mjh2w1
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Posts posted by mjh2w1
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16 hours ago, GrootmoederkKr said:
Appreciate any feedback on noise level of rooms under the pool deck. Thanks
I previously read one comment about the area just under the outside seating area for the buffet on Deck 16, where they were moving around chairs early in the morning. They also commented about the pool area where they were moving around loungers as well. Some of it was early morning. If you're an early riser, or not a light sleeper, then it may not be a problem.
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On 1/15/2022 at 1:08 PM, mssandora said:
That's quite sad, since I did like the notion of 2 bathrooms and a larger balcony. Time to look for another stateroom.
You might want to check on the 2BDR Haven suites in the Haven proper. The pricing has really dropped!
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Be careful with selecting a cabin on Deck 15. I read from a previous post that noise from the pool deck and the seating area outside of the buffet can be a little disturbing. I suggested to everyone in our group to stay on Deck 14 for HI cabins.
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You're super excited for the cruise! See you then
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On 12/13/2021 at 1:36 PM, gatorchinsky said:
These are great and very helpful! We leave this Saturday but it’s only a 5 night so I’m curious if the main shows will only be one night each. I’ve never been on a 5 night on one of the big ships so not sure how they adjust.
This is awesome for planning purposes! Thank you!
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20 hours ago, Sthrngary said:
You are right, the Joy does not have a thermal spa. I very much like Thermal Spa area's as well. That being said, every NCL ship has it's own character or personality. Yet, they are all so very similar. My choice of the Joy had as much to do with the lower investment for the Haven Suite I was in as it did about being one of NCL's Larger ships.
Some things to consider.
- Having purchased the Thermal spa prior on other NCL and Celebrity ships, I did not miss it. so much other things to do.
- Where the Go Cart Track, Lasor Tag and the Galaxy P were super cool. They were a one and done situation. Another's words, been there and did that.
- Where I thought the openness between pools was awkward on the pictures, having all that area was kind of nice in real life.
- The observation decks were awesome and that fact that the Haven had its own was special.
- The entertainment was great. Footloose, Elements and the Beatles all exceeded our expectations. What I did not expect was the comedy club as so good. Also, the Sugar Cane lounge entertainers were a show stopper.
The best part was the crew all so very happy to have us onboard and working again. Now is the time to cruise. It was such a long wait and it was so satisfying.
Cruise well everyone.
We sail on the Joy on Feb 5th, and reviews like this make it even more exciting! Thanks for a wonderful review!!!
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9 hours ago, a1betpr said:
Thanks, we had a fantastic time! We are officially Haven converts now, so it looks like I need to sell my house.🤑
Once you go Haven you're locked in!!! Luxury once sampled becomes necessity!
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17 minutes ago, a1betpr said:
Awesome! Thank you.
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On 12/1/2021 at 6:10 AM, lillylulu said:
Hi I’m looking at HJ & HI on Joy
has anyone been in both ??
which would be you preference?
Is one a genuine Haven stateroom and the other one a concierge suite that has now changed to haven .I use CruiseDeckPlans (public site) to view the ships. Some cabins have videos that members have posted. It just seems that their deck plans are more convenient to view. You can view the deck plan and then point to a particular cabin and it shows what Category it is.
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2 hours ago, a1betpr said:
I’ve got them for the Dec 4 sailing…
Awesome. Looking forward to seeing them to help plan our Joy Feb 5th cruise!
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5 hours ago, Sthrngary said:
Mike: Your question is going to create some reaction. Some folks love Le Bistro other are ok with it. I was just ok with it. I have been twice over the last few years. The escargot was just ok. The French Onion soup was great. Most of the entree's we thought were average with the exception to my Lamb Chops. The obeyance and service were GREAT.
French food is a hard thing to do on a cruise ship unless it is a luxury brand. Now do I think you should go, absolutely. I just wanted to set the expectation correctly. If we whom love NCL always say everything is great like Social Media influencers, we are not being transparent. Some will disagree with my thoughts but always remember, food is relative.
I hope that gave you some further incite to my thoughts.
Cruise well.
