NCL Joy coming to West Coast year round

[Georgie562]

It says Joy will be doing Panama Canal cruises. I assume they mean the traditional full transit, a typically 14dy trip or so.

 

Is it possible to do a partial transit from the south end - Pacific side ?

How far would she have to go before she could about turn and exit the canal the way she entered? Gatun Lake?

Could that be done in a day ?

 

That way the cruise could be shorter too which would appeal to many I'm sure.

 

 

 

Joy will not be doing partial transit from the Pacific. Princess does that from LA

 

 

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[david_sobe]

Without a spa (and other oddities) especially on Alaskan cruises, the Joy will be an inferior choice and NCL is going to have to have lower prices than Bliss to lure customers. This may not work how NCL hopes it will. NCL prides itself on amazing thermal spas. Even the race track is so much smaller. Lets be real if you and your family was going to cruise Alaska which ship would you choose?

[shof515]

Without a spa (and other oddities) especially on Alaskan cruises, the Joy will be an inferior choice

not everyone cruises for a spa experience. in all of my years cruising, i never visited the ship spa and never had a need to do so. for me, i dont care at all about the spa and i sometimes feel it like a big wasted space when they could be something else there like another lounge for more music/shows/etc

[PATRLR]

Without a spa (and other oddities) especially on Alaskan cruises, the Joy will be an inferior choice and NCL is going to have to have lower prices than Bliss to lure customers. This may not work how NCL hopes it will. NCL prides itself on amazing thermal spas. Even the race track is so much smaller. Lets be real if you and your family was going to cruise Alaska which ship would you choose?

I'd choose the one with the better itinerary and best price. Personally I think those thermal spas are gross and would never set foot in one so that certainly isn't going to affect my choice. I don't cruise solo, so don't care about the studios. I race karts on land frequently, I've done it on Bliss so I could say I did, I don't care to do it again at sea. So tell me again why I wouldn't choose Joy?

[LrgPizza]

not everyone cruises for a spa experience. in all of my years cruising, i never visited the ship spa and never had a need to do so. for me, i dont care at all about the spa and i sometimes feel it like a big wasted space when they could be something else there like another lounge for more music/shows/etc

 

 

Same. I’ve toured spas twice on big ships, and I can’t fathom why anyone would spend a minute in one. To each his own though.

[big al]

Regarding JOY, I'm guessing we will see a redesigned main pool area with bars added, the removal of the large enclosed aft game center and in its place a much enlarged spa. Also the large interior family suites will make way for NCL's single Studio Complex. I can also imagine the large casino will be reduced in size, and some retail, dining, and entertainment changes. I bet the hull art is changed as well, as that is very China specific ... although they never changed the hull art on Norwegian Sky (former Pride of Aloha) after she left Hawaii.

 

I would say NCL made a pretty big blunder specializing the ship so much for China. Now they have to spend $50 million on a brand new ship to make her appealing to a different market. They certainly miscalculated as to how quickly the China market would mature. Just a month ago they were touting how China has improved and there were no plans to redeploy JOY. Fake news? LOL

 

I hope NCL puts that amazing observation lounge that's on the Bliss up front..that is the highlight of the ship, which the Escape/Getaway/ Breakaway doesn't have..Brew pub would be great, too :halo:....

 

Big Al

[YVRBassElectric]

I hope NCL puts that amazing observation lounge that's on the Bliss up front..that is the highlight of the ship, which the Escape/Getaway/ Breakaway doesn't have..Brew pub would be great, too :halo:....

 

Big Al

Deck plans show Observation lounge & District Brewhouse

[JamieLogical]

I hope NCL puts that amazing observation lounge that's on the Bliss up front..that is the highlight of the ship, which the Escape/Getaway/ Breakaway doesn't have..Brew pub would be great, too :halo:....

 

Big Al

 

 

Joy already has an observation lounge, but the new deck plans show that they are removing staterooms on deck 15 in order to enlarge it to the size of the Bliss'. And they are replacing the Tea Room on the Joy with District Brewhouse, so you are going to get both of your wishes!

[dexddd]

Joy should be scheduled to arrive in Seattle for the Pearl's originally scheduled April 27 departure. I would expect the full repositioning to be done with crew only as they will be continuing modifications throughout. The itinerary posted previously indicated only one intermediate stop in Honolulu, and they could not sail directly from Honolulu to Seattle with paying guests.

