Norwegian Bliss Alaska Cruise Review: A Multigenerational Family Adventure
By Ben Reed | Owner/Certified Travel Advisor, North Country Travel Planners LLC
Based on firsthand sailing experience, this Norwegian Bliss Alaska review explores scenic cruising, family-friendly activities, Mandara Spa & Thermal Suite access, accessibility considerations, shore excursion highlights, and options to extend your journey with rail or land experiences — with practical insights for families, groups, and guests using mobility assistive devices.
Cruise Snapshot
Ship: Norwegian Bliss
Sailing: August 2025
Itinerary: 7-Day Alaska Roundtrip from Seattle
Ports: Sitka • Juneau/Dawes Glacier • Icy Straight Point • Ketchikan • Victoria
Scenic Highlight: Dawes Glacier
Best For: Families, multigenerational travel, and guests seeking both adventure and relaxation
Accessibility: Spacious public areas and strong onboard mobility access
Navigation
Pre-Cruise: Seattle is Worth Exploring
Embarkation at Pier 66
A Ship Designed with Alaska in Mind
Ports, Excursions, and Real Alaska Moments
What to Know Before Sailing to Alaska & My Final Thoughts
Who This Alaska Cruise Is Perfect For?
Families and multigenerational groups looking for options everyone will enjoy
Travelers who want a balance of adventure, entertainment, and relaxation
Guests who appreciate having both high-energy activities and quiet wellness spaces
Cruise travelers who value flexibility, variety, and strong overall onboard value
Groups with mixed travel styles — from thrill-seekers to laid-back vacationers
That’s me holding a crab at the pier in Sitka, Alaska.
There are several ways to experience Alaska, and each offers something completely unique.
You can explore the coastline by cruise ship.
You can travel between small port towns on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system.
You can ride the Alaska Railroad deep into the interior toward Denali.
Or you can build a land-based itinerary focused on national parks and wilderness lodges.
All of them are incredible.
But as a travel advisor who has helped clients compare these options — and experienced Alaska by cruise myself — I consistently find that for families and multi-generational travelers, cruising offers the most comfortable, immersive, and well-balanced way to see the region.
The main reason I booked this cruise was simple: I wanted to visit Alaska. Juneau and Dawes Glacier have always been on my bucket list. I’ve always loved scenic wilderness, and one of the best ways to see a glacier is from the comfort of your own cruise ship balcony.
I chose Norwegian for a few reasons: I’ve always felt they offer an overall great value for what you get (especially with Free at Sea), the rate for this sailing was excellent for peak season, and one of my agents had sailed Bliss the year I was planning this and had nothing but great things to say. I had to find out for myself — especially because I was bringing a group and wanted to feel confident they were going to have an amazing experience.
This sailing — taking us to Juneau, Sitka, Icy Straight Point, Ketchikan, with scenic cruising through Dawes Glacier — included a group of about 30 travelers I organized and coordinated — friends, family, and members of the community I market cruises to. We ranged from late teens to mid-70s, and we also had a couple of guests with mobility needs, including wheelchairs and a scooter rental coordinated through Scootaround. Watching how different ages and travel styles experienced the same ship gave me a real-world look at what Norwegian does well — and why this is a strong Alaska choice for families and groups.
Pre-Cruise: Seattle Is Worth Exploring
Fresh fish on display at Pike Place Market.
If you’re sailing Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, I’m going to give you the advice I give my own clients:
Get to Seattle at least one day early.
Not only does it protect you from flight delays (which absolutely happen), but Seattle is a great pre-cruise city — and it’s the perfect warm-up for Alaska.
Where we stayed: Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown
We stayed two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown. The rooms were nice, clean, and comfortable, and the front desk staff was genuinely kind and helpful.
Location-wise, it was a perfect “home base” because it’s right in the heart of downtown. You’re not on the waterfront, but you also aren’t paying waterfront prices. It was about a 22-minute walk or roughly a 10-minute ride down to the waterfront/Pike Place area.
Sidenote that matters for embarkation: Norwegian docks at Pier 66, which is right near Pike Place Market — so staying in this general area is convenient.
Taken during the Argosy Harbor 1-Hour Tour, which was included in our CityPASS.
How we got around: Bird scooters + bikes (easy + fun)
We rented two-wheeled scooters and bikes a lot through Bird, which is a scooter/bikeshare app where you can pick up a Bird vehicle, unlock it, ride it, and drop it off when you’re done (in an approved spot). It was super convenient, honestly, a lot of fun, and it saved time when we didn’t feel like walking the full distance.