Exactly what I was looking for! Just your perspective. Thanks
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On 12/4/2021 at 10:37 AM, Sthrngary said:
Saturday, December 4, 2021:
Just like every other cruise ever taken, you never get sleep the last night. You tend to overindulge in food, drink and gambling. You postpone the packing until the very last second. If you follow my posts, you know I plan what to do on the last day. I skipped breakfast on Friday morning, and secretly packed. No one knew what I was doing BUT it was clearly listed in my “Family Journal Document”. When my family noticed I was all done, they were not happy with me. They all like to be the leader and I faked them all out. It was one of my pleasures of this trip, LOL.
My lovely bride won the Slot Tournament which earned her $465.00. More importantly, she was entered in the $100,000.00 winner take all Final Slot tournament on the NCL Escape, out of New Orleans, December 2, 2022. My plan is to get as many of our friends to join us because New Orleans is a 5-hour drive from where we live. That is my plan anyway.
Now during the next week, I will write my review for Cruise Critic. For this blog I will just give everyone the high hard ones.
Food: All the food was great, yet the Haven Restaurant is still my favorite. I was most impressed with the Local especially the burgers and chicken wings. That was a nice surprise. The specialty dining was good but not great in my opinion. The Teppanyaki Restaurant was my favorite for both the show and food. The French Restaurant was my least favorite. Funny thing, I ate far less on this cruise than any previous cruise. I guess two years of a Keto diet worked.
Activities: The racetrack was fun but a one-time thing. The same holds true for the Laser Tag and Galaxy P. Glad I did it but been there and done that. I loved the pink pong, both waterslides and the mini golf. The gambling is always fun but having the availability of using your suite key for cash is dangerous. I was good but not good enough.
Entertainment: The best on cruise ships and the reason why one should go on NCL. Elements was the best but hard to rate. Do not miss Footloose and the Beatles. Go to the Sugar Cane at night for some over the top live music and meet “Bong” the bartender. Ask him to show you his mouse and magic tricks. He is awesome. Don’t miss the “Men’s Sexy Legs Contest” by the pool, so funny.
My Suite: Nothing to say but WOW. It was the Owners Suite, and it will never happen again. This was a postponed 40th wedding anniversary with my adult children. The ship was 30% capacity. THIS WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!!!!! “Until the next cruise of course, LOL”
Staff/Cruise: Over the top outstanding and not just in the Haven. Every single crew member. Well done, NCL.
Spa: My daughter got three treatments. My recommendation is to check your ship account every single day. I had two huge corrections which is always a hassle to deal with on the last day.
Premium Plus Beverage Package: If you can afford it, if you like to go all the way for one week a year, if you want to do $40.00 shots of tequila; I highly recommend it. If you have questions, there are many blogs on CruiseCritic on this subject.
Well, there you have it. I hoped I helped everyone soon to be cruising.
Cruise Well Everyone, see you next time.
Hi Gary, what a treat to have someone like you with all your insights! Can you tell me if there was anything in particular you found least appealing about Le Bistro? We have a group of 14 booked on the Joy February 5-12, 2022, all sailing in the Haven. One of the specialty restaurants I chose was Le Bistro, since we've never done it before. Just curious what made it not where I expected it to be.
Thanks, Mike
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8 hours ago, Sthrngary said:
Saturday, November 27, 2021--Embarkment Day:
Strategy for the Day:
I always want to get to port and, on the ship, as early as possible. Our embarkment times is 09:30 AM to 10:00 am. It allows us to tour new ships before it gets to crowded. When you are in a Haven Suite, once on the ship, you can drop off your carryon luggage to your suite, even before your suite is ready. Nice PERK.
Pre-Cruise Breakfast-Miami Marriott: (08:30 AM to 09:30 AM)
We have complimentary breakfast at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. We choose to skip it. My family hate hotel buffets and so all I get are complaints. The real situation is the ship food, especially in the Haven Restaurant, will be quite good. So, lite breakfast and go to the port is really the emphasis. Still, nice PERK. We all had coffee.
