Big Red 85

Yes, that is true. However, there were other costs, such as the photos we had taken at our local USPO and mailing. All totaled to around $300 for two renewals. EDIT; Actually remembered where the passport costs were kept and looked the cost up. Receipt for the money orders, ($260), fees, ($4), and priority shipping, ($9.65), was $273.65. The photos were $30.00. That's a total of $303.65. They were much less ten years ago.

We recently renewed normally, no expidited fee, and we had our new ones in just a few weeks. Very quick turn-around time. Cost is another story. The prices went up on all aspects. Over $300 for two if I remember right.

Thanks for taking the time to create this excellent cruise report. Much appreciated.

I'll have to remember to pack masks and a fake moustache while on the balcony. 🤓

Thanks Beezo for that hopeful and informative post. Our fingers are crossed. Perhaps the pier will be done for our 11/29/25 cruise. That would be very nice.

What cabin number? That would settle the location question.

Poorly worded question on my part. You are right.

Thanks for the replies. Only strong magnets need apply. Good to know.

We will be sailing on the Joy in the future, our first trip on NCL. Did I read somewhere that the walls are not magnet? True or not? I assumed a steel ship would be almost totally magnetic.

That's somewhere north of $1205 in total gratuities, including what you mentioned above plus the normal $350 as well as the $305 drinks package tip. Is service that good, that much value added?

Here's a link to a tour of Silver Cove and it's new pool. Looks very nice.

We are booked on the Nov 29, 2025 cruise on the Joy ourselves. Our first NCL cruise as well. We have found two resources to glean good information. The first is here, on this board, using the search feature for certain topics as well as asking my own questions. The second is YouTube videos. Lots of reviews and tours to watch with first hand comments.

Many thanks for taking the time to answer our question. Turns out I have one less set of luggage than I thought. All of my Ricardo soft sided pieces have rotted handle straps... and it isn't all that old! My wife's 50-year-old Samsonite is still good as ever though.

We are trying to be prepared for our next cruise. We would like to store the bags under the bed and since have several sets of luggage to choose from, knowing how tall that space is will help us choose the best pieces to take. We will be in a Haven cabin if that makes any difference. Thanks.

Entourage and arcade moved but not eliminated and as mentioned above, thermal spa replaces galaxy pavilion. I failed to mention that two small tabs at the top of each deck plan will allow you to switch from current to "2/13/24" plan.

Changes being made this month to the joy are now reflected in the deck plan pages. Here's a link; Norwegian Joy Deck Plans: Ship Layout, Staterooms & Map - Cruise Critic Shows new thermal spa, new cabins, changes to aft entertainment areas, new vibe areas, new H2 level cabin enlargement, Haven changes, (no library), etc.

Folks who have recently been there state a pool has been added a little beyond the lagoon villas.

When are these reservations first opened? First time NCL cruiser here too. Do various activities have different times prior to the sail date when we are able to lock in reservations?

I must say that I am impressed with the quality of all the replies to my questions. Thank you all.