Never again Norwegian
Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Mexico
7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 23, 2022
Ship: Norwegian Joy
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
Overall, Norwegian managed logistics HORRIBLY. This was our 20th cruise, but first with NCL. Never again would we ever go on this line!! *3 hour wait to get on ship *messed up our specialty dinner reservation to the steak house, and only 2 of our family were allowed to go. We were so disappointed as we got all dressed up for our family holiday dinner, and even ran back to the room to try to find our paperwork. We had to pay for 2 of us, if we wanted to, as they said it wasn't in their computer (though it was part of our package!) I left crying. We had our teenagers stay, and my husband and I went to the buffet in great disappointment. :( *nickle and diming you every minute (Warning: keep a close watch on your bill!! We had the liquor package and they charged us for sodas, they charged fees while you embarked because you were at a US port, fees for shows, fees for room service,...) It was the worst we'd ever seen! *had to wait 3 hours in line to get our internet package turned on that we ordered before the cruise) *constantly put Haven and those with frequent traveler status priority so we always waited for everything (tenders, getting off the boat at ports, etc.) We felt we were treated like 2nd class citizens since it was only our first time won Norwegian *2 ports were just shipping container ports, so nothing to see unless you paid for a taxi to go somewhere *anytime you had a question at the front desk, there was always a minimum of 20 people in line and you had to wait hours *they wouldn't let you settle your bill until the last day, when you had to run to catch your flight, so we just got stuck with fees we didn't dispute (It must be a strategy of theirs) *limited evening shows - only 2 they kept running night after night *you had to sign up for all shows in advance or they were booked, but still the same stuff repeating night after night *We were hoping to do the Ship Tour, which you were supposed to sign up for within the first 24 hours according to NCL's website. We REALLY wanted to do that. Unfortunately it was cancelled due to covid but even if it wasn't, it was for Haven guests only. *Debarkation was also a disaster. They had thousands of people walking across the parking lot while busses were coming in and out. It's not a wonder someone wasn't hit! Overall, we had a great family time, but Norwegian sure messed up all the logistics. Our cabin steward Nada was fantastic and we went on the most amazing excursion in Ensenada, the Desert Moon Ziplining adventure. That was truly 5 stars! All said, you've been warned about Norwegian!!Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Cagney's Steakhouse
Cagneys apparently didn't see our package for 4 dinners that were part of our cruise package we purchased. The Host was rude and refused to honor it. We were so looking forward to our holiday family dinner and got all dressed up. I even ran all the way back to the room to try to find my paperwork, but couldn't locate it. I shlepped all the way back and the Host said he'd only be able to cover the 2 dinners. I was so disappointed and left in tears. We had been looking forward to this for weeks. My husband and I let our teenagers have dinner there and we went to the buffet in our fancy clothes. Totally disappointed in the mand and woman at the desk. So rude and didn't even try to accommodate us.
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Don't go with Norwegian. Unless you are in the Haven or a frequent cruiser, they constantly put everyone in front of you. This was our first time on NCL and will definitely be our last. Plus, there were constant unexpected charges. They charged for soda when you had the full alcohol plan. They charged fees if you had a drink before the ship left the port. There were a number of unexpected service fees that showed up. They nickle and dimed you the entire cruise.
Ports of call
San Pedro (Los Angeles), California
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