Ground Transportation from Hotel: (09:30 AM)
It literally takes 7-minutes from the Hotel to the new Miami NCL Miami Terminal. It is just above $14.00 with an Uber. The difference in cost is because four people will need a bigger vehicle. Since it was Saturday morning, it was an easy reservation that was seamless.
Luggage Check-In: (09:45 AM)
The key to Luggage Check-In is having the tip ready. Have it in your hand so the guys at the terminal can see it. We have four (4) total guests so I give them $20.00 which they can see in my hand as I exit the Uber. Really that simple. Make sure every bag is tagged very well and they are still on the bags. Sometimes, just as we leave the hotel, I put the NCL provided tags on each bag even though I have my specially made tag on each. NCL allows you to download office luggage tags. I use a plastic luggage tag item with a metal clasp that I buy from Amazon. No lost luggage for us.
Embarkment Covid-19 Testing: (10:00 AM)
The more ships that sail, the quicker this process becomes. The crew gets used to the flow and organization of it. Since we are in the Haven, I want to get to the testing site as early as possible (09:30 am – 10:00 am). I want to get this over with quickly. The way this works is:
1. 21-days prior to the cruise you do the online Covid-19 test reservation.
2. You receive a Barcode. This barcode I print and put in my “Journey Document”.
3. You go into a staging/waiting area at the terminal.
4. Go on a line to provide your barcode.
5. You get tested.
6. You wait for your approval number (Negative Covid Test Results) to be shown which is about 15 minutes.
7. All in all, about 30 minutes max.
8. The issue is worrying about getting a positive test.
NOTE: Many people online in social media ask, “How early can I get to the port.” The answer is when the cruise brand gives you your time. DON’T cut the line. It messes up the flow and system that NCL puts in place.
Haven Check-In and Haven Miami Terminal Lounge: (10:30 AM)
My advice is to check and double check, you have done ALL the NCL online check in process completely. Have copy with you especially with the boarding pass and CVS Covid-19 tests Barcodes. I have a special folder with labeled sections with all my documents ready to show. I also have a bond document call the “Family Journey Document” that has copies of everything. When you do your due diligence, this process is super quick and easy when at the port.
This was about 35 minutes and longer than previous check ins of the Haven. The key here is the Haven has their own security screening and check in. Lots of Haven Guest checked in early.
The Miami Haven Terminal Lounge Review:
A lot has been said about the Haven Terminal Lounge. My experience was as follows:
1. NCL Escort: From the actual check-in, you are escorted to the New Haven Terminal Lounge.
2. Food: The food and beverages are basic at best. Yet better than the alternative which is nothing. I had a cold glass of water which was just fine. The Family had more coffee.
3. Actual Terminal Lounge Room: The seating and room size is a very nice and much nicer then the NOLA Haven area.
4. Priority Boarding: Haven Guest have priority boarding. You are escorted in small groups onboard when the ship is cleared to do so. You go to your Muster Drill area for just a simple card check and then take the evalevator to Deck 17 entering the Haven Lounge. We were in the Haven Terminal Lounge at 11:00 AM.
5. Overall Comments: The lounge is so much nicer then standing online in the terminal. When the ship is ready for boarding, a Haven crew member escorts you on the ship. They take you to deck 17 where you entire the Haven Lounge.
On Board Haven Lounge: (Deck 17)
NCL Process: You go directly from the Miami NCL Terminal Haven Lounge to the ship. Once in the ship an elevator is waiting for you to go directly to deck 17 which is the key card entrance of the Haven Lounge/Courtyard/Bar.
Food & Drink (11:00 AM): You can get a drink from the bar and remember, when at the Port of Miami they have to charge additional tax.
Make Event Reservations with Haven Concierge (11:05 AM): As you might know, I study my vacations and always have a strategic plan. The only thing I had not accomplished in my plan was to reserve the Day and Times for the Go Carts, Lasor Tag, Virtual Reality, Spa Treatments and Shows. Since we were on-board first, I did this immediately with the Haven Concierge. Once this was done, my job of “Cruise Planner” was officially OVER. The weight was lifted from my shoulders.
