Norwegian Joy NYC to Bermuda June 18, 2023

[bjtravelnews]

6 hours ago, salzdt said:

We just signed up for June  - 2 - 7. Never have been on a big ship, but decided to bite the bullet and try the Joy out of NYC.  We sailed on the Dawn out of Boston in 2018, because e it was the smaller ship.  Great Cruise.  Some of your negative comments make think we should change and go out of Boston, as I use a scooter and rely on an elevator to get around not the ship.  We are booked on 12th floor, handicapped. room aft facing balcony..  Maybe there won't be too many kids on the early June cruise.

We have time to think about it.  Thanks for your review.

I did see some people on scooters.  You likely will not see a lot of kids because school is still in session for most.  Our sailing was close to sell out.  So there were a lot of people on board.  In early June, you may not have as many people on board.  However, IMO, the elevators will still be crowded, especially during meal time and before/after shows.  When you are getting on and off the ship, ask about getting priority status.  That will enable you to be first on and, if necessary, first off.  You may also be escorted on and off the ship. depending on staffing.  We had a friend with us who has difficulty walking due to a recent knee replacement.  She was able to get a wheelchair and assistance from staff.

[uneamie]

9 hours ago, salzdt said:

We just signed up for June  - 2 - 7. Never have been on a big ship, but decided to bite the bullet and try the Joy out of NYC.  We sailed on the Dawn out of Boston in 2018, because e it was the smaller ship.  Great Cruise.  Some of your negative comments make think we should change and go out of Boston, as I use a scooter and rely on an elevator to get around not the ship.  We are booked on 12th floor, handicapped. room aft facing balcony..  Maybe there won't be too many kids on the early June cruise.

We have time to think about it.  Thanks for your review.

We are booked for June 2nd as well...hoping the kiddies are still in school at that time. 

[bruce85]

Nice review. We sail end of October. Been on the Getaway and Epic. Vibe passes, can you purchase these prior to cruise or only once onboard?

[RB9643]

23 minutes ago, bruce85 said:

Nice review. We sail end of October. Been on the Getaway and Epic. Vibe passes, can you purchase these prior to cruise or only once onboard?

 

Yes, prior. They are limited and can sell out. But I don't think you'll have a problem buying them once onboard in October. But then, I don't know where you're sailing.

 

 

 

 

[bjtravelnews]

1 hour ago, bruce85 said:

Nice review. We sail end of October. Been on the Getaway and Epic. Vibe passes, can you purchase these prior to cruise or only once onboard?

The people in our group were able to purchase them prior to sailing.  Most likely once final payment was made.

 

[bjtravelnews]

I have been thinking about the comment I made previously on what I perceived as a need for some repairs on the Joy.  Given how short staffed the ship is, I think minor issues are now being overlooked, whereas in the past so many of these problems would have been taken care of immediately, or at least after most people were asleep.  That would explain why the condition was not up to snuff as in previous years (and on other ships).  These aren't major flaws (at least not yet).  But I can't believe how different the quality of the ship was compared to last year's sailing.

 

[ashkay16]

Sailed Joy last July to Bermuda and going again this year 7/30 this time trying the Haven .  Will definitely be purchasing the 2 day bus / ferry passes in Bermuda .  Joy is a great ship and love Bermuda . 

[salzdt]

22 hours ago, Dorhead1230 said:

@salzdt schools in the tri-state are generally in session until at least the week after you booked (in NY we go until pretty much the end of June), so you shouldn’t be packed with kids then. Obviously the big ships always get kids because there’s so many activities for them, but you wouldn’t be overrun the first week in June.

Thanks for that info.  We will look forward to next June on the Joy.

[salzdt]

14 hours ago, uneamie said:

We are booked for June 2nd as well...hoping the kiddies are still in school at that time. 

Thanks for your comment.  Look forward seeing you next June. I have a Red Scooter so you can't miss me.!

