Have you ever dreamt of setting sail on a journey that would take you through the heart of the majestic Northwest?

Well, that’s precisely what my husband, Jeff, and I had always yearned for. Jeff, in particular, had a cruise dream that had nestled its way into his heart—an Alaskan cruise from Seattle. And you know what they say—dreams are meant to come true!

Picture this: September, a hint of autumn in the air, and the Norwegian Bliss waiting for us in the bustling city of Seattle.  It was the beginning of an incredible voyage that would leave us spellbound. Our destination? The captivating landscapes of Alaska, with Seattle as our starting point.

Now, let me share a moment that truly stole our breath away.  As we approached Seattle by air, gazing out of the airplane window, a sight unfolded that words struggle to describe. There they were, standing tall and proud, like sentinels of nature—Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood, cloaked in a blanket of pristine, glistening snow.  You see, coming from the serene lowlands and sunny beaches of Gulf Coast, Alabama, the sight of such majestic mountains and the ethereal touch of snow was a rarity for us.

But our adventure didn’t begin on the cruise ship. We had the privilege of spending two glorious days in Seattle, immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of this remarkable city. Not to mention, we got to reconnect with a dear family who call this breathtaking region home.

SEATTLE

Seattle is a city alive with vibrant energy, where iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and a rich maritime history await exploration. Our journey in this remarkable city was filled with moments that turned into memories we’ll treasure forever.

Our very first adventure began with an innocent glance at one of those quirky downtown Seattle maps. Little did we know, what appeared to be a casual three-block stroll to the Space Needle turned into a half-hour trek filled with pain for Jeff whose previous knee surgery was not making the trek enjoyable. But our meandering path eventually led us to the monorail station, where we embarked on a swift ride that deposited us right at the base of the iconic Space Needle.

Ah, the Space Needle, a towering marvel that left us in awe, not just of its height but of its rich history. Imagine that it was conceived for the 1962 World’s Fair, aptly named the Century 21 Exposition, and here we were, in the 21st century, taking in its splendor.

Standing there, high above the city and the sparkling waters of the Sound, I marveled at the view. As someone unafraid of heights, I reveled in the thrill of standing on the glass floor and leaning against the glass walls that extended outward, offering a vertigo-inducing perspective.  From here, you’re gifted with panoramic 360-degree views that unveil Seattle’s treasures:

]   Puget Sound, and the bustling downtown skyline.

The Ferry Ride to Bremerton

We opted to take the scenic ferry ride from downtown Seattle to Bremerton, a picturesque waterfront city located across the Puget Sound. There is a way to drive to Bremerton area, but it takes a couple of hours, and the ferry took only about 45 minutes.

This ferry was a tranquil escape from the bustling city, but it also provided breathtaking views of Seattle’s iconic skyline and the surrounding natural beauty.       

As we gently sailed across the shimmering waters, we witnessed the majestic Mount Rainier in the distance, sailed past verdant islands, and had the opportunity to spot playful seals and a pod of dolphins. It’s a delightful prelude to our Alaskan adventure, setting the tone for the awe-inspiring scenery on our cruise. The Seattle-Bremerton ferry ride is not just a means of transportation; it’s a memorable part of the journey that added a touch of maritime magic.  

Jeff actually said it was his favorite part of the whole trip. That cruise ship in the picture above is the Norwegian Sun. Our ship was the Norwegian Bliss.

Norwegian Bliss

Setting sail with Norwegian was a choice we’d gladly make again and again, thanks to their irresistible buy-one-get-one airfare sale. Not only did this offer a fantastic deal, but it also meant our adventure was shared, making it twice as special. Our total package included not just a cruise, but a full open bar to keep our spirits high, two romantic evenings of specialty dining for two, a generous 300 minutes of Wi-Fi for staying connected, a $50 excursion credit for extra fun, and airfare worth $5,000. A deal too good to resist, wouldn’t you agree?

Our journey began with a two-night stay at the comfortable Springhill Suites in Seattle, all thanks to our trusty Marriott points. This cozy pit stop set the stage for our Alaskan escapade aboard the Norwegian Bliss, a cruise ship that’s more than just a vessel; it’s a floating paradise crafted to make every moment of your Alaska cruise from Seattle unforgettable.

