Bliss Panama Canal Trip Review 2/25/23 - 3/12-23

[mearsfansinboise]

On 3/17/2023 at 5:28 PM, luckybecky said:

Friday March 10, Cabo San Lucas

 

Last tender 1pm! We were originally scheduled to be here 7am-3pm. Then as I mentioned, on Wednesday our captain announced that our port time would be shortened by one hour to 2pm. But the last tender today was scheduled for 1pm. So our original port time was shortened to just 6 hours. As you may have noticed, these early all aboard times are a real pet peeve of mine. I probably would have looked for a different cruise if the true ports and port times had been published at the time I booked this cruise. We are having a great time, but we would have liked to have more time in each port. With a back on board time of 1pm, you can’t even have lunch to try the local cuisine.

 

We had an NCL tour called Luxury Day Sail and Snorkel. It was 45 minutes shorter than advertised due to the early tender time, but otherwise was fabulous! We had 16 people on our sailboat which was plenty large enough for us not to feel overly crowded. However there were only a few seats in the shade in the back of the boat, and we were told we could not sit there. We were in full sun the entire time so just be aware of that if full sun is an issue for you.

 

Immediately after boarding we were served mimosas, soon followed by an excellent bento box of grilled shrimp, guacamole and more, along with more unlimited alcoholic beverages. We started by going by the iconic Cabo arch and got many beautiful photos.

 

 

 

Then we were in for such a treat! We saw multiple whales. Moms and babies. Some of them very close to us. Our captain did a great job of steering us near to whales. You can see how close we were to the whales!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived at a snorkeling spot. The water was clear and cold. We had a great swim and saw many colorful fish.

 

 

 

Back on board, we saw several more whales, and enjoyed another bento box of excellent food: pasta salad, ceviche, grilled chicken caesar salad, fruit, chocolates.

 

 

This was an excellent day with numerous opportunities to see whales which was such a bonus. They are not here year round, we just got lucky with our timing. I definitely recommend this excursion, but do wish we had gotten the full 4+ hours that we had paid for.

 

Just curious if anyone has an opinion or experience with this: since our excursion was shortened by almost an hour from the advertised duration, should we have received a partial refund or any type of compensation? 

 

At any rate, it was a fantastic excusion.

 

We sail next week and did notice the port day times were wayyyyy different than in the past.  For example in Mazatlan we always do the same resort excursion through NCL and found it odd that it wasn't offered.  Likely because the port times are like 7am-2pm ... by the time we get there .... and then they always do lunch ... it's just not worth it/not the same.  I am annoyed/bummed about the port day times, but, we won't let it ruin our trip at all.

 

As for getting a refund - probably not .... the vendor is still providing the experience (and the yummy food - twice!) so, I personally wouldn't ask ... and I think the effort would be fruitless. 

Sorry ....

 

Thanks for posting all of this -- been loving your details and photos!

[yankfan]

Thanks for the review! We were on the same sailing and concur with most of it! We had a great trip and wish we were able to visit Costa Rica and had more time in Cabo - we were concerned and stayed on ship due to time reduction in port. We did take the cab to "town" in Puerto Vallarta, but stayed aboard in Acapulco.

[KenPlat]

@luckybecky  Thank you for the detailed review!  🙂   Particularly, enjoyed the port and food reviews.   Sounds like overall you (and Paul) had a great time.

You even took the time - another thread - *during* your cruise to answer a few questions of mine.  Indeed... so much appreciated!!   I am even more excited for my upcoming - similar journey on the NCL Encore in April - very much in part to you.

[missinver]

We did this trip in February 2022 and your review takes me back to what was a fabulous cruise!  We were lucky that we got to stop at Costa Rica where we went to the sloth sanctuary.  It was also only half full at that time, which reading how busy it was for you, I am very glad about!  No queues, no sunbed hogging etc. which is probably why it was my favourite cruise ever! 

