Upcoming Norwegian Bliss - Mexican Rivera Cruise

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Are you ready for a trip?

When it rains it pours, I am so excited to be preparing to go on my second solo cruise!  Today is August 27, 2019 and I will be leaving Columbus on a direct non-stop flight to Los Angeles on Saturday October 5, 2019! 

I have booked myself into the Hilton LAX Airport hotel and I’m not sure what I plan to do upon arrival.  When the flight was booked, it left Columbus at like 5pm, well, they changed it to the wonderful hour of 6:54AM to arrive in Los Angeles at 9:00 AM.  Not sure yet if I will do a tour or just stay at the hotel by the pool. 

Sunday morning, I plan to get up early and take the hotel transfer back to the airport.  At the airport, I have booked and paid for a transfer from Norwegian to go to the pier and the Norwegian Bliss!  Such a lovely lady!!! Can’t wait to try the racecar track!  I am booked into a Spa Balcony cabin which will give me access to the Spa facilities for free.  You want to know what is included in the Spa Balcony cabin? Ok, let’s take a look –

The Spa Balcony staterooms feature tranquil spa décor and include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, a single sofa bed, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Suite during regular Spa hours.

Unlimited access to the Mandara Spa’s THERMAL SUITE!  This is available to purchase without the Spa Balcony cabin for the price of $249.00 per person.  The Thermal Suite is a passage toward ultimate relaxation. Based on the concept of Turkish baths, where friends and family spent the day relaxing, the heat and cleansing therapies of our Thermal Suite experience include heated ceramic lounge chairs, a Thalasso Therapy Pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, and tropical rain showers. Different herbal steam and sauna grottos cleanse the body with gentle heat while a therapeutic heated-water pool bubbling effect will wash away stiff and sore joints. Take a dip in the Vitality Pool or enjoy a warm waterfall cascading onto your shoulders. Heated chaise lounges and tropical shower features make this both a relaxing and cleansing experience. Immerse yourself in The Salt Room, a modern alternative to Salt Caves, long renowned in Europe for their salutary properties. After a session in a sauna, a steam bath or in the Sanarium, cool down in the Snow Paradise Cave, a tingly -10°C enhancing blood circulation and has a positive effect on the lungs and respiratory system.

My cabin is on Deck 15 and this deck is host to the Norwegian Bliss Observation Lounge with full service bar on deck 15 offering spectacular 180° panoramic views open to all guests.

The Norwegian Bliss is one of the Breakaway Plus class of ships that I love!  But this ship has some special features that were not on the Escape. 

Race Track

Zoom around hairpin turns as you race for the checkered flag on the largest race track at sea.

Laser Tag

Get ready for a laser tag battle of galactic proportions under the stars.

Aqua Park

Slide into the time of your life. Make it the best of three on Aqua Racer, our tandem waterslide at sea. Or call it a lazy day and lounge by the pools and hot tubs with a frozen drink in hand. However you like to make a splash, the Aqua Park is overflowing with excitement.

Spa Snow Room

Chill out, literally, in our Snow Room, an ice-cold arctic environment that stimulates blood circulation throughout the body.

Spa Salt Room

Our Salt Room mimics natural salt caves found in Eastern Europe. The noninvasive treatment, halotherapy, is relaxing, natural and scientifically proven to improve respiratory and skin ailments and aid in overall wellness.

Happy Hour Prohibition - The Musical

Set in world famous Madam Lulu’s New Orleans speakeasy, tantalizing madams will regale you with tales of bootleggers and some of the era’s most famous tunes that will have you dancing in the aisles. Savor five of your own Prohibition Era specialty cocktails, each with a modern twist, while enjoying an unforgettable night with Miss Lulu and her girls. Please note that this show is not suitable for children under 16.

Jersey Boys

Journey from the gritty streets of Jersey to glamour and international fame as you follow the incredible true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Six

Introducing the cultural phenomenon musical sweeping the stages and now gracing the seas aboard Norwegian Bliss—Six. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, Six is the sell-out award-winning musical that has not only taken the theatre world by storm but also the charts. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Social Comedy and Night Club

Jump start the evening with two talented stand-up comedians that will loosen you up with lots of laughs. And then let loose on the dance floor as a DJ spins your favorite tracks late into the night.

The Cavern Club

Pull up a chair in the legendary Liverpool club where the Beatles performed. Sip your Scotch Sour during an evening of good company and great music with a Beatles cover band.

Los Lobos

Bienvenido a Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavors with a modern twist. From handcrafted margaritas to carne asada marinated in guajillo chiles and tequila to Ibarra chocolate ice cream topped with dulce de leche sauce, the chefs at Los Lobos focus on the details and unique flavor combinations.