Guests enjoying pre-cruise activities (while riding a Bird scooter) in Seattle.
Seattle has hills — scooters make life easier.
Pike Place Market: worth it — and here’s what to know for accessibility
Walking into Pike Place Market from Pine Street.
We visited Pike Place Market, and if you’ve never been, it’s one of those places you just have to experience. It’s busy, it’s iconic, and it’s full of food and local energy.
If you’re traveling with a scooter/wheelchair, here are the real-world tips I’d share:
The top level near Pike Street is the easiest, most level entry point.
Pike Place is largely accessible, but it helps to know where the elevators are.
Elevators connect levels via areas near the parking garage, near the MarketFront/overlook, and the hillclimb side.
The upper level is generally flat, but some areas have uneven brick, so take it a little slower in the busiest spots.
If you want to plan your route, use the online Pike Place Market map and toggle accessibility options so you can avoid stairs.
It’s absolutely doable — you just want to enter smart instead of guessing.
My Recommendations for Seattle:
We booked a CityPASS on Viator, and it worked really well for our two-day pre-cruise stay.
Day 1:
Seattle Aquarium
Harbor cruise in the evening
We intentionally chose the 7–8 PM time so we could catch the sunset
View from the Seattle Waterfront area when arriving back from the Argosy Harbor Tour.
Day 2:
Space Needle
Chihuly Garden & Glass
A view of the Space Needle from the Chihuly Gardens.
Seattle was the perfect pace: enough to feel like we explored, but not so much that we were exhausted before the cruise even started.
Check out these Viator Seattle tours
Biscuit Bitch is a Must (and more than once is okay)
“Easy Bitch” from Biscuit Bitch. We visited the 3rd Ave location both times. View the Biscuit Bitch Menu or Merch Here
My mom and stepdad are foodies. They found Biscuit Bitch in a search when they were in Seattle before their Alaska cruise, and decided to check it out. We took their recommendation.
Both days.
And wow.
It was seriously one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had. The staff was also super cool — and this place has personality. Respect their work, use your manners, and listen closely when they call your name. They’ll surely (and rightfully so) call you out if you’re not paying attention.
It was that good that even though most of the group arrived in Seattle late the night before the cruise, I still made sure to drag people back down to get it on embarkation morning.
A fair note about the hotel restaurant + a 10/10 dinner find
I want to be fair: we attempted to go to the hotel restaurant for dinner one night, but there was quite a wait, and it seemed short-staffed. We decided to grab a drink and wait for a table, but because one of the guests with us was 18 (traveling with her mom and grandmother), we were all turned away.
In that moment, a table opened, but the waitress continued to stress they were too short-staffed, so we decided to leave and find dinner elsewhere.
And as it turns out, that was the best move we made.
We found Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria – Downtown Seattle, not far down the street, and it was phenomenal. Service and food were a 10 out of 10.
Because I often travel with groups, I tend to notice the small logistical details. There was a little inconsistency with breakfast coupons — some guests received them for one day, some for two, and a few didn’t receive any at all. Even with the coupons, breakfast pricing felt a bit on the higher side. A few members of our group brought this to the attention of the hotel staff, and I followed up as well. While the team was polite and acknowledged the feedback, we ultimately didn’t receive any clarification or resolution. It certainly didn’t take away from the overall stay, but it was something we noted for future planning.
2. Embarkation at Pier 66
Norwegian Bliss docked at Pier 66 the morning of embarkation.
Boarding Norwegian Bliss was super easy.
We arranged transportation from the hotel directly to the port. We were dropped off at the curb, directed to the bag drop, and led to the check-in queues. The lines moved quickly, and the staff was patient, helpful, and clear with their directions.
We went from shuttle transport to the cruise ship in less than 20 minutes — and when you’re moving a group, that matters.
First Impressions: Why I Chose Norwegian Bliss
At the center staircase of the ship, with The Social Comedy & Night Club to the right, and Teppanyaki on the left.
This ship is well-known in the Norwegian fleet, and it’s built to endure Alaska. I chose Bliss partly because of my agent’s glowing review — but also because I wanted to personally evaluate the product before bringing more clients.
