Norwegian Bliss is a beautiful vessel with a refined feel you don't normally expect to find on such a megaship. Its most striking feature is the 20,000-square-foot Observation Lounge, which dominates the entire forward section of the ship on Deck 15. Originally designed to serve as a focal point for cruisers during its Alaska sailings (so far Bliss will spend every summer in Alaska and was designed with Alaskan sailing requirements in mind), its sole purpose so far is to serve as a space for cruisers to read, chat with new friends and even fall asleep (we saw plenty of napping cruisers here all day long). No games, lectures or seminars are held here. It doesn't transform into a nighttime disco. There's no stage for a small band to play. It's simply a refined indoor haven of calm, and we've never seen anything quite like it on a mainstream ship.

In fact, there's a lot about Norwegian Bliss that's unexpected. It feels like a big ship that's taken on the trappings of one that's smaller and more upscale. Don't let pictures of the go-karts and water slides fool you. Consider the refined choice of fabrics and color schemes in cabins and public spaces, the excellent service and top-notch food in the restaurants, the range of educational activities during the day (language classes, guest lectures). And, family-friendly features seem less visible (the one exception being the kids splash zone on Deck 16). In these areas, the ship more closely resembles something you'd find in one of Norwegian Cruise Line's sister upscale and luxury brands (Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises) than a fleetmate. It's an evolution that the line began with Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Joy, which serves the Asian market. But Norwegian Bliss can only mimic a small upscale vessel to a certain extent. At 4,004 passengers at double occupancy, it is a big ship, with a robust selection of dining venues, top-deck fun and enjoyable nighttime entertainment -- particularly The Beatles cover band in The Cavern and the full-scale production of the Broadway hit musical, the "Jersey Boys." We loved the combination of upscale and mainstream; it gave us the perfect mix of high-energy fun (laser tag and go-karts!) but plenty of spots for quiet relaxation without having to go to an adults-only solarium, which we often find too hot or too stuffy. Uncover the best deals with a Norwegian (NCL) expert Muffett Grubb Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 181 reviews Contact Agent Heidi DesJarlais Specialities : Couples & Romance and Destination Weddings 90 reviews Contact Agent Barbara Lawrence Specialities : All Inclusive and Family Vacations 38 reviews Contact Agent Danny Fisher Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 33 reviews Contact Agent Heather Rosing Specialities : All Inclusive and Beach Vacations 19 reviews Contact Agent Lori Hischke Specialities : River Cruises and Honeymoons 16 reviews Contact Agent Bettie Kensmoe Specialities : All Inclusive and Adult Only 16 reviews Contact Agent Ruth Daniel Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 13 reviews Contact Agent Emily Forsberg Specialities : Destination Weddings and Disney Vacations 11 reviews Contact Agent Amy Stambaugh Specialities : River Cruises and National Parks 11 reviews Contact Agent But we're not sure the mix works for everyone, especially families. We can't figure out what a family with small kids or teenagers would do in the evening. Will they want to see a show about a 1960s-era band? Havana, which highlights Cuban music and dance, is, in some scenes, kind of inappropriate for kids. There is plenty in the kids' clubs to keep the kiddos busy as the sun goes down, but less for families to do together (which maybe is just what parents want on their cruise vacation?!). With that said, there is one family-friendly comedy show most nights, a hypnotist displays her talents once per cruise and laser tag and go-karts run till late. But both of those cost extra money -- not necessarily surprising on a line that pioneered extra-fee specialty dining -- so how many times are parents going to let their kids loose on the "rides"? Overall, we enjoyed our transatlantic sailing on Norwegian Bliss and we think it can only get better once it gets to Alaska and the Caribbean, where the destination will play a bigger part in the overall experience. While we do wish there were a fewer extra charges (especially for the laser tag, which was our favorite top deck activity), there is still lots to keep you busy. And, a few hours luxuriating in a good book on a comfy chair in the Observation Lounge can't be beat.

Inclusions Included with your cruise fare: Meals in three main dining rooms, as well as at The Local pub and the Garden Cafe buffet; also Continental room service breakfast Main theater entertainment Most daily activities, unless otherwise noted Onboard fitness center (excluding most scheduled fitness classes) Use of water slides, the sports court and mini-golf Splash Academy Kids programming, except for late-night and mealtime supervision Not included with your cruise fare: Daily gratuities ($15 per person, per day for anyone staying in a standard stateroom; $18 per person, per day for those staying in The Haven, or any suite or Concierge cabin) All drinks except water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and select juices from the buffet Most specialty dining An auto-gratuity of 20 percent on beverage, spa and salon purchases, as well as all specialty dining reservations A $9.95 room service fee (waived for suite guests and continental breakfast orders) Spa and salon treatments and services Most fitness classes Entry to the spa's thermal suite Use of the ship's go-kart race track and laser tag arena Activities including alcohol tastings, select arts and crafts classes, bingo and the Deal or No Deal gameshow Shore excursions Late-night programming and mealtime supervision at the Splash Academy kids club Wi-Fi access and packages Photos and artwork