Nice 3 Night Escape

Item: Norwegian Joy
Rating: 4.8
Author: CruiselineQ

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Coastal - West Coast

CruiselineQ

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 187

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5

Norwegian Joy Inagural

Sail date: April 26, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 13142

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Joy is a beautiful new ship with so much to do that it is impossible to be bored. Highlights were dinner at the Q (recommend the short ribs), a decadent seafood buffet at Garden Cafe, flying around corners on the Go Carts and watching Footloose.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We boarded late (around 2pm) and that meant there were virtually no lines!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of dining on Joy. We did breakfast and most lunches at the buffet (Garden Cafe) which was really good and usually not very crowded. We tried a different restaurant for each dinner night and I'll review each one below.

Cagney's Steakhouse

4 out of 5

Good steaks and aft view is gorgeous.

Garden Cafe

5 out of 5

Don't miss the seafood buffet - amazing crab claws, oysters and lobsters.

Starbucks

4 out of 5

Good coffee, as expected. The line can be long.

Observation Lounge

5 out of 5

Nice place to escape. Plus there is a Starbucks here.

The District Brew House

5 out of 5

Fun place to just hang out and try all the different beers. They have Dogfish on tap:)

Savor Restaurant - Main Dining Room

4 out of 5

Good for lunch

Q Texas Smokehouse

5 out of 5

Best resto on the ship. Order the short ribs.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Do not miss the go carts! They go way faster than you would expect and are a blast. Note, expect to wait at least 30 mins (even with a reservation). Vibe beach club was a nice getaway, although I do wish the water in the hot tubs were hotter.

Casino

5 out of 5

We won on blackjack:)

Vibe Beach Club

5 out of 5

Good to escape the crowds and just read a book. Awesome views from the hot tub.

Pulse Fitness Center

4 out of 5

Nice big gym. Would have liked a Peloton bike!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Norwegian gets broadway right. Don't miss Footloose!

Race Track

5 out of 5

You'll forget you are on a ship when racing around at 30mph.

Social Comedy & Night Club

4 out of 5

Enjoyed the comedy shows and turns into a nightclub.

Children's Programs

didn't have kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The bar tenders, baristas, servers and room steward all were working their butts off. And always had a smile.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

As a new ship, its spotless and gorgeous. The observation deck is a nice place to hide out and just watch the ocean. Some folks said they saw dolphins. The only improvement could be the main pool deck - it seems like there was a lot of empty space that could be better utilized.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Standard balcony with 2 beds and a couch and did not feel crowded with 2 adults. Enjoyed sitting out in the balcony. I do wish the shower had a tad bit more water pressure.

Ship tip

Book specialty restaurants (especially the Q) and activities such as the Go Carts BEFORE boarding. We did not, and had to scramble to get reservations.

Thumbs up