I had a standard balcony room, cabin 13760, mid-forward on the starboard side. We booked early enough that many of us were able to get staterooms next to each other, which was great for a group. Had I not been with a group, I would have opted for a room in Norwegian’s Haven, or a Spa Balcony stateroom, which would grant me access to the thermal suite in the Mandara Spa. Being with a group, I didn’t want to spend all of my time in areas that they wouldn’t be able to access. Learn more about the Mandara Spa on Norwegian Cruise Ships Here
The stateroom was very comfortable. The bed was genuinely comfortable (which I don’t say lightly — I’ve had bad luck with cruise beds before), and the room was clean and well-kept. I also liked the location: far enough from the elevators to avoid noise, but still convenient.
3. A Ship Designed with Alaska in Mind
A Humpback whale emerging from the water during a whale watching excursion purchased through Norwegian Cruise Line. Photo by guest KC Young.
A wow moment I’ll never forget: the wildlife while sailing.
Alaska isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience unfolding all around you. On our first day at sea, whales surfaced repeatedly in the distance, their spouts rising against the open water as they moved alongside the ship. Watching them in their natural environment, completely unbothered by our presence, is something that stays with you long after the cruise ends.
Moments like this are why ship choice matters in Alaska. Norwegian Bliss offers expansive viewing areas and comfortable public spaces that make it easy to pause, take it all in, and truly experience the scenery as it happens.
A view from my balcony stateroom, as we approach Sitka, Alaska.
One of my favorite parts of this trip was the quiet moments on the balcony. I’d wake up early, slide the door open, and just sit there with a coffee, taking it all in. Some mornings, it was so calm and still that it barely felt like we were moving. Just mountains in the distance, low clouds, and the sound of the water alongside the ship.
Just sitting out there as we passed mountains, glaciers, and open water — and occasionally spotting whales — was everything I had hoped an Alaska cruise would be
Where Norwegian Bliss Fits in the Alaska Market
Norwegian Bliss offers a modern, activity-forward Alaska experience that appeals particularly well to families and multigenerational travelers who want both scenic cruising and onboard variety. Compared to smaller, more traditional Alaska-focused ships, Bliss provides a livelier atmosphere and a broader range of entertainment and dining options while still delivering access to iconic glacier viewing like Dawes Glacier. For travelers who prefer a balance between destination immersion and shipboard amenities, this vessel strikes a strong middle ground.
The Observation Lounge: The Best Seat in Alaska
A a small seating area while entering the Observation Lounge, looking outward from the starboard side. The Observation Lounge wraps all the way around from starboard to port, allowing for optimal panoramic views.
The Observation Lounge was certainly a highlight. I loved that they had light food, snacks, and a bar in there. They kept it well stocked, and it was always popular — for good reason.
The Observation Lounge, which also included a bar, included several different smaller buffet areas with lighter food items being rotated throughout the day.
And because my cabin was close to it, it was easy to pop up for a snack, coffee, or a different view. For an Alaska sailing, this space is a major win.
Why Norwegian Works So Well for Families and Multi-Generational Groups
From race tracks and waterslides to the spa or the casino, there is something for everyone aboard Norwegian Bliss.
When I’m helping clients choose an Alaska cruise, one of the most common questions I get is:
“Which cruise line is best for families?”
Norwegian consistently rises to the top because the whole vibe is flexible. No rigid schedules. No assigned dining times. No pressure to do cruising “one certain way.”
For families, that matters.
Norwegian Bliss offers:
Splash Academy youth programs for younger kids
Entourage teen club
Pools and family-friendly entertainment
Activities like laser tag and the go-kart Speedway (available on select NCL ships)
A ship that truly has something for every energy level
Accessibility Notes (Scootaround, mobility, and what I actually saw)
Walkways and public areas felt spacious, and included plenty of space for those traveling with mobility devices. This view is as you are entering the Observation Lounge.
A few guests in our group had mobility needs, including wheelchairs and a motorized scooter rented through Scootaround. Scootaround delivered the scooter right to the hotel, so it was there when the guest arrived, which was especially helpful after a late flight into Seattle.
Onboard, Norwegian Bliss felt very manageable for mobility devices:
Accessible stateroom options
Elevators throughout the ship
Wide public walkways
Clear flow in most areas
There’s also plenty of outdoor deck space to walk, relax, or comfortably use a mobility device. One of my favorite features on this class of ship is the Waterfront on Deck 8 — a quarter-mile promenade that wraps around from mid-forward along one side, around the aft, and back up the other side. Along the way, you’ll find bars, lounges, and restaurants offering both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to take in the views at any time of day.
