135 Highlights 85 Differences 9 Reactions 0 Likes

Norwegian Bliss vs Discovery Princess: 135 Highlights & 85 Differences — So, Which Cruise Ship Actually Works Better

Compare the luxury, dining, and space on the Norwegian Bliss and Discovery Princess. Who wins in your cruise showdown? From passenger capacity at double occupancy, dining venues count, show lounge capacity & maximum passenger capacity to unique perks, this cruise ships comparison puts Norwegian Bliss vs Discovery Princess to the test with a travel-first mindset.

Supermod

M. N. Lindasari

690 Products

Moderator

Andhi E.

1157 Products

67 Points

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Bliss

67 Points

Princess Cruises

Discovery Princess

162 Facts
4 Guides
0 Reviews
0 Discuss
4 Awards
40 Compare

Highlights ¹⁶²

No extras. Just what matters.

                                
                                                67
                                                
                                                    Points
                                                
                                        Norwegian Bliss
                                    
                                        vs
                                    
                                                67
                                                
                                                    Points
                                                
                                        Discovery Princess

Why is Norwegian Bliss better than Discovery Princess ?

General Information Dimensions & Tonnage Capacity Propulsion & Performance Safety & Regulations Dining & Cuisine Recreation & Wellness Entertainment & Excursions Technology & Connectivity Service & Operations

Scroll down for more facts

Recaptor

Summary served fresh by

Andini E. U.

Norwegian Bliss vs Discovery Princess: A Battle of Luxury Cruise Ships

If you're planning a luxurious cruise vacation, the Norwegian Bliss and Discovery Princess are both top contenders in the cruise industry. These ships offer a wealth of features and amenities, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Both are massive, cutting-edge cruise ships offering world-class dining, entertainment, and leisure options. However, key differences in design, amenities, and overall atmosphere may sway your decision.

The Norwegian Bliss, part of the Breakaway Plus class, has been cruising since 2018. It boasts a large passenger capacity and an active roster of exciting features, including the world’s first laser tag arena at sea. On the other hand, the Discovery Princess is part of the Royal Class, which debuted just a few years later in 2022. Although newer, Discovery Princess is designed to cater to a more refined, intimate cruising experience with its extensive range of suites and refined culinary offerings. The differences between these ships run deep, from their size to the onboard experiences they provide.

Why Norwegian Bliss Might Be Your Ideal Choice

The Norwegian Bliss is a heavyweight when it comes to size. At 168,028 GT, it's the larger ship compared to the Discovery Princess, which measures 145,281 GT. This additional space allows the Bliss to offer an abundance of entertainment options. For example, the Bliss boasts 2,220 cabins (with a higher proportion of balcony cabins) and can accommodate up to 4,981 passengers at full capacity. It’s also packed with 20 dining venues and 16 bars and lounges, perfect for those who enjoy a variety of culinary options and vibrant nightlife. The ship even features a water park and a water coaster for those seeking thrills at sea.

Another key selling point is the Bliss's extensive indoor promenade, which stretches a massive 11,760 inches. This expansive space makes for a grand, open-air experience where passengers can shop, eat, and mingle. Add to that its larger capacity for lifeboats (18 vs 10) and more deck space for passenger activities, and the Bliss stands as a ship for those looking for grand experiences and tons of activities to fill their days at sea.

Why Discovery Princess Offers Unique Charm

The Discovery Princess, while smaller, brings a refined charm that is difficult to ignore. One of its major advantages is the number of suites available, with 420 suites compared to the Bliss's 95. This means Discovery Princess places an emphasis on luxury, with a greater variety of high-end options. The ship is designed with a more intimate atmosphere in mind, ideal for those looking for a quieter, more upscale cruise experience. With a public space ratio of 32, Discovery Princess offers ample space for passengers to relax without feeling overcrowded. It’s perfect for those who appreciate tranquility without sacrificing luxury.

