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Real-Time Pre, During and Post Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021 Sailing in the Haven

Sthrngary

By Sthrngary,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Sthrngary Holiday Sharing Rare

Sthrngary

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Thursday, November 2, 2021:

 

Today was my daughters 31st Birthday.  The Haven Staff decorated the room and gave her a cake. Last year we all were in the middle of Covid-19 and her 30th was a bust.  I assure everyone, this week and today was a "Joy" for her.  Cozumel was a bit rainy but that was just fine.  We had "The Cabana Beach" excursion booked but it got cancelled by NCL about 60 days ago.  So, we just talk a walk, it was nice just walk. 

 

I found out today this ship is only 30% filled.  Once again I say this, "this cruise was a once in a life time event".  Breakfast and Lunch in the Haven Restuarant.  I finally had my Haven Burger and it was great.  My family are in love with the Chicken Wings at the local.  

 

We went to the Galaxy P.  today and had a blast.  I did the formula car which was a fun yet stressful experience.  The family won lots of tickets at the arcade games.   Due to the rain, we went in the Haven Courtyard hot tub which was completely a game changer.  It is the little things that make a difference.  

 

Tonight it is the Japanese restaurant for dinner per my daughter's request.  Her second request was to go to the casino to play some (not all) of her winnings in the coin pusher machine.  She says she is an expert.  My wife is in the finals of the slot pull tomorrow and she is the luckiest person I know.  

 

To everyone whom has commented, liked and said hello to us on this cruise.  Thank you and I am so happy everyone is having a great time.  

 

Cruise well everyone and enjoy every minute.  

 

PS: Thank you to Staci S my Travel Agent and Maria the best of the best of NCL.  

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REV_Cruiser

REV_Cruiser

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First of all, thank you for the great review/narration of your cruise.  We had been in the Haven on the Joy in December of 2019.  Your previous advise and suggestions came in very handy on that trip and they will on our cruise in the Haven on the Bliss in 10 days.  Secondly, did you try the Whistle Pig yet?  And lastly, I didn't realize that you are that handsome (or was that just the shot I noticed?)

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psac

psac

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9 hours ago, Pieson said:


as mentioned, the haven is sold out either way. Only thing I can think of is more families packed into the rooms.  But it’s felt lovely without ever feeling overly crowded or overly busy.
Even with the ship being only half full the haven has been a wonderful escape from the crowds. 
 

I quickly realized how much better the haven spaces are and as a result we’ve spent most of our time there. It’s also the same crowds and groups in there so a wonderful Camaraderie  has built up between guest. It’s honestly the perfect amount of people.  And as mentioned if you want true quiet and escape the library is perfect for that and even the prison lounge.  
 

Also I can’t emphasize enough how far superior the Haven restaurant is. We have a voucher for La couch is still and we may opt to not use it in favor of the haven. 
Ive done three Disney cruises in the last couple months and I always held them to the best in the entire industry when it came to food til I ate at the haven.  Again never overly crowded.  Always the perfect amount of people and energy. 
 

 

Finally for the best news of the day! 
Today is the first day the crew has been able to get off the ship in months… for some ever over a year.  It’s a huge day for them and you can feel their excitement and energy.  I hope everyone realizes the huge commitment this amazing staff has made to help make your vacation dream a reality. It’s amazing to hear how much they missed it and truly are committed to it.  Speaks volumes of the people working on board. I encourage everyone to be extra appreciative and supportive of the crew. We started our day off hanging with a bunch of the crew before our excursion off shore.  They truly are a special bunch. 
feel free to also show appreciation. Inside thought to that. The tip on on receipts you sign goes to a general tip pool.  They only get to keep the physical cash you hand to the directly (which is also super appreciated for how long they have all been out of work)

 

 

Pardon  the long ramble. But wanted to share some of my insight so far as it’s coming to Mind.  


Thanks for the great reply!!  We felt the love from the staff on the Breakaway in October and gave the love back at the end of the week $😁, especially all the bar staff/sun deck servers, and not just the butler and concierge. 

The one thing that wasn’t as amazing as the past was the Haven restaurant. Great to hear the Joy doesn’t has that ironed out!  (Ps it was only the second sailing so the Breakaway could also be better by now as well.)

 

And cheers back to Gary!!  
 

Definitely excited for our trip in May!

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Sthrngary Holiday Sharing Rare

Sthrngary

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4 hours ago, REV_Cruiser said:

First of all, thank you for the great review/narration of your cruise.  We had been in the Haven on the Joy in December of 2019.  Your previous advise and suggestions came in very handy on that trip and they will on our cruise in the Haven on the Bliss in 10 days.  Secondly, did you try the Whistle Pig yet?  And lastly, I didn't realize that you are that handsome (or was that just the shot I noticed?)

That was the shot you noticed for sure.

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vacation44

vacation44

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ⁿ

10 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

A shot to everyone. 

C48713CD-8447-432E-BA37-0590731A539F.jpeg

Now,  I am not a big drinker, however, that looks like very large and unusual shot glass.

 

Enjoy the rest of the cruise.   And thank you, again, for sharing your vacation with us.

