Just off Joy!!!!

[sargemrs]

Just disembarked the Joy a few hours ago and am absolutely blown away by the ship and staff!  Our experiences will be unique as we mainly cruise for the ship experience and family get togethers.  First of all, it was our first Haven experience and there’s no going back!  Our rooms were beautiful!  We originally booked 5 H6 cabins.  Our son has 4 children and his MIL traveling with them so I encouraged them to watch the DOS pricing or bidding opportunities.  Well..... they got it....18700 DOS.  Absolutely gorgeous and roomy 2 1/2 bath, 2 bedrooms and couch that makes a bed.  Everything was pristine and ready for us all.  Priority checkin and disembarking was efficient and painless.  Only 1 time we went to the buffet for a snack and realized how spectacular the Haven experience is!!!

our H6 cabins were nice for 2 or 3 but I’d hate to have a family in them.  Lots and lots of storage, the 2nd bathroom was used by guests as well as ourselves.  I DO want to say that the walk was quite daunting with arthritic knees and several trips a day!!!  If we get to cruise again I’d would only stay in the Haven proper!!!  The Haven restaurant, Observation lounge and priority  perks are invaluable,

We had the 3 dining package and chose Le Bistro, Teppanyaki and Cagney’s. The food was superb in all 3.  Very slow service, but we were a party of 11-18.  We had to wait 30 minutes for our seating even with reservations at Cagney’s but the other 2 we walked right in and were seated ( with reservations).  Very cordial servers but possibly understaffed in the kitchens.  We ate every other meal except embarkation lunch at the Haven restaurant, which was amazing with the most happy, helpful, caring servers/ hostesses that one could hope for!  American Diner was a fantastic start to our cruise.  Food delicious and staff very happy to serve us.  I never noticed it busy, tho I didn’t go up there often.

These are just a few things I wanted to share while it was fresh in my mind.  We don’t drink or go to shows so can’t help with those questions but would be happy to answer any questions applicable.

 

[beantownmike]

Just booked an aft-facing Balcony Cabin for March 2020.  My wife and I are eight time cruisers with NCL. Looking forward to the Ultimate Joy ride!

[sargemrs]

26 minutes ago, beantownmike said:

Just booked an aft-facing Balcony Cabin for March 2020.  My wife and I are eight time cruisers with NCL. Looking forward to the Ultimate Joy ride!

Wonder if the regular Aft and Haven aft are any different?

[BirdTravels]

Can’t wait. Our Joy cruise is coming up soon. 

[mejo]

Sounds like you all had a great time!  I’m curious about your Haven embarkation and disembarkation experience.  What time did you arrive at the pier and get on the ship?

 

 

[sydmike]

We are in the Haven for the Sept 7th sailing, looking forward to the Observation lounge for the Alaska viewing.

[Mike D.]

Thanks so much for your review.  Good to know!

[sargemrs]

1 hour ago, mejo said:

Sounds like you all had a great time!  I’m curious about your Haven embarkation and disembarkation experience.  What time did you arrive at the pier and get on the ship?

 

 

We all got on a Shuttle (Seattle Express was excellent and reasonable) at 9, you get a discount for the earlier reservation.  We then went to several hotels to pick up guests, so I think we got to the pier around 10:00. It was crazy busy but we took our luggage to a baggage area, inquired about priority boarding but it’s after security that priority counts.  Everyone goes through security together and then there are signs to direct you to the Haven check in.  We probably arrived there about 10:30.  Nice room with snacks and drinks and lounge chairs but it was so quick to check in we didn’t wait as we were SO anxious to get onboard! As soon as our large party checked in a butler was there to escort us but first was the embarkation photo which we always do and then we proceeded to the Haven Observation Lounge.  We were told about amenities, hours of operation, and sent on our way.  We opted to go to American Diner which was a good choice for us.  Beautiful day and it’s on an outside deck and perfect for a nice day. Not long after lunch we heard our rooms were ready.

For disembarkation, you have several options for your luggage, which we just chose to pick it up in the terminal, in a separate area with your priority tags you place on your luggage.  Others in our group used the valet porter which takes your luggage all the way to airline, checks in your luggage and the ship gives you your boarding pass!!  That was fantastic and they charge $30.00 bag which is your baggage charge to the airline, not in addition, as I understand it.  You have a window 8-9:15 to meet the Conscierge at the desk by the Haven Observation Lounge and right underneath the Haven Restaurant so we had our last breakfast there, took the private elevator down and when you’re ready their crew elevator takes you right to deck to disembark and you go to terminal, pick up your luggage in priority area ( ask where) and you get in line for customs.  Have your passport out on your photo page and that’s it!!  You then find your transportation, ours happened to be Enterprise and there was a shuttle right there, took our luggage and we were off!!  Sorry this is so lengthy but there might be someone not familiar with things I might can help!

[sargemrs]

1 hour ago, sydmike said:

We are in the Haven for the Sept 7th sailing, looking forward to the Observation lounge for the Alaska viewing.