Additionally, the Discovery Princess focuses heavily on high-quality dining experiences, with celebrity chef Curtis Stone providing culinary excellence. Despite its smaller size, the Princess ship offers 12 dining venues, providing just enough variety without overwhelming passengers. Its newer build (2022) also ensures that everything, from the modern amenities to the upgraded tech features, is state-of-the-art. This ship is ideal for travelers seeking a more refined, exclusive cruise experience without the bustling crowds.

Quick Take: The Standout Features

The Norwegian Bliss delivers a vast array of activities and amenities, with its expansive dining venues and thrilling features like the water park and laser tag arena. It's a better option for those who prioritize variety and high-energy fun on their cruise. However, the Discovery Princess offers something more exclusive, catering to those who favor luxury, a quieter atmosphere, and more suite options. Its overall refined ambiance and modern tech are its primary attractions, especially for those seeking an intimate, upscale journey.

Bottom Line

If you're seeking a cruise that combines adventure, massive size, and endless entertainment, the Norwegian Bliss should be your top choice. Its larger capacity, more diverse amenities, and exciting features are perfect for families or groups looking for a lively experience. However, if you're more inclined towards a refined, luxurious getaway with an emphasis on relaxation, the Discovery Princess, with its greater suite options and intimate atmosphere, may be the cruise ship that suits your needs.

Verdict

Winner → Norwegian Bliss: Larger ship, more activities, and higher capacity make it the ideal choice for families and thrill-seekers.
Runner-up → Discovery Princess: A more intimate and luxurious experience with better suite options, perfect for those seeking quiet refinement.

Comparisons ⁴⁰

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Price comparisons

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss – Where Relaxation Meets Adventure Norwegian Bliss – Sail Into Pure Paradise Book affordable Norwegian Bliss at CheapCruises USA Plan your dream Norwegian Bliss with Cruise Nation USA Explore top-rated Norwegian Bliss at Cruises.com USA Explore and Book Norwegian Bliss Trips on Tripadvisor Find amazing Norwegian Bliss offers at iTravel2000 USA

Check prices in other stores, maybe you'll find a cheaper Norwegian Bliss

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess – Uncover New Horizons with an Unmatched Cruise Experience Discovery Princess – Discover the World’s Wonders in Elegant Comfort Discovery Princess – A Cruise Designed for the Adventurer and the Explorer Book affordable Discovery Princess at CheapCruises USA Plan your dream Discovery Princess with Cruise Nation USA Explore top-rated Discovery Princess at Cruises.com USA Explore and Book Discovery Princess Trips on Tripadvisor

Check prices in other stores, maybe you'll find a cheaper Discovery Princess

^(✱) Prices may be changed at any time without further notice.

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Comparisons & Facts ¹⁶²

Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.

Not sure which cruise ship to go with? Our cruise ships breakdown of Norwegian Bliss and Discovery Princess highlights what makes one better for your next destination.

General Information ²²

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Ship Class

What is the ship class?

69 Norwegian Bliss 1 Votes Breakaway Plus Class

68 Discovery Princess 0 Votes Royal Class

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Ship Class

The Norwegian Bliss belongs to the Breakaway Plus class, offering more spacious and varied amenities, while the Discovery Princess is part of the Royal Class, focusing on luxury with a more refined, intimate experience. Better for luxury-focused travelers: Discovery Princess.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Ship Class' on the following:

Classification or family grouping of the ship.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Country of Manufacture' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Country of Manufacture' on the following:

Country where the ship was built.

Model Number

What is the model number?

Who knows? 0 Votes Norwegian Bliss (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes Discovery Princess (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Internal or builder-assigned number.

Previous Name

What was the previous name?

Who knows? 0 Votes Norwegian Bliss (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes Discovery Princess (Help us out by suggesting one!)

The previous name of the cruise ship before it was rebranded or renamed.

Former Operator

Who was the former operator?