[Smitheroo]

I was on the Joy this past February and my experience was somewhat similar to that of the OP.  The only thing I didnt like was that we didnt know we could book entertainment ahead of sailing and when we tried to do so on board, most options were filled. We did get into Footloose but never saw it because mid voyage it was cancelled due to a cast injury. Not seeing all the entertainment was disappointing but didnt make us miserable. There was plenty to do. I think the ship was fairly full yet I never felt crowded. Once or twice they had to redirect the passengers going into the buffet because capacity limit had been reached. I think they directed them to the American Diner where they had a buffet. Didnt effect us because we are up early. The The weather was cool so the pool deck was half empty most of the time, therefore no chair hogs  You had your pick of chairs!  I only saw a few young men doing the water slides anytime I watched.  I wasnt aware of anyone smoking.  Yes, we were delayed getting into our cabins but I didnt really care. My travel partner didnt get his luggage until almost bedtime.   I thought embarkation was bad but disembarkation was a nighmare. I saw people sitting in the atrium while the line snaked back and forth. I'm wonder if they catch the line at the end. I think we were in the arcade for at least a half hour which was annoying. (the music)  Couldnt get into the Manhattan Room for dinner because we didnt want to wait. Most of the time Savor and Taste was only a short wait.  If this is important to you, get there early. The specialty restaurant we choose was La Cucina which was nice.   A friend suggested to my travel partner that he just had to order some special dish (I forget the name), it was outstanding. Well he did and i dont think he cared for it much.  my choice was great. We spent a lot of time in the OL and I'm disappointed that it is rumored they will take away some space for more cabins. Do they really need more cabins?   Yes, the elevators were a source of irritation. No one playing around with them, just a lot of people waiting. Take the stairs if you can!   Between the meals, the drinks package, and all the diversity of the passengers,  I was satisfied.  But I think I will try one of the smaller liners next time.  btw, I did a solo meet and greet on another line back in 2013 and it was poorly attended also.  

[uneamie]

3 hours ago, salzdt said:

Thanks for your comment.  Look forward seeing you next June. I have a Red Scooter so you can't miss me.!

LOL....I have a dark red walker but I don't use it much on the ship....only in places where I may have to stand long periods of time or long lines. It is for my back issues. I will be sure to look for ya! 

Edited June 29, 2023 by uneamie

[uneamie]

44 minutes ago, Smitheroo said:

I was on the Joy this past February and my experience was somewhat similar to that of the OP.  The only thing I didnt like was that we didnt know we could book entertainment ahead of sailing and when we tried to do so on board, most options were filled. We did get into Footloose but never saw it because mid voyage it was cancelled due to a cast injury. Not seeing all the entertainment was disappointing but didnt make us miserable. There was plenty to do. I think the ship was fairly full yet I never felt crowded. Once or twice they had to redirect the passengers going into the buffet because capacity limit had been reached. I think they directed them to the American Diner where they had a buffet. Didnt effect us because we are up early. The The weather was cool so the pool deck was half empty most of the time, therefore no chair hogs  You had your pick of chairs!  I only saw a few young men doing the water slides anytime I watched.  I wasnt aware of anyone smoking.  Yes, we were delayed getting into our cabins but I didnt really care. My travel partner didnt get his luggage until almost bedtime.   I thought embarkation was bad but disembarkation was a nighmare. I saw people sitting in the atrium while the line snaked back and forth. I'm wonder if they catch the line at the end. I think we were in the arcade for at least a half hour which was annoying. (the music)  Couldnt get into the Manhattan Room for dinner because we didnt want to wait. Most of the time Savor and Taste was only a short wait.  If this is important to you, get there early. The specialty restaurant we choose was La Cucina which was nice.   A friend suggested to my travel partner that he just had to order some special dish (I forget the name), it was outstanding. Well he did and i dont think he cared for it much.  my choice was great. We spent a lot of time in the OL and I'm disappointed that it is rumored they will take away some space for more cabins. Do they really need more cabins?   Yes, the elevators were a source of irritation. No one playing around with them, just a lot of people waiting. Take the stairs if you can!   Between the meals, the drinks package, and all the diversity of the passengers,  I was satisfied.  But I think I will try one of the smaller liners next time.  btw, I did a solo meet and greet on another line back in 2013 and it was poorly attended also.  

