Overall, a great cruise

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Lrcritter

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 5

Helpful Votes: 78

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

12 Night Panama Canal Partial Transit (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 02, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

We had a rough cruise for the first two nights. Could not sit on the balcony without being blown over board due to the wind. Chairs were sliding back and forth all night. The rest of the cruise was great except for Colon, Panama. The fear of getting robbed stopped us from going into town. We stayed on the pier and the local shops. Would not suggest going back there.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

We had to wait over an hour and a half because they were disinfecting the ship due to the Corona Virus. Understandable.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We had to wait 45 minutes for breakfast in the Savor. We left and complained on the way out. After that, they took our room number down and we got excellent service at every dining facility.

Savor Restaurant - Main Dining Room

2 out of 5

Ate there twice. The second time we waited 45 minutes to get a menu. Finally we left and complained on the way out. They treated us like royal the rest of the cruise. We did not go back there to eat.

The Manhattan Room - Main Dining Room

5 out of 5

Alfredo and Erik were so good, we specifically asked to be seated at their table every night.

Spice H2O

4 out of 5

Good place to sit and relax. Hot tub could have been hotter.

Garden Cafe

4 out of 5

Food was always fresh and hot and readily available.

Cagney's Steakhouse

5 out of 5

This was one of the best steaks I have ever had.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We used the pool and both water slides. However, on the last day at sea, the main water slide was not working.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The performers were great. The volume of the music was not too loud, but we very rarely saw or heard from the cruise director. Had to look for things to do.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

They always do a great job for little pay.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Not impressed with the layout. Not enough room, seating in one general area to enjoy some of the venues.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Very comfortable with a very large balcony.