Who knows? 0 Votes Norwegian Bliss (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes Discovery Princess (Help us out by suggesting one!)

The former company that operated the cruise ship.

Refurbishment Year

When was the ship last refurbished?

96 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 2025

Who knows? 0 Votes Discovery Princess (Help us out by suggesting one!)

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Refurbishment Year' on the following:

Year of the last refurbishment.

Dimensions & Tonnage ¹⁵

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Gross Tonnage

What is the gross tonnage?

168,028 GT 1 Votes

145,281 GT 0 Votes

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Gross Tonnage

Norwegian Bliss has a gross tonnage of 168,028 GT, which is significantly larger than Discovery Princess at 145,281 GT. This means more space, larger facilities, and potentially a more bustling atmosphere aboard the Bliss.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Gross Tonnage' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Gross Tonnage' on the following:

Volume of enclosed spaces, measure of overall ship size.

Dennis Shaw

163 Reactions

8 months ago

168,028 GT on the Bliss? That's a huge difference compared to Discovery Princess. More space for all the activities.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Maximum Air Draft

What is the maximum air draft?

72 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 190

63 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 223

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Maximum Air Draft

Discovery Princess has a maximum air draft of 223 ft, taller than the Norwegian Bliss's 190 ft. This could affect port access or docking flexibility, but the Bliss’s shorter height might be better for some ports.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Air Draft' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Air Draft' on the following:

Distance from waterline to highest point of the ship.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Indoor Promenade Length

What is the indoor promenade length?

11,760 inch 1 Votes

3,600 inch 0 Votes

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Indoor Promenade Length

The Norwegian Bliss offers a grand 11,760-inch indoor promenade, perfect for leisurely strolls. In contrast, the Discovery Princess has a much smaller 3,600-inch promenade, making the Bliss better for those who enjoy large, open spaces.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Indoor Promenade Length' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Indoor Promenade Length' on the following:

Length of the indoor promenade on the cruise ship unit.

Jeremy Webb

108 Reactions

8 months ago

11,760 inches in Bliss is wild! The Discovery Princess’s promenade just feels a lot smaller, not as open.

Length Overall

What is the ship’s length overall?

1,094 ft 0 Votes

1,083 ft 0 Votes

Norwegian Bliss

Equivalent to about 333.5 meters, nearly the length of 3 football fields placed end-to-end.

Discovery Princess

About 330 meters — the length of three football fields lined up.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Length Overall' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Length Overall' on the following:

Total ship length from bow to stern.

Draft Depth

What is the ship’s draft depth?

28.5 ft 0 Votes

28 ft 0 Votes

Norwegian Bliss

Equal to 8.7 meters, which is about the height of a 3-story building—this determines how deep the ship sits in the water.

Discovery Princess

8.5 meters, roughly the height of a three-story building below the waterline.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Draft Depth' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Draft Depth' on the following:

Vertical distance between waterline and keel.

Height

What is the ship’s height from keel to mast?

Around 41.5 meters wide, roughly the width of a 10-lane highway.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Beam' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Beam' on the following:

Maximum beam (width) of the ship.

Total Decks

How many decks does the ship have?

77 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 20

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'LED Dome Length' on the following:

The length of the LED dome in inches for added lighting features.

Capacity ¹⁴

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Maximum Passenger Capacity

What is the maximum passenger capacity?

55 Norwegian Bliss 1 Votes 4981

71 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 4402

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Maximum Passenger Capacity

Norwegian Bliss supports a higher total capacity of 4981 passengers, while Discovery Princess maxes out at 4402 passengers. For those seeking a ship with a greater capacity, Norwegian Bliss is the go-to choice.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Passenger Capacity' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Passenger Capacity' on the following:

Maximum passengers with all berths filled.

Irene Vallejo

145 Reactions

8 months ago

The Norwegian Bliss’s larger capacity of nearly 5000 passengers seems perfect for a fun, lively cruise.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Crew Capacity

What is the crew capacity?

