Read our comprehensive Norwegian Bliss Alaska cruise review. Discover the best cabins, dining options, Deck 15 Observation Lounge, and 2025/2026 itineraries.
When it comes to cruising the Last Frontier, convenience is a major factor for families, and the Norwegian Bliss delivers by sailing standard 7-night roundtrip itineraries out of Seattle, Washington. For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, you can expect the ship to depart from Pier 66 in downtown Seattle, making embarkation incredibly easy if you’re flying into SEA-TAC.
The standard route hits the most heavily demanded highlights of the Inside Passage. Your port days will typically feature Juneau, Skagway (though some weeks substitute Skagway for Sitka or Icy Strait Point), Ketchikan, and a required evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
The true highlight of the itinerary, however, is the scenic cruising day. Depending on the specific week you book, the Norwegian Bliss will either sail through Glacier Bay National Park or navigate Endicott Arm to view Dawes Glacier. Fares for these 7-day roundtrip sailings generally start around $789 to $879 per person for an inside cabin during the shoulder seasons (May and September), climbing well over $1,400 per person for summer balcony rates.
Launched in 2018 with a gross tonnage of 168,028 and a passenger capacity of 4,004 (at double occupancy), the Norwegian Bliss holds a special distinction: she was the very first mega-ship designed and purpose-built specifically for Alaska cruising.
What makes a ship “purpose-built” for a cold-weather destination? The answer sits on Deck 15 forward. The Observation Lounge is arguably the single best indoor public viewing area on any ship sailing the region. Featuring 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows and sprawling over 20,000 square feet, this lounge allows you to comfortably sip a spiked coffee or hot chocolate while watching humpback whales and calving glaciers without braving the biting Arctic winds. It features a full bar, comfortable loungers, and complimentary light bites throughout the day.
Another brilliant architectural feature is The Waterfront on Deck 8. This quarter-mile wrap-around outdoor promenade brings you closer to the waterline. Experienced Alaska cruisers know that the lower decks are actually better for spotting marine life than the top deck. Grab a cocktail from the outdoor Sugarcane Mojito Bar and lean on the rail—it’s the perfect place for impromptu, uncrowded whale watching.
Norwegian also successfully brings the destination inside. When the ship sails into Glacier Bay (on eligible sailings), National Park Rangers board the vessel to provide live commentary over the PA system, set up educational displays, and stamp National Park passports. On other days, a dedicated onboard Alaska naturalist offers wildlife presentations and narration from the bridge.
If there is one cruise where you should absolutely splurge on a balcony, it is Alaska. The scenery doesn’t stop when you leave port; you are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, evergreen forests, and wildlife for days on end.
On the Norwegian Bliss, the absolute best cabins for an Alaska itinerary are the Aft-Facing Balconies. Located on the flat back of the ship, these cabins offer stunning 180-degree panoramic views of the ship’s wake. Because they face backward, you are completely shielded from the harsh forward winds, meaning you can comfortably sit on your balcony while the ship sails next to a glacier. They often price out similarly or just slightly higher than a standard midship balcony, making them an incredible value.
If you are booking a standard side balcony, which side is best? For a roundtrip Seattle sailing, the ship travels up and down the same general corridor. Port side (left) offers great mainland views on the southbound return, while Starboard (right) is fantastic for the northbound journey. During glacier viewing days, the captain slowly spins the ship 360 degrees, so both sides will have roughly equal time facing the ice.
Budget Tip: If you must book an inside cabin to save money, consider buying a thermal suite pass at the Mandara Spa. The thermal suite features heated ceramic loungers positioned directly in front of massive floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the ship—a fantastic, quiet alternative to the much busier Observation Lounge.
The Norwegian Bliss operates on NCL’s signature “Freestyle Cruising” concept. There are no set dining times, no assigned tables, and no formal dress codes. In Alaska, where you might be returning from a muddy, exhausting 8-hour dog-sledding excursion, the last thing you want to do is rush back to the ship to put on a suit for a strict 6:00 PM dinner. The casual, highly flexible nature of Freestyle dining works perfectly in the Last Frontier.
The complimentary food is solid and plentiful. You have three main dining rooms (Taste, Savor, and The Manhattan Room), a massive Garden Café buffet, and The Local, which serves complimentary pub food 24/7 (their wings and pretzel bites hit the spot after a chilly port day).
However, the Bliss truly shines in its Specialty Dining. The ship features several incredible extra-charge restaurants:
Booking Tip: Purchasing the “Free at Sea” promotion, which typically includes a dining package covering 2 or 3 specialty meals, is highly recommended. Just remember to make your dining reservations on the NCL app exactly 120 days before your sail date, as prime dinner times book up instantly.
