Bliss- Seattle-Boarding process- 160722

[Markj]

Boarded the Bliss on Saturday for a 7 night Alaskan cruise. Its our third one and there’s always so much to see and do.

 

I thought I would just give a run through of the boarding process as I have always found the information and details from previous posts useful.

 

For background we are from the UK and have booked The Haven cabin 18700 – have to say a large family could easily live in this room and the steward said it can accommodate 6 – there’s a 2^nd bedroom which we will never use!!!

 

There’s a fair bit of “admin” to do ahead of actually arriving at the cruise port so along with the NCL check in which is done online we also did the ArriveCan process (even though we don’t intend to get off in Victoria) an antigen Covid test two days ahead of the cruise (did ours on the Thursday morning), proof of vaccinations, and I actually printed out my ESTA document which I’ve never done before but it came in handy as you’ll read later.

 

Had planned to arrive at the port between 2 and 230pm so got an Uber from the Thompson Hotel (brilliant location on 1^st Avenue and such a fabulous hotel) that took about 10 minutes and when we arrived the bag drop off section was quiet. Gave our bags to a porter and tipped $2 and off they went. Nice and easy.

 

Walked 100 yards down the sidewalk and saw the back of the line coming out of the entrance. For haven guests there is a separate line and a person with a Haven sign to direct you. Have to say the main guest line was long and thankfully we got to the first check with only one other couple ahead of us. They check your passport and boarding pass/Ticket at this point.

 

Then into one line for security and bag check. There isn’t a separate Haven line but this moves quickly so maybe 5 minutes here.

 

Then up a flight of stairs – there is an elevator too – and then haven guests go to a lounge on the right and other guests to the left. I only saw the back of the line in the guest check in but it did look crowded.

 

In the Haven Lounge a representative runs through your booking, ArriveCan check, checks the Covid test, proof of vaccination, and passports and also wanted to see our ESTAS. As I mentioned earlier I have never printed these in over 30 trips to the US as I’ve never been asked for them at US immigration. But here they needed to see them. So to any UK guests make sure you have a hard copy. I do have all the above on my lap top but its just easier if everything is printed off.

 

Then the representative said that all non-US or Canadian passports had to be check by the “ship executive”. So she took ours and the ESTA form away. This took 45minutes!!!!! So we sat in the lounge and had a coffee and a cookie. When she came back she said the check took about a minute but she had to wait in a line as there were all the passports from the other guests being checked too. I’ve never had this done before for a cruise and it seemed a but strange seeing as we were already in the USA!!! Anyway – this check was done and then we had our pictures taken and cruise key cards issued.

 

Covid test – as a note – we did ours 2 days ahead of sailing as instructed by NCL, however the representative did say tests could be done at the port if you arrived there to board and hadn’t done one!! We actually met an American couple in Shugs Ice cream shop (definitely go here) and they hadn’t done theirs as they thought US guests didn’t need to do a test if they were vaccinated. So suggested they checked as I was sure they did – and they do!!! So all being well they got theirs and are onboard as I write!!

 

Finally – a  Haven team member took us to our cabin – and on the way to our muster point to we didn’t have to go back later -  and then about 15minutes later our bags arrived. So other than the extended passport check the whole check in and boarding experience was really straightforward.

 

Now at sea and about to go for breakfast on Day 2.

 

If anyone has any questions then please ask away I’m sure I’ll post some updates as the cruise progresses.

[Markj]

The Haven is completely full and the ship is at 75% capacity.

 

Our first time on Bliss and itsba lovely ship. Everything seems well laid out and the crew and staff have all been excellent. 

 

Had dinner so far in Ocean Blue and Le Bistro and they were both great quality.

 

Saw the 930 Jersey Boys last night - didn't realise it had no interval so be prepared for nearly 2hours of sitting down! Hahaha

[jetact]

Look forward to hearing how the rest of your trip goes as we sail on August 20th on the Bliss in the Haven. 

[NW Pacific]

Did your new friends from the ice cream shop get their covid tests at the Pier with no problem?   The Bliss Haven is soo great!

[Markj]

Don't know if the ice cream shop family got their tests as I haven't seen them on board or on any tour. There's still time though

 

Did the Otters, raptors and bears tour in Sitk today. John the concierge escorts you off the ship so no queues. (And they bring you baxk the same way, its a great perk). This was very good. Boat trip off the Dock, they have. small bar and serve free hot drinks and donuts. Saw a few whales, seals and sea Otters. Then onto a bus to the Bear sanctuary and 8 bears with 3 species. Finally the raptor rescue centre where they treat injured birds and get them back into the wild. This was also very good and you see Bald Eagle and other raptors up close.

 

Then this evening dinner was at Los Lobos. Good quality Mexican food but just toooo much. We were stuffed and could have had 2 doggy bags!!!  And we only ordered appetisers and mains!!!!! 

 

Then watched Siglo in the cavern club. They are an excellent covers rock band. And then back to the Haven Bar where there was no-one but us for a drink before bed.

