McFins

On 5/26/2024 at 4:54 PM, BirdTravels said:

Reservations open 125 days prior to departure, 12 midnight eastern time. You are afforded that 5 day head start over the rest of the passengers. Make good use of it. 

Thank you!  I did!! 

6 minutes ago, IAcruising said:

Just book it first or second. Date doesn't matter.

 

3 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

You don't have to book restaurants in the order you plan to go.

So, no...it doesn't matter. 

(And the question wasn't confusing at all. And I'm easily confused...)

Thank you so much for the speedy and helpful responses!  Very much appreciated.
 

Hi all.  We will have 4 specialty meals on our next cruise 2 of which are due  to platinum status.  I know that there will be certificates for the 2 platinum meals in our cabin ( or I hope so anyway, haha). We plan to reserve all 4 online in advance and want to include Teppanyaki as one of them.   To avoid being charged for Teppanyaki (since it is a flat fee) I think that would need to be the 1st or 2nd one to be booked.   However, does the actual reservation date for Teppanyaki have to be the first or second specialty meal to avoid being charged at the time of booking?    We would like Teppanyaki to be the 3rd in the sequence of the specialty meals.   Hope that wasn’t too confusing.  Thanks for your any advice you may be able to provide.  

Thank you all so much for your responses much appreciated!

Hi all.  Asking for some friends --- which train is best to use to go from Hyde Park to the Southampton Cruise Port.  I'm not familiar with either area so I'm don't know if that is too broad a question (for instance, are there several train stops in Hyde Park therefore need to know which hotel they are staying at)  

Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide 

1 hour ago, YVRteacher said:

We will likely get the spa pass for the second week only. If it is noisy I will be even more persistent. Apparently complaining 5 times wasn’t enough. My plan is to go to the spa in the evenings after dinner then my dad can go to bed after that. This will give us something to do in lieu of quality evening entertainment.

 

 

I really enjoy reading your trip reports and appreciate all the time and effort you put into them.   I also find it disappointing when the thermal suite is noisy. It’s especially disappointing that others would be that inconsiderate after you politely brought it to their attention.  

I hope you are pleasantly surprised by positive improvements on your next trip on the Jewel and that you enjoy all of your future cruises on Princess. 

Take a look at BirdTravels live report NCL Joy to Bermuda May12-May 19 post #110.  It explains Wheel of Fortune and the cost for such.    

On 4/15/2024 at 8:30 AM, TMLAalum said:

Google St Anne de Beaupre & Falls tours. There seem to be several half-day options that take you to both the church and Montmorency Falls by bus. 

We took this tour last year and enjoyed it very much 

On 5/2/2024 at 6:46 PM, cdncruzer said:

I would say book the HOP ON HOP OFF bus and just stay on for the whole tour if walking is an issue.  You get a great overview of Quebec City.

I would agree.   We enjoyed the HOHO bus and stayed on for the whole tour. Saw a lot 

On 2/29/2024 at 9:23 AM, JamieLogical said:

 

I am working on a list of things to look forward to about the Joy. So far I have:

 

• New (to us) Ship
• Recently dry-docked
• Anytime Dining
• Go-karts
• Waterfront
• Mr. Worldwides
• Manhattan Cruise Terminal
• Easier Muster Drill
• The Local

 

 

Wecome back Jamie!   

I sailed last Sept so it was before drydock but hopefully the things I really liked about it didn't change.

I really liked the entertainment.  I thought there was a lot of good live music throughout the ship (Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Q Texas Roadhouse, District Brewery, Cavern Club (Beatles also played in the main theatre which I liked better than when it was in the Cavern Club).  Also liked the comedian/magician in the main theater (I believe his name was Dan)

It was also the first time we were on a ship with the Q Texas Smokehouse restaurant ---really enjoyed our meal there.

Enjoy!

On 10/14/2023 at 12:13 PM, DuckTollerFans said:

I'm just a couple weeks back from a road trip through Quebec.  We only stayed in QC about 24 hours - our first visit there, and 2.5 days in Montreal - where we've been a couple of times before. 

 

I would return to Quebec city in a heartbeat and stay longer. Such a lovely city and we barely touched on the things we wanted to do.

 

Montreal is a wonderful city but it is a large metro area vs how compact QC is.  We did take one of the Hop On/Off Grey line tours - able to use the pass for 2 days so we used that as our primary way to get around -- that and walking.  It worked out well.

 

And just now I see you stayed in Quebec. Hope you fell in love with the city like we did!

 

 

Hi Duck.  We did love QC.  We did the  Hop On Hop Off bus which was very nice,    We also went to Montmorency Falls and really enjoyed our time there.   We found the people everywhere in QC to be very friendly and nice. 
 

Thanks to so many who provided a great deal of info on the NCL Joy

DH and I have sailed on the Pearl, Gem, Breakaway, Escape, Prima and now most recently the Joy.  Sharing some thoughts here on the Joy. 

It was a great cruise on a beautiful ship.

*The crew and service were superb throughout.  

