NCL Joy Panama Canal 16 day

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 55

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Norwegian Joy

16 Night Panama Canal (Los Angeles To Miami)

Sail date: October 11, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 12529

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Overall had a wonderful time. If I had young children on this cruise it would have gotten expensive, quickly. Wish the food and weather were a little better, but what can you do.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Process was quick and simple. Concierge/Haven guests had a waiting area with drinks and snacks available.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Only ate dinner in Manhattan, The Local and Buffet. Food was mediocore at best. Most food pairings were strange and lacking taste. Had breakfast and lunch at La Cucina as a concierge level. It was good. Being a bakery and pastry novice desserts in ALL areas of the ship were lacking. Out of 16 days of desserts for lunch and dinner I would have only eaten maybe 3 more than once. :(

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
There was plenty to do on the ship, if you plan on attending anything in the Atrium, get there early. They had to bring in folding chairs for EVERY thing that they held there.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
They had the Beatles, Footloose, Elements, a comic juggler and a hypnotist. Enjoyed them all.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Had to ask for several things to be refilled in the room, like Kleenex and wash cloths. Staff in the Manhattan seemed to be disorganized most nights. Service was slow but accurate.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Loved the ship itself. It's a big ship for only 2 banks of elevators so you may have to wait for one for a bit.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Family suite with a virtual balcony.

Ports of call

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5
We did an excursion with riding razors through the mountains with a waterfall and bridge.

Acapulco, Mexico

3 out of 5
Rained most of the day. Went to market located a couple of miles from port.

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
Did a snorkel over a shipwreck excursion. Short ride on a catamaran with open bar. Captain and crew were great!

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

5 out of 5
Stayed at best western, ate at a local Italian place within walking distance. Good food.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

5 out of 5
Had a local take us on a fishing trip. Fish of a lifetime.

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Mazatlan, Mexico

5 out of 5
Did a beach excursion.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
At concierge level we had wonderful disembarkation. The concierge escorted us on service elevator that dropped us right at the front of the line to get off ship.
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2 Comments

njanders26    5 years ago

Looking forward to my Panama Canal cruise later this week. I’m hoping there are not many younger children on a 16-day cruise!

cruisereckoning    5 years ago

Sounds wonderful

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