 

Norwegian Joy will likely assume a winter schedule similar to Norwegian Star's schedule this year. This would mean 7-8 day Mexican Riviera runs through December, two Panama Canal round trips to Miami in January and February, and then resuming Mexican Riviera Runs in March until it goes to Alaska.

 

Given that NCL is already marketing the ship in the U.S. as Norwegian Joy with the same hull art, I think it's safe to say neither one of those will be changing. However, it would not surprise me if they removed the Chinese characters from the hull and throughout the ship.

 

Are you sure about that? We sailed SFO to Hawaii on POA - it is flagged differently than rest of the fleet.

[timf2001]

Are you sure about that? We sailed SFO to Hawaii on POA - it is flagged differently than rest of the fleet.

Yes, POA is able to do it because it's a U.S. flagged ship. However, Joy is flagged in Bahamas like the other NCL ships so it could not sell Honolulu-Seattle as a single leg. It is possible that if they are able to complete all of the modifications in Shanghai, they could sell the repositioning cruise as Shanghai-Seattle with a stop in Honolulu because it would just be an intermediate port and not be accepting new passengers.

[eroller]

Without a spa (and other oddities) especially on Alaskan cruises, the Joy will be an inferior choice and NCL is going to have to have lower prices than Bliss to lure customers. This may not work how NCL hopes it will. NCL prides itself on amazing thermal spas. Even the race track is so much smaller. Lets be real if you and your family was going to cruise Alaska which ship would you choose?

 

 

I agree and feel the same way. I love the spas on NCL ships. They are a highlight and many feel the same why, which is why they keep getting bigger and better.

 

The Galaxy Quest gaming area (or whatever it's called) has no appeal to me. I wasn't into the arcades when I was a kid and I'm not into them now. Just not how I want to spend my time, especially on a cruise.

[JamieLogical]

I agree and feel the same way. I love the spas on NCL ships. They are a highlight and many feel the same why, which is why they keep getting bigger and better.

 

The Galaxy Quest gaming area (or whatever it's called) has no appeal to me. I wasn't into the arcades when I was a kid and I'm not into them now. Just not how I want to spend my time, especially on a cruise.

 

Luckily there are plenty of other NCL ships with great spas for you to cruise on. And those of us who do like arcades and the like will have that option with the Joy.

[KeithJenner]

I agree and feel the same way. I love the spas on NCL ships. They are a highlight and many feel the same why, which is why they keep getting bigger and better.

 

The Galaxy Quest gaming area (or whatever it's called) has no appeal to me. I wasn't into the arcades when I was a kid and I'm not into them now. Just not how I want to spend my time, especially on a cruise.

 

There are undoubtedly many people who enjoy and use the spa's on NCL ships.

 

However, there are also many who don't. Of all the people who I have spent time with on cruises (and we are probably talking about a group of around 50-100 people over the years), only a couple have ever mentioned the spa. For many people, such as myself, it just isn't a factor when it comes to cruising.

 

My experience doesn't mean that nobody uses the spa. It just means that those who I am more likely to hang around with don't use them. If you do use the spa a lot then you are more likely to find others who also do. Both groups are quite large, so whilst I will say that I'm sure many people do use the spa, I'm sure you will also acknowledge that a large number of people don't.

 

Another way of looking at it is to consider the size of the spa compared to number of people who are on the ship. My guess is that the number who use the spa are a minority.

[eroller]

Luckily there are plenty of other NCL ships with great spas for you to cruise on. And those of us who do like arcades and the like will have that option with the Joy.

 

 

Very true. Something for everyone. While you might prefer JOY, I would pick BLISS for the large spa and single studio cabins. Choice is great thing!

[eroller]

 

Another way of looking at it is to consider the size of the spa compared to number of people who are on the ship. My guess is that the number who use the spa are a minority.

 

 

Well of course on a ship that carries around 4000 pax a minority will use the spa. Still they are a huge revenue generator and why we see them getting bigger and bigger, with more and more services and amenities offered. They also tend to be located in prime real-estate on the ship. Usually high up, all the way forward or aft with great views. That alone might indicate how important they are as an amenity on the ship.

[KeithJenner]

Well of course on a ship that carries around 4000 pax a minority will use the spa. Still they are a huge revenue generator and why we see them getting bigger and bigger, with more and more services and amenities offered. They also tend to be located in prime real-estate on the ship. Usually high up, all the way forward or aft with great views. That alone might indicate how important they are as an amenity on the ship.