[tundra1]

Thank you so much for your detailed report!  We sail on the Gem March 1-12, 2024, and I was curious what the weather was like for you cruise so we can plan accordingly.  Our trip will be a partial transit, round trip from Miami.  The reason we selected this cruise was for Columbia and Costa Rica.  

 

We just heard from NCL that they extended our port times in both places, so perhaps someone read your comments and decided to make things better for next season!

 

Thanks again!  🤗

[Candy Apple 12]

Thanks for the great TR and nice photos!

[LauraAnneC]

Thank you for taking the time to do such a great trip report. I’m sailing on the Bliss in December with a very similar itinerary. It’s been great to read through your cruise. Much appreciated! 

[latebuyer]

Thanks for the review! I am planning to do a mexican cruise on the bliss so interested to read your review. I was surprised you didn’t list long wait times for dinner as another negative but glad to hear food was good.

[Toofarfromthesea]

Way late to the party, but thank you so much for all of the hard work you put into this.  I just finished reading this straight through.  I am considering this cruise next January and this has been extremely helpful.  Good karma points for you.

[Pola]

Thank you very much for this extremely detailed review.

We are on the Bliss in January from LA to Miami and appreciate all you did to help us get acquainted with ship, the ports, the dining venues, etc.

[Mike Senior]

Thank you for your detailed report. Could I ask if NCL wanted any evidence of your Yellow Fever vaccination status when you boarded at Miami?

 

Kind regards

 

Mike

[FredZiffle]

3 hours ago, Mike Senior said:

Thank you for your detailed report. Could I ask if NCL wanted any evidence of your Yellow Fever vaccination status when you boarded at Miami?

 

Kind regards

 

Mike

It's not required for our identical Bliss cruise next month.

[Mike Senior]

Thanks FredZiffle.

Kind regards

Mike

[Ricks]

Thanks for great review, doing same cruise in a few weeks….. never been to Panama Canal, never on the bliss…. 

[hello]

Again ... thank you, thank you, thank you ... wonderful report and photos!

[OceanDreaming2]

On 3/15/2023 at 2:45 PM, luckybecky said:

 

We walked to a Publix supermarket about half a mile away to get some wine for our room that evening and a couple of bottles to take on board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you pay a corkage fee for the bottles you brought on board?

[zqvol]

32 minutes ago, OceanDreaming2 said:

Did you pay a corkage fee for the bottles you brought on board?

If you have a beverage package you do not pay a corkage fee. If you don’t have a package it is $15 per bottle 

[ggTexasGal]

Straight from NCL.com:

 

https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/liquor-beverages

 

Wine & Champagne Policy
Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below.

750 ml Bottle: $15.00 USD
1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00 USD

Wine or champagne sent directly to the ship by travel agents, friends, family, etc. or from another retail source, are subject to the same fees. Box wines are not allowed on board.

 

Corkage Fee is not applicable to guest with beverage package.

[luckybecky]

4 hours ago, OceanDreaming2 said:

Did you pay a corkage fee for the bottles you brought on board?

 

No. We brought the wine to consume on our balcony so didn't take it to any restaurant or other venue. And we had the drink package. 

[OceanDreaming2]

On 3/8/2024 at 2:36 PM, luckybecky said:

 

No. We brought the wine to consume on our balcony so didn't take it to any restaurant or other venue. And we had the drink package. 

Thank you.  We don't drink much and can't justify the $600+ charge for taxes and gratuities on the package.

[WhiteOptima]

On 3/17/2023 at 8:53 PM, luckybecky said:

Didn't like:

•  
• Too many pay venues. Only really three dining choices for “free”: the buffet, the Local, and the Savor-Taste-Manhattan MDRs, which I lump into one because they all serve the same menu. It is just a matter of location but no additional choice. Oh and there is also a limited selection of light fare in the observation lounge. In contrast, there are nine specialty restaurants all at high cost if paying a la carte. And that doesn’t count extras like Starbucks, the ice cream shop, etc.
• I think it is unconscionable that they won’t include bottled water in the drink package. I can get all the alcohol I want but no water!?! You also cannot get a can of soda. Only a fountain drink – unless you find a friendly bartender who will bend the rules.
•  
•  

I know this is a year later but I am doing PC in December and trying to read up as this is my first NCL Cruise.

