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Norwegian Bliss Useful Information

Explore Useful Things to Know About Norwegian Bliss

Disabled Facilities

Guests with Special Needs:

  • Information provided before booking indicates the suitability of the holiday for reduced mobility. 
  • Individual capabilities vary, so provide specific details about any medical conditions or disabilities. 
  • Guests with significant mobility impairments should travel with someone for assistance during the cruise and emergencies. 
  • Assistance provided doesn't constitute contracted services unless specified in writing or by legal regulations. 

Wheelchair Accessibility:

  • Limited wheelchair-accessible staterooms are available per ship with various accessibility features. 
  • Wheelchair users must bring collapsible wheelchairs; delivery service is available via Scooteround. 
  • Wheelchairs and scooters must be stored in staterooms, not in public areas. 
  • Certain activities or shore excursions may be limited for wheelchair users. 

Hearing-/Vision-Impaired Guests:

  • Limited staterooms equipped with vibrating alarms and flashing light systems for fire alarms. 
  • Registered guide dogs are allowed on Norwegian Cruise Line ships for vision-impaired guests. 

Oxygen Requirements:

  • Guests requiring oxygen are welcome but must bring their own supply. 
  • Special Needs at Sea is the authorized supplier for oxygen delivery. 

Medical Conditions and Challenges:

  • Report any physical challenge or medical condition at booking and provide medical declarations when needed. 
  • Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse passage for safety reasons. 

Specific Diets:

  • Low-calorie diet options are available for all meals. 
  • Sugar-free, fat-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, sodium-free, Kosher, and dairy-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice. 

Special Dietary Requirements

Dietary Requirements:

  • Notify a Norwegian Reservations Agent or Travel Agent at booking if you have food allergies or dietary needs. 
  • Mention if you require Kosher meals or gluten-free products. 
  • 30-day notice before sailing is needed for many special requests to ensure fulfillment. 

Kosher Meals:

  • Kosher Meal requests made within 30 days of the sail date are not guaranteed. 

Food Items Onboard:

  • Guests cannot bring food requiring preparation by the ship's staff or cold storage in the kitchen. 

Alcohol and Beverage Policy

Age Restrictions:

  • On itineraries including the United States, Canada, or China ports, guests must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol. 
  • For itineraries excluding those regions, the age limit is 18 or above, except for guests from the United States, Canada, or China. 
  • In Alaska and Hawaii, guests aged 18 to 20 are permitted to purchase and consume wine and beer only. 

Alcoholic Beverage Packages:

  • Terms and conditions for alcoholic beverage packages may vary; check at the time of booking. 
  • Premium All Inclusive includes alcoholic beverages for guests aged 21 and above. 

Young Adults (18-20) on Restricted Itineraries:

  • Guests aged 18 to 20 can purchase and consume wine and beer only on itineraries, including US, Canada, or China ports (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). 
  • Parental consent is required. 
  • Accompanying parents must complete the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver form. 
  • The form can be obtained and completed at the Guest Services Desk during embarkation. 

Smoking Policy

Indoor Smoking Policy:

  • Indoor public areas, except cigar lounges and the Casino, are smoke-free across all ships. 

Cigar Lounge:

  • Cigarette smoking is allowed in designated cigar lounges; no cigarettes, pipes, electronic cigarettes, or vapor devices. 
  • On Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Star, and Pride of America, cigar and pipe smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. 

Casino:

  • Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore have designated smoking rooms in the Casino. 
  • Active casino players on other ships can smoke cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and vapor devices in the Casino during gaming hours. 
  • Cigar and pipe smoking are not allowed in the Casino. 

Staterooms:

  • Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, vapor devices) is prohibited in staterooms and on balconies. 
  • Violations result in a $250 USD cleaning charge and possible damage charges. 
  • Garden Villa guests can smoke in private gardens and on private sun decks. 

Outdoor Smoking Areas:

  • Smoking, including cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and vapor devices, is not allowed near food venues, jogging tracks, outdoor sports areas, children's pools, Vibe Beach Club, Posh Beach Club, or The Waterfront.
  • On Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy, smoking is permitted at Spice H2O on the starboard side.

Packing Tips / Dress Code

Attire Options:

  • Choose between resort casual and dressing up as you prefer. 
  • "Dress-Up or Not Night" offers photo opportunities with family, special someone, or the ship's Captain. 

Cruise Casual:

  • Cruise casual attire works for daytime, buffet, and most specialty restaurants. 
  • Women can wear summer dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, and tops. 
  • Men can wear khakis, jeans, shorts, and casual shirts. 
  • Swimwear is accepted at buffet and outdoor restaurants, with a shirt or cover-up and footwear. 
  • Bring a sweater for chilly air conditioning. 
  • Kids under 12 can wear nice shorts in restaurants. 
  • Avoid tank tops, flip flops, baseball caps, visors, overly faded jeans, torn jeans, and jeans below hips in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants. 

