vacation44

You cannot rent one for the day. You have to rent one for the duration of the cruise and the prices have gone up recently. We paid $599 for our Vibe cabana on the Encore in February 2024 but reserved it in July 2022. At that time, Vibe passes on the Encore were $229. I know that we are paying $659 for our February 2025 cabana on the Viva.

Yes, they will set up an umbrella for you as long as it is not too windy. Yes, the cabana beds are extra. Instead of reserving a Vibe pass, you would reserve a cabana which comes with two vibe passes. This cabana would then be yours all week (or however long the cruise is) and no one else will be using it. Actually, some will try to use it, but the Vibe staff will immediately let them know they cannot use it.

According to the daily posted above, it seems like the prime rib was replaced with brisket yesterday on the Encore.

Excellent advice.

Unfortunately, as @UKstages and @Sailing12Awaystated above, you were given incorrect information. We have stayed in one of these suites and did not receive complimentary breakfast & lunch at Cagney's.

You did not mention where you found the cookies. Would be helpful for those on the hunt for cookies.

Nice!

I wonder if they switched out the uncomfortable seats during the last two years. On the last sea day of our cruise (noted above), it was the one beautiful day weather wise and all of the comfortable lounges were taken all day and the cabanas on both sides were taken up by 8:00 a.m. for the day.

When we were on the Encore last month, we also were not able to make MDR reservations before the cruise. Once on board, we were able to make them immediately.

You are correct, the lobster sauce with ravioli is on the MDR menu every night. I have had it many times but ask for no sauce, just ravioli with butter as I do not like lobster.

I just want to say great post explaining the Berth 4 situation. I know I automatically thought last year that the NCL transportation would be more directly in town.

Umbrellas are available if it is not too windy. Since the Vibe on the Joy is on both sides, you always have the option of moving sides when the sun is too strong on one.

We have stayed in a Joy Penthouse Suite. Our opinion, the only reason we would book this cabin category on the Joy again is for the bigger cabin, bathroom and balcony.

You should have luggage tags mailed to you since you are in the Haven. Just put them on your luggage right before you leave for the cruise terminal.

Last month on the Encore, the half and half small containers were replaced with another creamer type. They were hard to open and I constantly had creamer flying when I torn them open. Hoping NOT to find them again on the Joy in June.

Wow........that says a lot with all of your cruise experience!

Last August/September, we sailed on the Jewel in a non Haven cabin and really enjoyed the smaller ship. The only thing we missed was the Vibe on our last sea day as the weather was beautiful. For us, the best part of Haven is the restaurant so we would never stay in a Haven category on a ship that does not have a Haven restaurant.

That works out! Last year I transferred one to our nephew who lives in another state than us. By accident, NCL transferred two. Even though it was their mistake, they would not accept an email from me.

If you are receiving the Certificate from your son, then the email has to come from him.

NCL took away the majority of the Joy suite (non Haven) amenities in late 2021. These included breakfast and lunch in Cagney's.

I never noticed it either and I am also from Long Island so I would have thought it would have stood out when reading all of your posts.

Looking forward to following along on another one of your live reports! My husband and I finally tried Los Lobos for the first-time last month on the Encore. Not only did we go back the next night too, but we also both decided it is now our favorite specialty restaurant. We will be on the Joy in June and wish there was a Los Lobos onboard. Enjoy the special memories you will be creating alone with your son.

I read it as the mozzarella sticks and spring rolls were served in the Haven lounge inside the Haven and not in the terminal. But as a fellow mozzarella sticks lover, we were never served them in the Haven lounge either. But then again, we never spent a lot of time in the lounge on embarkation day.

I just want to add that last month at the Miami terminal, those that purchased priority boarding (or whatever it is called) were called to board before Platinum. As Platinum, I was a little annoyed that paid access went ahead of earned access.

Happy turn around day! Loved reading about your first week and looking forward to reading about this week's adventure.