We were on the Prima last month and we did the carry your own luggage disembarkation choice and it was a mile long line around a very small area in the Atrium. I don't understand WHY they don't call people down by "decks" instead of everyone ending up there all at the same time. This is not a very smart way to go about it...

[salzdt]

5 minutes ago, uneamie said:

LOL....I have a dark red walker but I don't use it much on the ship....only in places where I may have to stand long periods of time or long lines. It is for my back issues. I will be sure to look for ya! 

 

5 minutes ago, uneamie said:

LOL....I have a dark red walker but I don't use it much on the ship....only in places where I may have to stand long periods of time or long lines. It is for my back issues. I will be sure to look for ya! 

 

5 minutes ago, uneamie said:

LOL....I have a dark red walker but I don't use it much on the ship....only in places where I may have to stand long periods of time or long lines. It is for my back issues. I will be sure to look for ya! 

 

6 minutes ago, uneamie said:

LOL....I have a dark red walker but I don't use it much on the ship....only in places where I may have to stand long periods of time or long lines. It is for my back issues. I will be sure to look for ya! 

I went to Roll Call and I will look to serif you ere there!

[vacation44]

15 hours ago, bruce85 said:

Nice review. We sail end of October. Been on the Getaway and Epic. Vibe passes, can you purchase these prior to cruise or only once onboard?

Passes can be prepurchased up to 12/31/24.   I would not wait until boarding.

[vacation44]

4 minutes ago, salzdt said:

 

 

 

I went to Roll Call and I will look to serif you ere there!

We are also on this sailing with extended family--13 in total.  And we all already have our Vibe passes!

[bkrickles1]

7 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

We are also on this sailing with extended family--13 in total.  And we all already have our Vibe passes!

You're so lucky!

I've been wanting Vibe passes for the last couple of cruises I've gone on, but we always go with a group and we can never get everyone to do it and my wife won't do it without everyone.

We're sailing Joy in 24 days and our group of 13 includes 4 young children so I'm foiled again.

Oh well. Someday I'll get a chance. Lmao!!

[weisla]

On 6/27/2023 at 9:35 AM, bjtravelnews said:

Just off the Norwegian Joy, RT NYC/Bermuda, departing June 18, 2023.  Getting onto the ship seemed to be a much easier process this year.  We boarded on deck 7 and headed down to deck 6 to get some lunch at Savor.  Food was served quickly and was pretty good.  Nice to have those first drinks, too!   There is no formal muster drill since everyone was required to watch the safety video as part of the online check in (and several emails prior to sailing to watch it again).  We simply had to report to our assigned muster station and have our card scanned.

 

I am going to separate my comments into the good and bad, starting with the ship itself.  We love the casual atmosphere of Norwegian.  Despite the large number of people on board, the public spaces rarely felt so crowded that we couldn't find a seat somewhere.  The Waterfront on deck 8 is amazing.  Great views and very quiet during the day.  District Brew House is one of our favorite places on the ship.  We never seen a huge crowd there (maybe because it's tucked away in a corner).  Overall, all the staff was extremely nice and polite.  However, I could sense an underlying current that some were stressed due to serving the large number of passengers (we were close to a sell out).  We never had a bad meal on the ship.  If anything negative could be said, I would say that we get too much food at the sit-down restaurants.  I would love to have the option of smaller portions to avoid wasting so much food.  We ate at Ocean Blue and Cagney's Steakhouse.  Food was excellent at both, as was the service.  There were times that service was a bit slow at Taste and Savor, but the food was good.  Same for the Local.  The Local is also a really great place for a sit-down breakfast.  There was a great variety of food in the buffet and it was always good.   There was sometimes a wait to get into the Manhattan Room, but it wasn't a long wait.   I think this has more to do with under-staffing rather than the number of people dining. 

