Norwegian Unveils Exciting Upgrades for Bliss and Breakaway
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced significant updates to two of its fan-favorite ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway. These enhancements, which include industry-first experiences, expanded dining options, and upgraded accommodations, aim to elevate the cruise experience for guests. Here’s what’s coming to these iconic vessels.
Norwegian Bliss
Starting January 17, 2025, Norwegian Bliss will enter dry dock for a three-week transformation, introducing exciting features and upgrades for guests to enjoy.
Horizon Park Outdoor Venue
One of the standout additions is Horizon Park, a versatile outdoor space designed for relaxation and fun. Located on the top deck, likely replacing the Laser Tag Arena, this space will feature artificial turf, lawn-style games like cornhole and giant Jenga, as well as perfect for soaking up the sun. With stunning ocean views, Horizon Park provides the ideal setting for guests to unwind and create lasting memories.
Observation Lounge Gets Downsized
Like they’ve already done to the sister ships like the Norwegian Joy and Encore, the Observation Lounge will be downsized to accommodate 25 additional balcony staterooms. While new deck plans are not yet available, when they made this change on other ships, they removed the port part of the Observation Lounge.
Upgraded Haven Suites
Norwegian Bliss will also see significant updates to its largest and most expensive accommodations. The Haven by Norwegian’s Premiere Owner’s Suites with Large Balconies will now include three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a dining room overlooking The Haven Horizon Lounge, and refurbished living areas and balconies.
Bliss’s Revamped Dining Experiences
During the renovation, some of the dining venues will change on the Norwegian Bliss. Cagney’s Steakhouse will take over Los Lobos, effectively doubling the size. The dessert counter Coco’s will be replaced with Teppanyaki, a hibachi-style dining experience.
In addition, Ocean Blue will be replaced by Palomar, an elevated Mediterranean restaurant first introduced on Norwegian Prima, will replace Ocean Blue.
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway will follow suit with its own upgrades starting February 19, 2025, focusing on immersive entertainment and revamped venues.
Silver Screen Bistro
A major highlight aboard Norwegian Breakaway will be the introduction of Silver Screen Bistro, a groundbreaking cinema and dining venue. Replacing the under-utilized Spiegel Tent, this space will offer a dine-in movie experience. The Silver Screen Bistro will feature oversized recliners and retractable tables, allowing guests to enjoy immersive films while enjoying dishes from NCL’s global fusion restaurant, Food Republic. Norwegian hasn’t released if this theater will be showing first-run films or older releases.
Horizon Park Outdoor Venue
Like Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway will debut the new outdoor space Horizon Park. In addition to the outdoor games and seating, this version of Horizon Park will also feature a stage for live music and entertainment.
The Stadium is Being Added
Additionally, the ship will introduce The Stadium, a complimentary outdoor activities area offering family-friendly games inspired by NCL’s Prima-class ships.
Restaurant Shuffle
The Breakaway will also have a few changes to the restaurants onboard. Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian Steakhouse, will be removed and Cagney’s Steakhouse will expand to fill the space, doubling the capacity.
Like on the Bliss, Ocean Blue will be transformed into Palomar (see the menu).
Expanded Sun Deck Areas
Norwegian is also expanding sun deck areas in two exclusive areas on Breakaway. The Vibe Beach Club, the adult-only, extra-fee area, will expand. The Haven Sundeck, which is available only to guests staying in The Haven, will also have a larger footprint. In both areas, Norwegian will add additional seating and cabanas, which are available to rent.
Mostly Good Upgrades For the Norwegian Cruiser
Most of these upgrades fine-tune the design of Norwegian’s most popular ships. By better utilizing space, they can provide a more enjoyable experience for all onboard. Horizon Park seems like a nice addition of outdoor space with beautiful views and everyone will love The Stadium on Breakaway if the Prima Class ships are any indication. Still, it is sad to see another downsizing of the Observation Lounge for more staterooms, and technically, both ships now have one less specialty restaurant to try.
The updated Norwegian Bliss will return to service on Feb 2, 2025 and the Norwegian Breakaway on March 14, 2025.
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