Smart Casual:

  • Dress smart casual for formal dining rooms or upscale specialty restaurants. 
  • Women: slacks, jeans, dresses, skirts, and tops. 
  • Men: jeans or slacks, collared shirt, and closed-toed shoes. 
  • Kids under 12 can wear nice shorts in restaurants. 

Shore Excursions:

  • Pack for shore excursions, including comfortable walking shoes. 
  • Closed-toed shoes are recommended for kids and adults. 

Special Events:

  • "Norwegian's Night Out" is an occasion for dressing up for cocktails, fine dining, and entertainment. 
  • Consider packing an all-white ensemble for the iconic White Hot Party. 

Sail & Sustain - Our Commitment

Commitment to Sustainability:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line prioritizes ocean preservation, environmental protection, and community well-being. 
  • Sustainability is integrated into all aspects of the company's operations, enhancing the guest experience. 

Environmental Stewardship:

  • Operating with consideration for safety, security, health, and environmental protection is outlined in the company's policy. 
  • Core values include preventing pollution, minimizing environmental impact, proper waste disposal, recycling, and continual improvement. 

Innovative Practices:

  • Implemented pioneering environmental policies and technologies in the cruise industry. 
  • Adherence to international, national, and local regulations, including MARPOL, USCG, and EPA. 
  • Accredited with ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, showcasing adherence to high environmental standards for efficiency and impact reduction. 

Water Conservation & Management

Onboard Water Usage:

  • Water is utilized in staterooms, galleys, laundry, pools, and cleaning. 
  • Focus on increasing onboard water production using seawater sources to reduce fresh water needs. 

Water Production Methods:

  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) creates fresh and technical water from seawater using advanced filters and high-pressure pumps. 
  • Evaporators use heat sources like Exhaust Gas Boilers, Fired Boilers, or Main Engine Heat to produce fresh water from seawater. 
  • Bunkered Water: Potable water acquired in port for onboard use. 

Wastewater Treatment Systems:

  • Ships equipped with Advanced Wastewater Purification systems (AWPs). 
  • Wastewater undergoes treatment before discharge, meeting international and municipal standards. 
  • New ships feature leading AWP tech meeting stringent Baltic Standards. 
  • Regular third-party and internal water quality tests maintain compliance. 

Bilge Water:

  • Bilge water from machinery and engine spaces is stored and discharged after meeting regulations. 
  • Ships are equipped with automatic stopping devices and oil content meters. 
  • Non-compliant bilge water is recirculated until standards are met; the remaining water is properly disposed of ashore. 

Ballast Water:

  • Ballasting maintains ship stability and structural integrity. 
  • Ocean water is filled in ballast tanks for stability and comfort. 
  • Discharged water during fuel consumption can transfer species globally. 
  • Treating ballast water before release safeguards local ecosystems by removing organisms. 

Waste Mitigation

Leadership in Sensitive Areas:

  • Ships visit sensitive global areas, setting an example for environmental stewardship. 
  • Strict zero-tolerance policy against items being thrown overboard. 
  • An environmental hotline is available for reporting incidents. 

Waste Management and Sustainability:

  • Progressive waste management program reduces environmental impact, promotes recycling, conserves resources, and saves energy. 
  • Reuse and recycling contribute to waste reduction; clear benchmarks measure waste minimization. 
  • Utilizing recycling programs and partnerships, such as the Waste Management partnership in 2010. 

Live Load Offload Operation:

  • Collaborated with Waste Management for the Live Load offload operation, reducing waste offload time, costs, and port congestion. 
  • Ships following this model in 2017 achieved significant conservation benefits. 

Employee Involvement:

  • Shoreside and shipboard employees participate in food and clothing drives. 
  • Beach clean-ups and community clean-ups are undertaken by shoreside employees and crew. 
  • Exploration of recycling and donation options for technical equipment and hotel furniture during ship refurbishment. 

Fuel & Energy Efficiency

Climate Change Commitment:

  • Climate change is a significant issue with long-lasting consequences for current and future generations. 
  • As cruise industry leaders, Norwegian Cruise Line takes responsibility for mitigating climate-influencing actions. 

Emission Abatement:

  • Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) reduces sulphur oxide and particulate emissions by scrubbing them before release. 
  • EGCS-equipped ships can decrease SOx emissions by up to 99%. 
  • Multiple ships, including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and others, have been equipped with EGCS technology. 

Port Operations

  • Ships generate their own power in port for guest and crew needs. 
  • Cold-Ironing (onshore electrical grid connection) reduces docked ship emissions. 
  • A small percentage of ports offer cold ironing; Norwegian Cruise Line ships like Bliss and Encore are equipped for it. 

Energy Efficiency Focus:

  • Data collection identifies major energy consumers, guiding energy efficiency improvements. 
  • The goal is to optimize energy-intensive areas and operations for efficiency gains. 
  • Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP): 
  • SEEMP customizes energy efficiency plans per ship. 
  • Measures include improved voyage planning, optimal engine operation, air conditioning system optimization, and propulsion system upgrades. 

Wasted Heat Recovery (WHR):

  • WHR captures engine heat and transfers it to freshwater piping. 
  • Utilizes this heat for water production and fuel savings. 