*Enjoyed dinners in the in the MDR (Manhattan Room) and in several specialty restaurants:  Cagneys, Teppanyaki, La Cucina and Q.  All were excellent but on this sailing we thought La Cucina was exceptional in both food and service (very much a pleasant surprise as that had not always been the case for us on other ships)  

 *Really liked the shows in the theatre -Footloose, Elements and Dan Bennett.  The Beatles were really good in the Cavern Club but for us not worth the wait --- the much better option was seeing them in the theatre ---it was nice that there were 2 Beatle shows in the theatre so many more could attend.   Great music throughout the ship with the most memorable being all entertainment in the Mojito Bar (and an added bonus was that we finally got to meet Chocolate Cowboy!), District Brew House (Beau Tahana) and the Julia Hatfield Band in Q.    The cast from Footloose also put on a great show in Q - Broadway Cabaret: Best of the 80s.     

*Surprisingly did not miss the thermal suite.  Had a great spa service (head to toe special) 

*There seemed to be more entertainment options and overall things to do on this ship even though there were only 2 sea days.  There was always something going on that we wanted to do. 

*First time we did the BTS tour and it was nice but likely one and done for us.  Ditto for the Wines around the World which was nice but just not for us (which was kind of funny as it seemed that most folks really liked the wines) 

*Except for the forward elevators and buffet, the ship never felt too crowded---always got a seat at a show, bar, casino, atrium, etc.   Never waited for a drink at the bar---even when in port and only 1 bar was open per deck--- they had plenty of bartenders so we never had to wait. 

*First time we used the laundry service and it worked well. 
 

Of course nothing is perfect so here’s some things we didn’t like as much 

*Found it difficult to have a relaxing breakfast on this ship. More so than on any other ship/sailing we have been on.   I realize you can also get Room Service but we prefer eating outside of the room. 

*Every time we visited the buffet ((breakfast or lunch) it was VERY crowded and VERY difficult to find a seat whether for 1, 2 or 4 persons.  First time in over 10 cruises we found that to be the case.  In addition, during the breakfast hours they started shutting down one side of the buffet about 45 minutes before the end of the published time (so 9:45 instead of 10:30) which I felt added to the chaotic atmosphere.  Perhaps they do that on all sailings to get ready for lunch but it was the first time I noticed such crowds.   After a few days we avoided the buffet at breakfast and went to the MDRs 

*Breakfast at MDRs Savor and Taste --- whether or not there was a line to get in, there was a long wait to get your meal at breakfast.  Also a long wait to simply get coffee/tea (or milk if you don't care for coffee mate).    I wondered why they didn't also serve breakfast in the Manhattan room too or why the hours for breakfast in the MDRs weren't longer?   The Local also looked crowded at breakfast time so we passed on that.  

*Forward elevators were crowded much of the time. I wondered whether they were smaller than on other ships?   I mostly use the stairs however when others in my party ride I do too and they were often crowded.  I was surprised at how many people would actually push their way into an already crowded elevator but I guess folks have different boundaries on personal space.   

*Overall we had a great trip and would sail on the Joy again. 

Have had Vibe passes on the Escape and the Prima and it never felt crowded.  No issues for us in getting a lounger, umbrella or a seat at the bar.   However, sometimes it was windy so umbrellas were closed. 

On 9/29/2023 at 2:02 PM, KCfromMontana said:

We have seen on some past daily schedules that there are some theme dance parties on the ships.
We are sailing the Breakaway very soon out of Rome in October and wondering if anyone has just sailed that can share information about these parties.

1. Do they still  have 70’s/Disco, 80’s, and Glow party themed dance parties on different nights?

2. Do lots of people dress up for these?

3. With night in Mediterranean starting to get a little cooler, will they continue to hold these parties in Spice H20? I prefer the larger outdoor space compared to a confined night club space especially if they get crowded. 
4. How long do they go if they start at 10 or 10:30 at night?

 

Thank you! Getting very excited for our first NCL cruise coming up in couple weeks!!

1.  Yes.  On a recent cruise on NCL Joy they had  70s, 80s, Glow, Latin and ABBA parties

2.  It ranged from very casual ( shorts, sweats, sneakers) to dressy (dresses, dress pants, heels) and everything in between.  I think you will  be comfortable however you choose to dress. 
3. A few times those that were scheduled to be in Spice H20 were moved to the Atrium due to weather.   Some were scheduled for the indoors night club which on that ship was The Social (on the Breakaway that would be the Bliss Lounge )
4. I think most were about 45 mins to an hour 

Happy Cruising!  Have a great time! 

2 hours ago, danny6514 said:

Hello all, we are going on the Prima soon and still contemplating whether the thermal suite is worth the cost. We have been on the Escape and Bliss and enjoyed the thermal suite on both. One thing we do like is sitting in the hydrotherapy pool, but for the Prima, is that still a possibility? I do see the pool but no seats in it. If someone could confirm, that would be awesome, thanks!

FYI the pool in the Thermal Suite  on the Prima seemed very different than the one on the Escape to me.  I liked the one on the Escape (with the bubbles and waterfall) much better.  However it seemed much easier to get a heated lounger on the Prima.   

