FRESH • TRAVEL
Bliss Out! Find paradise in the Pacific Northwest
By Alison Bailin Batz
Seattle What do Bill Gates, Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones all have in common? They are all native sons — along with Kurt Cobain, Macklemore and Bruce Lee — of Seattle! And, given NCL Bliss starts and ends all of its cruises in Seattle on Saturdays, there is ample opportunity to arrive early or extend one’s trip a day or two to take advantage of the city. A best bet to stay is Kimpton’s boutique Alexis Hotel, which is near the waterfront and Pioneer Square. A Travel + Leisure winner as one of the best hotels in the country, the Alexis Hotel is set in a series of historic landmark buildings but has been reimagined to represent the vibrancy of the area, proudly 32
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2018 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTOS COURTESY NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
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arlier this year, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) made international news by launching Bliss, the largest ship ever to cruise through Alaska. Embarking and disembarking from Seattle — with a bevy of options to enjoy beforehand in the Emerald City and/or right after sailing — the NCL Bliss visits three must-see Alaskan cities as well as British Columbia during one’s voyage while providing the ultimate in guest luxury. But with more than 100 shore excursion options in port, not to mention nearly two dozen dining options, a full spa, expansive casino, shopping mall, two pools, six infinity hot tubs and a daily cruise newsletter with more than 50 activities running the gamut from performances of Jersey Boys to expert-led wine tastings on board, trying to fit it all in is impossible. Here’s an insider’s guide to help navigate your trip:
displaying the works of local artists inside, offering nightly regional wine samples and appointed with elegant touches throughout. By staying here, guests can take advantage of the Seattle Art Museum down the street as well as Pike Place Market nearby. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture, which features exhibits on everything from The Princess Bride to Nirvana. The NCL Bliss also offers several options to tour the area through their team before or after each cruise. Ship Certainly, Seattle dazzles. But nothing shines as brightly as the NCL Bliss as she towers over the other ships in the Seattle port. Though almost 170,000 gross tons and able to comfortably host more than
Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships boast spacious viewing decks.