LOOKING for your next big family holiday? This floating theme park might float your boat!
The eye-catching Norwegian Bliss cruise ship has an incredible two level race track on deck.
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Adrenaline junkie kids can go head to head on one of the longest race tracks at sea.
If you’re not eager to hit top speed, there are four settings for motorists – beginner, intermediate and advanced as well as a “turbo boost” option for those who have the need for speed.
The cars have four speed settings, for beginner, intermediate and advanced drivers that go up to 30 miles per hour, with a “turbo boost” on each lap for thrill seekers.
The track runs almost 1,000ft across two decks.
Competitors can nab a bargain Unlimited Weekly pass, which gives you unlimited rides, and you won’t have to wait endlessly in pesky queues.
If that doesn’t sate your need for speed, whizz down the Ocean Loops waterslide, which features two loops and hangs over the SIDE of the ship.
There is more racing on offer, too.
Challenge friends on the Aqua River waterslide, in an inner tube, or get your thrills on Ocean Loops which drops you two storeys into a double-loop flume.
If that still doesn’t tickle your fancy, a game of outdoor laser tag located in a make-believe abandoned space station might do just day.
Players can seek out their rivals during the day, but it is much more exciting when dusk sets.
For parents and Beatles fans who want to unwind, a tribute band plays all the hits from the Cavern Club in the evenings.
During the day, feel free to lounge by the pool without fear of being disturbed as the go karts lapping nearby run silently.
For the height of luxury, check out The Haven — an exclusive area of the ship with posh suites, butlers and a two-bedroom family villa that even has a bath with sea view.
Splash out on a Haven suite and you can take a dip in a private pool, drink in a private bar and eat in a private restaurant.
ICELAND’S FIRST EVER WHISKEY CRUISE
By Daniel Edward
I’M in high spirits on board NCL’s first ever whisky cruise.
But as the horn blasts and Norwegian Prima edges sideways into a blur of autumnal rain, it was confirmed — my friend hadn’t made it.
I’m sailing, surprisingly solo, to Iceland on a whisky cruise, hosted by Johnnie Walker’s master blender, Emma Walker (no relation, she says).
The voyage is part of NCL’s Meet The Maker series, where drinks industry experts lead workshops, seminars and dinners to share their craft with cruisers.
It’s an adults’ treat from the family-friendly line, returning in 2024 for its eighth year.
Leaving flash floods in Southampton for the English Channel, I explore the 19-deck liner, with its multi-level go-kart track and three over-the-edge slides.
In addition to the pool deck, there’s an aqua park, a high-tech VR games arcade and a massive no-adults-allowed kids club.
And sailing off-season, with only 45 kids onboard, Norwegian Prima looks even more fun for adults.
NCL’s tagline is Freestyle Cruising, meaning you can eat what you want when you want, without set dining times.
Prima has 15 restaurants — more than the number of dinners I’ll squeeze into my week onboard — and 20 bars.
Not that finding somewhere to refuel is ever a problem on Bliss. It has 14 watering holes and 27 places to eat, including a casual self-service, posh French bistro and Ocean Blue for seafood.
The Norwegian Bliss will cruises to Alaska from Seattle, and seasonally she’ll offer cruises to Bahamas and Florida, The Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal, and Panama Canal.
The cruise ship can accommodate just over 4,000 passengers.
She is also the first ocean liner with a huge glass-fronted observation lounge, which has been added because Bliss is cruising in Alaska and somewhere to sit and watch for passing whales is a must.
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