44 minutes ago, beach spring said:

Our late May, early June Zaandam cruise actually ended in Montreal, so we spent three days there before flying home.  Our travel agent found us an Old Montreal hotel,  SpringHill Suites, which scared me at first, since it looked like we were entering from an alley.  However, all was good, great included breakfast, very comfortable.  Bonus, we could walk easily to many sites!  

If you stay over in Montreal I recommend a GrayLine Tour for 3 hours (ours was not a doubledecker) but had wifi and a bathroom, if that matters.  Our driver Norman narrated in both English and French, and he was terrific.  We made three stops for photos.  We saw and learned so much!

About three blocks from our hotel was the incredible Notre Dame Basilica at the Place d'Armes.  Had we known about it, we would have paid to attend the evening light show!  As it was, we attended the Sunday mass and that was wonderful, even if we didn't speak French!

Our other favorite place to spend time was the Place Jacques-Cartier for its open air ambiance, cafes, street performers, making us feel as if we were in a city in old Europe.

Thanks Beach.  We decided to come home right after Quebec as we were unsure of the weather situation/impending storm.  However, we will keep this great info as we may decide to go to Montreal at another time.   Thanks!

19 minutes ago, cheer25mom said:

Syd Norman's is a priority for us, and my date to book dining is approaching. What days are the shows in Syds, and what are the showtimes on the Prima? We want to ensure we have time to go wait in line for good seats after dinner at least a few nights. 

Hi Cheer.   On our 7 night to Bermuda last spring on the Prima the scheduled shows were 

Day 1 at 9 pm : Sail away with Syd Normans 

Day 2 at 9 pm  : Syd Normans Rock the Pour House 

Day 3 at 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm. : Syd Normans presents Rumours

Day 6 at 9:30 pm Syd Normans Rocks the Pour House  (I believe this one was cancelled) 

Day 7 at 8:30 pm Syd Normans Rock the Prom 

I’m not sure you can really count on this as your itinerary may be different (length, days in port etc)  and they may simply change the schedule of the shows.     Even though the above were scheduled one was cancelled ( I think it was Day 6)
On that sailing I vaguely remember one of the band members saying they did 5 shows for the week and that they had Wednesdays off….but that may have pertained to just that week/itinerary  
 

On the Joy recently used laundry for the first time…only sent underclothes, socks, t-shirts jeans.   Like Graphic Guy, we also toured the facilities and found the machines to be heavy duty so I wouldn’t send anything delicate.    They came out fine and were nicely folded.  However if we were home we probably would have wanted to iron some of the t shirts and DH’s cargo shorts (but they weren’t very wrinkled, we are just accustomed to doing so) 

On 6/4/2023 at 4:03 PM, Pablo Diablo said:

I like to soothe my tired legs after a long day at port. I know Joy doesn’t have a thermal spa like most of the larger NCL ships. But does anyone know if Joy has a sauna and/or steam room?  If so, is it open to all passengers (e.g. in the spa locker rooms like on the smaller ships) or only for guests who purchase spa treatments?  Thank you. 

Hi.  On our sailing last week they said the  steam/sauna ( not sure if they have both or just one) is not included with the purchase of spa treatments.  They said it would be $20 per day or $99 for the week (actually our sailing was for 8 days).  

$19;95 ($23.94 with service charge) for 6 bottles 

2 minutes ago, ellenw said:

Just got a text from NCL that we go Tuesday. Said we will be getting an email.

Thanks, just got it now too 

1 minute ago, McFins said:

Has it been made official that the Ca/NE scheduled for Monday won’t be leaving until Tuesday?    
Yes I too hope their trip back isn’t too rough.

Disregard my message, just got the notice.  

19 minutes ago, ellenw said:

For every lucky person, there is an unlucky one. We are supposed to be getting on the ship Monday morning! At least I am at home. We are about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from the port, and will use a shuttle service to get there. Will be contacting them in the morning to reschedule.

 

I feel so bad for the folks that have traveled to NYC for the Monday departure and are staying in hotels. They will need to make arrangements for another night.

 

I hope next time this happens to a trip of mine, I am on the end that gets the extra day. And I truly hope that the folks getting the extra day are having a great time.

 

Hope their sail home isn't too rough. 

Has it been made official that the Ca/NE scheduled for Monday won’t be leaving until Tuesday?    
Yes I too hope their trip back isn’t too rough.

22 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

Unless I misunderstood your question?  Are you wanting to permanently disembark on the day you arrive in Quebec?

I was wondering if we wanted to permanently disembark an hour or so earlier than the typical disembarkation time if that would be a problem. not sure we will even want to do so, just figuring out all our options.  Thanks! 

Hi all.  Cruise ship scheduled to arrive be in Quebec City on 9/12 staying overnight with cruise ending morning of 9/13.  Will already have been to a few other Canadian ports before arriving in QC.   Can we disembark earlier than the listed 8am disembarkation time or do we have to wait for some official disembarkation process?  Not sure how early they will have someone by the doors to scan you out. 
Thanks