Free at Sea: What Was Included and How it Elevated Our Experience
One of the biggest reasons I chose Norwegian was the value of Free at Sea.
On this sailing, the package included:
Unlimited Open Bar for two (service charges still apply)
Wi-Fi minutes (150 minutes for each of the first two guests — I barely used mine because I like to unplug)
Two nights of specialty dining for two
$50 shore excursion credit per excursion for the first guest
A few notes from real experience:
I did prepay gratuities, but I still like to tip as I go. Remember your service staff.
I didn’t use much Wi-Fi. I mostly used it to send quick messages if I was trying to find someone onboard.
I didn’t use the shore excursion credit, and I’ll be the first to admit that. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do, and Alaska is very weather-dependent. Looking back, I absolutely would’ve used it if I had locked in a plan sooner — the value is solid, and the excursion pricing I saw from NCL was very comparable to what I saw in port and on other booking sites. But, I was very happy arriving at the ports and finding what was available to me when I got there.
Important “real talk” for people who misunderstand “free”:
Free at Sea includes the perk, but service fees still apply. And on Seattle sailings, guests with drink packages may still see Washington state/local taxes applied to beverages while the ship is in port or in Puget Sound (typically until the ship reaches international waters). The simplest way to maximize the package? Use it. Enjoy it. Those frozen drinks add up fast.
Free at Sea also changed my onboard choices in a good way. It was so nice not worrying about being nickel-and-dimed constantly. I definitely enjoyed more specialty cocktails and coffees than I would have without a package — and I enjoyed the trip more because of it.
From a group perspective, Free at Sea helped with overall satisfaction. Everyone felt like they got strong value.
Dining: The Honest Version
A view facing aft in the Manhattan Room. There was always a view to take in, no matter where you were.
I’m going to be fair here. Overall, the food was good. I don’t recall any meal being “bad,” and I’ve had bad cruise meals before. The menus had standard NCL favorites, but also Alaska touches — especially salmon dishes and destination-inspired options.
We ate mostly in:
The Manhattan Room (great for a big group)
Taste (nice atmosphere when it was just a couple of us)
The buffet for breakfast and lunch
The Local (Deck 7) — a great quick option day or night (and yes, a great late-night snack stop after a night in the casino)
The American Diner
A quick “heads up” note: The Local can get congested — especially when people are waiting to get in, AND there’s entertainment nearby. It’s also a main bypass area, so it can feel crowded during peak times.
Specialty dining verdict:
We used our specialty dining at Cagney’s Steakhouse and La Cucina.
Here’s the honest take: I’d rate specialty dining on this sailing around 3.5 out of 5. A few appetizers were forgotten, and a couple of people received the wrong dish, which surprised me, because specialty venues usually have stronger attention to detail.
That said, the staff was always super accommodating, and when anything was brought to their attention, they corrected it quickly and appropriately.
Would I have paid the full cover charge knowing what I got? Probably not.
Would I take advantage of Free at Sea specialty dining again? 100% yes.
Next time, I’d try Teppanyaki or Le Bistro (others in the group did Teppanyaki and raved about it). I have been to Teppenyaki on other Norwegian ships, and it is excellent (and entertaining).
Breakfast & Lunch Style
For breakfast, I’m a pastries and fruit person. Lunch I kept lighter (salads, something easy), because I go hard at dinner — and because I snack constantly on a cruise as I pass places.
Entertainment, Shows, and the “Always Something Going On” Factor
We did shows — and they were a big part of why this ship never felt boring.
Highlights:
The Beatles show (awesome — they sounded and performed like them)
The Cavern Club (we visited several times)
ABBA tribute (always my favorite)
Jersey Boys (a musical based on the story and music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons — it’s long, so plan accordingly)
Throughout the day there was also the usual cruise mix of:
trivia
bingo
giveaways
music in the atrium
pool deck activities
The piano bar was a lot of fun — very interactive. Participation is required. The performer takes requests, talks to the crowd, and pulls everyone into the experience.
The Speedway + Spice H2O + a couple “pro tips”
Racing at sea! A few of our group took on the Norwegian Bliss Speedway — and yes, the cars are faster than you’d expect. Definitely one of the most unique things you can do on a cruise ship.
We did the Speedway once on a sea day. We waited about 2.5 hours from entering the line to getting into the car — but it was still cool to say I went go-karting on a cruise ship. The cars go fast and handle well.
