Love the Joy & Love Alaska!

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 86

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Norwegian Joy

7 Night Alaska With Inside Passage (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 14, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8511

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Stunning! Can't wait to go back and on the NCL joy again!!! I would say, we were worried about our need for hiking boots and that was not necessary. Gym shoes with good socks was all we needed.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
No sweat at all. Moved quickly through the line and enjoyed the ship by about 11am.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Food was very good in complementary dining rooms. Always had very attentive wait staff. Cagneys however is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Paid 99 upgrade for three specialty dining options and the surf and turf at Cagneys, Lobster Bisque etc, was one of the best meals I have had (and I travel and cruise alot). I was disappointed with Ocean Blue in comparison but La Cucina was excellent as well.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
It was too cold for pools and hot tub but the go carts, VR games and mini golf were fun. Giving this 4 stars because there was no shuffle board and many of us were looking for one.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
I am not one to love the show's but Footloose was spectacular! I honestly loved it and was glued to the show the whole time. Also less tacky than some shows in the past so easily can bring kids. Elements was really creative and well done. A little dark but really a quality show. The main Male comedian was hilarious, even at the matinee clean show. Don't miss him!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Staff everywhere was attentive, courteous, focused on cleanliness and fun.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Was concerned about having an inside room in alaska but there were so many places to enjoy the views, it was amazing! The observation room and outdoor space on floor 8 was so wonderful.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Location was excellent!!! So close to the dining and activities and viewing decks! The only complaint is there is less storage than other ships and when closet door is open, tv remote doesn't work from angle of design. But otherwise great! Bathrooms are larger than some NCL ships we have been on.

Ship tip

Make sure you take advantage of their port valet service! They take your bags from your room and check you into your flight and check your bags to your home airport! Hands free and no charge at all. All you pay is the regular bag fee from your airline. It was SO nice and convenient!!! We were skeptical and super pleased!!

Ports of call

Victoria, British Columbia

4 out of 5
Ran out of things to do. Took a horse carriage ride for 110 for 30 minutes which was average and ate at Barbs fish at fisherman's wharf. If you walk off the ship and down towards the warf, a tour company will try to sell you a bus ride to town for 5 dollars. It is a scam, you are almost already there and it takes longer to board the bus. Pretty location, but I do recommend you book a tour if you want more fun than an hour or two.

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5
I highly recommend the bear watching excursion. We saw 7!!! And got to watch them catching salmon etc. So glad I did this tour!!

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Mendenhall glacier was beautiful and we had plenty of time to walk to the falls. Saw a porcupine on the way- bonus!

Seattle, Washington

2 out of 5
Second time there. Gross drug problem. Saw guy on crack running through streets and hundreds of strung out people. I would stay out of downtown. I've been here before and it has definitely gotten worse.

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5
Train ride is beautiful and so is the drive to Yukon, although you don't get many photo stops.

Disembarkation

2 out of 5
Worst part of cruise. Too many greedy people trying to leave when they shouldn't yet which clogged the lines and elevators. Still got off in less than an hour but it was a bit of a mess.

Traveler Photos

Cheese cake Surf and turf Lobster bisque from heaven! Crab cake Observation room Beautiful chandelier and lighted staircase from decks 6-8.
Bear viewing excursion through NCL - by land. No plane needed! Excellent bear viewing! More bears! Yukon was stunning! In Sept even started fall colors White pass train was beautiful Mendenhall glacier
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