5-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise: A First-Timer's Guide to Norwegian Bliss
Embarking on a 5-day cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico with Norwegian Cruise Line was an adventure I'll never forget. Our journey began at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, where we checked in before our cruise. The hotel was stunning, with gorgeous bathrooms, an incredible lobby, and breathtaking views. They even welcomed us with complimentary macarons - a sweet start to our vacation!
The Norwegian Bliss is a state-of-the-art cruise ship offering an array of amenities. It’s also the largest in the entire NCL Fleet. With 16 dining options, including 7 specialty restaurants, there's something for every palate. Food Republic stands out for its international cuisine.
For entertainment, the ship boasts 22 bars and lounges. The 20,000 sq. ft. Mandara Spa provides a perfect retreat for relaxation, while the expansive Observation Lounge offers stunning 180-degree views.
These features complement the itinerary highlights and onboard dining options mentioned elsewhere in the document, promising an unforgettable cruise experience.
Our first stop was Cabo San Lucas, a beautiful resort town at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Known for its stunning beaches, water activities, and vibrant nightlife, Cabo didn't disappoint. We chose to explore the area on an UTV tour with Cabo Adventures, a company I had worked with before. They offer a wide range of activities, from boat tours to paddleboarding.
The UTV tour was exhilarating, if a bit ridiculous-looking in our helmets and gear. Afterwards, we were treated to a delicious Mexican buffet featuring cheese tortillas, beans, spicy potatoes, and various salsas. As the sun began to set, we returned to the Marina, which comes alive in the evening. The sunset over the mountains, with countless tour boats and catamarans in the foreground, was truly breathtaking.
Back on the ship, we decided to celebrate Halloween by bar-hopping around the Norwegian Bliss. The ship offers numerous bars and lounges, each with its unique atmosphere and signature drinks. We visited five different bars, trying everything from Botanical Spritz to Spicy Margaritas. The night ended with a costume contest and a late-night snack at the sports bar.
The following day was a sea day, which felt like a relaxing weekend. We indulged in the onboard Starbucks that is part of our unlimited drinks package. We spent the day lounging on board and having fun at the onboard race track.
For dinner that night, we tried Los Lobos, the Mexican restaurant on board. We started with spicy margaritas and enjoyed tableside guacamole, Queso Fundido, and a seafood and shrimp cocktail. I had shrimp fajitas for my main course, and we finished the meal with Mexican coffees.
Our next port was Ensenada, known for its food scene and nearby wine country. We started our day with cappuccinos and pastries at a local cafe before visiting a famous seafood tostada stand that was once praised by Anthony Bourdain. You can find these tostadas at La Guerrerense.
From Ensenada, we took a 30-minute Uber ride to the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico's wine country. Our original NCL excursion had been canceled, so we decided to do our own wine-tasting tour. Our first stop was Bloodlust Wine Bar, an interestingly designed winery with a Halloween-esque theme. I particularly enjoyed their house Chardonnay and an exceptional espresso martini. However, our wine country adventure almost turned into a mishap when we realized Ubers didn't service the area after a certain time. Thankfully, a kind local named Fernanda gave us a ride back to Ensenada, ensuring we didn't miss the ship's departure.
Our final dinner on board was at the Italian restaurant, La Cucina. Despite being tired, we enjoyed a relaxing meal of margherita pizza, salmon, and caprese salad. The cruise ended with us returning to Los Angeles, where we had time to enjoy the Delta Sky Club at the airport before our flight home. This lounge access, which we get through our credit cards, has truly enhanced our travel experiences.
Overall, this 5-day cruise on the Norwegian Bliss from Los Angeles to Mexico was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights. From the stunning ports of call to the variety of onboard activities and dining options, it's an experience I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a short but memorable getaway.