[checkitallout]

Who is the concierge in the Haven? Gian was on our last cruise and I thought he was on the bliss now. 
please tell us about your other excursions. We’re on the bliss august 20 with kids and grandkids. Couldn’t get everything we wanted. Doing a helicopter with the dogs from a private company. Girls want salmon fishing so we will probably do that privately too. Doing the ATV. Doing the raptors bears oh my tour too.

wwould love to hear reactions to the excursions. 

[Markj]

John DeSouza is the Head Concierge. I've had him on the Pearl previously and think he's very good

Restaurant and bar staff are first rate too. Also worth mentioning the Haven Observation lounge has a running buffet all day too.

 

Had booked helicopter and dogs too. Got to the heliport, in the copter, engine running.......then told the glacier and dog camp were in cloud and we couldn't go. It was disappointing but they can't affect the weather. So they took us back into Juneau where we had a stroll and A coffee. Refund was back on our account as we sat down for lunch.

 

Which was in the Haven and was very good. I had Fritto Misto and French dip with coleslaw. Top quality.

 

Into the lounge as we cruised out of Juneau as its good spot. Then as we entered Endicott up towards Dawes went to our room as we have a forward facing balcony and huge glass windows.

 

Good to see passenger are allowed out on the front deck on deck 8 too to get a good view

[Sand and Seas]

Sorry you missed your helicopter tour, but glad you are having a good day anyway.

 

We will be on the Bliss in the Haven so we are really enjoying following along with your cruise. 

Thanks for sharing with us😊

[Markj]

The Haven is fab. Of course there will always be debate as to value for money but that's the same with many things. It suits us and I love the whole experience.

 

Have to say Endicott and Dawes wasn't great. I've done Endicott on Jewel and we got right up close with ice all around in the water but today we got nowhere near because of "ice". There were literally 3 chunks and IMHO they didn't attempt to get close enough.

 

I've done Glacier Bay on Pearl back in 2011 and it was brilliant. We were so close and had a park ranger talk us through the whole bay.

 

So if I was wanting to see a glacier up close either do a cruise with Glacier Bay or make sure you go to Mendenhall.

 

Smokehouse for dinner at 830. More later

[Markj]

Had the platter so much food but very tasty and the band played too so was a fab evening.

 

Drinks back in the Haven Bar - those guys can make you anything and the quality of mixology is top notch

[Markj]

Wednesday and Icy Strait Point. Without doubt a cruise ship tourist construction with two gondola cable cars, purpose built bar  and cafe and a zip wire

 

Did a whale watch cruise and saw plenty of humpback as well as seals and Otters.This took a couple of hours then I did the zip wire.

 

The instructions for this aren't clear so - check in at the zip wire reception next to the RED gondola. Then take th gondola up to the top. There is a time on the wristband they give you. Go to the zip wire access and then walk about 500 yards down the hill to the zip wire loading station. 

 

6 people go at a time and each load takes about 10-15 mins as you have to wait for the harnesses to come back up. 

 

It's quite fast and it made my eyes water but great fun to do. They take 3 pictures as you approach thw bottom and you can purchase for $15 for 1 and $9 each for the others. 

 

At the bottom is a bar cafe and for us,gondola back to the ship

 

Lunch in the Haven -excellent as always

[RussNJodi]

23 hours ago, Markj said:

Had booked helicopter and dogs too. Got to the heliport, in the copter, engine running.......then told the glacier and dog camp were in cloud and we couldn't go. It was disappointing but they can't affect the weather. So they took us back into Juneau where we had a stroll and A coffee. Refund was back on our account as we sat down for lunch.

 That is one of my fears for our upcoming cruise as this was the must-do excursion for the kids. For planning, and understanding everyday is different, did they say if they traditionally had better success with morning or afternoon flights? 

[Markj]

13 hours ago, RussNJodi said:

 That is one of my fears for our upcoming cruise as this was the must-do excursion for the kids. For planning, and understanding everyday is different, did they say if they traditionally had better success with morning or afternoon flights? 

They had said that recently 2 to 3 flights a week had been cancelled but weren't specific as to morning or afternoon

[Markj]

Had a good dinner in Cagneys then listened to Siglo in the Atrium before some karaoke in the Cavern.

 

Arrived into Ketchikan at the 'new" terminal. Looks like a run down fish factory. Seems to be the way of cruise ships these days that they all end up docking away from the main port. Its a shame as. you miss the scenery of the arrival into the town. Hey ho.

[Markj]

Did the Rainforest island tour which was really good and very entertaining with Nolan our tour guide. Had a good hike through the forest and learnt about the plants and trees in the forest and the slugs. Hahaha. It was very good.

 

Back to the ship and drinks in the Haven Jacuzzi then onto our balcony as the sun was out and its. lovely warm evening.

 

Tonight it's Six and dinner La Cucina

[chefchick]

I have been waiting to see SIX….so glad it’s back.  Please review if you can.

[Markj]

Dinner in Cucina was very good again. I guess if uou compared the restaurants to the best of their type where you live then they score a good 8 or 9 out of 10. 

