Disappointing!!!
Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 23
14 Night Panama Canal (Port Canaveral To Los Angeles)
Sail date: December 04, 2022
Ship: Norwegian Joy
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 14228
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
The boarding process took over three hours of "standing outside and waiting" time (not the actual checking in time), and then getting off of the ship took almost 5 hours. Once off the ship, the airport transfers process was pathetic. They knew how many people were needing transfers and TWO buses where simply NOT going to cut it. We heard of many that missed their flights and one that contacted NLC about a reservation booked through NLC that was told she was "on her own". Even though masks were not mandatory on board, the ship did not provide any access to masks on board. This was even in the sundries section with the band-aid, etc. Most people hope to NOT feel sick on a vacation, especially after being fully vaccinated, so didn't pack their own masks so there were a large number of passengers that caught whatever it was going around and spent a week or more coughing and sniffling. The mandatory charges for drinks and dinners that are added to everything and called "gratuities" does not make them "free". Norwegian now seems to have a policy of "nickel and diming" their guests with extra up-charges on all most everything. On past cruises, we have enjoyed excellent meals. This trip the food was not up to those standards that we have become used to. There were some that were better than others, but there were some meals that were more on the lines of a "One Star" establishment. entertainment this trip was a huge disappointment. We were able to see "Footloose" (after having it cancelled the first time) and it was EXCELLENT - the type of entertainment we have come to expect oEn board. Other offerings were also cancelled and/or rescheduled to the point of giving up on trying to keep up with the 'current' schedule. Apparently, everyone is supposed to like comedians. The "Priority Dining" package needs to be revisited. Having only three nights to use on a 14 day trip isn't necessarily a good selling point. Then, having the additional up-charges on many of the dinner choices, PLUS the gratuities, makes the package less appealing. We asked our cabin steward - who was excellent by the way - for a larger bathrobe since the in- cabin one was too small. She tried but there were none large enough. Good or bad, this is reality - people have gotten larger but still need to be able to enjoy the conveniences of "normal size" people. One of the benefits we were looking forward to this trip was breakfast on the balcony. Previously, room service was always free with a gratuity, but now there is a charge of $10 plus the gratuity - isn't that double charging for the same thing??? On the topic of $10 - for a MOVIE??? The same ones recycled on the regular channels over and over and over but at least they were included. Another up-charge, Then we get to the "Internet package". This was totally frustrating on the good days. If you were able to connect at all the chances of staying connected long enough to finish your search were slim at best. Internet should be included WITHOUT extra charge simply because people now revolve around connections, and we cannot believe that it costs that much PER-PERSON to provide this service. This trip was a first where we saw dogs on board. There was a lady with a service animal which is NOT what we took exception to. There were pets - the people took them into the dining room, they were on the pool deck!! SERIOUSLY???? The best part of this trip was the CREW. Everyone we had contact with was helpful and friendly and a pleasure to be around. Rather than having the little card for passengers to fill out to nominate a star crew member, give the passengers a booklet of tickets to give to a crew member for their 'above-and-beyond' service. Not all of us can spell a crew members name in order to fill out the card, but we can all give them a ticket with our name and cabin number on it. Then they can submit the cards to their supervisor. At one time there were mini port maps on the daily flyerEmbarkation
The boarding process took over three hours of "standing outside and waiting" time (not the actual checking in time), and then getting off of the ship took almost 5 hours. Once off the ship, the airport transfers process was pathetic. They knew how many people were needing transfers and TWO buses where simply NOT going to cut it. We heard of many that missed their flights and one that contacted NLC about a reservation booked through NLC that was told she was "on her own".
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The mandatory charges for drinks and dinners that are added to everything and called "gratuities" does not make them "free". Norwegian now seems to have a policy of "nickel and diming" their guests with extra up-charges on all most everything.
On past cruises, we have enjoyed excellent meals. This trip the food was not up to those standards that we have become used to. There were some that were better than others, but there were some meals that were more on the lines of a "One Star" establishment.
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
entertainment this trip was a huge disappointment. We were able to see "Footloose" (after having it cancelled the first time) and it was EXCELLENT - the type of entertainment we have come to expect oEn board. Other offerings were also cancelled and/or rescheduled to the point of giving up on trying to keep up with the 'current' schedule. Apparently, everyone is supposed to like comedians.
Service and Staff
The best part of this trip was the CREW. Everyone we had contact with was helpful and friendly and a pleasure to be around. Rather than having the little card for passengers to fill out to nominate a star crew member, give the passengers a booklet of tickets to give to a crew member for their 'above-and-beyond' service. Not all of us can spell a crew members name in order to fill out the card, but we can all give them a ticket with our name and cabin number on it. Then they can submit the cards to their supervisor.
Ship Quality
the ship was very clean and well kept the ship did have some engine problems but nothing that effected the passengers other then a delay in getting to one of the ports
Cabin / Stateroom
our attendant took very good care of the room and it was always clean and properly maintained the shower and bath room in general was the best i have ever had on a cruise
Ship tip
get closer to the elevators the ship is very large and elevators are only on both ends
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
San Pedro (Los Angeles), California
Disembarkation
The boarding process took over three hours of "standing outside and waiting" time (not the actual checking in time), and then getting off of the ship took almost 5 hours. Once off the ship, the airport transfers process was pathetic. They knew how many people were needing transfers and TWO buses where simply NOT going to cut it. We heard of many that missed their flights and one that contacted NLC about a reservation booked through NLC that was told she was "on her own".