graphicguy

Have done both itineraries. Love them both. Just got back from my 2nd Bermuda trip on the Joy. As others have said, the Observation Lounge on the Joy is a great place to hang out with floor to ceiling windows and a 270º view. They have snacks throughout the day and a Starbucks is available there if that's your beverage of choice. Very relaxing. Bermuda is the antithesis of Cancun, Cozumel and the Bahamas. While all have beautiful beaches, that's about all they have in common. Bermuda is calm and laid back. Nothing moves quickly there (that's a good thing). And, if you get the chance to go when they are docked over night, you'll be able to really take time to explore and experience what I think is an island that rivals any resorts in the world. New England/Canada....another great itinerary. Way different than "beach-ey...resort" type of cruise Bermuda is. It's all about the history, and depending on when you go, the changing foliage. The history and sea based ports are the focus. BE sure to take some conservation excursions to learn about the ecosystem as it's as fascinating as it is beautiful. Quaint areas and roadside restaurants are a "thing", too. I wouldn't hesitate to take either. But, if it's September, I'd pick New England/Canada for the changing foliage. No bad choices, though.

Just an opinion, I think the cities/countries of some of these ports are going to impact these port stops more and than they are doing now. I know NCL is/was looking for a port other than Barcelona late last year. Going to be lots of port changes for all the cruise lines going forward!

Loving your live picture review. Breakaway was my first Haven cruise (among many that followed) and my most memorable. Love the "-AWAY" ships. Thanks!

That is the issue. Making sure you don't smack your foot getting in or out. I was "high stepping" getting out of the shower. 😉

That was my bathroom in my cabin in that picture. I have a hip that's about the be replaced. Would I have preferred a shower? Yes. But, I really had no issues getting in and out. Are the sides high? Yep! But, you're right, no matter how low or high you make them, someone will have a problem. How you get in or out I'm sure you can figure it out. I guess do some exercises at home before boarding lifting your knee up 24"s? That would probably get you to where you need to be if there are any mobility issues getting in and out.

I think it was a Royal cruise I was on that they clearly stated any beach towels not returned (as in left in the cabin on disembarkation) would have a $25 charge added to their portfolio. I don't know why this seems to be so difficult. If you plan on using a lounger, don't be gone long, regardless of reason. Someone, somewhere will alert the crew (as well they should). But, don't do it in the first place. If you can't get a pretty good feel for how long 15 minutes is, 60 minutes is, without a watch, don't park your "stuff" on a lounger. This is simple stuff. If you don't want your watch, your book, your phone, your shoes, your towels, etc taken away, do your due diligence and don't leave them at a lounger over about 15 minutes to be safe. If you have to go eat, go to the "water closet", go chase your kiddies, go yell at a another passenger or crew member, jump in the pool (make sure you're close enough to monitor your "stuff"), either take your stuff with you, or come back later when you plan to stay uninterrupted for a while. Putting your stuff on a lounger and leaving it there for longer than the cruise lines allow is really irresponsible, not only to your other passengers, but to yourself as you are leaving your "stuff" open for everything to be taken by crew, or worse, but some unscrupulous passengers. Don't do it. Don't go into a tizzy about it and end up as a YouTube video about "Karens". Common sense.

So....everyone has preferences, but they may or may not coincide with each other, right? 😉

I’m so confused. I see discussions for this year, next year, and the year after that! I’m going to have to start my own xls sheet to keep track! 😉

You know it!!!!!!

Send pics. Don't mind me. I'll revel in you guys being on a ship somewhere where I want to go. 😉

NIce.......love cookouts. My son and I bounced around from place to place. Some restaurants/cafes with outdoor space had commercial grills set up for serving typical cookout foods. We went to 3 of them. Enjoyed not having to set up, clean up and cook myself. It was a good 4th of July weekend.

Thanks so much. It's been a while since I sailed the GEM and your pics/vids brought back very fond memories. And, your balcony.....OH MY! OF course, Bermuda is beautiful. Quick question, does it take you a while to upload vids to CC? I can't seem to get mine to upload, or at least without stopping or taking forever to complete.

I'm low maintenance. I don't ask for ANYTHING special from the Butler. Sometimes they leave champagne in a metal container bobbing in cold water that was once ice, to those who would check in with me 2x/day. And, I've had those who were invisible until the last full day of the cruise, but I knew they were around as my coffee was replenished. But, I don't ask for anything more, either. I don't need a Butler, frankly. That said, I have had them state that they are very busy. OK...do they say that to all the Haven cabins they're responsible for? IF they are ignoring one, are they ignoring all? But, the concierges? Man, I become really good friends with them. They take care of everything for me. They are tipped well by me. Bartenders in the Haven? The best in the biz on ANY cruise line (except for one on my recent cruise, which is an anomaly). Wait staff in the Haven Restaurant? Again, the best I've experienced on any cruise line. Same goes for the waitstaff in the outside areas of the Haven...(outside loungers). Butlers? I don't ask much, and I don't expect much!