59 Norwegian Bliss 1 Votes 1700

71 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 1346

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Crew Capacity

Norwegian Bliss boasts a larger crew capacity of 1700, compared to 1346 on the Discovery Princess. More crew members may lead to enhanced service and smoother operations on the Bliss.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Crew Capacity' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Crew Capacity' on the following:

Maximum number of crew the ship can house.

Anthony Scott

123 Reactions

8 months ago

I think the 1700 crew members on the Norwegian Bliss show they really focus on service. More people to help out sounds good!

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Passenger Capacity at Double Occupancy

What is the passenger capacity at double occupancy?

63 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 4002

60 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 3660

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Passenger Capacity at Double Occupancy

The Norwegian Bliss accommodates 4002 passengers at double occupancy, offering larger spaces and a lively atmosphere, compared to Discovery Princess's 3660 capacity. Better for larger groups or families: Norwegian Bliss.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Passenger Capacity at Double Occupancy' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Passenger Capacity at Double Occupancy' on the following:

Number of passengers based on two per cabin.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Suite Count

How many suites are onboard?

64 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 95

73 Discovery Princess 1 Votes 420

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Suite Count

Discovery Princess has 420 suites, a significant increase over the 95 suites on the Norwegian Bliss. This makes the Discovery Princess more appealing to those seeking a luxurious, private cruise experience.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Suite Count' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Suite Count' on the following:

Number of suites onboard.

Carie Villeda

153 Reactions

8 months ago

The Discovery Princess’s 420 suites sound amazing for a more upscale experience, but 95 suites on Bliss still offers plenty of luxury.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Lifeboat Capacity

What is the lifeboat capacity?

57 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 250

42 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 150

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Lifeboat Capacity

Norwegian Bliss provides 250 lifeboats compared to Discovery Princess's 150, ensuring higher safety standards with more lifeboat availability per passenger on the Bliss.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Lifeboat Capacity' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Lifeboat Capacity' on the following:

Number of passengers that lifeboats can support.

Passenger-to-Crew Ratio

What is the passenger-to-crew ratio?

55 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 2.33:1

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Maximum Speed

What is the maximum speed?

25 knots 1 Votes

23 knots 0 Votes

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Maximum Speed

Norwegian Bliss reaches a maximum speed of 25 knots, slightly faster than Discovery Princess’s 23 knots. While this difference isn’t huge, the extra speed might contribute to quicker travel times.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Speed' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Speed' on the following:

Top attainable speed.

Bradley Hayes

142 Reactions

8 months ago

25 knots on the Norwegian Bliss sounds pretty fast! Discovery Princess’s 23 knots doesn’t seem as exciting.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Number of Engines

How many engines does the ship have?

77 Norwegian Bliss 1 Votes 5

58 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 4

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Number of Engines

Norwegian Bliss is equipped with 5 engines, while Discovery Princess uses 4. The extra engine on the Bliss could offer more power for faster acceleration and stability.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Number of Engines' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Number of Engines' on the following:

Total count of engines onboard.

Luke Hayes

140 Reactions

8 months ago

5 engines on the Norwegian Bliss feels like more power for a smoother ride compared to 4 on the Discovery Princess.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Fuel Capacity

98 Discovery Princess 0 Votes Diesel-Electric

Discovery Princess

Combines traditional marine diesel with electric power for efficiency.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Propulsion Type' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Propulsion Type' on the following:

Type of propulsion system used.

Engine Manufacturer

Who is the engine manufacturer?

82 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes MAN B&W

83 Discovery Princess 0 Votes Wartsila

Discovery Princess

Finnish engine maker specializing in marine propulsion systems.

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Score History

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Engine Manufacturer' on the following:

Company producing the engines.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Lifeboats Count

How many lifeboats are there?

62 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 18

What is the ice class rating?