Accessibility

Inclusive Cruising:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line believes in making Freestyle cruising accessible to everyone. 
  • Committed to offering the freedom of choice for all guests to cruise their way. 

Dedicated Assistance:

  • A team of skilled cruise professionals is trained to assist with special requirements. 
  • Access Coordinators at the Access Desk handle accessible travel needs. 

Access Desk Support:

  • Access Desk Coordinators discuss guests' needs and expectations for an accessible cruise experience. 
  • Contact established with guests or their travel agents to accommodate needs before the cruise. 
  • Special Accommodation Requirements Information form available from the Access Desk. 

Getting Assistance:

  • Guests can reach the Access Desk at 01 541 0297 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, or email accessdesk@ncl.com
  • Travel agents can also contact the Access Desk on behalf of guests. 

Service Charges

Service Charge and Gratuity:

  • A discretionary service charge is automatically added per guest per day for guests three years and older. 
  • Amounts per day: $16 for Studios, Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony Staterooms; $18 for Club Balcony Suites; $20 for Suites, The Haven Suites, and Concierge Staterooms. 
  • Service charges shared among staff enhance the overall cruise experience, including restaurant and stateroom staff. 

Advance Payment Option:

  • Guests can pay service charges in advance of the cruise. 

Addressing Concerns:

  • If service concerns arise, inform the onboard Guest Services Desk for prompt resolution. 
  • Service charges can be adjusted on board if issues remain unresolved. 

Refunds and Pre-Paid Charges:

  • Pre-paid service charges are non-refundable on board. 
  • Refund requests for pre-paid charges must be submitted to the Guest Relations department after returning home. 

Additional Gratuities:

  • Certain staff positions (e.g., concierge, butler, youth program staff, beverage service) are not covered by service charge; guests are encouraged to offer gratuities. 

Gratuities for Specific Services:

  • 20% gratuity and spa service charge for spa and salon services. 
  • 20% gratuity and beverage service charge for beverage purchases. 
  • 20% gratuity and specialty service charge for specialty restaurant dining and entertainment-based dining (exceptions for Free at Sea dining and drinks packages). 

Medical Facilities

Medical Care on Board:

  • Each ship is equipped with a physician and nurse to offer medical care and services. 
  • Medical care is provided at customary charges. 

Medications Onboard:

  • Commonly used medications available on board. 
  • The ship's doctor can prescribe medications as needed. 

Wi-Fi & Internet Access

Internet Access:

  • 24-hour Internet Cafés available on all ships. 
  • Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is accessible across the entire fleet. 
  • Rates and service information are available at the provided link. 

Central Telephone Number:

  • Central ship telephone number: 001 732 335 3280. 
  • Calls cost from US$ 7.95 per minute. 
  • Keep the ship name and credit card number ready. 

Mobile Phone Usage:

  • Use your compatible mobile phone at sea. 
  • International roaming charges apply and are billed to your home account. 
  • The service provider determines final rates; refer to your provider for details. 

Services

Beauty Parlor and Spa Services:

  • Mandara Spa Salon offers hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. 

Duty-Free Shopping:

  • Gift shops provide duty-free shopping opportunities. 
  • Selection includes fine jewelry, perfumes, clothing, cosmetics, and limited drug store items. 

Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Services:

  • Onboard laundry and dry-cleaning services available. 

Internet Café:

  • Internet access is provided through 24-hour Internet Cafés. 

Art Auctions:

  • Art auctions for art enthusiasts. 

Photography Services:

  • Photographs are taken throughout the cruise for memories. 

Age Restrictions

Infant Age Requirement:

  • Infants sailing must be at least six months old. 
  • For voyages with three or more consecutive days at sea, infants must be at least 12 months old. 

Minor and Young Adult Definitions:

  • Minor: Individuals under 18 years of age at embarkation. 
  • Young Adult: Individuals between 18 and 20 years of age. 
  • Note: Not related to child pricing (2-17 years old). 

Accompaniment Policy:

  • On itineraries including US, Canada, or China ports, guests under 21 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older (same/connecting/side-by-side staterooms). 
  • For all other cruises, this policy applies to guests under 18 (except US, Canadian, and Chinese citizens). 

Parent/Guardian Release Form:

  • Guests under 18 traveling with non-parent/legal guardian require a Parent/Guardian Release Form for travel and medical treatment authorization. 
  • Failure to provide the form may result in denied boarding with no refund. 

Canadian Port Requirement:

  • Guests under 18 traveling with a single parent to a Canadian port need a letter of approval from the absent parent (preferably notarized). 

Traveling Together Under 21:

  • Two people under 21 can share a stateroom if married and provide proof of marriage. 

Age Restrictions:

  • Children under 16 are not allowed in the fitness centre. 
  • The minimum age for Casino and Thermal Spa use is 18. 
  • Certain bars and lounges on specific ships are adult-only (18+). 
  • Lifeguards monitor family pools during scheduled hours, but adult supervision is recommended for children under 12. 

Unattended Children:

  • For safety reasons, children must not be left unattended on board when adults go ashore.