Hello my Wander Friends! ☀️
This week we traded schedules, responsibilities, and “what’s for dinner?” for ocean breezes and endless horizons as we sailed out of San Pedro aboard the stunning Norwegian Bliss. Seven days. Three ports. Plenty of sea time. And just enough adventure mixed with relaxation to remind me exactly why I love Pre-Planning & Packing (aka: Set Yourself Up for Bliss)
Let’s talk strategy, because a little prep goes a long way:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2vKQP7XkPa8
What I packed (and actually used):
rolling bag + backpack + packingcubes + comfy travel outfit = travel freedom
rolling bag + backpack + packingcubes + comfy travel outfit = travel freedom
Cruise Bag Tag Holders [ great way to pre-print Norwegian Bag tags, and they won’t fall off]
Light layers [shorts, capris, T-shirts, blouses] + one cozy sweater (those sea breezes!)
Workout clothes (yes, we do go to the gym)
Flip flops + comfy walking shoes + nicer sandals
A few “dinner cute” outfits
Scarves - cause cute and A/C can be cold
Magnetic hooks for the walls (game changer for small cabins!)
Refillable water bottle (empty for boarding!)
My own shampoo/conditioner (Moroccan Oil - trust me on this one)
Bonine (for seasickness – less sleepy making than Dramamine – lifesaver for me)
Toilet spray & tush wipes [DO NOT FLUSH even if flushable – causes havoc on boat]
Small candle/lights [provides light in room and bathroom – love them]
Lumbar pillow [Yes, this is a must for me]
Toilet spray & tush wipes [DO NOT FLUSH even if flushable – causes havoc on boat]
Small candle/lights [provides light in room and bathroom – love them]
Lumbar pillow [Yes, this is a must for me]
Before you go—book ahead:
Spa passes (I grabbed the week long Thermal Spa… obviously 💁♀️)
Specialty dining (Le Bistro = non-negotiable, Cagney's cause yum, Teppanyaki so fun!)
Shore excursions (the good ones go fast!)Day 1 – Boarding, Settling In & That First Taste of Cruise Life
Boarding day always begins the same way—equal parts excitement and patience. The port in San Pedro is easy enough to navigate, and parking runs about $27 a day with a shuttle to the terminal. My biggest tip (learned the smart way this time!) is to go shipside first, drop off your luggage, and then head to the offsite parking lot. It makes the whole process so much smoother.
Once parked, we grabbed our backpacks and joined the line. And yes… there is a line. It moves, but slowly, and you’ll be standing, maybe a little warm, definitely ready to get onboard already. No drinks are allowed through security, so bring an empty water bottle if you can. And if you’re thinking about expedited boarding—I’d skip it. You still stand in the same security line, and it doesn’t seem to save much time. Have checking in paperwork, passport, and credit card ready.
But then you step onto the ship… and everything shifts.
We stopped by our muster station right away (always nice to have that done), and then grabbed a quick bite at O’Sheehan’s. It was fine—nothing memorable—but I’ve learned not to judge a cruise by that first meal. The crew is working overtime flipping the entire ship, and Day 1 is a big lift behind the scenes.
So instead, we did what you should do—wandered, explored, and soaked it all in.
Our Balcony Stateroom – The Real Beginning of Vacation
We were able to get into our room around 2pm, which felt like a win, and honestly… that’s when the vacation really started.
The room is compact but incredibly well designed. There’s a closet with hanging space and shelves, a vanity with storage tucked underneath, and a cozy little sofa that quickly became my favorite spot to sit and journal. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable—and one of my favorite practical touches is that it’s tall enough to slide your suitcase right underneath. No clutter, no tripping over bags, just a clean, calm space.
We brought Magnetic hooks, and I cannot recommend that enough. It makes organizing swimsuits, scarves, coverups, and hats so much easier in a smaller space.
The bathroom is efficient with a comfortable shower and decent pressure, but I will say—between the hard water and the shampoo/conditioner combo they provide, your hair might not feel its best. Bring your own I really like Moroccan Oil. They sell it on board, but I find it is cheaper on Amazon.
And then… there’s the balcony.
Two simple chairs, a small table, and an ever-changing ocean view that somehow never gets old. It became our morning coffee spot, our quiet reset in the afternoon, and the perfect place to sit for a few minutes before heading to dinner. There is something about stepping outside, feeling that breeze, and seeing nothing but water that just instantly slows you down.
