I figured I would provide some feedback since there's not much info for Bliss Caribbean runs (I was looking ahead, it doesn't do too many so that's probably why). - Feb 18-25th W. Caribbean (Roatan, Harvest Caye, Cozumel) (skipped Costa Maya due to winds)
Ship - I've been on BA, GA and Escape, and I remember loving Escape. Not sure what changed this time, but the ship always felt cramped and crowded. Getting an elevator was a disaster, the pool and open deck areas were very crowded and hard to get loungers. I ended up finding a secret deck area on 19 forward that had a bar (opposite Vibe). The deck plans only indicate a sun deck and not a bar, but it was fully staffed, so that was nice. Perhaps the ship is just more suited for colder, Alaska climate where it spends most of its time. I've cruised in February before, but I don't ever remember feeling the ship move and rock and sway as much as the Bliss did this trip. Even when the seas seemed calm. So I'm not sure if it was just the time of year or if the ship just doesn't handle the water as smooth as some other classes of ships.
Bar/Bar Service - I also remember loving their bar menus and handmade cocktails. It seems now they cutback and offer the same menu throughout the ship, with a few exceptions. The mojito bar mojitos were not as good as years ago, no muddling and seems like they are batched. I only got 1. Spice H2O was very disorganized, it would sometimes take 20-30 to get a drink. One server would write down the drink you wanted, ring you in, and then another bartender would make the drink and then set it there, having no idea who to give it to. The best bar I encountered was Observation Lounge due to some fantastic bartenders (Zandy and Rachel). No one else went above and beyond like they did.
Stateroom - My stateroom attendant was not very personable at all. He scoffed when I asked him to put the beds together. Every night the crack in the middle of the bed would expand and the sheets would come off the sides of the bed. Other attendants would say hi as I walked down the hall, but not him. I was just unlucky.
Food - The food was decent. We tried Teppanyaki, Ocean Blue and Le Bistro and they were all fantastic. Food Republic was also very good. The Local's food was good but hit or miss on the speed of service. I miss having a 24 hour walk up and go place like on Royal. Went to the dining room only one night and due to the slowness of service (2.5 hours for a group of 😎 did not return. We were only offered beverages once. The buffet was fine, nice options but at peak times it may have been the most crowded, chaotic buffet I've been to on a ship.
Shows/Entertainment - Love the deck themed parties every night (and there was one every night). Absolutely loved Six and Jersey Boys. Top notch talent and performers. Missed Levity until the last night in the main theater when both had an open seating show, however walked out because the first guy (Mike Klein maybe?) was not funny at all. Glad to have missed the solo show for him. Missed the other entertainment options that Royal has both throughout the day and at night with other shows.
Overall, I wanted to try Norwegian after 6 or so years of not, but I missed Royal. I just can't justify spending the amount I did on Norwegian ships, that lack a lot of the wow factors, but also the quiet and more open public spaces. I also missed the level of service I am used to on Royal.