This was a great cruise on an excellent ship and spectacular crew/entertainment. That we got almost perfect weather for Alaska was a supper bonus.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
First time leaving from a port other than NYC, which has been okay. Seattle was a breeze! Port and NCL staff were polite and accommodating. Checking into ship was quick and easy and waiting area was clean and roomy and they had complimentary juice and coffee while you waited. All in all a good experience.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
we ate at all the main dining rooms, three specialty restaurants and buffet. As in the past the main dining rooms were excellent. Cagney’s was excellent and the new Q Texas BBQ was terrific. (Give it a try if you like BBQ. If you have the meal plan the amount of food was insane.) Not a fan of LeBistro. Food was good but just not a big French fan. LOL The new District Brew House is a great addition and spot to relax and enjoy the entertainment.
Q Texas Smokehouse
5 out of 5
A must stop if you want to pay for dinning or have the meal plan. with mal plan you get two appetizers and entre and two sides and dessert per person. The amount of food was incredible and very good. Like BBQ give it a shot. Also, after dining hour they had an excellent country band.
The District Brew House
5 out of 5
Excellent addition to the ship. If you like beer this is the place for you. Nice selection of tap IPA'a and bottle selection. Also a nice place to Chill or catch the evening entertainment. Loved this place.
Sugarcane Mojito Bar
5 out of 5
This appears to have taken the place of the Martini Bar on the Breakaway with indoor and outdoor seating. Excellent selection of Mojitos and supper staff.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Spice H2O hot tub was the bomb on a mild day. Mini Golf course was in excellent shape and fun and seeing whales from the golf deck was cool. Karts are a bit pricey and you need a reservation but worth a go. They were a lot of fun.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Elements, Footloose and comedian were excellent. I enjoyed Rock of Ages better, more my type of music, but it was well done and entertaining. All band’s that played, in Cavern Club (Beatles & Rock band) and Q (Country) were excellent and work checking out.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Could not have asked for a more pleasant, courteous and helpful staff all around the ship
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Layout is very similar to the Breakaway, which we have been on twice, with some minor variation of lounge and bar locations. All the area were clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was roomy and clean. More then served it purpose.
Ship tip
Visit the Distict Brew House. If you like beer this is the place for you. Don;t miss Q for dinner, espacially if you ahve the meal plan.
Always a nice place to site see. Took Light rail from airport to Pioneer Station from airport, check our bags into a Verto and did the Underground tour, which was excellent and a quick walk through Pikes Market. Be prepared for a lot on Homeless in the Pioneer Station/China Town area.
Back Country Jeep and Canoe Trip. Great excursion and super staff. Took a 14 person canoe across lake where light snacks were served. Returned and then taken on a hour back country trek in a Jeep. It was a blast and all for in got yo drive on the crazy back roads. loved it!
Bike and Brew Glacier View. This included a 8 mile bike ride to see a glacier for across a lake then to Mendenhall Glacier State Park for a Hour visit. After we were taken back into Juneau, about 1 mile from ship to sample some Alaskan Beer. Another great Excursion. (FYI: one hill on the bike ride to overcome.)
All of Alaska had been amazing and this was not different. Scenery is just amazing and walk around town quaint and full of rich history. We did the White Pass Railroad and enjoyed the trip, scenery and history of the RR and area provided by the guides.
Victoria was gorgeous but the walking tour we purchased was not the best. the guide was very nice but rushed through areas that were great for pictures. He walked to fast so the group was strung out over a block. When we did arrive at a stop/place of interest he would give the history and answer questions to those they had kept up with him. When the remainder of the group arrived he would he would give a brief description and move on quickly. The tour ended downtown with no real direction how too get back to the ship other than walking or paying for bus, yet there was a shuttle to the port, but guide did not know if it was free or fee and where it stopped along the route. It may have been the guide, but from our experience I would not recommend.
Thank you for an awesome, thorough review. We will be on the Joy in December leaving out of LA. I have selected Q & Teppanyaki for 2 of our specialty restaurant choices. I'm even more excited after reading your review. Thanks again!
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