Sail Away – My Favorite Kind of Moment
As we pulled away from Los Angeles, I did what I always do—tried to experience it two ways.
Up on the pool deck, the energy is contagious. Music is pumping, the crew is dancing, drinks are flowing, and everyone is leaning into that “we’re on vacation!” feeling. I grabbed a strawberry piña colada (so good) and just let myself be part of the excitement for a bit.
Then I slipped away to the Observation Lounge, which is the complete opposite vibe—and just as perfect. Floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy seating, a quiet hum of conversation, and the coastline slowly fading into the distance. You can grab a coffee, a little snack, or something stronger from the bar and just… sit.
High energy or peaceful views—you really can’t go wrong.
Dinner at Le Bistro & A Perfect First Night
That evening we headed to Le Bistro, and it reminded me immediately why it’s always our favorite on Norwegian Cruise Line.
We were seated at a beautiful little table by the window, which made the whole night feel a bit more special. Manerva took amazing care of us, guiding us through the menu and making everything feel easy.
We started with warm French bread, then shared the Caesar salad and French onion soup (which somehow disappeared before I could even take a photo). For our mains, we both chose the sea bass with olive tapenade and potatoes—the skin was incredibly thin and crispy, exactly the way I love it.
And dessert? My non-negotiable: the poached pear with chocolate sauce. I order it almost every time, and it never disappoints.
A Little Nightlife to End the Day
We started the evening in the casino, played a little craps, and even tried our luck on the “space cows.” No wins—but lots of laughs, which honestly is the better outcome anyway.
From there, we headed to the theater for Choir of Man, which was such a fun surprise. Great music, high energy, and a real working bar on stage where they serve free beer while performing. It’s lively, interactive, and the kind of show that sets the tone for the rest of the week.
Day 1… complete. And already off to a very good start.
Day 2 – Settling Into Sea Day Rhythm
There’s something so luxurious about waking up on a sea day and realizing… there is absolutely nowhere you need to be.
I grabbed a coffee and a small treat in the Observation Lounge—I’m more of a light breakfast person—and found a cozy seat by the window. The ocean was calm, the light was soft, and for a little while, I just sat and watched the world drift by.
Eventually, I made my way to the gym, which honestly might be one of the prettiest gyms at sea. Huge windows line the front, so you’re looking straight out at the water while you’re on the treadmill or elliptical. It somehow makes working out feel less like a task and more like part of the experience.
The Garden Café & Finding Your Favorites
Lunch at the Garden Café is always a bit of an adventure because there are just so many options. Pasta stations, carving stations, salads, comfort food, and a rotation of dishes that change throughout the week.
But for me, I head straight to the back every time—the Indian food station. The flavors are always rich, the dishes are consistently good, and it’s one of those spots that never lets me down.
And of course, dessert is not optional. Between the dessert bar, soft serve, and gelato, it’s very easy to treat yourself… daily.
Thermal Spa – My Personal Retreat
This is where I really settled into my routine.
Instead of hunting for a chair on the pool deck, I headed down to the Thermal Spa. The space is quiet, warm, and designed for total relaxation. The soaking pool has different jets to hit all the right spots, and there’s a jacuzzi on top where you have just chill and be.
I rotated between the sauna, steam room, and salt room (which feels like the coziest little escape). The snow room… I’m still undecided on, but I admire those who fully commit to it.
My favorite part? Grabbing a cup of tea, maybe an orange, and settling into one of the loungers by the window with my book and journal. It’s the kind of peaceful you don’t get very often in everyday life.
Evening Vibes & Beatles Energy
Dinner was an easy pass through the Garden that night, and then we made our way to the Cavern Club to catch the Beatles tribute band.
They are fantastic. The look, the sound, the energy—it’s all there. Close your eyes and you could almost believe it’s the real thing. And when they interact with the crowd, their accents and humor make it even more fun.
It’s a smaller venue, so getting there early is key—but absolutely worth it.
Day 3 – Sea Day Reflections & Just Being
By Day 3, you’ve fully settled into cruise life. The rhythm becomes familiar in the best way—slow mornings, relaxed afternoons, and evenings filled with whatever sounds fun in the moment.
This was a day of repeating what worked: coffee with a view, a little time in the gym, a long stretch in the spa, and wandering the ship without any real plan.
And somewhere in there, I found myself standing at the rail, watching the sun begin to set.