Coco's

Come on by Coco’s because anytime is a good time to savor some chocolate. With savory chocolate pralines, crepes, coffees and more types of divine treats than days of your cruise, Coco’s is the sweetest spot in 678 Ocean Place.

Q

Smoked over hickory, oak and pecan wood, all our meats are infused with delicious flavors – whether ribs, chicken or brisket. Dig into some authentic Texas BBQ (extra napkins encouraged). As dinner winds down, the atmosphere heats up as a contemporary country band ropes you into a lively night of dancing, drinking and a honky tonk good time!

Of course on the Norwegian Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, and Epic class ships they have the Studio’s which I will not be staying in but they do cater to the solo traveler.  Not only do they offer cabins designed for the solo traveler, without a single surcharge, they have activities designed to get the solos together for activities.  Dinning, Shore Excursions, Entertainment, you will be able to meet others traveling with you for company.

 

Shore Excursions –

Since my cruises have not been to the Mexican Riveria, I pre-booked my excursions so that I would have everything ready for the trip.  The ship will be going to –

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Sea Lion Encounter

These lovable rascals are comical, mischievous, playful and very friendly. Their inclination to engage in play and include humans in their games is what makes sea lion encounters so exhilarating. You’ll be standing waist-deep in the lagoon as you and the sea lion interact while doing various activities designed for maximum fun such as kisses, flipper shakes and even jumping over your head as you swim up to them. This is a unique and heartwarming experience which will never be forgotten. Afterwards you'll be offered a complimentary lunch and have the opportunity to purchase pictures or souvenirs of your encounter to share this incredible experience with family and loved ones.

 

Mazatlán, Mexico - ATV Mazatlan Beach Adventure

Enjoy a drive along the beach on a scenic and exciting ATV Adventure. This tour is perfect for both the beginner as well as the more advanced off-road rider. You’ll travel approximately 30 minutes by bus or van to Delfin Beach where your semi-automatic ATV will be waiting. Upon arrival, your guide will provide instructions and mandatory safety gear.

Hop on your one person ATV and travel caravan style along the beach of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Your ride is for approximately 1 1/2 hours, as you enjoy miles of endless beach, palms trees and the gentle sea breeze. You’ll return to a beachfront restaurant and have the opportunity to prepare your own quesadilla, made with handmade corn tortillas and enjoy refreshing soft drinks before returning to the ship.

 

 

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico -Deluxe Coastal Cruise

Set course on a delightful two hour coastal cruise to admire breathtaking landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches and private secluded coves, while sipping unlimited rum, margaritas, tequila, beer and soda. Enjoy views of impressive resorts, as you cruise along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coastline.

Cruise by the famed El Arco, a dramatic natural rock that arches out of the sea at the very tip of the longest, most desolate peninsula in the world. You’ll pass a sea lion colony and the idyllic Lover’s Beach - one of the few beaches in the world that shares two seas, before heading back to the marina.

 

Los Angeles, California (Flight Departure) - Beachfronts & Beverly Hills Ending at the Airport

Nothing says Los Angeles more than beaches and Beverly Hills! Departing the Port of Los Angeles you’ll enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Beverly Hills, where you’ll be taken through the most exclusive neighborhoods and into its downtown, where a short walk takes you onto Rodeo Drive, home of world famous stores and shops. This is a perfect time to pick up a souvenir or two.

Continue to Santa Monica and stop at the popular amusement pier to enjoy the scenery and ocean breezes. You’ll make your last stop at Venice Beach well-known for shopping, people watching, street performers and the gymnasts and body builders on Muscle Beach. Your tour will conclude at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Ship Purchases –

I have prepaid for –

• Adult Beverage Package

Adult Beverage Package – Promo $99.00 USD per person per day (adults age 21 and older).

This package includes all cocktails, spirits, glasses of wine and beer (under $15 USD), unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants (including while at Great Stirrup Cay)

 

• Specialty Dining Package

Dining Package – Promo 3 Meal Specialty Dining Package

 

With our Specialty Dining Packages, you can savor an array of tastes and unique experiences at our specialty restaurants for one set price. Enjoy the package your entire cruise or tailor it to your schedule by selecting the number of meals that you want. Go medium-rare at Cagney’s Steakhouse. Make it al dente at our Italian restaurant. Savor the délicieuse French cuisine at Le Bistro, or try flavors from south of the equator at Moderno Churrascaria, where succulent Brazilian barbeque and other meats are served rodizio-style by Norwegian’s own passadores. The choice is yours and the flavors endless!

 

Specialty Dining Packages include Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki and our French and Italian restaurants. You may choose to dine in entertainment-based and à la carte priced restaurants for an additional charge. Dining options vary by ship. 

• Pre-paid Gratuities
• Unlimited Internet Package
• Transfers
• $325 On-Board Credit

Only 39 days to go until I get to experience my second solo cruise on this fabulous ship and itinerary!