Norwegian Joy NYC to Bermuda June 18, 2023

[bjtravelnews]

9 hours 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 tried to book entertainment for our cruise prior to sailing and couldn't.  Message was that we had to book on board.  For anyone who is not aware - 120 out (that's usually right after final payment), you can book dining reservations at specialty restaurants.  These book up fast, though only a certain percent of reservations are available for pre-booking.  The remaining slots are reserved for on-board reservations.  At 21 days out (when you can start on-line check in), you are supposed to be able to book shows.  However, as I mentioned, we could not.  Not sure if it was a glitch in the system, or because the ship was switching casts (Elements was not available on our sailing due to cast change and Footloose was not available on the week prior for the same reason.)  Fortunately we saw both shows last year, so it wasn't a big deal.  Hubby read that NCL was stopping all Broadway shows on its ship, thinking starting next year.  So it will be interesting to see the replacements.

 

[salzdt]

On 6/28/2023 at 8:55 AM, 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 the heads up.