What Crew Members Say About Norwegian-Bliss

The majestic 'Norwegian Bliss' has encountered significant propulsion system difficulties during its current voyage in Alaska, having embarked from Seattle on May 31. These technical challenges have forced the cruise line to revise its planned stops, resulting in the shortening of visits to four ports by as much as three hours. Passengers on board have been informed that similar itinerary alterations may occur in future sailings as the vessel continues to navigate these issues. Fortunately, the safety of both guests and crew remains uncompromised throughout these adjustments.

In response to escalating violence in Puerto Vallarta, several cruise ships have opted to bypass the popular destination. The 'Norwegian Bliss', 'Royal Princess', and 'Zuiderdam' have all canceled their scheduled calls, a decision influenced by unrest following the assassination of a cartel leader. This turmoil led the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a shelter-in-place advisory for travelers. The 'Norwegian Bliss' initially canceled its Puerto Vallarta stop last week and continues to monitor the situation closely. The ship is now slated to return to the area on March 4, 2026. Similarly, 'Zuiderdam' called off its February 23 visit, while 'Royal Princess' also rerouted its itinerary, opting for an extended stay in Cabo San Lucas and making a stop in Mazatlán on February 25 instead. Although more vessels had planned visits to Puerto Vallarta in early March, cruise lines have not yet provided updates on potential itinerary changes. On February 24, the government of Jalisco announced that ‘order and stability have been restored’ in both Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara, signaling some hope for the return of cruise tourism.

On September 19, 2025, an alarming incident occurred aboard the Norwegian Bliss, a popular cruise ship, as a female passenger found herself stuck in a water slide suspended high above the ocean. The unfortunate event took place on the Ocean Loops, a thrilling double-loop waterslide that extends 11 feet beyond the ship's edge and reaches a height of 159 feet above the water. Located in a horizontal segment of the slide, the passenger was seen desperately trying to push herself forward using her arms. At the time, the Norwegian Bliss was on a seven-day round-trip voyage exploring the stunning terrains of Alaska. For those interested in visual coverage, detailed reports with accompanying photo and video footage can be found at National Post and NDTV.

On July 1, 2025, a search operation was launched by Alaskan authorities for Marites "Tess" Buenafe, a 62-year-old American tourist from Kentucky, who went missing while visiting Juneau. Buenafe had not returned to her cruise ship, the 'Norwegian Bliss', after embarking on a hiking adventure that involved riding the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts. She had last contacted family at approximately 7:30 a.m., expressing her intentions to hike Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak, renowned destinations for their breathtaking views. Concerns escalated when the Juneau Police Department received a report later that afternoon indicating that Buenafe had not made it back to the vessel before its scheduled departure. With snow lingering on the nearby peaks, immediate action was taken to locate her. The search efforts, initiated by the state Department of Public Safety, included ground and aerial teams comprising the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, the U.S. Coast Guard, Juneau Mountain Search and Rescue, and Southeast Alaska Dogs. Helicopters and thermal drones were deployed despite challenging weather conditions, including overcast skies and rain. Tragedy struck on July 3, just before noon, when her body was discovered by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter team, located roughly 518 meters below the ridge line of Gold Ridge on Mount Roberts, close to the hiking trail. The Alaska State Troopers, along with Juneau Mountain Rescue, coordinated the recovery of her body. Security footage had captured Buenafe leaving the Goldbelt Tramway at the summit prior to her hike. This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of safety and preparedness while exploring the Alaskan wilderness. For more information, visit the report with photo: https://www.ktoo.org/2025/07/03/body-of-missing-cruise-ship-passenger-found-in-juneau-mountains/

On June 5, 2022, a dramatic medical evacuation unfolded approximately 20 nautical miles off the Northern coast of Vancouver Island. A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, part of the Canadian Forces' 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron stationed at CFB Comox, successfully airlifted a patient from the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship. The vessel, which was traveling from Seattle to Icy Strait Point, required immediate medical assistance for its passenger. The efficient and skilled response led to the patient being safely transported to Comox for urgent medical care. This operation highlights the vital role of the Canadian military in providing emergency support in maritime environments. For more details, including a photo of the rescue, visit: https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/371220/Military-helicopter-airlifts-patient-from-cruise-ship-off-Vancouver-Island.

On the night of January 3, 2020, the United States Coast Guard successfully carried out a medevac operation involving an 85-year-old passenger from the cruise ship 'Norwegian Bliss', located approximately 160 miles southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina. The captain of the 'Norwegian Bliss' alerted the Coast Guard’s Fifth District command center about the urgent need for medical assistance for the elderly man. In response, watchstanders at the center consulted with the duty flight surgeon, who promptly approved the medevac. A quick response was initiated, with a Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew dispatched to the scene, along with an HC-130 Hercules aircrew for support. The Jayhawk team skillfully hoisted the man from the cruise ship, ensuring he received the necessary medical attention. This operation underscores the Coast Guard's dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at sea.