There’s something about being out at sea, looking at that endless horizon, that reminds you to pause. No distractions, no noise—just that quiet moment where you realize how rare it is to truly slow down.
Sometimes the best thing you can do… is just be.
Day 4 – Puerto Vallarta: Whales, Waves & Comedy
We arrived into Puerto Vallarta early, and for once… I didn’t mind the early alarm. There’s something about waking up in a new place, stepping out onto your balcony, and seeing land after days of open ocean. That quiet morning light, coffee in hand, the gentle movement of the ship—it’s one of my favorite feelings on a cruise.
We headed down to meet for our Marietas Islands excursion, and they walked us right down the pier to board a large double-decker pontoon boat. It wasn’t fancy, but it had everything we needed—plenty of seating (sun or shade depending on your mood), two fully functioning bathrooms (always appreciated), and a crew that clearly knew how to make the day fun.
The ride out took about 90 minutes, and I’ll be honest—it got a little choppy. If you’re someone who gets seasick, definitely plan ahead for that. But once we settled into the rhythm, it became part of the adventure.
They started the morning with Mexican sweet bread and fresh fruit, and everyone was busy reapplying sunscreen, chatting, and slowly waking up. When we reached the protected area around the islands, we geared up and hopped in for snorkeling. Visibility wasn’t perfect because of a recent storm, but the water was still beautiful and full of fish darting around beneath us.
But honestly? The real magic wasn’t below the water—it was all around us.
Whales breaching in the distance. Dolphins racing alongside the boat. Birds covering the cliffs of the islands like something out of a nature documentary. It felt wild and untouched, the kind of place that reminds you how big and beautiful the world really is.
Lunch back on the boat was surprisingly generous—ham and turkey sandwiches, tuna salad, cheeses, fruit, and little cheesecakes for dessert. No one went hungry. And yes… there was a full bar. Generous pours, premade margaritas, juices, sodas—you name it.
But the moment that turned the day from “great” to “unforgettable”? On the ride back, the crew suddenly broke out into a full-on costumed lip synch dance party. Music blasting, everyone laughing, people dancing between the seats—it was completely unexpected and completely perfect.
Back Onboard – Steakhouse Perfection
After a full day out, we cleaned up and headed to Cagney’s, and wow… this meal delivered.
Dinner here feels like a full experience. You start with fresh bread and butter, and then choose two appetizers, your main, sides, and dessert. And yes, a sommelier comes by to help with wine pairings if you want to elevate things a bit.
We started with the wedge salad and lobster bisque—both so good. Then came the prime rib, cooked medium rare and absolutely perfect, served with horseradish and jus just the way it should be.
And the sides? We went all in—mushrooms, creamed spinach, truffle potatoes, and a loaded baked potato.
Pro tip: if you ask nicely, sometimes they’ll bring a little extra so you can try more than one.
Pro tip: if you ask nicely, sometimes they’ll bring a little extra so you can try more than one.
Dessert was the perfect ending—raspberry crème brûlée and the OMG caramel cheesecake (and yes… it lives up to the name). We finished with decaf coffee and just sat there for a bit, enjoying the moment.
Comedy, Cocktails & That Bliss Nightlife
Later that night we caught Levity Comedy in the Social Club, and Clinton Jackson had the room laughing the entire time. His set was perfectly tailored to cruise life, which made it even more fun and relatable.
After that, we wandered the ship a bit, and this is where the Bliss really shines. The grand chandelier, the sweeping staircase, little bars tucked into every corner—it all feels lively without being overwhelming. We stopped by the Mojito Bar (my spicy mojito was so good), and there was live Latin music playing that made it impossible not to smile. Down on the main stage, people were dancing, laughing, just fully enjoying the night. It’s one of those atmospheres you just want to stay in.
Day 5 – Mazatlán: The Day We Accidentally Joined the Party Boat
Pulling into Mazatlán felt a little quieter, a little more low-key—and we thought our excursion would match that energy. We were wrong. 😂
We boarded a trimaran catamaran expecting a relaxed snorkel cruise… and within minutes, the music started, drinks were flowing, and we realized we had absolutely joined the party boat. And honestly? It was so much fun.
The ride out to Deer Island was full of energy, laughter, and those beautiful ocean views that somehow never get old. When we arrived, everyone jumped into the water, and I grabbed a paddleboard for a bit before swimming around and just enjoying the moment. The water was gorgeous, the vibe was carefree, and it felt like one of those days where you don’t overthink anything—you just go with it.