 

Yes, they are obviously important to NCL as a whole.

 

My post was really a response to the earlier comment which you were responding to which suggested that the lack of a spa would mean that the Joy would be an inferior choice and that prices would need to be reduced. Personally, I don't agree with that at all. If the spa is used by a minority of customers overall then a case can be made that the Joy would be a better choice to the majority who aren't interested in the spa (as the space may be used for something they prefer).

 

I'm not actually going to make that argument. My guess is that overall it will make very little difference. There will obviously be some people who wouldn't sail on the Joy because of the lack of a spa, but most won't care and some may be attracted by the alternatives.

 

In my opinion, of course.

[david_sobe]

No spa was just one example. Many parents with kids were lured to Bliss because of the race track. The race track on Joy is tiny compared to Bliss. I think some missed my point all together because they are so determined to defend NCL at every turn even though I was not that critical at all.

Speaking of the spa, they sell out almost every cruise and are very popular in Alaska being indoor.

Back to my point. If the cruise fare was equal, is there any doubt everyone would pick Bliss over Joy?

[eroller]

Yes, they are obviously important to NCL as a whole.

 

My post was really a response to the earlier comment which you were responding to which suggested that the lack of a spa would mean that the Joy would be an inferior choice and that prices would need to be reduced. Personally, I don't agree with that at all. If the spa is used by a minority of customers overall then a case can be made that the Joy would be a better choice to the majority who aren't interested in the spa (as the space may be used for something they prefer).

 

I'm not actually going to make that argument. My guess is that overall it will make very little difference. There will obviously be some people who wouldn't sail on the Joy because of the lack of a spa, but most won't care and some may be attracted by the alternatives.

 

In my opinion, of course.

 

 

 

I would argue that the vast majority of cruisers will have no clue that the spa on JOY is smaller than the other ships of the class, so no it won't make a difference. If they have sailed on any of the other Breakaway or Breakaway Plus class ships and expect the same on JOY (which they probably will), they will end up being disappointed. Of course most will not find out till they are actually onboard and then it's too late. I stand by my opinion that spas are a very important aspect of mass-market cruising, for all the reasons I've already pointed out. An arcade? Well that remains to be seen. Apparently it was important enough to Chinese cruisers, but not so much for North America or we would have seen it on other ships already.

[eroller]

Back to my point. If the cruise fare was equal, is there any doubt everyone would pick Bliss over Joy?

 

 

You know how I feel. In complete agreement with you David. But it's a mute point for me. I won't be sailing on either. CELEBRITY EDGE and SCARLET LADY here I come! I'm quite excited about both, especially SCARLET LADY being adult-only and a brand new, forward thinking cruise line.

[JamieLogical]

No spa was just one example. Many parents with kids were lured to Bliss because of the race track. The race track on Joy is tiny compared to Bliss. I think some missed my point all together because they are so determined to defend NCL at every turn even though I was not that critical at all.

Speaking of the spa, they sell out almost every cruise and are very popular in Alaska being indoor.

Back to my point. If the cruise fare was equal, is there any doubt everyone would pick Bliss over Joy?

 

Some people who are drawn to the go carts might also be drawn to the Galaxy Pavilion, so they may be willing to make the sacrifice of the smaller race track for the added arcade attractions and bumper cars? It's tough to say. I am sure both ships are great and I would imaging that difference in sail dates and itineraries will make the most difference in pricing. I'm sailing on the Bliss in February and the Encore in November 2019. I can't wait to sail on the Joy after that so I can try out all of the BA+ ships for comparison. (I have already sailed on the Escape once and will be going again in October).

[KeithJenner]

No spa was just one example. Many parents with kids were lured to Bliss because of the race track. The race track on Joy is tiny compared to Bliss. I think some missed my point all together because they are so determined to defend NCL at every turn even though I was not that critical at all.

Speaking of the spa, they sell out almost every cruise and are very popular in Alaska being indoor.

Back to my point. If the cruise fare was equal, is there any doubt everyone would pick Bliss over Joy?

 

I certainly am not arguing against your point in order to defend NCL. It never occurred to me for a second that you were criticising them.

 

I am just making the point that people have different preferences. I select my holiday options based on a number of factors which will not even have entered the thinking of the vast majority of people. We all have different preferences, and the size of the spa or race track are a long way down the list for many (I would argue the majority) of people.

