Norwegian Bliss: 19-Night Cruise from New York - April 9, 2027

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Just outside the main city, the Ocean World marina area offers a quieter waterfront setting with restaurants, coastal views, and a relaxed vibe.

Arriving in Cartagena, Colombia at 12:00 PM with only 7 hours hours before your 7:00 PM departure is a tight window. A ship-arranged shore excursion is the safest play here - you'll get priority disembarkation, and the ship will wait for its own excursions to return. Focus on one or two experiences close to the port. Walking the old city is the essential Cartagena experience.

The Norwegian Bliss carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Colon, Panama. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. Seeing the canal in action is the highlight for many visitors.

Your ship arrives in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Guided excursions from Puerto Caldera often head into nearby rainforest areas where wildlife sightings are common.

You'll have 11 hours hours to explore Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Stroll through Puerto Quetzal's markets to discover colorful produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Guatemalan goods.

The Norwegian Bliss carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Acapulco, Mexico. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. Watching the La Quebrada cliff divers is a must, and it still impresses no matter how many times you have seen photos.

Your ship arrives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The Malecón is Puerto Vallarta's iconic waterfront promenade.

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Boat rides, beach time, shopping, and fresh seafood are all within reach.

Your cruise ends in San Francisco, California, where the Norwegian Bliss is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. With 3,500+ passengers, disembarkation groups are called over a two to three hour window - but once your group is called, you'll be off in about 15 minutes. Self-assist - carrying your own bags off - lets you skip the wait and walk off first. Book your flight at least five hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Stroll along the waterfront at Fishermans Wharf to see sea lions, browse shops, and savor local clam chowder.