Haven Welcome Talk (11:10 AM): The Haven Concierge will provide you with some information and policies for the Haven. Mostly it has to do with keeping the Haven exclusive to only Haven Guests.
Take a Self-Guided Tour (11:15 AM): After I put all our carry-on luggage in our suite, it was time to take a tour. I did not want my family to see the suite until later, so I took all the bags. I also lead the tour because it was one of the things I really wanted to do for my own enjoyment. We went to the Haven Courtyard, Horizon Lounge, Haven Restaurant to the Haven Sundeck on Deck 19. There was still some time before lunch, so we went to where the Go-Cart track was, Water slides, Laser tag and Virtual Reality.
Lunch (11:30 AM)—"The American Diner”: This was NOT my first choice nor is it for most previous Haven guests. This was my adult children’s choice, so I went along with it. The American Diner is a day one lunch perk for Haven Guests. The first thing my brilliant wife did was ordered a bottle of Chardonnay which was included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package. We took the bottle after a glass was poured back to the room for the Sail away. Here are my thoughts on this specialty restaurant.
1. Food: We have a game we play called the Winner. Whom ever had the best food. I got the Blue Plate Special and won. Roast Beef, Mashed potato’s, Green Beans and gravy. My wife got the fried seafood, my son got the burger and liked it. My daughter got the Club. Everyone liked the food, yet everyone said, “This was nice but not worth the specialty dining credit.”.
2. Service: Excellent however remember, these folks are still in training. They are a little nervous. Smile and say thank you. They will light up with Joy.
3. Atmosphere: Really fun atmosphere. Reminds me of a scene in Pulp Fiction. Where they had dinner in a car.
Family Suite Tour and Unpack (01:30 PM): I asked my family to give me a few minutes with my GoPro to video the room. I will do a YouTube.com video of the cruise. Then we all explored it and unpack our stuff. Normally I do this very quick, NOT this time. The suite is part of the excitement of this specific cruise. We wanted to take it all in. My goal was to find the butler and give them the letter and gratuity I have them. Many thought my planning was over the top. Yet everything is done, nothing was left undone, and I have on the ship for just over an hour. One issue. My two adult children did not have the “Premium Drink Package” on their suite cards. It took a while for me to get this fixed. I got a little upset. The first day of a cruise with as much work that I put into it and something is not right, makes me crazy. They fixed it and I apologized to the Haven Concierge.
Sail Away (04:00 PM): My daughter wanted to go to the Main Pool. When you go with your family, you must stay flexible. Check that box, then for the whole reason I planned the first day, the balcony in our suite. This one was a no-brainer. Where in the past I would go to the top deck, with a drink during the sail away. This time and I don’t think anyone will blame me, my entire family got in lounge chairs, each with a drink in hand, and sat on our deck. Our suite was looking away from the port and the view was spectacular. The butler brought us a snack tray (All Haven Suites got the same tray), the Haven Deluxe Owners Suite has a Full Bar, so alcoholic drinks were available. Simply awesome. The goal was to go light on the drinks so as not to mess up our first evening which is always exciting. I did not follow my own rules.
For those of you that were considering the “Premium Plus Drink Package”. Here is my first reference. I had many, many shots (you don’t drink this as a shot, you sip it) of Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila. This is over $30 a shot. I paid for the Premium Plus Beverage Package on day one. Not to mention, my wife got a bottle of wine that was wonderful at dinner and brought it back to the suite for night time veranda drinking.
Dinner (07:00 PM)—The Haven Restaurant:
1. Food: I want everyone to know, I am tough on restaurants. I am very picky. So is my family. The food, service and atmosphere was 10/10. I had the Ahi Tuna for a starter, Prime Rib (GREAT), and Chocolate Cake for dessert.
2. Service: The best, simply the best. No crowds, No waiting.
3. Atmosphere: Elegant yet casual.
Evening Entertainment:
The Beatles Story: Don’t miss it. Really, GREAT. We always sit in the back row to exit if the show is bad. Had a GREAT TIME.
Comedy Club: Small venue that is perfect. Come 15 minutes early. Both comedians were Really Good. Again, I am tough on entertainment. Highly Recommended.
