Alaska Unleashed: Rick Hogg & Mark Kelley's Brutally Honest Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review

Rick Hogg and Mark Kelley from the "On The Range Podcast" discuss their experiences aboard the Norwegian Bliss cruise to Alaska, highlighting breathtaking views and unexpected costs.

Setting Sail: Why We Chose the Norwegian Bliss for Alaska

Hey everyone, Rick Hogg here from War HOGG Tactical. We’re all about practical tools and gear that make everyday adventures better, and recently, I teamed up with my buddy Mark Kelley of Kelley Defense for a week-long cruise to Alaska on the Norwegian Bliss. It was a chance to unplug, soak in some incredible nature, and test out how well-prepared travel can turn a trip into something unforgettable. This review comes straight from our On The Range Podcast episode "Alaska and Norwegian BLISS Review," where we broke it all down. If you’re thinking about an Alaska cruise, here’s the real scoop on what worked, what didn’t, and how to make the most of it.

Norwegian Bliss Cruise Review Episode Details from the Platforms

The episode is up on YouTube with a simple tagline: "#alaska #cruise #podcast." It’s a casual chat where Mark and I share our thoughts on the trip, from the jaw-dropping views to the everyday realities onboard. On Apple Podcasts, On The Range Podcast is listed as a show hosted by me and Mark, blending our experiences to help folks improve bit by bit – this episode fits right in, though specific descriptions focus on the series' practical vibe. Over on Make Ready TV, where our video content streams, episodes like this one emphasize hands-on insights, and this review highlights how travel prep applies to real life. We uploaded it on May 7, 2025, and it’s all about keeping it straightforward and helpful.

The Ship and Route: A Massive Ride Through Stunning Waters

The Norwegian Bliss is a huge ship, and our seven-day roundtrip from Seattle took us to spots like Juneau, Skagway, and a scenic cruise through Glacier Bay. Alaska’s landscape is the star – think remote areas you can only reach by boat or plane, with views that look straight out of a postcard. We loved how the itinerary let us explore places like Skagway, which felt accessible and full of history. The ship itself is beautiful from the outside, but once aboard, it’s clear it’s built for big crowds and lots of add-ons.

Our Cabin: Comfort with a View

We went with an aft-facing balcony room, and it was a smart choice. Plenty of space, good storage, comfy beds, and that balcony made all the difference for catching glimpses of wildlife and glaciers without elbowing through crowds. It turned quiet moments into highlights, like sipping coffee while watching the scenery roll by. If you’re booking, spring for a balcony – it’s worth it for the fresh air and privacy.

Dining Onboard: The Good, the Okay, and the Misses

Food-wise, it was hit or miss. The complimentary restaurants had repeating menus, and we were surprised by the lack of local Alaskan flavors like fresh salmon or crab legs – they only showed up once. The buffet ended up being our go-to because it had more variety than the sit-down spots, except for Manhattan, which stood out. No casual snack options like burgers or ice cream shops, and the coffee was pretty rough. Specialty dining came with extra fees of $40-50 per meal, and even basics like drinks or room service added up quick. Tip: Pack your own snacks or a reusable water bottle to skip some costs – something like our War HOGG Tactical gear bags can help keep things organized.

Activities and Entertainment: Low-Key Vibes

Entertainment was on the lighter side – small shows in bars, like a Beatles tribute for about 50 people, but nothing over-the-top like water slides or big productions. We found the brew house bar to be a chill spot with great views and fewer people. There weren’t tons of organized activities, and bars closed early, which made evenings feel a bit quiet. On the plus side, the veteran mixer was a nice touch, with around 50 folks showing up, mostly Army and Navy types, and they handed out patches and coins. It was a fun way to connect without much fuss.

Port Stops: Where Alaska Really Shines

The ports were the best part. Glacier Bay was unreal – we watched glaciers calve right from our balcony as the ship did a full spin for better views. Wildlife everywhere: whales, seals, eagles. Skagway was our favorite for its easy access and small-town feel. Juneau’s remoteness added to the adventure – you can’t drive there, which makes it feel special. We didn’t dive deep into excursions, but the natural beauty paralleled the kind of outdoor prep we talk about. Bring binoculars or a good camera; it’s all about those moments in nature.

More Ports and Handy Advice

Other stops highlighted Alaska’s unique logistics – things like hauling supplies by helicopter to remote spots show how rugged it is. Pack layers for the cold, even in summer, and expect rain. Our tip: Budget extra for port days, as excursions run $100-400, and book through the ship if you want peace of mind on timing. We skipped some overpriced tours for simple walks, which saved cash and let us enjoy the scenery at our own pace.

The Challenges: Fees and Service Gaps

Here’s the honest part: Upcharges were everywhere – room service, drinks (even non-alcoholic packages), photos ($50 each), Wi-Fi ($200 per device), and even the indoor pool. Service felt inconsistent; it was hard to get a beer unless you were at an outdoor bar, and the app didn’t work well for messaging or check-ins. Gratuities couldn’t be adjusted until day three, and we preferred cash tips anyway. Seas could get rocky in open water, so pack remedies if you’re prone to motion. Port valet had a glitch with one bag, which added unnecessary hassle. Overall, the ship scored about a 5/10 for us – beautiful but bogged down by extras.

Lessons Learned and Gear Recommendations

This trip reminded us that good prep makes any adventure smoother. Double your budget for fees, pack versatile layers, and focus on the destination. Alaska gets a 10/10 – it’s breathtaking and worth the effort. For your own trips, check out our War HOGG Tactical Short Sleeve T-Shirt for comfy travel wear or the Combat Carbine Instructional DVD Combo for downtime entertainment. We also have the Make Ready with War HOGG Tactical: Concealed Carry book on sale, great for reading on those sea days.

Wrapping It Up: Worth It for the Views

In the end, the Norwegian Bliss is a solid way to see Alaska, but we’d pick a different line next time for better value. If you love nature and can roll with the costs, go for it, Alaska does not disappoint. Catch the full episode on On The Range Podcast for more details. Gear up at War HOGG Tactical for your next outing – stay prepared, stay exploring.

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