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kitty-sail

kitty-sail

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9 hours ago, REV_Cruiser said:

First of all, thank you for the great review/narration of your cruise.  We had been in the Haven on the Joy in December of 2019.  Your previous advise and suggestions came in very handy on that trip and they will on our cruise in the Haven on the Bliss in 10 days.  Secondly, did you try the Whistle Pig yet?  And lastly, I didn't realize that you are that handsome (or was that just the shot I noticed?)

He looks way better than his CC caricature.

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Sthrngary Holiday Sharing Rare

Sthrngary

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Friday, December 3, 2021:

 

Elements:  Last night my wife and I saw Elements the Show.  This one is not to be missed.  Again, I say, we are rarely happy with the Entertainment on the Ship.  The NCL Joy was fantastic.  

Today is Packing Day:  I have done this to many times.  My approach is to quietly start packing my personal bags, going through the drawers where I kept my stuff.  Nobody knows I am doing it.  They when they all realize it is time to do it, I smile and get out of their way.  The biggest arguments come from packing.  

Slot Finals: My wife is in the slot finals.  For a woman those hates gambling she is sure lucky.  That will be fun to see her win again.

Outside The Haven: Today is also the day I spend most of my time outside the Haven.  That is were the real action is located.  The pool, slides, mini-golf; things will be happening all day long. 

Birthday Week: My daughter gets the final part of her Birthday gift.  A massage.  That is the way to end a great week.

 

Answering a Few Questions from Cruise Critics: 

  1. Filet for Breakfast at the Haven Restuarant:  You just have to give the wait staff a heads up the day before. 
  2. Premium Plus Beverage Package: Yes Starbucks is included but if you are in the Haven, Specialty Coffees and fresh juices are as well.  You can get a bottle of selected wines at any meal, just ask.
  3. Best Restuarant: Once again, The Haven Restuarant is my favorite.   

 

Cruise well everyone.  Enjoy every minute.

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bkrickles1

bkrickles1

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14 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Friday, December 3, 2021:

 

Elements:  Last night my wife and I saw Elements the Show.  This one is not to be missed.  Again, I say, we are rarely happy with the Entertainment on the Ship.  The NCL Joy was fantastic.  

Today is Packing Day:  I have done this to many times.  My approach is to quietly start packing my personal bags, going through the drawers where I kept my stuff.  Nobody knows I am doing it.  They when they all realize it is time to do it, I smile and get out of their way.  The biggest arguments come from packing.  

Slot Finals: My wife is in the slot finals.  For a woman those hates gambling she is sure lucky.  That will be fun to see her win again.

Outside The Haven: Today is also the day I spend most of my time outside the Haven.  That is were the real action is located.  The pool, slides, mini-golf; things will be happening all day long. 

Birthday Week: My daughter gets the final part of her Birthday gift.  A massage.  That is the way to end a great week.

 

Answering a Few Questions from Cruise Critics: 

  1. Filet for Breakfast at the Haven Restuarant:  You just have to give the wait staff a heads up the day before. 
  2. Premium Plus Beverage Package: Yes Starbucks is included but if you are in the Haven, Specialty Coffees and fresh juices are as well.  You can get a bottle of selected wines at any meal, just ask.
  3. Best Restuarant: Once again, The Haven Restuarant is my favorite.   

 

Cruise well everyone.  Enjoy every minute.

I'm so happy to hear that Elements was available and that it was good. I'm really looking forward to my sailing on Joy in January and the entertainment is something that my crew gets excited about.

It sounds like your trip was everything you had planned for and I'm sure your family is appreciative.

Do you have plans to post the dailies after you return?

Someone had posted pics of most of them last week, but they weren't the easiest  to read so I was hopeful that someone would post better copies in the weeks leading up to my sailing.

Enjoy your final time on Joy!

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kitty-sail

kitty-sail

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Enjoy your last day onboard. It's sad when I have to start packing because I wish I just had a few more days.  Hubby & I are flying into Miami this afternoon and I'll be getting on, as you're getting off.   Thank you for all the cruise tips, and answering my questions, as well as your wonderful commentary. Have a safe journey home.

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jeremybe

jeremybe

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21 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Take the two specialty dining that comes with your suite. It gives you a nice variety during the weekIt gives you a nice variety during the week

 

Do you receive the two specialty dinings even if you bid for an upgrade? I had paid for a 2 dining package  and my booking came with 1 - wondering if I should cancel the specialty if I get the upgrade
 

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Beach Life 1

Beach Life 1

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19 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

My wife won the slot Tournament. Won $465.00. Also got an entry into the $100,000 slot tournament for December 2022. I get another cruise.. there is a God.

I have just one question.  Will you adopt me?   LOL   Seriously,  I am so enjoying everything you post.  I have learned a lot from reading your posts.  Glad you and your family are having a nice time.  It's nice to see a face behind the name. Congratulations to your wife.

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Juncti

Juncti

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On 12/2/2021 at 5:14 PM, Sthrngary said:

I will do it and think you.  Tonight, I will do a shot for all my CruiseCritic buddies.  Tequila 1942, some epic Tequila for sure.  Thank you again.

Thanks for all the updates. Definitely helping a lot of us as we plan to go.

 

Was this special tequila part of your plus package or is this like a plus plus plus type deal lol

 

Cheers and hopefully about 48 hours from now I'll be having some shots of my own in the Haven bar. Till then this Warsteiner beer will have to suffice 

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