Speaking of Natural phenomena.....from https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071726805777 The port of Galveaton is closed tomorrow and we have already had some feeder bands push through. I am picking up my last set of passengers and transporting them to their hotel. I need to go home and make sure that my house is secure. Plants put up, laundry, done, vacuum, etc. Because nobody wants to go through a hurricane with a dirty house. I will begin checking messages again sometime around noon tomorrow and I will let y’all know how we’re doing . Stay safe and enjoy your week. I've used Galveston Saltwater Mom's for Galveston cruise transport. It's essentially one person with a couple others working part time. Outstanding transport and convenience and pricing that's fair. This was her report from yesterday. Any talk of Galveston cruises are up in the air as no one knows the extent of damage.

$99 on the Epic in October.

Hmmmm…tried it on 2 different ships. Both times good! I know people get into debates about “real” BBQ. But, there’s so many different types. If Q doesn’t fit in their definition of BBQ, they dis it. Get their “sampler”. I’m sure something will appeal!

Enjoyed Q, Cagneys, and Ocean Blue on the Joy a few weeks ago. Enjoyed the Haven Restaurant, too!

#14202 I loved the Joy…it’s a beautiful ship. Overall, the Breakaway Plus ships are some of my favorites in the fleet (which the Joy is)!

Haven restaurant (inside and outside) and other pics of Horizon Lounge and cabin....

Loved the Joy Haven Cruise I just disembarked a few weeks ago. Have sailed the Haven several times on several NCL ships. Some general observations.... -get to know the Concierge(s). Efran was the head Concierge on my cruise, but don't know who it will be on your cruise. They are all good, though. Use them to make/change dining reservations, entertainment reservations (where and when allowed), make/change excursion reservations, provide escorts on and off the ship where/when available, take care of any billing snafus...etc. -Butler...will take care of anything to do with stocking coffee (you'll get a very nice Nespresso machine in your cabin), snack delivery, etc. Personally, I don't use them much. I contact the pre-cruise concierge to take care of my cabin wants/needs. You can reach them at norwegianconciergedesk@ncl.com or (855) 625-4283. The Horizon Lounge is a GREAT place to hang out...270º views from the floor to ceiling windows. They have a GREAT coffee machine (makes better coffee than Starbucks) and offer different snacks throughout the day. There were days I'd go grab some fruit and yogurt for breakfast there, as well as pinwheel type lunch sandwiches with chips for lunch as opposed of going to the Haven restaurant for a more formal dining sitting. Arguably, the Haven Restaurant is the best restaurant on the ship. The down side, their menu is static throughout the cruise. But, you probably have Free at Sea, so you can eat at a Specialty Dining restaurant a couple of times to get different dining experiences and menus to supplement your Haven Menu. Service is superb. Not sure who is bartending on the Joy. But, I used to like to hang out at the Haven bar before and/or after dinner or a show. Bartenders are, again, usually the best on the ship. This time not so much. The male bartender of the group seemed more focused on chastising his bar backs than serving the customers. He wasn't happy, for whatever reason. Just a negative vibe, which is highly unusual for the Haven Bar area. So, I didn't go there much. I let the servers bring me drinks outside the bar area in the Haven. @BirdTravels posted pictures of the Haven areas. So, won't repeat them. But, here are some random ones from the Haven Horizon Lounge.....

For how long?

Like the slicing and dicing of who is or isn't a CHOG. I've seen things removed from a chair by an attendant, sometimes by request of another, sometimes by the attendant seeing a chair that's been empty for 20 minutes or so. The things a person doesn't mind "losing" (like an old pair of "flip-flops", and old, torn book, etc) will be available at the attendant's "storage area" after it is removed. What you're doing with that time where the lounger is empty is really none of our business....lunch, nap, at the bar, etc....is irrelevant.

Well…I know of at least two people who are making it hard for me NOT to book a cruise regardless of my circumstances! Not naming names!

Not to change the subject, but it's not raining here for the first time in 48 hours, and it's less than 95º (actually less than 85º). So, am venturing out into the wilderness for Mexican Food. https://www.eatdrinknada.com/location/cincinnati/ Carry on!!!!!