comedy show or productions list show, drinks and then late night pizza.  Maybe a stop by at the dance club if it looks like the spot to be, but I have seen some reviews that says NCL night life ends at about 11pm.. Can you give some insight to this??  

 

Thank you and Great Review!!!

 

[marktwothousand]

36 minutes ago, JC5240 said:

I was on the Bliss the week before OP (11.24 - 12.1), and I must say that this ship ended up being the quietest with regards to nightlife than any other NCL ship I've been on. DBH ended at 11:45p, all the live music around the ship was done by midnight. The only thing open was the Social nightclub, and that basically went on all night. But I was shocked to see the lack of entertainment after midnight throughout the entire week of the cruise. Even the nighttime parties ended early.

 

However, on the Getaway and Breakaway, the parties went on well into the late night, as well as Howl at the Moon. Sometimes they'd even play past 1:30AM. I was a bit disappointed with the nightlife on the Bliss, but overall had an amazing time.

 

Thanks for letting me know this, I'll temper my expectations 😞 It doesn't sound that bad though, I mean-- most NCL parties I have been to, ended on the top deck by midnight (for noise reasons) and then migrated to one bar inside for the rest of the night. I don't think that's unreasonable?

 

On the Excape, Skyline was hopping till 2...so even if its like that, I'll be satisfied. 

 

May I ask what you were expecting, what would be reasonable for late night entertainment?

 

And on some ships, like the Epic, they have excellent venues like Bliss Ultra Lounge for late parties, but no one uses it. It is open late every night, but no one goes anywhere past midnight, everyone goes to bed.

Edited December 6, 2018 by marktwothousand

[JC5240]

Truth be told, my expectations were that the entertainment would last just as long as other Away class ships. ALL of the live music around the ship, whether it be live music at Sugarcane, DBH piano player, or even the jazz singer at the Observation lounge came to a hard stop before midnight. I remember on my last Breakaway cruise last year, we'd leave a comedy club and be able to still feel the energy of the ship...relocate to several different places, and music would still be going on. I felt that on the Bliss, after midnight you had two options: the Social, or the casino. Which is fine, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I just personally really miss HATM. It was great to go there after catching a show or just stumble in after a late dinner. The piano player at the DBH was great, but stopped before midnight every night. I think it has to do with the location of the venue since cabins are right on the other side of it.

 

At least the Social was packed every night. Made for some interesting people watching to say the least, lol

 

7 minutes ago, marktwothousand said:

May I ask what you were expecting, what would be reasonable for late night entertainment?

 

And on some ships, like the Epic, they have excellent venues like Bliss Ultra Lounge for late parties, but no one uses it. It is open late every night, but no one goes anywhere past midnight, everyone goes to bed.

 

 

[JC5240]

OP, finally caught up - sorry to hear about your cold and your internet issues. LOVING your live review, and really appreciate your time and dedication to it!

 

If you can, tell Bong Johnny and Chris say hi - tell him we're the ones that gave him the yellow reusable straw :) 

[marktwothousand]

2 minutes ago, JC5240 said:

 

At least the Social was packed every night. Made for some interesting people watching to say the least, lol

 

Exxxcellent. I love when it gets messy. Do you happen to remember if there was group dancing at the social? (You know...those kind of songs that everyone gets up for and does the moves to, like “The Wobble”)

[JC5240]

2 minutes ago, marktwothousand said:

Exxxcellent. I love when it gets messy. Do you happen to remember if there was group dancing at the social? (You know...those kind of songs that everyone gets up for and does the moves to, like “The Wobble”)

 

There was - they played The Wobble every night basically to get everyone on the floor. Won't like - I partook and was amazing.

 

On a side note, on the very last night on the cruise, they asked everyone evacuate the Social at around 2:00AM because, and I quote, "someone got too lit and couldn't make it to the bathroom so decided to urinate on the floor." I was actually shocked that they reopened after that, especially considering how late it was! The Social was packed though, so there would have been a riot if they didn't reopen lol

[marktwothousand]

13 minutes ago, JC5240 said:

 

There was - they played The Wobble every night basically to get everyone on the floor. Won't like - I partook and was amazing.

 

On a side note, on the very last night on the cruise, they asked everyone evacuate the Social at around 2:00AM because, and I quote, "someone got too lit and couldn't make it to the bathroom so decided to urinate on the floor." I was actually shocked that they reopened after that, especially considering how late it was! The Social was packed though, so there would have been a riot if they didn't reopen lol

 

LOL!!! OK. Perhaps I was being alarmist. Those sound like my kind of nights. I will be satisfied with that 🙂

[blarko]

5 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I went to guest services to pay down my tab with cash, so as not to incur it on my credit card. While down there, I eavesdropped on several of the guests who were removing gratuities. They each had basically the same story. "I prefer to give cash"... In other words, they are a bunch of cheapskates in my opinion... If someone goes above and beyond, then give them something extra, but don't stiff the hardworking staff behind the scenes... It's their hard work that makes for a great vacation, in addition to the crew that you have direct contact with... Rant over......

