Enjoyable Panama Canal Cruise

Item: Norwegian Joy
Rating: 4.2
Author: flemmingleslie

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

flemmingleslie

Contributor Level: Purser

136 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 34

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

Verified Review

15 Night Panama Canal - Eastbound (Los Angeles To Miami)

Sail date: January 06, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 13226

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

It was an enjoyable, informative cruise. However, we would probably not choose NCL again, as a quieter ship is more to our liking.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Facilities in Los Angeles are not comfortable. The process involved long lines and a lot of waiting.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The complimentary sit-down restaurants, except for the Manhattan Room, which was noisy and crowded, were very good. Le Bistro and La Cucina speciality restaurants were excellent. The food in the Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant was good, but the noise level was intolerable.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We didn't find activities that were suitable for us as seniors.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

We went to only one stage show, the Broadway Caberet, which was pleasant. There was no classical music anywhere.

Children's Programs

We did not travel with children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

All the staff were excellent, friendly, and helpful.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

The ship was exceptionally clean, which we appreciated. The large observation lounge on Deck 15 was usually quiet and a good place to spend sea days. The buffet was extensive, but I sometimes found it hard to find what I wanted. The continental breakfast and afternoon snacks in the observation lounge were more manageable. There is no separate llbrary. The Guest Services desk is next a noisy and busy atrium.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The bed was comfortable, the size was good, the balcony was also nice. I like the bathroom, especially the walk-in shower. There was plenty of space for storage clothes and other things. The TV was good, although there was no CNN. There were 2 American outlets and one international outlet, and USB ports on the bedside lamps.