Great cruise! Horrible ship

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 102

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Norwegian Joy

16 Night Panama Canal (Los Angeles To Miami)

Sail date: January 17, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 15868

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

This was the second time we have done this cruise. We were on a different, smaller ship last year and if we did it again, i will definitely go with a smaller ship!

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Getting on the ship was delayed by 2 hours. Some cruisers had to wait outside due to the building being at max capacity .

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The food at the buffet and main dining rooms was very tasty, eye appealing and prepared the way it was ordered.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
The 2 pools were small for the number of people on the ship.

Entertainment

We didn't go to any of the shows.

Children's Programs

We have no children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our room steward was wonderful! He was always there and got us anything we needed. The waiters at the main dinning and buffet were also wonderful! Very friendly!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
The ship layout was easy to learn and made it easy to get around. There were always employees wiping down the surfaces in the common areas. I do believe this ship has one MAJOR flaw when it comes to spreading germs. In order to get outside anywhere on the ship, you have to tap a button on the door or wall to open the doors TWO times! I did not see ANY ship employee wipe down the buttons the entire 16 day trip.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The balcony was HUGE!!!!! We loved the size of the room and balcony! The bed was very comfortable and it was very clean.

Ship tip

Where gloves on this ship! There were a lot of sick people on this ship with broncitis and pnamonia.

Ports of call

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

4 out of 5
We did not do an excursion at this port. We got a taxi and got a city tour from them for much cheaper.

Mazatlan, Mexico

4 out of 5
We did not do an excursion at this port. We got a taxi and got a city tour from them for much cheaper.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5
We did not do an excursion at this port. We got a taxi and got a city tour from them for much cheaper.

Acapulco, Mexico

4 out of 5
We did not do an excursion at this port. We got a taxi and got a city tour from them for much cheaper.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala Did not visit port

I was too sick to get off the ship.

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica Did not visit port

I was too sick to get off the ship.

Panama Canal Transit

4 out of 5
I was able to see the transit from my balcony but since i was too sick to leave my room i didn't get to see it from the front of the boat.

Cartagena, Colombia Did not visit port

I was too sick to get off the ship.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Same as always, long lines so just be patient!
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6 Comments

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

cruisereckoning    4 years ago

We prefer ships that are a little smaller also.

Cruiserike0322    4 years ago

We like smaller ship, oh heck any ship

htguru    4 years ago

Did you get sick on the ship or board the ship sick?

picalo    4 years ago

I loved the joy! I do prefer smaller ships on carnival but when sailing with ncl I prefer mega ships

portofrome    4 years ago

Thanks for your review

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