Who knows? 0 Votes Norwegian Bliss (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes Discovery Princess (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Ice navigation certification for polar cruising.

Security Screening Facilities

What security screening facilities are present?

62 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes X-ray, Metal Detectors, ID Checkpoints

63 Discovery Princess 0 Votes Xray, Metal Detectors, ID Checkpoints

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Security Screening Facilities' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Security Screening Facilities' on the following:

Passenger and crew security systems at embarkation.

Dining & Cuisine ¹³

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Dining Venues Count

How many dining venues are there?

75 Norwegian Bliss 1 Votes 20

46 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 12

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Dining Venues Count

Norwegian Bliss features 20 dining venues, offering a variety of choices, while Discovery Princess has 12 venues, creating a more streamlined, but fewer, dining options. If variety is key for you, Norwegian Bliss has the edge.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Dining Venues Count' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Dining Venues Count' on the following:

Total number of dining venues available onboard.

Sharon Davis

134 Reactions

8 months ago

With 20 dining venues, Norwegian Bliss just seems like it has more variety. Can’t go wrong with that many options!

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Specialty Restaurants

How many specialty restaurants are there?

90 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 14

How many bars and lounges are there?

72 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 16

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Adult-Only Areas' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Adult-Only Areas' on the following:

Areas restricted to adults for relaxation.

Entertainment & Excursions ¹⁴

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Shore Excursion Options

What shore excursions are available?

57 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes Cultural Tours, Adventure Sports, Wildlife Watching

58 Discovery Princess 0 Votes Cultural Tours, Adventure Sports, Wildlife Watching

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Shore Excursion Options

Both ships offer similar shore excursion options, including cultural tours, adventure sports, and wildlife watching, ensuring an enriching experience. Both ships are well-equipped for exploration.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Shore Excursion Options' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Shore Excursion Options' on the following:

Types of shore excursions offered.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Zodiac Boats

How many zodiac or tender boats are available?

39 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 6

31 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 4

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Zodiac Boats

Norwegian Bliss features 6 zodiac boats for tendering guests ashore, while Discovery Princess uses 4. The Bliss’s extra zodiac boats could make embarking and disembarking smoother for larger passenger groups.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Zodiac Boats' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Zodiac Boats' on the following:

Number of small boats for landingsexcursions.

Theater Capacity

What is the theater’s seating capacity?

57 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 907

60 Discovery Princess 0 Votes 900

Norwegian Bliss

The main theater seats about 907 guests, close to the size of a city performing arts center.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Theater Capacity' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Theater Capacity' on the following:

Seating capacity of the main theater.

Simulators & Lanes

How many simulators and lanes are available?

17 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes 2

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Digital Cabin Assistant' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Digital Cabin Assistant' on the following:

Whether the cruise ship includes a digital assistant for easier navigation.

Navigation System Type

What navigation system type is onboard?

87 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes Integrated Bridge System

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Green Building Certification' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Green Building Certification' on the following:

Certifications showing sustainable design.

Service & Operations ¹¹

Housekeeping Frequency

How often is housekeeping provided?

87 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes Twice Daily

68 Discovery Princess 0 Votes Daily

Norwegian Bliss

Rooms are refreshed morning and evening, like premium hotel service.

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Housekeeping Frequency' on the following:

Score info for Discovery Princess:

We base our scoring on 'Housekeeping Frequency' on the following:

Frequency of cabin housekeeping.

Dry Dock Schedule

What is the dry dock schedule?

71 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes January 17 to February 2, 2025

What is the maintenance interval?

30 Months 0 Votes

60 Months 0 Votes

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Score History

Score info for Norwegian Bliss:

We base our scoring on 'Maintenance Interval' on the following:

Interval between scheduled maintenance.

Home Port

What is the ship’s home port?

89 Norwegian Bliss 0 Votes Port Miami (Miami), Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Seattle), Port of Los Angeles (Los Angeles), Manhattan Cruise Terminal (New York)