This was our first cruise with NCL. Not a bad first impression, as the Joy was a newly remodeled, clean ship with a decent price (2K /3 people/ 7 days). I don’t need to see MX towns anymore, but it was the closest port to drive to that we could sail from. Crew was good, food was good, some of the fun wasn’t included, but was available. If you don’t mind MX ports, this was a good cruise.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Seemed ok, but I miss FFTF (w/ Carnival). The line outside the terminal lasted for two hours AFTER we were supposed to debark. They got everyone on though.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Having to pay extra for ‘speciality dining’ is not fun. But the food was really good. The Teppanaki was excellent and the Food Republic dinner was very good as well. All other complimentary dining was what you would expect.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
The extra cost for onboard activities really sucks. They should include the go karts ($15 pp/ per race) laser tag ($10 pp/game) and arcades ($7-20/ game) in the price. Especially if you get the Free at Sea package. It’s fun to race the cars, except that when you get on the track with little kids or drivers who are inexperienced, you literally get stuck behind them on the track if staff won’t stall those cars so you can pass. It’s lame being behind someone the whole race. Or so my kid says- I wouldn’t know. The roulette table is minimum $25 per play ($5 chips, no dollar chips).
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Staff was very kind, helpful and while some languages are harder to understand, they made sure they were always smiling and polite.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
This is a nice NEW ship. Used to old Carnival boats (Imagination and Inspiration), do this one is really nice. Just new and current and really big.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Had a balcony cabin which was also a first. Used the balcony about 65% of the trip. Had door open though most of it. Well, when it was warmer further south. It was a roomie, update look with plenty of space for my wife, my teenage son (17) and myself. He used the upper Pullman drop down bed. Left the couch to Be used as a seat.
Bathroom was decent size and I prefer the glass shower enclosure to the curtain. Barely room for two in the shower at a time....
Lots of storage on the counter and shelving. Small but adequate sink. Hairdryer was out by the desk(vanity) as was the coffee maker. Not many plugs as usual, but several USB ports so that was nice ( one on each side of the bed- 😉).
Ship tip
Book speciality dinners and shows early. It’s a ticket system- everything needs a ticket, even if it’s free. So much for freestyle cruising.
If companies include laser tags, arcades, etc, in the cruise cost the price will go up for all, even if we are not going to use them. Bad idea. Maybe a package, like beverage or specialty restaurants?
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