We had a balcony cabin.  Although the these rooms seem to be smaller than other cruise line balcony cabins, it was adequate space for the two of us.  On the other hand, our friends had 3 females in a balcony cabin and it was very tight.  Shampoo and soap are now in dispensers in the shower.  I miss having the individual bottles, but I understand the waste and extra cost associated with that.  Forewarning - the cruise line also has done away with the other extras, like lotion and the small amenity boxes.  Our top favorite place on the ship is the Observation Lounge in the front of the ship, with two-story floor to ceiling windows looking out the front of the ship.  There is a bar here (servers also walk around taking drink orders) and a Starbucks (extra cost, even for those with the beverage package).  At times, there was food served inside the main space and also along the sides leading into the main space.  On our last year's cruise on the Joy, the Observation Lounge was relatively empty.  The word must have gotten out because it was much more crowded this time.  There is always seating available on each side of the ship, leading into the main section of the Lounge.

 

Bermuda, as always, was beautiful.  This was our seventh trip to the island.  The people are very friendly and helpful if you need directions.  Norwegian has its own ferry to St. George, but there are also public ferries going to both St. George and Hamilton.  The buses are also very easy to navigate.  We rarely take shore excursion except for the sunset cruises.  I highly recommend a one or two day transportation pass so you don't have to deal with the complicated system of fares by zone.  The passes are good for both the ferries and buses.  We lucked out with weather.  It was beautiful and there was only a spritz of rain here and there.  For several weeks prior, we were watching the Joy from the Port Bermuda webcam and it was raining all the time.  People in Bermuda said it was the most rain they have gotten in over 100 years.  In fact, the huge amount of rain was causing issues with draining and sewage.  We are not beach people and have done Horseshoe Bay several times.  So we took the NCL ferry to St. George on Wednesday.  Thursday we took the public ferry to Hamilton, shopped a bit, then took a bus to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.  From there, we got on the bus again to stop at the Swizzle Inn for a late lunch.  This is quite the experience and we go back every year.  We then took the bus to St. George and then the NCL ferry back to the Dockyard.  A heads up for anyone who needs to know - there is no bus service from St. George to the Dockyard.  You must take a bus to Hamilton.  From there, you can transfer to one of the buses that goes to the Dockyard or pick up the public ferry.  Friday we stuck around the Dockyard, went to the National Museum (the fort), saw the dolphins at Dolphin Quest (part of the admission to the fort, but interaction is an extra cost) and explored the Commissioner's House.  Great views from here.  We were required to be back on the ship at 2:30 for a 3:00 sail away.  We always try to be back early to avoid the long lines.  This year for the first time, we saw pier runners - those stragglers who don't get to the pier until we are ready to leave.  There were several small groups watching on deck 8 and cheering the stragglers on to "run."

 

Now for the not-so-good:  

Normally, rooms would be ready sometime between 2 and 3.  It's quite obvious that NCL has cut staff to the bare bones.  Our rooms were not available until after 4 PM!  Rooms on the higher floors were available first.  I was also disappointed that sail away was moved from 4 PM to 6 PM.  That meant that many people were eating dinner while the ship was pulling out of port and sailing out of the harbor.  As always, the Garden Buffet was chaotic and very busy. Despite the spaciousness, it almost always felt very crowded.  We have learned to find tables all the way back (at the front of the ship) as there seems to be more open seating there. 

We didn't even try to see the shows (we've seen Footloose and Elements previously, so not a priority for us).  But the shows were sold old almost immediately 

Dinners in the Specialty Restaurants were over the top.  However, I am very disappointed in the lack of passenger respect for the dress code.  Ocean Blue is one of the places where guests are asked to dress more formally (upscale business attire).  We even got a reminder phone call in the room about the dress requirements.  I was disappointed to see men and women in shorts and very casual clothing.  Same for the Steakhouse.  I think it takes away from the special experience of these dining venues.

Elevators were often crowded and there were teens who were playing the game of pushing all the buttons to make them stop at every floor.  They also were running up and down the stairs to push the buttons on the floors outside the elevators.  We took the stairs whenever we could. 

