On 2018 December, my family planned to visit my relatives in Miami and we would like to do some different rather than take flights with connection. We took a month leave from our work then decided to join 16-Day Panama Canal Explorer tour onboard Norwegian Bliss: Ocean to Ocean from Los Angeles. I believe it must be the most people’s travel bucket list item, and my dad feel so happy to do it on his lifetime and tick off on his bucket list!
So I would like to share some of the journey via the Canal and some shore excursions to you. If you are interested, please stay and keep watching!
Basic information of the ship – Norwegian Bliss
| Owner: | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| In service: | 21 April, 2018 |
| Class and type: | Breakaway Plus-class cruise ship |
| Tonnage: | 168,028 GT |
| Length: | 1,094 ft (333 m) |
| Beam: | 136 ft (41 m) |
| Speed: | 22.5 knots (42 km/h) (26 mph) |
| Capacity: | 4,002 passengers (at Double Occupancy) |
Stateroom
We’ve booked 2 Spa Mini-Suite with Balcony for 4 of us in same 15/F. Even though once get in the room is quite narrow, but we understood to have 2,000 more rooms there is some spaces have to take. But overall it is so nice and pretty love the design as based on customers’ need such as hair dryer, the small table placed above the chair for guests to plate their food or room dining in sofa area, and a frameless glass door cross thru the balcony which offer unforgettable aft-facing views ; Also the bathroom is a standing shower but quite spacious with big wash basin! I love that so much which I won’t make everywhere get wet when washing face. [lol]
Food and Drink
She offered total 5 ALL-INCLUDED restaurants in whole ship – means food included in the cost of my cruise; specialty drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, beer, wine and soft drinks are at current menu pricing.
The ship is so large and crowd! Everywhere are on-queue and need to wait at least 40-45mins. So we only seek out 3 restaurants of their choices:-
1/ The Local Bar & Grill
The Local offers classic pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. With popular dishes like the Reuben Sandwich and Fish n’ Chips, The Local has all guests’ favourite comfort foods. So try one of our beers or cocktails on tap and catch a game with us!
2/ Garden Café
Whatever you’re craving, chances are you will find it at the Garden Café. This complimentary, indoor buffet restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner
3/ The Manhattan Room
One of three Main Dining Rooms, The Manhattan Room is where guests can enjoy specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients.
In a 16 nights journey, of course we planned to experience some specialty dining and we can ordered lot options to try more new dishes! For specialty dining means these restaurants menu charge extra cost such as a-la-carte pricing, current menu pricing, nominal fee applies per guest, and some with additional Lunch fee and Dinner fee includes gratuities etc.. Here we’ve tried few French restaurants, and the most impressive is the lobster bisque served in Le Bistro!
1/ Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville® at Sea – Reservation recommended
Your lost shaker of salt is right here in Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea. Savour signature items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise. Sip on a Who’s to Blame Margarita. Or sit back and groove along to island-inspired live music. Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, this isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a state of mind.
2/ La Cucina Italian Restaurant – Reservations required.
Buona Sera! Enjoy the finest ingredients at our vibrant Italian ristorante. Dine on classics like Spaghetti Carbonara or Veal Scaloppini with Marsala sauce. Then indulge with a rich homemade Tiramisu. Your good evening just got better.
3/ Le Bistro – Reservations required.
Romance is in the air at our signature French restaurant. Elegant interiors, crisp white linens and attentive servers make this an intimate dining experience. By the end of your meal, you might just be proclaiming c’est magnifique!
4/ Teppanyaki – Reservation recommended
The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, chops and grills steak, chicken and seafood on a large steel grill right before your eyes.
Cruise Destination
| Day | Cruise Ports |
| 1 | Los Angeles, California (EMBARK) |
| 2 | At Sea |
| 3 | Cabo San Lucas, Mexico |
| 4 | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico |
| 5 | At Sea |
| 6 | At Sea |
| 7 | Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala |
| 8 | At Sea |
| 9 | Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica |
| 10 | At Sea |
| 11 | Daylight Transit Panama Canal |
| 12 | Cartagena, Colombia |
| 13 | Santa Marta, Colombia |
| 14 | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| 15 | At Sea |
| 16 | At Sea |
| 17 | Miami, Florida (DISEMBARK) |
This is a total 17 days 16 nights cruise ship journey which is my first time to stay in a cruise on that long dates. There is total 8 ports docked for travelers’ sightseeing and add supplies such as fresh food, daily products etc.. Also, we’ve joined 3 shore excursion ‘touch’ the land and explore Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia.
On day 4, We’ve arrived Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and we’ve joined an excursion tour: Antigua, Jade Museum & Factory.
We met our guide – Juliana from the port. Then we all head to shore and experience the beauty and wonder of colonial Antigua on a tour of this historic city.
She lead us on a memorable shore excursion walking tour that includes visits to some of the city’s most famous highlights, like La Merced Church, as well as expert commentary and local insights.
Antigua 
Jade Museum 
La Merced Church
On day 7, We’ve arrived Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and we’ve joined an excursion tour: Antigua, Jade Museum & Factory.
We’ve met our guide – Diego at Quetzal Port and begin your tour one hour after the cruise ship arrives at the port, then we took the coach transferred from the port to the village near the volcano in a comfortable car, which takes two hours.
Actually we do not need to have hiking experience for this activity as the volcano is very accessible and it is easy to reach the top. It takes just two hours to reach the top, which is it at 2,500 meters above the sea level. Here, the environment is created by the humid forest. See the fumaroles escaping from the open volcano on this unique experience.
After that, descend for an hour and a half then return by car back to get the Quetzal port.
Pacaya Volcano 
On day 11, we FINALLY arrive the Panama Canal to experience one of the world’s best short cuts! This ship crossed the new lock can accommodate New Panamax ship. There are three water basins next to each locks which can fill up or pump out water to and form the locks in less than 10 minutes. The whole journey 40 miles through the Panama Canal which can take around 10 hours to ship and having this unforgettable experience. Witness first-hand one of the world’s manmade short cuts that has changed travel and the transport of goods worldwide.
Below attached the video to watch how Norwegian Bliss to transit Panama Canal – This the 8th Wonder of the World & Mankind’s Greatest Engineering Achievement:-
On day 12, We’ve arrived Cartagena, Colombia and we’ve joined an excursion tour: Cartagena Art Tour.
After the hiking tour in Puerto Quetzal, we decided to join something relaxing and creative sightseeing during this 3-hour exploration of Cartagena’s thriving art scene led by an art historian guide – Felice. Head to the Getsemani Quarter as we met up with local artists at their studios, tour the newest galleries and check out the city’s diverse street art scene.
Entertainment and Activities
Race Track: Zoom around hairpin turns as you race for the checkered flag on the largest race track at sea.
Laser Tag: Get ready for a laser tag battle of galactic proportions under the stars.
Aqua Park: Slide into the time of your life. Make it the best of three on Aqua Racer, their tandem waterslide at sea. Or call it a lazy day and lounge by the pools and hot tubs with a frozen drink in hand. However to make a splash, the Aqua Park is overflowing with excitement.
Bliss Theatre: Norwegian is excited to bring Broadway with two musicals – Jersey Boys and SIX into the ship. This was an evening of laughter and entertainment in the Bliss Theatre.
Voyage! 