Lunch was simple—a small burrito, dried fruit, nuts, and chips—but no one really minded. The drinks were still flowing, and the focus was definitely more on fun than food. And then, just when we thought the day was winding down… whales again. Seeing them rise up out of the water never gets old. It felt like the perfect ending to a day that started one way and turned into something completely different.
A Relaxed Night Back Onboard
Dinner that night was at the Manhattan Room, one of the included dining options, and it was such a nice, easy way to end the day. The menu rotates a bit, which keeps things interesting. We started with bruschetta and a Caesar salad (their Caesar really is good every time), and then I had the shrimp and grits—flavorful, though I wouldn’t have complained about a few more shrimp. The Asian pork was also a solid choice.
Dessert was cherry chocolate cake with decaf coffee, and honestly… that was exactly the kind of low-key, relaxing dinner I wanted that night.
Beatles Take Two – And Still So Good
We ended the night at the Bliss Theatre for the Beatles Abbey Road show, and WOW—they absolutely nailed it. The music, the energy, the connection with the crowd—it was one of those performances where you find yourself smiling the whole time. And when they played “Something”? [my favorite beatles' song]. Just beautifully done. If you’re on the ship, this is one you don’t skip.
Day 6 – Cabo San Lucas: Slow Mornings & Perfect Sailing
We woke up in Cabo San Lucas, and this morning felt a little extra special. I threw on a sweater over my pajamas, ran upstairs to grab coffee and a little breakfast, and brought it back to the balcony. Sitting out there, wrapped in that cool ocean breeze, sipping coffee while the ship gently rocked—it was one of those simple moments that just stays with you. This is exactly why I love having a balcony.
Tendering & A Day on the Water
Cabo is a tender port, so we made our way down to catch the small boat into town, which always feels like a mini adventure in itself. From there, we headed out for what ended up being our favorite excursion of the entire trip—a luxury sailing adventure with Cabo Adventures.
From the moment we stepped onboard, it felt different. A welcome drink in hand, a beautiful boat, and that easy, relaxed energy that lets you know you’re in for something good. We cruised past the iconic arches, soaking in the views, and then… whales again. I mean, at this point it almost felt like they were part of the itinerary.
We anchored at Chileno Bay, and the water there was just stunning—clear, calm, and full of fish. We spent time snorkeling, paddleboarding, and just floating in that peaceful space.
Lunch was served onboard, and then they raised the sails for the ride back. Smooth water, sunshine, ocean breeze… it was one of those moments where everything feels just right. Out of all three excursions, this one was easily my favorite.
Dinner at Savor
Dinner at Savor was relaxed and easy. We started with salads (again—the Caesar is so good), tried the beef brisket, and the standout of the night for me was the lamb shank—so tender and full of flavor.
It was one of those meals where you’re not rushing, not thinking about anything else—just enjoying the food and the moment.
Day 7 – One Last Sea Day & Saying Goodbye
The final sea day always comes a little too quickly. We fell back into our favorite rhythm—gym, spa, relaxing, wandering the ship one more time. It’s like revisiting all the little moments that made the week special.
There is so much happening onboard if you want it—art auctions, classes (we even saw one on positive thinking by the ship’s mentalist), live music, the casino, evening parties—but there’s also something really nice about just slowing down and soaking it all in one last time.
Final Dinner – Teppanyaki Fun
We ended the trip with dinner at Teppanyaki, and it was the perfect send-off. You start with miso soup and a small salad, and then the chef takes over—flipping utensils, cracking jokes, even throwing in a little singing. It’s loud, interactive, and so much fun.
We had chicken, steak, and shrimp, and everything was delicious. The fried rice was a standout, and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. Dessert was a small green tea cake, light and just sweet enough to finish things off.
Final Thoughts – Why We Cruise
Because on a ship like the Norwegian Bliss, there is always something happening… and somehow, also space to do nothing at all. One minute you’re watching a show. The next, you’re sipping wine. Then suddenly you’re snorkeling in Mexico, spotting whales, or dancing on a boat you didn’t realize was a party boat.
And when you need to recharge?
Spa. Gym. Balcony. Ocean.
You get adventure without packing and unpacking. You get variety without planning every detail.
You get moments you didn’t expect. And honestly… that’s why we keep coming back.
So many choices. So many memories.
That’s cruise life. 💙
Until next time,
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn, WanderLynTravel
Check us out on Social media: @WanderLynTravel
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