Was American Diner a cost?  I have read different things about.

 

And I agree, WHAT THE HECK with no water.  Drink but don't hydrate?  Even Carnival offers water with their drink package.  This just blows my mind.  Bringing a collapsible large container to fill up with ice and water from the buffet so I can keep in the room.

[WhiteOptima]

Thank you so much for all this information.  We are starting in LA and going to Miami in December so seeing that there is a Walmart in PV makes me know I don't have to bring stuff with us because my DH has to have chocolate.  I do salty so will bringing ziploc bags for sure.

 

Jotted down notes through your whole thread.  We are on 15 near Observation Lounge so happy to hear there is a bar in there and food.  I hate Chogs-so ridiculous.  Did Spice H20 seem crowded?  I do like there is an adult pool but don't think we should have many children but you never know.

 

This review was so helpful!

[zqvol]

39 minutes ago, WhiteOptima said:

I know this is a year later but I am doing PC in December and trying to read up as this is my first NCL Cruise.

Was American Diner a cost?  I have read different things about.

 

And I agree, WHAT THE HECK with no water.  Drink but don't hydrate?  Even Carnival offers water with their drink package.  This just blows my mind.  Bringing a collapsible large container to fill up with ice and water from the buffet so I can keep in the room.

You can always get a glass of water at any bar without charge, just not a carton.

[Panhandle Couple]

2 hours ago, WhiteOptima said:

I know this is a year later but I am doing PC in December and trying to read up as this is my first NCL Cruise.

Was American Diner a cost?  I have read different things about.

 

And I agree, WHAT THE HECK with no water.  Drink but don't hydrate?  Even Carnival offers water with their drink package.  This just blows my mind.  Bringing a collapsible large container to fill up with ice and water from the buffet so I can keep in the room.

See my review from Dec 2023 for another viewpoint.

 

 

Since this will be your first NCL cruise, just a few things to point out.

 

NCL typically does not hand out individual water.  Experienced NCL'ers will bring their own metal container to carry water around.  You can fill it at the self fill station in the buffet, or simply ask for a glass of ice water at any bar, and place it in the container.  Some will even fill the container for you if they are not crowded.  The reasons for this vary, but think of how much room 10 pallets of water take up for a long cruise.  The same amount of stackable cups is probably 1/4 of a pallet, which they use for bar drinks anyhow.  NCL doesn't want to have to store and recycle all that plastic when they get into port.  We have also found when on Princess, that 1/2 to almost empty water bottles seem to gather in public areas.  People can simply be slobs at times.

 

NCL earlier this year changed American Grill from a pay option to a free option. {lots of applause}.  I have never eaten there, but will on my next cruise now that it is free.

 

The OP missed that The Local/O'Sheehans is also a free venue, open 24 hrs.  Small menu of mainly munchies, but a good quick breakfast option.  Having 3 MDR with the same menu is std on NCL large ships.  Again, don't know why the OP complained about that.

 

For specialty restaurants, on a long cruise like PC, I would add at least 1 extra dining pkg (which is 2 meals) from the web site vs purchasing on board.  Cheaper that way, and you can break up the meals through the cruise between specialty and MDR.

 

I would also add the Vibe Beach Club.  (Again available on the web site, but book at least 4 months before the cruise or they will sell out.)  The extra space and attention made the trip, especially on sea days.  No need for Spice H2O or main pool deck unless you want to go there to hear the band.

 

Deck 15 near Observation Lounge is a great location.  Early morning quick access to the OL gets you easy continental snacks, coffee and soda, or mimosa to start your day.  Our only complaint was that the nighttime pool parties were a little loud, but didn't keep us from sleeping.

 

Search for "New to NCL" or NCL first timer" post to get lots of other info that gets repeated every month or so.

Edited May 7 by Panhandle Couple

[WhiteOptima]

@Panhandle Couple Thank you!  Will do.