Everyone in our group had the same complaint about the pool area.  Chair hogs getting up early, putting their stuff on the the lounge chairs by the pool, then going to breakfast.  Even through the day, they would leave to do something else and keep their chairs "reserved" for when they came back.  The attendants at the towel exchange said it no one returns in 30 minutes, another passenger is allowed to remove the items from the chair.  They were not going to enforce the rule.  Considering how much people were drinking on the ship, this sounds like a potential for serious confrontation.  Too bad there isn't a way to reserve chairs for a two hour period - NCL could make a lot of money on that.  The tiny pools were always crowded.  Some people literally got into the pool and stayed there the entire day, having drinks brought to them.  One of my friends complained about not being able to even get into the pool.  Someone reminded her that those people who lined the edges were drinking all day and not getting out - so good chance the pool was also their bathroom!  (Some of the people in our group paid for the Vibe Beach Club passes just to avoid these issues and said it was well worth the extra cost.)

I was with a group of friends and family (we had 22 cabins).  The biggest gripe for everyone was the smoking.  Despite the no smoking policy, people were smoking all over the ship on the outside decks.  Staff did not appear to stop anyone.  People were smoking on the balconies.  The people in the cabin next to us were smoking marijuana on their balcony so often that it became hard for us to sit on our balcony.  Friends said they had the same problem. 

We used to Norwegian app to stay in touch with everyone.  While a great option without having to use internet, there were times when it didn't seem to work and we constantly had to reconnect to the ship's wifi.

I was told the Joy will be heading for some refurbishment in Jan/Feb of next year.  The ship is starting to show age and these are badly needed. 

We arrived back in NY much earlier than previous years.  By 5:00 am we were already docked.  In past years, we were able to get up just before 5 and see the lighted bridge and the beautiful NYC skyline as we pulled into the harbor. I believe the crew needs the extra time once we are docked because the ship is so short-staffed.

 

Bermuda - not many negative comments here.  However, I was greatly disappointed in the Dockyard.  The stores used to be open late to allow ship passengers to shop.  Everything was closed by 5:00.   Snorkel Park Beach used to be open the entire time until late at night.  The hours are now very limited.  I heard that they have opened a sister venue at Tobacco Bay, so I am guessing that's where they now concentrate their efforts.  Snorkel Park Beach was open during the day on Friday, which is nice for those who want to have some beach time, but don't want to leave the Dockyard.  We walked into the Fun Golf.  This place is heavily advertised on the ship and on the signs in the Dockyard.  Perhaps at one time it was a nice place.  However, it is now a bit run down and could use some renovations and updates.  There were some people golfing when we visited, but not many.  And most of those there were sitting on the benches and drinking.  At one time there was much more here.  Now, everything in that area looks like it either had been abandoned or was close to being abandoned.

 

 Overall comments:

We love Norwegian Cruise Line and it's casual atmosphere.  It's great being able to eat when and where we want, as opposed to a set dining time with the same group of people every night.  While most passengers were polite, there were some very rude people.  This was especially prevalent on the elevators where some passengers would immediately hit the close door button, even though they were the only one on the elevator. 

For Bermuda - it's our favorite cruise destination out of NYC.  We love having almost three days on the island.  Despite having been there, now for the 7th time, we always find something new.  This year, we walked beyond the main tourist area in St. George and found a beautiful park.  There is so much to do on the island and we love how safe it is and easy to get around on public transportation.

We missed not stopping in Norfolk.  We were lucky to have experienced that stop last year and were disappointed it has been dropped from the itinerary (sadly, NCL should have returned the port fees we paid for Norfolk).

 

One comment about the Meet and Greet.  I started a roll call well over a year before sailing.  It wasn't real active, but there were 24 people signed up for the Meet and Greet.  Only two other people showed up.  It was embarrassing to me because the crew puts a lot of effort into the time and space.  I also bring a lot of gifts to hand out.  Most of them went to the crew.  PLEASE - if you sign up for a meet and greet, attend!  

