Norwegian Cruise Line·Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss - Panama Canal from Los Angeles to Miami

4.2(1,555 reviews)
via U.S. News & Cruise Critic · Jun 2026
|16 Nights|8 Ports|7 Sea Days

Norwegian Bliss's October 2026 repositioning from her West Coast season to the East Coast: a 16-night one-way from Los Angeles to Miami through the Neopanamax locks of the Panama Canal. Six port calls across Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Jamaica alternate with sea days, with the daylight canal transit as the centerpiece on day 12.

SeniorsHistory BuffsCouplesNature Lovers

Price Range

$

Budget

DepartureLos Angeles, California
Dress CodeCasual
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Norwegian Cruise Line before booking.

Ship Details — Norwegian Bliss

View full Norwegian Bliss details

Year Built

2018

Tonnage

168,028 GT

Passengers

4,004

Crew

1,716

Decks

20

Class

Breakaway Plus

Itinerary & Route Map

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Onboard Amenities

Go-Kart Track
Laser Tag
Observation Lounge
Aqua Park
Casino
Spa
Kids Club
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
Fitness Center
The Waterfront Promenade
Broadway Shows
Bliss Speedway two-level go-kart track
Open-air laser tag
Aqua Park with two multi-story waterslides (Ocean Loops)
Forward Observation Lounge
The Haven (private enclave with indoor pool, lounge, restaurant)
Spice H2O adults-only area
Vibe Beach Club
Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite
Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality arcade
Mini golf
Bliss Theater (Jersey Boys, Six)
The Cavern Club (Beatles tribute)
Cagney's Steakhouse
Le Bistro
Food Republic
Ocean Blue
Teppanyaki
Kids and teens clubs
Multiple pools and hot tubs

Cruise Highlights

Full daylight transit of the Panama Canal through the expanded Neopanamax locks
Evening call at Fuerte Amador (Panama City) with time for Casco Viejo and the skyline
Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled Old Town on the Caribbean side of the crossing
Six countries in 16 nights on a one-way route, ending with Falmouth, Jamaica before Miami

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Norwegian Bliss

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Norwegian Bliss sailing. Based on 1,900 discussions.

Norwegian Bliss debuted in 2018 as one of NCL's flagship Breakaway-Plus mega-ships and quickly became the line's go-to vessel for Alaska, sailing round-trip from Seattle. What makes it stand out is the combination of top-deck thrills and a design tuned for scenic cruising: a two-level go-kart speedway and open-air laser tag up top, paired with a sprawling forward Observation Lounge built specifically to take in Alaska's glaciers and coastline. The vibe is high-energy and family-friendly, but with enough adults-only and premium retreats that couples and solo travelers also feel catered to.

What People Love

  • The two-level Bliss Speedway go-kart track is a genuine bucket-list thrill that reviewers love for the novelty of racing on top of a cruise ship
  • Purpose-built for Alaska, the expansive forward Observation Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows is repeatedly called the perfect spot for soaking in glaciers and scenery
  • Strong Broadway-caliber entertainment, with Tony Award winners Jersey Boys and Six plus the wildly popular Beatles cover band in The Cavern Club

Common Complaints

  • The main pool deck gets badly overcrowded, with many guests saying you must pay extra for Vibe Beach Club just to find a lounger
  • Persistent nickel-and-diming: go-karts, laser tag, arcade, specialty dining and drinks all carry upcharges on top of the fare
  • Buffet food draws frequent criticism as mediocre to poor, even when main and specialty dining rate well
See the full Norwegian Bliss ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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