Embarkation chaos

Item: Norwegian Joy
Rating: 4.2
Author: magbag036198310

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

magbag036198310

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

Verified Review

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

Sail date: January 21, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12916

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

While we had a good time numerous significant administrative issues plagued some of our group. One couple were denied their Free at Sea benefits, they had prepaid taxes, because they had upgraded their room. There were numerous repeated messages to all of us to complete safety survey. We personally received 7 emails even after completing it twice. Ignored the others. Our Footloose show was canceled and we were unable to reschedule. May not cruise NCL again

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Delayed by 2 hours. Large crowd in terminal waiting area with wheelchairs and scooters scattered everywhere. When boarding began it was difficult for handicapped to get to door as people would not let them pass. Then they called for veterans at the same time which caused a great deal of pushing and shoving. Would have been better to stage handicapped in an area closer to the door and to have boarded handicapped before calling for veterans.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Very good.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Played mini golf, used water slides, pool and hot tub. Also played trivia. Often not a lot of activities on port days for those who did not go ashore. Most activities were in Atrium which is a noisy hub. Suggest using social club.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Make sure to bring any medicines you might need for example Advil or allergy medicine as you cannot buy on board.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5

Had independent tour that was great.

Thumbs Up 0

Panama City, Panama

3 out of 5

My husband was stationed here and was amazed at how run down former military facilities are now.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5

Loved this town Did Tequila and Town tour. Town part was great. Hacienda a disappointment

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

We carried our own bags off and it was very speedy. Little information was given to cruisers however. We learned what to do from steward not from announcements.

3 Comments

Other reviews of this sailing

My First Transport through the Panama Canal

Relaxing cruise

An overall good experience!