If you are traveling with children, teenagers, or a multi-generational group, the Norwegian Bliss is arguably the best ship in Alaska. While luxury lines appeal to older demographics, the top deck of the Bliss is practically a theme park.
The signature attraction is the Bliss Speedway, a two-level competitive electric go-kart track. Zooming around hairpin turns on the top deck of a cruise ship while surrounded by Alaskan mountains is a surreal experience. Note that this does cost an additional fee, but it is absolutely worth doing at least once.
The ship also features an open-air laser tag arena themed around an abandoned space station, a massive video arcade, and an Aqua Park. The Aqua Park boasts two waterslides, including the Aqua Racer and the Ocean Loops—a high-speed, free-fall drop slide that actually extends out over the side of the ship. Yes, the pools are heated, and brave kids absolutely ride the waterslides in the crisp Alaskan air!
For younger children, NCL’s Splash Academy provides an excellent complimentary kids club with supervised activities, giving parents a chance to relax.
For evening entertainment, Norwegian continues to dominate the mainstream cruise industry. The Bliss features Broadway-caliber production shows in the main theater, a lively comedy club, and an exact replica of The Cavern Club (the legendary Liverpool venue where the Beatles played), complete with a stellar Beatles tribute band.
To ensure your Alaskan adventure goes smoothly on the Norwegian Bliss, keep these insider tips in mind:
1. Mind the Ketchikan Dock: Norwegian Cruise Line ships generally do not dock in downtown Ketchikan. Instead, the Bliss docks at Ward Cove, an NCL-owned facility located about 20 to 30 minutes north of town. While Norwegian provides free shuttles into downtown Ketchikan, you must factor this travel time into your independent excursion planning. It can also cause bottlenecks getting back to the ship, so don’t cut your timing too close.
2. Glacier Bay vs. Dawes Glacier: When browsing itineraries for 2025 and 2026, pay close attention to the scenic cruising day. Only select NCL sailings have the coveted permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park. If Glacier Bay is a bucket-list item for you, verify the itinerary before putting down a deposit. Dawes Glacier is also stunning, but it is located at the end of Endicott Arm, which can sometimes be blocked by ice early in the season (May and June).
3. Book Early for the Haven: If you have the budget, The Haven—NCL’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” luxury complex—is phenomenal on the Bliss. It includes a private restaurant, private lounge, 24-hour butler service, and most importantly for Alaska, a private forward-facing observation deck exclusively for Haven guests. These suites sell out months, if not a year, in advance.
4. Pack for Freestyle: Leave the ballgowns and tuxedos at home. Alaska cruising on Norwegian is incredibly casual. Focus on packing layers—fleece jackets, waterproof windbreakers, comfortable hiking shoes, and jeans. You will fit right in everywhere on the ship.
The Norwegian Bliss successfully bridges the gap between a high-energy resort experience and an immersive natural adventure. If you want endless onboard entertainment combined with some of the best scenic viewing areas at sea, she is an outstanding choice for your Last Frontier vacation.
Yes, it is arguably Norwegian's best ship for the region. It was purpose-built for Alaska in 2018, featuring the massive 270-degree Observation Lounge on Deck 15, which is perfect for indoor glacier viewing.
Aft-facing balconies (on the rear of the ship) are the premier choice. They offer unobstructed 180-degree panoramic views of the wake and surrounding fjords, while keeping you completely protected from the forward winds. Otherwise, standard balconies are highly recommended over inside cabins.
Yes, but not on every sailing. The ship holds permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park on select summer departures. On alternate weeks, it typically sails to Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm instead.
The Bliss primarily sails 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle, Washington. Standard ports of call usually include Juneau, Skagway (or Sitka), Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and a brief evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
With over 4,000 passengers onboard, the Bliss is a mega-ship. While the ship handles crowds relatively well due to numerous lounges and restaurants, disembarking in small ports like Skagway can create bottlenecks, and you will notice the crowds during peak buffet times.
The Deck 15 Observation Lounge is the absolute highlight for Alaska. Additionally, The Waterfront on Deck 8 provides a quarter-mile outdoor promenade perfect for low-deck whale watching, and the ship features onboard Naturalists and Park Rangers (in Glacier Bay) for educational commentary.
Compared to traditional lines like Holland America or Princess, Norwegian Bliss is heavily family-focused, highly casual, and packed with resort-style amusements like a go-kart track and waterslides. It trades quiet elegance for Freestyle Dining and high-energy entertainment.