A couple of tips I wish they made louder:
Closed-toed shoes are required (they don’t always tell you until you’re close to the front)
Haven guests can receive priority
Another great hangout spot was Spice H2O at the back of the ship — two hot tubs and a pool, and on an Alaska sailing it can feel like a peaceful hidden gem. There were evenings where I was basically the only person back there.
It does get busier during the day — but it’s worth checking out.
From a travel advisors prospective, how well the Norwegian Bliss accommodates different travel personalities at the same time — adventurous travelers, relaxed scenic cruisers, and guests with mobility considerations — really stood out the most.
A view from Spice H20 as we were sailing away from Dawes Glacier.
The Best Kept Secret on an Alaska Sailing: Mandara Spa & Thermal Suite
To this day, Norwegian still has the best thermal spas of any line I’ve sailed.
On longer cruises, I generally like booking Spa staterooms, which often include:
Thermal Suite access
discounts on treatments
sometimes upgraded touches like robes/bedding/toiletries (varies)
Against my own judgment, I opted not to buy the thermal pass this time because I was traveling with so many others who didn’t have it… and I felt like I’d be unfairly abandoning the group because I probably would’ve spent the entire cruise in the thermal suite. With that being said, I didn’t go in for any pictures.
But I recommend it — especially for Alaska. Coming back from glaciers and rain and stepping into warmth is the definition of cozy.
If you don’t want to book a spa stateroom, you can typically access it by:
Cruise-length pass
Single-day pass
Travel Advisor Insight
As a travel advisor, I look at Alaska itineraries a little differently than the average cruiser. Alaska is not just about the ports — it’s about the overall pacing of the sailing, the viewing areas on board, and how well a ship accommodates different travel styles within one group.
Norwegian Bliss works particularly well for families and multigenerational groups because it offers a balance of energy and comfort. Guests who want excitement can enjoy the Speedway, laser tag, and vibrant dining venues, while those who prefer quieter moments have access to expansive indoor observation lounges and the beautiful Waterfront promenade.
That flexibility is important in Alaska, where weather and sea days can shift plans. A ship that provides both activity and relaxation options makes the entire experience smoother for everyone traveling together.
4. Ports, Excursions, and Real Alaska Moments
A view of the downtown Sitka area, as we leave the harbor for our whale watching tour.
We visited Sitka and spent time walking around town. The ship docks a few minutes away from downtown, and shuttles run to the Sitka Centennial Visitors Center (where many tours begin).
In Sitka, we:
walked around town
visited totem poles
visited the Alaska Raptor Center and walked the salmon trails
stopped into the chamber of commerce and chatted with locals about how tourism impacts the economy
did a whale watching excursion with Gary and Gavin, a father/son duo: Tlingit Sea Tours (great experience) Book Your Tlingit Sea Tour Here
And yes — the salmon stream moment happened. We came across a stream that looked like it was filled with white rocks… until we realized it was thousands of salmon.
The darker patches in the water are the salmon. You can see some jumping in the middle.
Helpful Tip for Sitka:
After visiting the Raptor Center, we used Bayside Tours Drive Tours & Airport Shuttle to get back to the meeting point for the shuttle to the ship. We already done a lot of walking that day, so decided to use them to get back to the meeting location to ride back to the ship. If you’re planning to self-tour Sitka, I highly recommend giving them a call to arrange transportation in advance (907-623-8958). They were incredibly friendly, shared helpful local insights during the ride, and even offered us a special rate for the short distance we needed to travel. It was an easy, stress-free way to navigate the area and make the most of our time in port.
Juneau: Tracy’s Crab Shack + Mendenhall + weather realities
In Juneau, I went to Tracy’s Crab Shack (the main waterfront location).
I got the Crab Shack combo (menu can change, but mine included a small bisque, crab cakes, fries, king crab, snow crab, and rolls). Two of us split it. It was around 1 PM with three ships in port, and while it was a tight squeeze to eat and get moving, the line moved quickly.
Tracy’s Crab Shack did not disappoint!
We also booked a non-cruise line tour to Mendenhall Glacier, walked the trails, visited Nugget Falls, and toured the visitor center. It was so cool.
A view of Mendenhall Glacier from Nugget Falls Trail.
Nugget Falls, which can be accessed by Nugget Falls Trail starting from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center.
Alaska is weather-dependent — and that showed up in Juneau. When heavy rain hit, many excursions were cancelled. Guests who booked through the cruise line were given full refunds, which is an important “why” behind cruise line excursions for Alaska.