 

We will be back again next year on the Joy, same itinerary.   If anyone has any questions about the ship or things to do in Bermuda

Thank you so much for your excellent trip report! I’m curious whether you book Bermuda sunset cruises through NCL or independently. We’re sailing on Joy in 2 days for our first visit to Bermuda and it sounds like a lovely outing.

[bkrickles1]

1 minute ago, weisla said:

Thank you so much for your excellent trip report! I’m curious whether you book Bermuda sunset cruises through NCL or independently. We’re sailing on Joy in 2 days for our first visit to Bermuda and it sounds like a lovely outing.

I'd like to hear about that too.

We booked the 2 hour catamaran sunset sailing in Bermuda through NCL.

You can book on your own, but if you have free at sea and get the $50 excursion credit, it works out better that way.

We're excited for the sunset cruise!

Leaving on Joy in 24 days!!

[ashkay16]

Bermuda last year on Joy and again this year on 7/31 .  Since there 3 days / 2 nights always book direct as it isnmuch cheaper than through ncl . Enjoy !!!!

[Dorhead1230]

Just FYI a lot of the NCL Bermuda excursions are these excursions (if you read the descriptions they’re exactly the same/same boats, etc.). So if you want to compare prices vs. the $50 excursion credit or if you don’t have the credit, you can check this out. Some of them work out better with the credit but on a lot of them NCL’s markup is so high it’s still better to book direct. https://www.islandtourcentre.com

[uneamie]

4 hours ago, salzdt said:

 

 

 

I went to Roll Call and I will look to serif you ere there!

No I am not there....I don't do "Meet and Greets". 

[salzdt]

3 hours ago, uneamie said:

No I am not there....I don't do "Meet and Greets". 

 

3 hours ago, uneamie said:

No I am not there....I don't do "Meet and Greets". 

O.K hope toes you around!

[weisla]

4 hours ago, Dorhead1230 said:

Just FYI a lot of the NCL Bermuda excursions are these excursions (if you read the descriptions they’re exactly the same/same boats, etc.). So if you want to compare prices vs. the $50 excursion credit or if you don’t have the credit, you can check this out. Some of them work out better with the credit but on a lot of them NCL’s markup is so high it’s still better to book direct. https://www.islandtourcentre.com

Thanks, this is really helpful. Comparing the posted rates for our dates of sailing, the markup varies quite a bit for different excursions. From $5 more for the rum tasting cruise to $19 for Famous Homes & Hideaways cruise to $49 for a Dockyard Segway tour. This operator also offers a lot more options than can be booked directly through NCL. 

[bjtravelnews]

5 hours ago, weisla said:

Thank you so much for your excellent trip report! I’m curious whether you book Bermuda sunset cruises through NCL or independently. We’re sailing on Joy in 2 days for our first visit to Bermuda and it sounds like a lovely outing.

We have done it through NCL and also through the Island Tour Center, which is located at the Dockyard, just beyond where the mini buses wait.  We have found that the excursions tend to be a bit cheaper booking through the Island Tour Center.  Check the weather forecast before you leave to see which day is likely the best for a night time cruise.  The glass bottom boat tour (I think it's the Bermuda Triangle Cruise) is fun.  They take you on a tour of the harbor, until the sun is almost down, then out to a shipwreck.  Once over the sunken ship, the ship opens the panels to the windows and turns on the lights.  You get to see the remains of the ship and lots of fish swimming around.  By the time you head back, it's dark.  So you get to see the island the and ships with all the lights (the Celebrity Summit docks at King's Wharf).

 

[bjtravelnews]

1 minute ago, weisla said:

Thanks, this is really helpful. Comparing the posted rates for our dates of sailing, the markup varies quite a bit for different excursions. From $5 more for the rum tasting cruise to $19 for Famous Homes & Hideaways cruise to $49 for a Dockyard Segway tour. This operator also offers a lot more options than can be booked directly through NCL. 

We have found better tours and pricing, in general, with Island Tour Center.

Depending upon what you want to do, you really don't have to book and excursion.  Transportation around the island is so good.  And don't forget that NCL has it's own ferry to St. George for free to Norwegian guests.