Sailing South to Mexico on the Norwegian Bliss

A Mexican Riviera cruise from Los Angeles

We boarded Norwegian Bliss in Los Angeles on a sunny December afternoon. Embarkation was a breeze, and the sail-away felt celebratory and full of anticipation. It was an especially exciting moment as it was my partner’s first cruise and my first time visiting Puerto Vallarta.

One small detail future cruisers may want to know: while the ship is still docked in Los Angeles, beverages are subject to a local sales tax, even for guests with an unlimited beverage package.

Settling into life at sea

The first couple of days were spent sailing south, which offered the perfect opportunity to explore the ship and settle into onboard life. Norwegian Bliss is a large vessel, with something happening at nearly every hour. Sea days are ideal for discovering favorite spots—whether that’s a cozy bar (we loved the Wine bar), a quiet corner with an ocean view (make sure you visit the Observation Lounge), or a lively entertainment venue.

Planning ahead is helpful on a ship of this size. Dining experiences, spa treatments, and shore excursions are all reserved separately, and having the Norwegian Cruise Line app downloaded made it much easier to organize plans. Highly recommend doing this early if you can!

Dining, drinks & evenings onboard

Dining onboard offers plenty of choice, with both complimentary and specialty restaurants available. Portions tended to be on the lighter side, which worked well for sampling multiple courses.

One highlight was Cagney’s Steakhouse, particularly the A-List Bar located inside the restaurant. It quickly became a favorite for cocktails. It’s worth noting that food is meant to be enjoyed in the dining venues, as it can’t be taken back to staterooms, and in-room refrigerators are compact.

Christmas cheer onboard

Ports

Our first port of call was Puerto Vallarta, with a generous amount of time ashore, which I was happy about because I had never been. It’s a quaint city with cobblestone streets in the old town. The marina near the cruise port is convenient, while the northern areas are known for resorts and beach clubs. Old Town (Zona Romántica) stands out for its historic charm, local restaurants, and I’m told, vibrant nightlife.

For first-time visitors, Puerto Vallarta is an especially welcoming introduction to Mexico, offering a mix of culture, scenery, and it is easy to navigate.

The next day brought us to Mazatlán, which I had visited many years ago. A lot has changed. With a full day in port, it’s well-suited for travelers interested in history, local neighborhoods, and culture.

Our final port was Cabo San Lucas, a favorite for many travelers. This stop is shorter and requires tendering to shore, so plan ahead. They offer everything from boat excursions, to a beach club visit, or a leisurely lunch by the water, but we opted to head out of town an hour to Todos Santos (we loved this artist haven)!

A final day at sea

The last full day on board was a chance to enjoy the ship’s open-air spaces. On sea days, the pool areas are lively and social. There was one adult-only area with two hot tubs. Those looking for quieter moments often gravitated toward indoor lounges, bars, or shaded outdoor areas.

Stateroom comfort varied slightly by layout, and balcony rooms with the bed positioned closer to the balcony felt particularly easy to move around. An unexpected and charming sight was a small dog onboard, a reminder that Norwegian Cruise Line does allow pets in limited, pre-arranged circumstances.

Returning home

We arrived back in Los Angeles early on the final morning, with a smooth and early disembarkation.

Norwegian Bliss is especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy variety, entertainment, and a vibrant ship atmosphere. For those seeking a fun, social cruise with easy access to Mexico’s west coast, it delivers a no-stress, affordable way to sail south.

• As an American, you will need a passport to travel on this cruise.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.