Love the tip on the having the money visible when turning over the luggage to the porters!!! I always do the trick of putting folded up money in my hand and greeting the bartender I plan on frequenting and shake his hand with the money in tow, and telling them "I know you're going to take good care of us this week." It goes a long way! We were on the Escape in 2017, and I never had to wait in line for a drink on the first day!
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16 minutes ago, mjh2w1 said:
What's with the coffee machine in the Horizon Lounge on the Joy? It looks like it does various types of coffee, but just not sure of the details.
What features does it offer? It's at the 2:00 minute mark on this video:
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3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:
I am watching. So exciting.
What's with the coffee machine in the Horizon Lounge on the Joy? It looks like it does various types of coffee, but just not sure of the details.
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On 11/12/2021 at 6:39 PM, mjh2w1 said:
Just hope the falange doesn't break!!!
That's another "Friends" reference!!!
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On 11/10/2021 at 9:38 PM, psac said:
My wife is very detailed with her planning. We were on a cruise last month with her parents, and there were a few…. Issues. She wishes she had written a doc like yours. Her exact quote, hope you get the Friends reference, was “I think he is my lobster.”Just hope the falange doesn't break!!!
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On 11/6/2021 at 1:13 PM, Sthrngary said:
I was asked by so many folks to do an "Real Time" Pre, During and Post review of my upcoming trip, I figured let's just do it. I learned this approach from @Keith1010 whom is an ambassador for Crystal Cruises. He cruised before I did and by reading what he did, I made my trip much less stressful. Some things I knew, others I am glad I knew prior to the travel.
I will do this in numbered installments. Comments, Questions and Conversations are welcomed. Before I begin, the elephant in the room is my horrible writing style. I am completely aware my spelling and grammar are awful. Please look past that and focus on the message. I hope you like this stream.
Installment #1: Pre-Cruise Preparations
Real-Time Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021, 7-Day Cruise:
Overview
I take our family planning and reviews for cruise very seriously. As you read through this real time review; you immediately see I leave no detail undone. Therefore, when your read this review, it is the actual experience based on the preparation done. The review is detailed and long. I do this because I would want this same level of information if I were booking a cruise especially in the NCL Haven.
Pre-Cruise Preparations:
Actions On NCL Online Site:
Pre-Book/Pay Excursions and Events:
The moment I can make my excursions, I do. I view all the offerings then choose what I think would be best. Then I look at the guest reviews for the real scope. NCL process is when you book the excursions, you have to pre-pay for them. That is fine for me because I am attempting to make this vacation as much of a “All-Inclusive” feel as I can get.
I also pre-book and pay for the Casino “Slot” tournaments for my family. Again, one less thing to worry about or pay for.
NOTE: I notice excursion and casino slot pricing have gone up since I confirmed them.
Pre-Reserve Specialty Restaurants:
I reserve these for 130 days out. I already know which day, time, and specialty restaurant I would like to have. The way I understand it, 130 days out is for the Haven, 125 days for the Club Suites and 120 days is for everyone else. We could not book online so I sent, and email and it showed up on my online summery that day.
Pre-Pay and Transfers:
Again, with the intention of making the trip as “all-inclusive” as possible, I pre-pay and arrange gratuities and transfers. Since we always come in the day before the cruise, our airport to hotel/hotel to port transfers we do ourselves usually Uber.
Ship-Board Entertainment Reservations:
This online option is not available and is blank. This is not a worry because the ship will not be close to fully booked. However, if and when it becomes available, I will pre-book and add to my agenda document.
21 days prior to Embarkation:
On Saturday, November 6, 2021, which was exactly 21-days prior to the cruise, NCL has a few more security questions (online check-in question #7), videos and reservation for CVS Covid-19 Testing. Simple and seamless. This is NCL efforts to streamline the boarding process especially since Covid-19 testing will be done at the terminal. If you use the same email address, CVS will send you barcodes for each of your guests to provide at the port. Your eDocs are not instantly ready.
