Sail like a superstar

Alight at Los Angeles, home to the Hollywood superstars. Book yourself into a hotel on the Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, get a good night’s rest after the 22-hour flight and relax. Next morning, you’re all energised and ready for a new adventure. Off you drive to the LA port to board your fancy Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). And depending on what your chosen destination is in the US, you board a luxury vessel accordingly. 

The itineraries are tailor-made. So, you can choose a seven-day trip to Alaska from Seattle; a seven-day Eastern Caribbean trip from Miami or like us you can do a short trip from LA to Mexico (inaugural ride). There is also an eight-day Mexican Riviera trip from Los Angeles, so on and so forth, all of which you can discover when you log on to the NCL website or speak to a travel agent.

ABSOLUTE BLISS

The Norwegian Bliss, as it is rightly named, is actually a super-blissful, decadent, superstar experience. You can choose from a range of Staterooms. Once you have settled on your deck, the sea is your oyster. Sitting in your balcony, you can stare for hours at the blue ocean stretching ahead of you, take deep breaths and for an hour or so, actually forget where you are.

Alaska is home to some stunning vistas

Once your lungs have had their fill of fresh air and your eyes have literally feasted on blue, perhaps you can step out of your cabin and begin your cruise adventure. 

MARVELLOUS EXPERIENCES GALORE

The recreation and amenities include a race track. Yes, you read that right. The two-level race track is the first on a North-American based ship, inviting guests to take a thrilling, competitive ride in the electric race cards for only $7 per ride. Next, you can try out the laser tag. Themed as an abandoned space station, the first-ever open-air laser tag experience at sea comes to life both day and night as guests go into stealth-mode and compete against family. For this, you spend as little as $5 per day session.

READY, STEADY SLIDE

While there are different aqua parks for adults and children, the idea of enjoyment is the same. Waterslides including high-speed Ocean Loops and a tandem Aqua Racer invite guests to race side-by-side on inner tubes. There are also two spacious swimming pools and, of course, the juniors are encouraged to splish, splash and have a blast at the Kids’ Aqua Park.

BEING A GREAT GAMBLER

For the gambler at heart, the casinos beckon. Hundreds of slot machines lure both the novice and the professional gamblers. There is also a consideration to keep the smokers and non-smokers apart, so you are not inhaling anything except the smell of money!

There are a lot of entertainment options aboard the cruise liner

GYM AND SPA ROUTINE

For those who don’t want to let their limbs rot, the fitness centre helps stay in shape throughout your ship trip. And if you want to relax some more, there is the Mandara Spa that offers the ultimate pampering experience with 24-treatment rooms, a barber shop and beauty salon. The beauty of getting yourself groomed on a cruise liner is that you have an uninterrupted view of the sea while you have your masseuse fussing over you! Blissful (pun intended).

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

The restaurants not only mix palettes, but they also let you experience a different ambience. For example, if you are dining at the Manhattan Room, which is reminiscent of a private New York City Supper Club, you feel you have transported into a club in the Big Apple. The chefs at the Garden Cafe on Deck 16, are up as early as 6.30 am and they are all smiles as they whip up your bespoke omelettes and waffles. You can choose from around 20 restaurants and coffee shops, indulging in whatever is your mood for the moment.

A dozen bars give you a chance to sip on premium spirits and handcrafted cocktails. You can also do a personal session in wine-tasting or learn how beer is brewed, depending on what day of the week it is. But frankly, you could spend a day or two doing just nothing.

You can also opt for a personal wine-tasting session

WHAT A VIEW!

The Horizon Lounge and the Observation Lounge offer you an opportunity to relax. The Horizon Lounge features panoramic views from two decks, offering the same view the ship’s officers experience from the bridge. But this lounge is exclusive for the guests of the Haven. Pray, what is the Haven? Well, it comprises, penthouses with private balconies and its own set of facilities for the privileged traveller and his close ones.

The Observation Lounge offers the most expansive views at sea. More than 3,500 square feet of floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular vistas as you cruise past snow-capped mountains. You can toast colourful sunsets with your favourite cocktail in hand.

Enjoy the expansive views

BUT WAIT, THE FUN DOESN’T END HERE

If you have had your fill of nature and want to head to the theatre, the award-winning musical the Jersey Boys is there to enthrall you. Featuring all their hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh, What A Night, and other songs that you can sing along, they give you a night to remember.