Back in April, Norwegian Cruise Line announced some of the entertainment venues planned for their newest ship, the Norwegian Bliss, which is set to debut next summer. But at that time, there was no word on what dining options would be available. But this weekend, Norwegian finally released the long-awaited deck plans, giving future cruisers their first look at what restaurants will be featured, and there are more than a few surprises!
Two Biggies Are Missing
Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
Perhaps the most shocking revelation is that Norwegian Bliss will not feature the line’s popular 24/7 complimentary eatery, O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill. Taking its place on deck 7 is something called the Local Bar & Grill, a rebranding of the spot perhaps best known for its wings. Also gone is Moderno, the churrascaria (or Brazillian steakhouse) found on many ships in the NCL fleet. In its place is Los Lobos, the Mexican restaurant first introduced on the Norwegian Dawn. No word yet as to whether, as in her sister ship’s version of the establishment, the Los Lobos aboard Bliss will offer an exclusive Patron-branded tequila.
Where The (Food) Action’s At
As with every Norwegian ship introduced to the fleet since the Breakaway class debuted, Bliss will feature the area known as 678 Ocean Place as well as the Waterfront promenade. The main attraction on deck 7 remains the casino (and the new Skyline bar), while deck 8 is where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, many of which will offer outdoor Waterfront seating. In fact, nearly every food and beverage venue on deck 8 — including the Sugarcane Mojito bar, Ocean Blue (the line’s high-end seafood establishment) and La Cucina (NCL’s Italian restaurant) will offer seating on the Waterfront. For those wanting a pre-dinner glass of wine, this deck will also feature the Cellars Wine Bar.
It looks like the top level of 678 Ocean Place will feature both a District Brew House and Food Republic, each of which were introduced on the Norwegian Escape and proved instantly popular. The Brew House, as the name implies, is a craft beer lover’s dream, while Food Republic — developed with the folks at Pubbelly Restaurant Group — offers a wide variety of tapas dishes. (Assuming the formula which proved so successful on Norwegian Escape will be carried over, guests enjoying a beer at the Brew House will be able to order snacky bits from Food Republic!) Another cocktail venue will be The A-List bar, a main draw of which will be handcrafted cocktails.
Another new-to-Norwegian concept will be Q, an upscale Texas-style BBQ joint which will have its own staging area and feature live music performances.
In Other News
Meanwhile, Norwegian’s announcement also confirmed the worst-kept secret on the planet: that Bliss will, in fact, feature a top-deck go-kart track. The concept was first introduced aboard the Norwegian Joy. In fact, several elements aboard Bliss are carryovers from the previous ship, including a top-deck, open-air laser tag room. And despite the fact that the ship will be spending part of the year cruising the chillier environs of Alaska, she will also feature the Vibe Beach Club area, which will likely prove more popular during her months sailing in the Caribbean. And for those who need their overpriced caffeine fix, there will be a Starbucks in the atrium on deck 6.
