Overall, great cruise and great value for the money. Would definitely cruise with NCL again.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation was delayed as the cruise before us had a full blown customs process which apparent;y happens randomly from time to time we were told. Once cleared to embark it was a quick process. We were scheduled to arrive at the pier at 9:30am but did not get checked in until 11:30 so we spent alot of time waiting.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
I thought the drinks were very good and were served quickly with very little lines. All of the bartenders were amazing. Only had buffet food for lunch when we embarked which was pretty good. I felt the dinners in the main restaurants were good with large portions. I did enjoy dinners in the steakhouse (Cagneys) the most as well as the italian restaurant. Teppanyaki was also pretty good (for a cruise ship). I do wish this ship had a Mexican restaurant as the sister ship Bliss has.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Due to the itinerary (NY to Canada), it was not pool weather but we did have a few warm days of lazing in the sun. We did not do the go-carts or water activities. My husband said the fitness center was adequate but the dumbbells were never put away in any order which was frustrating and he could not find the weights he needed each time as they were all over. We did use our daily thermal spa passes almost each day. Compared to other cruise lines, the spa is great. However, I prefer the thermal spa on the Bliss better as the ice room on the Bliss was much better than the Joy's ice room. We also really missed having a spa pool and I prefer the cushioned loungers on the Bliss over the Joy's heated loungers. With that said, there were more loungers aailable on the Joy than there were on the Bliss. SHout out to Cherry in the spa! I met her originally on the Bliss in February and was so pleased to see she was nnow on the Joy and remembered us. She is so pleasant and professional!!!
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Please... bring back Broadway shows!!! Elements was good but we really missed the Broadway shows. We didn't care for the 80's Broadway Show as it was just signing snippets of tunes with zero costume changes. Please, we need Broadway style shows again!!! The other performers were very good but we also missed the Argentian Beatles from the Bliss which had so much more personality than the Joy's Beatles band. Comedians were very funny!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All of the staff were always happy and attentive. Our stateroom steward did an amazing job. Everyone deserves praise from the casino dealers to the washy washy man and everyone in between.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Immaculate! Easy to navigate (but I've been on this class several times).
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Bathroom was larger than expected and was perfect. I do wish the closet doors opened more as it was hard to get into the closet to get hanging items as the bed was so close to the closet. That part was really tight. Quiet, even at night when the bars were open outside underneath. Very clean and plenty of storage.
Ship tip
Bring binoculars to spot whales if sailing the Canadian itinerary
Due to sea conditions, whale wathcing tour was cancelled. Booked a second one and that one also got canceled. Not NCL's fault but left us with nothing to do.
Unfortunately there ere protensts happening that day but we got off the ship before 7am and left the area just before they ramped up. Not NCL's fault at all.
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