It makes me so mad when people remove their gratuities.  Like you said, a bunch of cheapskates. The crew on the ships are hard working and deserve every penny and then some.  The cruise lines should make it more difficult to remove gratuities. Like maybe fill out a form with a valid reason AFTER the cruise and get reimbursed if the complaint is valid. Gratuities should not be that easy to remove. My rant over.......lol

[sid_9169]

So it begins...

 

 

Collasal shrimp trio. Maybe slightly bigger than the ones at Cagney's. Excellent.

 

[CRUISERMOMX3]

3 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

Jovo strikes again... I just stopped by the cabin, and there was a knock at the door. The guy hands me this fancy envelope that I just figured was an invitation to the final art auction or whatnot. Lo and behold my invitation for two at the Haven restaurant... I wish that i had a plus one to go with me...

 

 

Woo Hoo! Go Jovo. I hope the Haven was awesome and the cruise crud didn’t affect the taste. 

[sid_9169]

Braised short rib on polenta.

 

 

And, I'm having some red wine tonight. Unfortunately my cruise crud is in the phase where I can barely taste anything. Still an honor to be invited here for a free dinner...

 

***Note: the internet seems to be working fine in the Haven. Go figure...

 

 

[sid_9169]

Caeser salad, extra anchovies.

 

 

[sid_9169]

More Haven. While the internet is actually working well.

 

 

 

[sid_9169]

Filet mignon, medium rare. I guess it seems fitting that my greatest meal of the cruise happens when I can't taste anything... Is that irony?

 

 

I can almost taste that beefy goodness. Almost...

 

 

[CincyJen]

On 12/2/2018 at 11:44 PM, marktwothousand said:

Oh my GAWD no. I’ve never been on an NCL cruise that quiets down at 11. Most of the ones I’ve been on, the good parties only get going after 10:30 on the outdoor deck till about midnight, and then continue inside until about 2.

 

while it’s perhaps true that “organized” programming stops around 11:30/12, there are still DJs, music and dancing until well after that.

 

I believe food and bev goes until 2/3ish and then if you still want late pizza or food after that, you can pay a $8.95 room service charge and order whatever you want (for free) until breakfast starts again at about 5:30/6. 

 

Just off the Bliss, Dec 1. Can confirm!  Woot!

[All-ready2cruise]

OMG, isn't that cake wonderful... so amazing and one of the few I will indulge in... hope you enjoyed it. 

Cheers

[sid_9169]

Even worse. I actually have another shot at the master mixologist at the Haven bar and I can't taste anything nor do I actually feel good enough to drink...

[All-ready2cruise]

Just now, sid_9169 said:

Even worse. I actually have another shot at the master mixologist at the Haven bar and I can't taste anything nor do I actually feel good enough to drink...

  awhhh sorry you're still under the weather... I'd be happy to help you out..........which way did you come in?  hehehe

Edited December 6, 2018 by All-ready2cruise

[marktwothousand]

@sid_9169 LOL. It sounds like your last few days are ending up like how mine always end up. Us poor things hey?

 

i learned my lesson a couple cruises ago. I pretty much don’t travel without meds for every eventuality now. Everything for stomach conditions, sore throats, decongestants, pain... so hopefully,  whatever I get, I’m covered. 

[OceanBlueWaters]

9 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

Even worse. I actually have another shot at the master mixologist at the Haven bar and I can't taste anything nor do I actually feel good enough to drink...

NOOOOOO!  Please have a drink while you are there!  Hell, it can't hurt!  What is this world coming to?! Wilson can't give us a pic of a master mixologist drink in the Haven?  LOL!  Feel better and enjoy...🙂🍽️

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

sid_1969 ~ still following along & loving your review. Hope you feel better soon!

The internet wasn't that great on the Nov 3 Bliss cruise either & some must have complained as I got a $75 credit

without even asking!

 

I enjoyed my 14 days on Bliss & would sail on it again if the right itinerary was offered.

 

~ Jo ~ 😊

[CincyJen]

2 hours ago, marktwothousand said:

Thanks for letting me know this, I'll temper my expectations 😞 It doesn't sound that bad though, I mean-- most NCL parties I have been to, ended on the top deck by midnight (for noise reasons) and then migrated to one bar inside for the rest of the night. I don't think that's unreasonable?

 

On the Excape, Skyline was hopping till 2...so even if its like that, I'll be satisfied. 

 

May I ask what you were expecting, what would be reasonable for late night entertainment?

 

And on some ships, like the Epic, they have excellent venues like Bliss Ultra Lounge for late parties, but no one uses it. It is open late every night, but no one goes anywhere past midnight, everyone goes to bed.

 

Same Bliss cruise, 11-24 - 12-1.  Nightlife on deck was terrific, Skyline Bar went well into the wee hours.  We loved it.  Everyone's different, I guess.