It’sNCLBLISS
Is there a ship to suit all ages, all tastes and all pockets,well there is now, Norwegian Bliss the new flagship for Norwegian Cruise Line. 168,00gt, 994 feet long and 20 decks high, large by any standards but what is it like to be a passenger.
The sun is setting in a large fiery ball as we gently slide away from our berth in
Bremerhaven.Thousands ofwellwishers throng the dockswalk ways, cheering, waving their flags, over the terminals loud speakers come the voice of a large choir singing ‘Going Home Across the Sea’, a happy yet emotional experience. Gradually the voices and singing become a drift on the breeze as we make our way past cargo and container ships into the main channel, gathering speed and onwards to the open sea and our next port of call, Southampton.
I occupy mini suite 15762, a balcony stateroom mid ships on deck 15. King size bedwith bedside lamps incorporating individual swivel reading lights and USB ports. Large dressing table unit housing three US and a EU style electrical sockets, powerful hand held hair dryer, spacious wardrobes fronted with sliding doors, individual coffee maker, large settee, flat screen tv, mini bar the list is endless. A clear glass fronted balcony comes with 2 chairs and a table, ideal for those days at sea or for a pre dinner
drink.Moving to the bathroom, a surprise, it’s spacious, sporting a large oblong basin with individual mixer taps, glass walk in shower, one of the largest I have seen at sea and its unusual, not just the normal adjustable shower head but jets at various angles and heights that can massage whilst showering, shampoo, shower gel and skin moisturiser are all there. It seems that every need has been catered for.
This is a shipwithmany enthralling features. For the young and even the young at heart is the largest race track at sea, 984 feet long, drive the course at your own speed, that is up to 43mph and enjoy the thrill. Step into the future with Laser Tag, search an abandoned space ship for lost Human Colonizers. The Aqua Water Park, where children will play happily for hours, tipping buckets cascading water, tube slides, water cannonsmake this a child’s dream.Ocean Loops, travel the transparent tube taking you 11ft over the ships side, 159 feet above the ocean, not
PAGE 44
for the feint hearted or just enjoy one of the hot tubswhilst cruising the world before dropping into a comfortable lounger in the sun. For younger children there is an area on deck 5 split into different age categories with the supervision of trained staff to ensure they are in good hands.
For those who enjoy large ship travel but not the large ship activities there is The Haven, an area on decks 16 and 17 at the front of the ship. Beautifully appointed suites of varying styles and sizes attended by 24 hour butler service, relax in the Horizon Lounge complete with private bar affording panoramic views, your own Horizon Restaurant for fine dining and unique signature dishes, everywhere furnished in light pastel colours and coverings adding to the exclusiveness.Outside, private sun bathing areas, thick padded loungers, parasols to protect you from the sun, swimming pool, and much more to make this tranquillity at sea.
With 27 dining options there is a good chance that the old saying of ‘Coming on as a passenger and going off as cargo’ will come true. The Manhattan Restaurant is the largest and operates an open dining system between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.When it comes to speciality restaurants this ship has them all, Italian, French, Mexican and Japanese but then there are the restaurants of Ocean Blue with their seafood, Cagney’s with themost delicious steaks
andmanymore.This is a shipwhere you won’t go hungry as there is something for
everyone.My last night was spent in Le Bistro where the extensive menu was difficult to choose from. Finally, I narrowed the starters down to two, itwas decision time, Escargots or French Onion Soup, the soup won followed by the most tender Filet De Boeuf Aux Cinq Poivres with a mix of Ice Cream to finish but no room for a choice of cheeses. A rememberable meal for all the right reasons and washed down with an unlimited supply of French Rose wine. If anyone should feel hungry between lunch and afternoon tea there 5 venues open until 3.30/3.45pm and for the insomniacs there is The Local bar & Grill open 24/7. The Garden Café buffet has a choice that will satisfy the most discerning passenger both for choice, quality and selection. Try Try the fresh made Sushi, something different from normal buffet choice.
SHEPWAY & CANTERBURY ADVERTISER
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