Now, let me share some highlights that made our Norwegian Bliss adventure truly exceptional:

1. Observation Lounge: Picture this – a two-level observation lounge offering stunning 180-degree panoramic views. It’s a cozy haven where we relaxed, taking in the awe-inspiring Alaskan landscapes from the comfort of the ship. This space quickly became our favorite meeting spot with Steve and Terri, our friends from Pensacola. It was definitely a close second only to our own balcony when it came to soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
   
2. Luxurious Accommodations: The Norwegian Bliss pampers its guests with an array of accommodation choices, from cozy staterooms to lavish suites, many with mesmerizing ocean views. Waking up to the grandeur of Alaskan vistas from the privacy of our cabin was nothing short of magical.
3. Dining Excellence: With over 15 dining options, this ship spoils you for choice. From gourmet seafood to international delicacies, there’s something to tantalize every palate. Our specialty dinner experiences were delightful, but one restaurant stood out: Ocean Blue. To our surprise, they served Louisiana Andouille Gumbo, and being Gulf Coast veterans, we couldn’t resist. To our amazement, the chef hails from Croatia but cooks like a seasoned Cajun. His gumbo left us speechless, and a friendly chat at our table added a personal touch to our culinary journey.
4. Entertainment Galore: The days and nights were a whirlwind of entertainment. Broadway-style shows, live music, a thrilling race track, and even waterslides at sea kept us on our toes. The ship boasts a state-of-the-art theater, a lively casino, and a variety of bars and lounges for a relaxing drink.
5. Alaskan Adventures: The Norwegian Bliss offers a treasure trove of shore excursions, each designed to immerse you in the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Majestic glaciers, wildlife safaris, and scenic flightseeing tours let you experience the wonders of Alaska up close and personal.

Our personal favorite was the Jersey Boys show, a captivating tale of Frankie Valli’s life. And beyond the shows, there’s so much more to explore—a bowling alley, a two-deck racecar track, a thrilling laser tag course, and, of course, there is a casino.

a thrilling laser tag course, and, of course, there is a casino.

Some of Our Excursions

Our first port was Sitka, Alaska, and we took a tour of the Alaska Raptor Center, where they rehab birds of prey and other animals that are injured or are in danger from the environment.

 Then we visited Sitka National Historic Park, where we were diverted off the trail because of recent bear activity.

 Our Next port was Juneau, Alaska

We took the tour of Mendenhall Glacier which was the coldest adventure, but the scenery was beyond words.

Part of the excursion included a feed of fresh salmon. I was curious if the fresh caught salmon in Alaska was as sweet and tasty as that I had had in Ireland. Here to tell you it was grilled over an open fire and definitely better than the product sold in the lower 48 grocery stores and markets. It did rival the Irish salmon in flavor.

Where they were cooking the salmon was part of an old saw mill  and abandoned gold mine. However, there was a station where you could pan for gold.

Conclusion:

In the grand tapestry of life’s adventures, an Alaska cruise from Seattle stands out as a true gem. It’s that one-in-a-lifetime journey where opulence meets exploration, and Mother Nature herself puts on the most captivating show. But there’s a secret to elevating this adventure even further – choosing the Norwegian Bliss as your trusted vessel.

So, dear traveler, seize the opportunity to embark from Seattle on the Norwegian Bliss and let the enchantment of Alaska wrap around you. Here, glaciers glisten like diamonds, wildlife roams freely, and every bend in the path promises a new thrill. And amidst this breathtaking backdrop, the Norwegian Bliss offers you an unparalleled haven of comfort and luxury.

Imagine waking up to the rugged beauty of Alaska from your cozy cabin, savoring culinary delights that match the grandeur outside, and losing yourself in a world of entertainment that leaves you spellbound. It’s a promise of memories that defy time, etching themselves into the tapestry of your life.

In the end, it’s not just a cruise; it’s an Alaskan odyssey on the Norwegian Bliss. It’s a journey that transcends the ordinary, leaving you with moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. So, my fellow adventurer, cast off your worries, embrace the call of the wild, and set sail for the adventure of a lifetime. Alaska awaits, and the Norwegian Bliss is your chariot to its wonders.