Solo Trip Report for my cruise to the Mexican Rivera on the Norwegian Bliss!

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My trip was October 6 - 13, 2019 from Los Angeles and I had a blast!

Last time we talked, I told you that I was going to go on my second solo cruise in October.  Let me tell you, this cruise was absolutely wonderful!  Norwegian Cruise Lines really knows how to do solo cruising.  I live near Dayton Ohio and my flight left from Columbus Ohio at 654AM.  I left the house very early to get to the airport and had a smooth direct non-stop flight from Columbus to Los Angeles.  Upon arrival at the Los Angeles Airport, I went to baggage claim, picked up my bag and took the shuttle to the Hilton LAX hotel. 

The hotel is actually at the airport and after getting on the shuttle, it was about 10 minutes until we were deposited at the hotel.  The location was great!  They had a Carl Jr. within walking distance, so I was able to walk over and get a sandwich for dinner.  The hotel was very nice, but since it was at the airport, planes were making a lot of noise.  So, for me, it was not my favorite place to stay.  The time change really did a number on me and I stayed in my room and relaxed on Saturday.

Sunday, I got up early and went downstairs to get a muffin.  (I think a muffin and bottle of Diet Coke was $12).  After checking out of the hotel, I took the shuttle back over to baggage claim and took the shuttle to the ship.

 

Look at this great ship!  I am so ready for my cruise.  After check in I went on the ship and had lunch at Taver (either Saver or Taste) After Lunch I went up to my cabin to drop off my bag.  My room steward, Paul greeted me and he was wonderful!  After dropping off my items, I went to the Spa to check it out. 

The facilities were wonderful!  I spent a lot of my free time in this area.  I ran into my massage lady, Barbara that was on my last Norwegian cruise on the Getaway and scheduled an appointment with her that afternoon for my first spa treatment.  I had a full body salt scrub and massage.  So relaxing.

Sunday night I had dinner reservation at Q BBQ. Totally enjoyed this restaurant.  After dinner I went down to visit the casino and lost some money.  Oh well, time for bed. 

I found that each night I was in bed early because of the time change (of course it was 11 – 12am) but because I am an early riser on the Eastern Time Zone, I slept late every day until at least 6am West Coast time!  I did not get a lot of sleep on this cruise. 

Monday – October 7

I went to breakfast at Taver and had my typical – Tomato Juice, Mellon Plate, Eggs Benedict, Bacon, and White Toast.  Great way to start the day!  After breakfast I was at the pool by 8am and met a very nice lady who was also traveling alone.  She was staying in the Studios and invited me to join in some of the events with the Solo Travelers that week. 

On the newer Norwegian ships they have an area called the Studios.  This area is geared for solo travelers.  You may not be traveling alone, but you do not have a roommate.  So they have solo cabins that are small and you do not pay a solo supplement for them.  Also, they have a host that has activities for the group.  They will get together each evening in the Studio Lounge and then go to dinner, either in one of the free restaurants or in a Pay Restaurant.  They will also, get together for the shows, the Race Car, and other activities.  This gives you the opportunity to travel alone, but still have people to get together with, when you want to. 

Anyway, I laid out at the pool until lunch time and went to lunch at The Local.  Very nice lunch place.  After lunch I went to the SPA for some relaxation. 

On Monday I had dinner in Los Lobos, OMG it was WONDERFUL!  I think I could have had dinner in Los Lobos every night!

Tuesday – October 8

Again started with the same breakfast at Taver and out to the pool.  My friend Caren and I sat out for a while at the pool and enjoyed our conversation and adult beverages.  The weather was getting warmer so I was able to actually get into the water today! 

Today I found a new favorite feature on the Bliss – Coco’s!  I stopped by on my way to an event in the lobby and picked up a Waffle Cone Chocolate Ice cream and found that it was wonderful!  (Yes, it was not my only paid for ice cream cone of the cruise)

Tuesday evening, I met the Solo Traveler group for dinner at Taver and had a great time with the group.  I had a reservation at the Go Cart Track tonight and was truly looking forward to that!  It was a great time at sea!  The lights on the track on the ship at night are a great way to spend the evening.

Wednesday – October 9

Today since we are arriving early at Puerto Vallarta I decided to skip Taver and go for breakfast in The Local.  It is a faster service than the formal breakfast. 

After breakfast, I went off the ship to meet up with my tour, today I was going to get the opportunity to get in the water with the Sea Lions!  OMG I am so pumped!  Caren was also going on this tour so we met at the check in location and rode the bus to the Sea Lion Park.  The ride was about 45 minutes to an hour, but well worth it.   After getting our safety talk at the park, they split us into groups for the remainder of the day.  Our group actually had the privilege of interacting with 2 sea lions.  Both ladies were so nice.

 

 

After playing with the sea lions, we had lunch that was included at the park.  Than back onto the bus and off to the Bliss.  If you ever get the chance, try the sea lions, this was so much fun!  I plan to go again on my next cruise with my sister.

Thursday – October 10

Today the ship went to Mazatlan, I decided to stay on the ship and enjoy the pool.  Very nice and relaxing day.  I also had a spa appointment for a 2 hour appointment.  I have the facial and full body massage.  Could have spent more time getting massages!

Tonight I went to see the new Broadway Musical “Six” (it is not on Broadway yet).  The play is about the six wives of Henry the 8^th.  Totally enjoyed the evening.

Friday – October 11

Friday we visited Cabo San Lucas, such a lovely location!  This port is a ‘tender’ port, so the ship does not get to dock.  We took the tender off the ship and went to the dock, where we waited until it was time to get on the boat to do our tour.  OMG this was a gorgeous tour.  The formation of the rocks is amazing. 

 

Saturday – October 12

Another wonderful day at sea.  Tonight the Solo group had dinner at the Manhattan Room!  This cruise was so wonderful, not ready to go home.

 

Sunday – October 13

Today I was booted out of my cabin!  How Rude!!! LOL, had to go back to the cold winter in Ohio.  Already dreaming of my next cruise in June!

 

My Thoughts –

The Bliss is a wonderful ship!  So many activities,

• I love the way that they totally have a glassed in area in the Casino for the smokers to go! I did not have to sit in the smoke.
• The shows on this ship were great
• The staff was wonderful
• All the food that I had was cooked great
• Plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

Thank you for reading.

 

#solocruising

#NorwegianBliss

#MexicanRivera

#SpaBalcony