Pearl vs Joy?

[gymbomb]

We are looking to book a trip to Bermuda this summer and I am debating Pearl vs. Joy. I have been on Pearl before and liked it. Have not been on Joy, but have mixed feelings about the larger ships. Price would be similar for an aft balcony on Pearl or a Penthouse (not haven) with small balcony on Joy. It is more convenient for us to leave from Boston, but it is not really a big deal to take the train to NYC. Overall Joy would probably be in the neighborhood of $500 more total, so not a deal breaker. 
 

What should I be thinking about that I may not have considered? We have been to Bermuda multiple times from both Boston and NY, mostly on Dawn but also on Escape. We have sailed in every room category from inside to Haven and are generally happy in anything with a balcony. This will be just DH and I, not the kids. Haven is not in the budget. 

[Red-Sol]

One thing to consider if it is important to you is that I don't believe there is a thermal suite on Joy. On a personal note I have always gone for the bigger ships...but starting to realize that most of the unique things they offer really don't interest me all that much.

[hallux]

11 minutes ago, Red-Sol said:

I don't believe there is a thermal suite on Joy.

There isn't.

 

As can be seen in my signature, I've only sailed on the Joy and Bliss, but I love the variety of venues available on those ships!

[gymbomb]

We would not use a thermal suite, and do not generally do extra fee activities such as spa, casino, arcade, etc. We like to go to some shows, visit a few specialty restaurants, and enjoy some relaxing down time when we are on the ship. This trip won’t be on our anniversary, it will be a couple of months later, but would be in celebration of our 10th anniversary.

[Red-Sol]

2 minutes ago, gymbomb said:

We would not use a thermal suite, and do not generally do extra fee activities such as spa, casino, arcade, etc. We like to go to some shows, visit a few specialty restaurants, and enjoy some relaxing down time when we are on the ship. This trip won’t be on our anniversary, it will be a couple of months later, but would be in celebration of our 10th anniversary.

Based on that the Joy might be a better fit..More Specialty Restaurants and Probably/Possibly some better entertainment options.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

18 hours ago, gymbomb said:

We would not use a thermal suite, and do not generally do extra fee activities such as spa, casino, arcade, etc. We like to go to some shows, visit a few specialty restaurants, and enjoy some relaxing down time when we are on the ship. This trip won’t be on our anniversary, it will be a couple of months later, but would be in celebration of our 10th anniversary.

We are on the Pearl Boston to Bermuda sailing this August.  We like the smaller ships, but, we don't go in for the bells and whistles (like go carts) so much.  We DO like the Thermal Suites, so I have been hesitant to book the Joy.  Based upon your preferences, you would probably like Joy better than Pearl, just because the shows will likely be more and flashier, and more food venues.  To be honest, you will likely have a good time on either ship, as you can relax on both and both provide shows!  Do you like Cities or Towns better?  Large ships more "city-like" and smaller ships more "town-like" in my opinion!  Lots of fun, engaging crew, and wonderful people to meet on both!