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Norwegian Bliss from New York - Help!!


MichLeBlanc
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Considering booking a cruise for March 1, 2020 on the Norwegian Bliss from New York to Orlando/Bahamas - I would really appreciate any feedback or experience from other cruisers that have done a similar cruise that time of year...weather? rough seas? etc....we have only done 1 southern cruise from San Juan, looking to compare.  TIA.

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You’re at risk for bad weather still March 1st in New York. It will be cold or cool at best. With snow possible still at that time you’re first two days will most likely be spent inside as well the last two days back. Seas can change all the time but if a snow storm tracks across the NE then winds will result in rougher seas. It will be nothing like sailing out of San Juan. 

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Winter time can have some rough waters sailing from NY/NJ.  Probably 50-50 you’ll encounter some rough sea days until you get near FL.

 

That said, Bliss is a large ship.  Some of those rough seas would be mitigated by the ship’s size.

 

I’d book mid-ship and you’re sensitive to rough waters, if possible.

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Weather trends can be anticipated, it is still late Winter & anything is possible, post-blizzard recovery & bone-chilling temps to early Spring-like in the 40's or higher for similar sailing.  If coming from out-of-town, plan to arrive, stay & enjoy NYC at least 1 or 2 days prior to ... trip interruption insurance is highly recommended (or, assume all risks to go "self-insured") 

 

We've done Jan, Feb. March, April & May out of NY heading south to Florida/Bahamas & the Caribbeans - embarkation will likely be parka, hats & mittens if you wish to be outside for the sail down the Hudson River for a closeup of Statue of Liberty (starboard side) but there are other places to watch, not just on a balcony.  By mid-morning of Day 2, ship is typically off the shores of MD/VA coastline, passing into the NC with a transition into fleece jacket/vest & somewhat warmer weather, depending on the frontal systems ... if seas are exceptional rough, outdoors will be closed for safety reasons - with these mega-ships, the atrium is used for plenty of (alternate) indoor activities, presentations & gatherings ... explore the ships.  By morning of Day 3, it's ususally warm, 60's and 70's as ship would've cross into the Florida coast overnight, heading for a noon arrival into Port Canaveral, FL for a day stop.  

 

Oceanviews on Deck 5, mid-ship are best if you are concerned & prone to motion sickness, and, can be booked for less than a balcony - it's the weeks after most Winter school recess; and, prices often drop last minute - way past final payment deadlines at 120 days or more, it's your call when to pull the trigger - especially if flying in.  Those that are within a day's driving distance often wait, watch & track - however, Bliss being new to NY & Northeast, could attract lots of interests for its first season here, starting this November.  Checkout options for near/mid-ship baloncies on Deck 9, 10 or 11 as they are "lower" and not too high up - Insides are good enough for 2 adults, small but very functional & well-designed, VERY tight for 3 with the upper bunk/ceiling Pullman unless you are on a frugal budget.  Unless the ship run into large waves in excess of 12' to 15' with rough seas & gale force wind diagnonally across the bow - the ride is usually smooth with slower cruise speed, often barely feeling her moving at all on lower decks.

 

On the return, ship tend to go faster to do the distance & make good time to get back, faster speed across the weather front on the Carolinas on the last full Sea Day is usually a bit choppy, transition back to long sleeve & probably indoor weather for some ... the morning/day after leaving Nassau is usually good enough for sunbathing & outdoor pool playing.  Hot tubs are popular and of course, check out & go to the designated venue for adults (Spice H2O on the Escape/Breakaway/Getaway) as it can be less crowded. 

 

We went on the Escape's 15 days West Caribbean itinerary this January & temp's in the 60's by the afternoon of Day 2 leaving NYC, and by Day 3 & pretty much until Day 14 ... short sleeves & shorts all the way.  Nobody can guarantee "great" weather ... and Hurricane season for 2019 is just around the corner.  

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4 hours ago, MichLeBlanc said:

Considering booking a cruise for March 1, 2020 on the Norwegian Bliss from New York to Orlando/Bahamas - I would really appreciate any feedback or experience from other cruisers that have done a similar cruise that time of year...weather? rough seas? etc....we have only done 1 southern cruise from San Juan, looking to compare.  TIA.

Weather and seas on any cruise is totally dependent on the day you depart. We did that cruise at the end of March and had a wonderful time. Our live blog below. 

 

 

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