We spent many, many hours in the Haven Observation Lounge!  It’s very quiet, soft lounge chairs, tables all around, snacks, drinks,( non alcoholic) but I think the bar comes by periodically if you wish to use them.  We played games and just REALLY enjoyed it!  The Haven is such a awesome place.  Like a little city within a city.  Other than photos, Specialty dining and shopping a little, we never left the Haven!  It’s organized, efficient and customer friendly, I can’t say enough about it!  

[jvsnana]

Just now, sargemrs said:

We spent many, many hours in the Haven Observation Lounge!  It’s very quiet, soft lounge chairs, tables all around, snacks, drinks,( non alcoholic) but I think the bar comes by periodically if you wish to use them.  We played games and just REALLY enjoyed it!  The Haven is such a awesome place.  Like a little city within a city.  Other than photos, Specialty dining and shopping a little, we never left the Haven!  It’s organized, efficient and customer friendly, I can’t say enough about it!  

Sounds lovely...thanks for the review!

Who was your Concierge?

[sargemrs]

10 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Can’t wait. Our Joy cruise is coming up soon. 

Bird, are you in Haven?

[sargemrs]

Just now, jvsnana said:

Sounds lovely...thanks for the review!

Who was your Concierge?

Phoebe I think.

[sydmike]

Is the American Diner an option for Haven passengers for lunch the first day It looks like a nice venue, but we also have enjoyed the Haven lunches.

[sargemrs]

3 minutes ago, sydmike said:

Is the American Diner an option for Haven passengers for lunch the first day It looks like a nice venue, but we also have enjoyed the Haven lunches.

Yes, American Diner free first day.  Since we knew we would have the Haven the rest of the week, we opted for American Diner.  If it’s real windy or blowing rain that wouldn’t be a good option, in my opinion.

[sargemrs]

54 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

Yes, American Diner free first day.  Since we knew we would have the Haven the rest of the week, we opted for American Diner.  If it’s real windy or blowing rain that wouldn’t be a good option, in my opinion.

However there are heaters above the table ( too warm the day we ate there) but would make it doable on cold, windy days I suppose.

[elwood_98034]

2 hours ago, sargemrs said:

You have a window 8-9:15 to meet the Conscierge at the desk by the Haven Observation Lounge and right underneath the Haven Restaurant so we had our last breakfast there, took the private elevator down and when you’re ready their crew elevator takes you right to deck to disembark and you go to terminal, pick up your luggage in priority area ( ask where) and you get in line for customs.  

You mention 'the private elevator'. What is that? The Haven has its own?

[amarvel]

Yes, American Diner free first day.  Since we knew we would have the Haven the rest of the week, we opted for American Diner.  If it’s real windy or blowing rain that wouldn’t be a good option, in my opinion.

Is it free just for haven or for anyone on the first day?

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[sargemrs]

4 hours ago, elwood_98034 said:

You mention 'the private elevator'. What is that? The Haven has its own?

There’s a forward elevator from deck 17, 18, 19 that is accessed in the Haven proper....that’s the only floors it covers, however.  It is never full.  

[sargemrs]

2 hours ago, amarvel said:

Is it free just for haven or for anyone on the first day?

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
 

Not sure but I think just for Haven but there weren’t many eating there.

[coopster]

do you know if they had a big seafood buffet on the 2nd night of the cruise we are going in aug and we are trying to see if i need to leave that night open

[sargemrs]

14 minutes ago, coopster said:

do you know if they had a big seafood buffet on the 2nd night of the cruise we are going in aug and we are trying to see if i need to leave that night open

I’m sorry, I don’t, but I’m sure someone will come by and answer your question.

[tomservo]

We're considering an H6 for Alaska on the Joy as well. Do you think the H6 is worth it for Alaska vs other Haven cabins (or even non-Haven cabins)? We're trying to decide if the premium for an H6 in Alaska is worth it for us. How much time did you spend on the balcony vs the observation lounge? Does it matter which side of the ship you’re on for this particular itinerary?

[sargemrs]

16 minutes ago, tomservo said:

We're considering an H6 for Alaska on the Joy as well. Do you think the H6 is worth it for Alaska vs other Haven cabins (or even non-Haven cabins)? We're trying to decide if the premium for an H6 in Alaska is worth it for us. How much time did you spend on the balcony vs the observation lounge? Does it matter which side of the ship you’re on for this particular itinerary?

We DID spend some time on our balcony, even napped out there.  We were primarily with a large family group so spent less time than we would have otherwise.  The room is gorgeous, roomy and SO modern and upscale!  The balcony is huge.  Room for 2 chairs and a table and 2 loungers with the soft Haven covers.  I just can't say enough about our room!!!  Go for it!  I don't know which side would be best, others will chime in!  

[sargemrs]

Does anyone know definitively if we’re allowed to take the Haven house slippers?  I know the comfortable robes are not given but what about the slippers?

[adoris]

19 hours ago, sargemrs said:

I’m sorry, I don’t, but I’m sure someone will come by and answer your question.

 

2 hours ago, sargemrs said:

We DID spend some time on our balcony, even napped out there.  We were primarily with a large family group so spent less time than we would have otherwise.  The room is gorgeous, roomy and SO modern and upscale!  The balcony is huge.  Room for 2 chairs and a table and 2 loungers with the soft Haven covers.  I just can't say enough about our room!!!  Go for it!  I don't know which side would be best, others will chime in!