 

Saw SIX and really enjoyed it especially as we didn't know any of the music. Of course we know the history of it and it was well done and each of the singers was absolutely excellent.

 

Rounded the evening off in the Atrium and listening to Natural Duo who are also good. Can't fault ant of the entertainers and going to watch the "Beatles" this afty in the main theatre as its basically a day at sea as we don't get to Victoria until 730

 

And that does seem a bit daft.The ship is currently at about 8knots and so could easily get there mid-afternoon and then there would be more time to wander round Ns have afternoon tea - more food yaaaay.

 

So tonight staying on board and going to Ocean Blue. Apparently there's only one bar open one each deck a Canadian authorities don't want is getting hammered. What a silly rule. Hahahahah

 

Nice relaxing day, today as we cruise to Victoria. Had breakfast from the lounge buffet and lunch in the Haven. My goodness the burger is a full half pounder. Hahaha

[Markj]

The afternoon at sea on the way ro Victoria went fast. We did a trivia session then the Beatles Experience and they were top notch.  After which there was a final goodbye from they cruise director, Jack and some of the staff. The asst cruise director sang --and was poor in comparison to the SIX girls-and the thing was cheese so we went the Atrium for a who wants to be a millionaire style quiz only to find the Theatre showbl being streamed onto the big screen Aggggggh! Hahahahaha

 

Couple more quizzes then dinner in Ocean Blue - still our fave and excellent quality then back to the Haven bar for nightcap

 

Final night of a wonderful cruise

[IrishKathy]

Where in Seattle did you get your antigen test?  Did you have to make a reservation ahead of time or could you just walk in?  How long did you have to wait for the paper results?  Thanks.

[Sand and Seas]

@MarkJ, have been enjoying your posts!   

 

As we will be on the Bliss in a few weeks, DH wants to know something about the Haven's Horizon Observation Lounge snacks.  What times of day do they have snacks there?

And perhaps more important to him....do they have fresh baked cookies?  

 

[mearsfansinboise]

@Markj When we sailed on the Bliss (Haven) in March, they mentioned in the Haven tour upon embarkation that there was free lunch in the American Diner until 3pm that day.  Did they make such an offer when you boarded? (We're sailing again in October.)

Edited July 24, 2022 by mearsfansinboise

[mearsfansinboise]

13 hours ago, Sand and Seas said:

@MarkJ, have been enjoying your posts!   

 

As we will be on the Bliss in a few weeks, DH wants to know something about the Haven's Horizon Observation Lounge snacks.  What times of day do they have snacks there?

And perhaps more important to him....do they have fresh baked cookies?  

 

 

There are snacks there all. day. long.

And yes, there were fresh baked cookies - not always, depended on the day and the hour.

A huge variety of things - the little glass jars of desserts, chips & salsa, little sandwiches, veggies and dips, granola and yogurt ... just depended on the time of day, but always something.  

And, you can order from the Haven menu whilst you are there too.

 

[Markj]

20 hours ago, IrishKathy said:

Where in Seattle did you get your antigen test?  Did you have to make a reservation ahead of time or could you just walk in?  How long did you have to wait for the paper results?  Thanks.

I didnt get it in Seattle. I used a company called Qured and ordered it online. Then did a video call on Thursday morning so that it was "medically supervised" The results came by email within 5 minutes and I then used showed the PDF's on my phone

 

They told us at the check in that you could get a test at the port and I saw this at some of the other ports of call but Im sorry I dont know if NCL charged or if you could just turn up and they would do it so I think its safer not to risk it and do the test 2 days before

[Markj]

17 hours ago, Sand and Seas said:

@MarkJ, have been enjoying your posts!   

 

As we will be on the Bliss in a few weeks, DH wants to know something about the Haven's Horizon Observation Lounge snacks.  What times of day do they have snacks there?

And perhaps more important to him....do they have fresh baked cookies?  

 

As has been mentioned- its all day until about 5pm. Mornings from 630 was a cold selection of hams, cheese, devilled eggs fruit, yoghurt, pastries and granola then from about 11 it was lunch with pinwheels, crudite, dips, dessert, chocolate lolly, doughnuts and yes giant fresh bake cookies. The range is pretty my much that but the flavours and ingredients change. We used to mix and match lunch and breakfast in the Haven Restaurant and the lounge depending on how full we were - and then theres afternoon snacks in yoru cabin along with gummi bears and M&M's - you honestly wont be short of food.

 

And if you are starving one floor down is the Garden Buffet. We never used this but did have a tour round and have to say the buffet and the observation lounge and bar was excellent

[Markj]

3 hours ago, mearsfansinboise said:

@Markj When we sailed on the Bliss (Haven) in March, they mentioned in the Haven tour upon embarkation that there was free lunch in the American Diner until 3pm that day.  Did they make such an offer when you boarded? (We're sailing again in October.)

Im sorry but we didnt get onto the ship until about 3 - I think there was lunch in the Local and the Garden buffet but tbh we had had a nice brunch in Seattle and so didnt want any more food - even at the start of the cruise. Hahahaha