Dawes Glacier: balcony views, hot chocolate, and mountain goats
For Dawes Glacier, many of us stayed in our staterooms and watched from our balconies — and we had spectacular views from our side of the ship. The Observation Lounge was also close by if we wanted snacks, coffee, or a different angle.
A really nice touch: Norwegian hands out hot chocolate when returning to the ship on Alaska port days. Simple, but it hits.
We saw calving, icebergs, waterfalls, insane land formations — and one of the coolest surprises: wild mountain goats moving up and down the mountains.
Ketchikan (Ward Cove): transportation tip people NEED to know
Ward Cove is the port Norwegian uses for Ketchikan, and it’s about a 20-minute bus ride to the Ketchikan waterfront.
Here’s the practical part: it can be very hard to get a taxi or rideshare in Ketchikan, especially with multiple ships. Don’t wait until the last minute to get on the bus line back to the ship. They won’t leave you if you get in line on time and are standing in line, but if you step out of line, it can be hard to get back.
In Ketchikan, we self-toured:
Creek Street
totem poles
Married Man’s Trail
Wildlife List
We saw: humpback whales, bald eagles, seals, mountain goats, deer/elk, waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs — and plenty of “wait, is that real?” moments.
Pro Tip: Pack in Layers (Even in Summer)
If there’s one thing I stress to clients planning Alaska, it’s this:
Layers are vital — even in August.
The weather changes quickly. A light rain jacket, a fleece, light waterproof gear, and comfortable walking shoes were the MVPs.
Booking Advice (from an advisor who travels with groups)
If you’re sailing NCL, Free at Sea is one of the biggest value drivers — but to maximize it, timing matters.
Here’s what I recommend:
Choose your Free at Sea options early
Make dining reservations early
Book priority excursions early (flightseeing, whale watching, glacier experiences)
Alaska fills up — and the most popular options don’t wait.
Seeing Alaska Beyond the Cruise (Ferry, Rail, and the “next time” plan)
An Alaska cruise is an incredible way to see the coastline, glaciers, and port towns — but it’s just one piece of the Alaska experience.
Some travelers explore using the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Others ride the Alaska Railroad toward Denali and Fairbanks. Many combine cruise and land into one extended journey.
One-line verdict? Well worth it.
The only thing I would do differently next time is a cruise tour with more time on land in Alaska — and a route that ventures further north toward places like Skagway and Whittier.
5. Things to Know Before Sailing to Alaska & My Final Thoughts
Alaska cruises operate a little differently from Caribbean sailings, and a bit of preparation goes a long way.
The weather can change quickly, even in summer. Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Early port arrivals are common, so planning morning routines in advance helps make the most of each stop.
Balcony staterooms are popular for glacier viewing, but Norwegian Bliss also offers excellent public observation areas for guests who prefer to move around the ship for different vantage points.
Most importantly, Alaska is about slowing down and taking in the scenery. Build in time to simply stand on deck, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the landscapes passing by.
A sunset view facing aft from SpiceH2O aboard Norwegian Bliss.
I really cannot explain what this cruise felt like. I’ve cruised the Caribbean and Central America many times, and this was like no other.
Norwegian Bliss delivered exactly what I hoped it would:
an Alaska-forward ship that didn’t feel crowded
incredible scenic cruising
flexible dining and activities for all ages
great group value through Free at Sea
thoughtful touches that made the experience smoother
Alaska is a destination where ship choice truly matters, and Norwegian Bliss delivers a strong balance of scenery, activities, and comfort for a wide range of travelers.
If you’re a family looking for Alaska — or a multi-generational group wanting a trip everyone will actually enjoy — Norwegian is a strong choice.
And if you’re like me, you’ll get home and immediately start thinking about how to do Alaska again… but with a few more days on land.
About the Author
Ben Reed is a certified travel advisor and owner of North Country Travel Planners, where he designs elevated travel experiences around the world. He began his career in airline reservations and ticketing for a major U.S. carrier before serving as an Onboard Service Lead for another U.S. airline, working within their premium cabin product.
His specialties include premium ocean and river cruises, Alaska cruises and cruisetours, European Christmas market journeys, curated group travel, and bespoke itineraries tailored to each client’s vision. With firsthand experience across multiple cruise lines and destinations, Ben focuses on thoughtful planning, personalized service, and creating meaningful journeys that go far beyond the ordinary.
To learn more or explore future travel ideas:
📧 benreed@nocotravelplanners.com
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