Mexican Riviera on the Bliss
October 2019 on NCL Bliss — the ship that would later take us through Alaska in May 2024. The Bliss is a purpose-built modern ship (delivered 2018) and one of NCL's most popular vessels. We didn't know it then, but this Mexican Riviera trip was our first sailing on the Bliss; we'd come back five years later for the Inside Passage. Same ship, two oceans, two completely different trips.
The trip at a glance
- Ship
- NCL Bliss (Breakaway-Plus class — newer, big, with the famous go-kart track on top)
- Length
- 7 nights · Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlán → Puerto Vallarta → LA
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the newer-ship Mexican Riviera experience. The Bliss is a step up in polish from the Carnival options.
- Spend
- From around $1,400/person all-in for an inside cabin; $2,200+ for a balcony
NCL's "Freestyle" approach means no fixed dining times, more flexibility, and a slightly more grown-up atmosphere than the Carnival versions of this itinerary. The Bliss is a beautiful ship — the observation lounge wraps the front of the boat with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for the cruise into Cabo on the second morning.
See all 7 photos from this trip →
Sailed the same ship through Alaska: Seven days through the Inside Passage (NCL Bliss, May 2024)
Other Mexican Riviera trips: Feb 2019 on Carnival Valor · Dec 2019 on Carnival Miracle · Feb 2022 on Carnival Panorama · Feb 2023 on NCL Joy