 

Personally, I haven't looked in any great detail at the proposed changes to the Joy, as I have no imminent plans to go to Alaska, but I haven't seen a single thing written in this thread which would make me chose one over the other. Therefore I will put myself forward as evidence that your final statement is incorrect.

[KeithJenner]

I stand by my opinion that spas are a very important aspect of mass-market cruising

 

Just to be absolutely clear, I am also in absolutely no doubt that spas are a very important aspect of mass-market cruising.

 

I'm not sure that anyone here disagrees with that point.

[littlelulu01]

It sounds like they’re doing some changes with the spa. Obviously not like the Bliss but I think they could add enough to satisfy - something like the Pearl co-ed area? With so few passes available due to limited space to expand, getting a spa pass will be like the current mad dash for vibe passes.

[littlelulu01]

I wonder what will happen to all the Chinese speaking staff they specifically hired and trained for the Joy.

I imagine many will staff the Spirit on the seasonal cruises to China but I can't help but think many will be out of a job

 

I was on a two week Jade Norway, Iceland, U.K. sailing last year. Over half the passengers were mainland Chinese tour groups. Also one smaller group of about 300 from Hong Kong who did not get along well with the two mainland groups. Ncl had many staff onboard that were from China. Most said they were in training for the Joy but some seemed highly competent and fully trained. The suite passenger hostess was Chinese and she was an excellent employee. I suspect these staff were brought onboard for this sailing. One of the travel agents was in a garden villa.

 

Ncl may be pulling the Joy from China but they are still interested in serving this population onboard sailings in China and other itineraries. I can see the Joy continuing to serve this huge segment of travel hungry groups. And if the joy is already set up to their cultural differences, it will be ideal for them to sail on for Alaska mixed in with western passengers. The folks I sailed with would have benefited from the Joy outdoor green space. They had to use some awkward areas for morning exercise on the Jade. They also seemed to enjoy the hot tubs but not the pool. I’m guessing the joy is going to be westernized while still keeping some of what the Chinese passengers enjoy.

 

From my observation, I didn’t see them drinking alcohol, they retired to their staterooms very early to plan their next day, didn’t use the speciality dining much and ate early and at the same time (a bit of an issue on the Jade). They also wanted off the ship first in port and were comfortable with about four times the number of people in an elevator and with public buses and boats, something the locals had a hard time controlling.

 

Idk if this is a trend for the future, but if the Chinese Travel agencies have developed a relationship with Ncl and continue with group bookings, staff on the joy could easily be assimilated to ships that have the large mainland Chinese groups and then to China for the spirit sailings.

 

For the Jade sailing I was on the cultural differences were interesting and the staff onboard and Locals in ports had some difficulties accommodating them. The Staff from the Philippines seemed the most frustrated with the mainland Chinese passengers. We made adjustments to times we ate, slept and debarked the ship, used the stairs and were fine but initially it was overwhelming.

 

I was highly impressed with their diy planning skills. They invested an immense amount of time mapping out their days using public transport... to the point that one day we just figured it easier to bob along following them, knowing they had planned for months what to do and had everything mapped out on their phones. They were highly resourceful groups.

[Sauer-kraut]

I was on a two week Jade Norway, Iceland, U.K. sailing last year. Over half the passengers were mainland Chinese tour groups. Also one smaller group of about 300 from Hong Kong who did not get along well with the two mainland groups. Ncl had many staff onboard that were from China. Most said they were in training for the Joy but some seemed highly competent and fully trained. The suite passenger hostess was Chinese and she was an excellent employee. I suspect these staff were brought onboard for this sailing. One of the travel agents was in a garden villa.

Ncl may be pulling the Joy from China but they are still interested in serving this population onboard sailings in China and other itineraries. I can see the Joy continuing to serve this huge segment of travel hungry groups. And if the joy is already set up to their cultural differences, it will be ideal for them to sail on for Alaska mixed in with western passengers. The folks I sailed with would have benefited from the Joy outdoor green space. They had to use some awkward areas for morning exercise on the Jade. They also seemed to enjoy the hot tubs but not the pool. I’m guessing the joy is going to be westernized while still keeping some of what the Chinese passengers enjoy.

 

This is a very good point. The Chinese are definitely in the market for international travel and your scenario makes a lot of sense.