Norwegian Cruise Line, Mexican Riviera

Itinerary: 5 Day Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Ensenada
Sailing: Date: 29 October 2024
Ship: Norwegian Bliss
Author: Astrid Maier, Senior Cruise Product Specialist – CruiseHQ                                                   

What happens when you pair the buzz of Los Angeles with a cruise along the stunning Mexican Riviera? Astrid, our Senior Product Specialist, discovered just that when she sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line. From exploring the vibrant streets of LA to experiencing life on board the impressive Norwegian Bliss, her journey is packed with tips and insights you won’t want to miss. Read on to discover Astrid’s highlights and recommendations to inspire your next getaway.

1. Experience the Thrilling Racetrack – One of the highlights of my cruise on the Norwegian Bliss was the exhilarating experience on the two-level go-kart racetrack. Racing around the track while surrounded by breathtaking ocean views was an absolute thrill. The track is well-designed with twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and the speed is surprisingly fast, making it an adrenaline-pumping activity.

Even if you’re not a big racing fan, the novelty of driving a go-kart at sea is something you shouldn’t miss. I highly recommend booking your session early through the app, as it tends to get busy, especially on sea days.

2. Broadway-Style Entertainment – For those who love Broadway, you’ll love the onboard entertainment. The shows, like Jersey Boys and Icons, bring fantastic music and dance performances right to you. Along with comedy clubs and live music venues, they make for lively evening entertainment options. I attended Icons, a dynamic tribute show celebrating legendary artists and hits from the past six decades.

3. Explore Cabo San Lucas – When I sailed into Cabo San Lucas, I made sure to spend the morning on my balcony, soaking in the breathtaking views of The Arch. Once I was on land, I jumped into a UTV for an off-road adventure along the beach. The ride was thrilling, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. I even had the incredible luck of spotting humpback whales along the way—truly unforgettable!

4. Water Slides & Aqua Park – The onboard Aqua Park was fantastic! With multi-story waterslides, including the Ocean Loops slide which features a free-fall drop and a clear loop that extends over the ship’s edge. I wasn’t brave enough to take the plunge on the free-fall drop slide, but I did experience the Aqua Racer water slide. On this slide, you sit on a floatie, either solo or tandem, and enjoy this fast-paced slide as you descend down.

5. Take Advantage of More at Sea™ Inclusions – NCL’s all-new More At Sea™ offers incredible value. It includes more premium beverage choices, more specialty dining meals, shore excursion credit, a Wi-Fi package, and reduced rates for the 3rd and 4th guests.

6. Specialty Dining – Onboard the NCL Bliss, I discovered an amazing variety of specialty restaurants. Food Republic offered a unique Asian-Latin fusion, while Teppanyaki was a crowd favourite with its lively cooking show. Ocean Blue was a seafood lover’s paradise. During my cruise, I had memorable meals at Los Lobos and Cagney’s Steakhouse.

At Los Lobos, they prepared fresh guacamole right at my table, which was a fun experience to enjoy with a margarita. At Cagney’s, the steak I ordered was incredible, perfectly paired with a great red wine. I even treated myself to a classic surf and turf by adding a lobster tail.

7. Relax in the Observation Lounge – The two-story Observation Lounge is the perfect place to unwind and take in the views, especially during sea days or while approaching the Mexican coastline. Pro tip: Grab a coffee in the morning and watch the sunrise—it’s worth the early start.

8. Oceanfront Stay in South Bay – We stayed at The Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach—a charming seaside sanctuary perfectly located in South Bay. From the hotel, we rented bikes and enjoyed a scenic ride along the boardwalk, all the way to Manhattan Beach and return. It was a fantastic way to explore the South Bay, soak up the coastal views, and experience the laid-back charm that makes this part of LA so special.

9. BTS Tour of SoFi Stadium – We were lucky enough to take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of SoFi Stadium, which included exclusive field access, a peek inside the locker rooms, and tunnel run experience, where you can dash out of the locker room area and onto the field. What an unforgettable experience! I’m now 100% set on seeing a game next time I’m in LA. The stadium itself is incredibly impressive, a state-of-the-art marvel that cost a staggering $6 billion to build.

10. Citadel Outlets – Citadel Outlets is Los Angeles’ premier outlet shopping centre, housing more than 130 global brands and restaurants. Located just minutes south of downtown LA, LAX and Southern California attractions. I had the pleasure of visiting the outlet on the day of my evening flight at 10:45pm, with plenty of time to spare to get some last-minute shopping in. The outlet offers luggage storage, and for a more exclusive experience, you can purchase a VIP Lounge Pass. This grants access to complimentary Wi-Fi, light snacks and beverages, flat-screen TVs, charging stations, concierge service, and more.