NCL Download eDocument:
When you are informed via email your e-Documents are ready. I always download at least one set of Documents. As boring as it is, I even read them cover-to-cover. There is usually a “Barcode” for your reservation, and I capture that. I then insert that “Barcode” in my “Family Cruise Journey Document” as a backup. The original barcode I print and put in the file folder I bring. I always have a backup plan for important documents.
Coming Soon:
Installment #2: Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing Strategy and Port Testing Procedure:
This is amazing! What you have provided so far is fantastic. I'm really looking forward to all of your feedback. I'm confident the information you're providing will make our trip most enjoyable. I hope you have a pleasant cruise.
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On 10/1/2021 at 8:53 AM, www3traveler said:
I have had three crew members friends join The Joy in the last week or so, one yesterday. More Crew members are to board today.
Two very popular bartenders are now on board The Joy: Bong and Clarense (Chocolate Cowboy). I have talked to both of them this week.
At the moment The Joy is scheduled to sail 20 November (the Sunday before Thanksgiving). Unless there is a hurricane issue, I would guess She will be ready to sail on time.
We have a group of 14, all Haven rooms, going on February 5th. Getting really amped up. I'm looking forward to reviews of your cruise, so I can pass along information to the group. Do you know where Bong and Clarense are working? I've never met them, but I've heard plenty of good things about them.
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The deck plans on the NCL site as well as CruiseDeckplans.com show the Vibe Beach Club is much larger on the Encore than on the Joy. They took away the part of that deck area that was open to the public on the Encore. This most likely creates more passes available on the Encore, if that's something you're interested in.
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On 4/11/2021 at 3:51 PM, graphicguy said:
Not wanting to steal any of @sid_9169 thunder, as he’s sailing a couple of weeks before me. But, I’m vaccinated (Pfizer x2) and booked.
Reservation At-a-Glance
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Reservation #:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEmbarkation:Aug 28, 2021
Montego Bay, JamaicaDisembarkation:Sep 04, 2021
Montego Bay, Jamaica -
Norwegian JoyThe Haven Stateroom
15XXX, Category:
Trip Milestones:
View all- BOOK
- SAIL
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Check-In
Complete your online check-in by August 27, 2021.
Check-in Online
Check-in Progress:40% CompleteDownload eDocsEDIT CHECK INItinerary, Onboard Packages, Gifts & More Items
Day Land Tours And Cruise Ports Arrive Depart Booked Sat Montego Bay, Jamaica --- 8:00 PM 0 Sun At Sea --- --- 0 Mon Harvest Caye, Belize 7:00 AM --- 0 Tue Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras 7:00 AM --- 0 Wed Cozumel, Mexico 10:00 AM --- 0 Thu At Sea --- --- 0 Fri Ocho Rios, Jamaica 7:00 AM --- 0 Sat Montego Bay, Jamaica (Flight Departure) 6:00 AM --- 0 
Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing. Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking. Itineraries
FYI...I read somewhere in this Board that the Haven rooms on Deck 15 are right under the pool deck and the outdoor buffet seating area. Deck chairs being dragged around. Not sure if that's a concern for you.
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On 2/19/2021 at 5:27 PM, BirdTravels said:
The Breakaway is the oldest ship in the BA class of ship. The Joy is newer with additional features and restaurants. Less than 300 of the 4500 passengers will ever enter the Thermal Suite, so it is not the issue people make it.
We have sailed on the Breakaway 4 times. We prefer the Joy. We sailed her once to Alaska and will be sailing on her again in September (assuming that cruising has restarted).
Hopefully you can get that September cruise in so we can look forward to your keen insights on the new experience! ☺️
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On 9/30/2020 at 2:19 PM, najgreen said:
Looking to book a cruise on the Joy and we really enjoy aft balcony's. Are any of them large enough (non-Haven) to accommodate a lounger? I haven't been able to find many pictures. Thank you!
Keep in mind that cruisedeckplans.com public site offers pictures and videos of various ships, cabins, and public spaces. Really good resource.
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Check out cruisedeckplans.com. Some people post videos of the rooms they've stayed in. There is one video from cabin 10368, but it doesn't look like a lounger would fit.
Balcony Hot Tubs on Viva
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
David was the Concierge on the Viva during our December 2nd sailing.