Bliss Wellness
Bliss Wellness is the education and health side of Bliss Cruise, led by clinical sexologist Dr. Val. Workshops on board, straight answers year round and optional private testing before you sail.
The person behind it
Dr. Val is a clinical sexologist, sex and emotional management coach and Director of Education for Bliss Cruise. She built the program, she teaches on board and she answers what guests bring her.
Her work covers desire, communication, jealousy, boundaries and the practical side of exploring with a partner. She is direct, she doesn’t flinch and she has heard your question before.
What happens at sea
Workshops and seminars have been part of Bliss since the beginning, and they fill up fast. Dr. Val’s sessions run through each sailing, covering everything from a couple’s first honest conversation to techniques for people who have been doing this for years.
The full schedule for Wonderland publishes in October.
Know your status before you sail
The Bliss Panel is a comprehensive STI screening available through our partner I Know My Status. It is open to anyone in the Bliss community. It is not required to book, to board or to take part in anything on the ship.
- 400+ collection locations nationwide
- Same day or next day results
- A private QR code showing a cleared status, with no medical detail displayed
- Recommended within 14 days of sailing
- Collection available at the main pre-cruise hotels before embarkation
Bliss never receives your name, your results or any medical information. Testing is between you and the lab.
Why Bliss built this
Ten years in, the request that comes up most often is information. Couples want to know how to talk to each other about what they want. They want to know what is normal, what is safe and how to get more out of something they have already decided they want to do.
That is a reasonable thing to ask a cruise line for. So we built it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bliss Wellness?
Bliss Wellness is the sexual health, education and wellbeing program at Bliss Cruise. It is led by clinical sexologist Dr. Val and covers onboard workshops, year round education and access to optional private STI testing through the Bliss Panel.
Do I have to attend anything?
No. Every part of Bliss Wellness is voluntary. Guests are welcome to attend one session, all of them or none.
Is STI testing required to sail with Bliss?
No. Testing is not a requirement to book, to board or to participate in anything on board. The Bliss Panel is a service made available to the community, not a condition of sailing.
Does Bliss see my test results?
No. Results go to you and only you. Bliss does not receive names, results or any medical information, and has no way to see who has tested.
Who is Dr. Val?
Dr. Val is a clinical sexologist, sex and emotional management coach and Director of Education for Bliss Cruise. She leads Bliss Wellness and teaches on every sailing.
Is Bliss Wellness only for experienced couples?
No. The sessions are built for a full range of experience, from couples on their first sailing to guests who have been in the lifestyle for decades.
Where can I get tested?
Testing is available at 400+ collection locations across the US, at Bliss Panel offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa, and at the main pre-cruise hotels in the days before each sailing.