Wvshimmy

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Contrary to other reports, the gift shop stocks a small amount of sundries. For this particular itinerary, the shops close on Tuesday night and do not reopen until Friday afternoon. 
 

 

Definitely more than some since restart. 

Had to buy toothpaste on a b2b .

Of course,  found my extra in the trunk post cruise. 🙃

11 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Cookies!

 

😂🤣

Shhhh!

14 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

More cuts…. Literally. 
 

Rather than servicing chocolate covered strawberries as a treat… they cut the strawberries in half, then dipped them. They have zero shelf life now. 
 

2 whole ones would have been better. 

 Crew friend from Getaway posted market pic from Belgium the other day,  including strawberries. 

 Inside joke because Getaway didn't have any raspberries for chocolate marquis,  but lots of strawberries. 

 I just lol and said,  more strawberries,  again. 

She said still no raspberries,  running low on strawberries onboard. 

36 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

my last trip through MCT was in late january and they had the two roped-off areas, just as the bird described... platinum on one side and another area for sapphire, diamond and ambassadors. but there was no direct entrance through a side door. that must be a recent innovation.

 

i qualify for the CAS line and the sapphire line.  but when not traveling in the haven, i'd go to the sapphire line/waiting area every time. sapphire boarding trumps CAS. last time i checked in at MCT in the CAS line, they gave me a boarding number! CAS has no separate waiting area, but there is a separate checkin for CAS at MCT. 

 

MCT has always been a bit of a zoo with very poorly trained contract workers. things have improved somewhat in the past year or so, but it can still be a chaotic experience. i have noticed with the new later scheduled departure time of 6 PM, that they are saying that boarding begins at noon, not 11 AM, as in the past.

I didn't even notice the 6 pm departure time for a long time after booking. 🙃

 Maybe some of the long time terminal workers have retired. 

I've not seen the older gentleman recently. 

 Lots of new faces since restart and few seem to know about special assistance, but the terminal also moved the area. 

 Gave us a very high boarding number once when family member had a scooter.

Seem to recall different contract after restart. 

 We just smile.

We don't use the CAS Line either, lats line works fine and always "interesting " listening to fellow pax  declaring their status. 

 People watching is always a good way to start the cruise. 

29 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

that's something new! as recently as a few months ago, they opened the ropes when they called sapphire, diamond and ambassadors, marched the people through the crowd and down the center aisle.

 

(actually, the last time i was there, the guy told the waiting sapphires, diamonds and ambassadors to be patient and that they would board immediately after the platinums. he was very quickly edumicated by his colleague.)

 

thanks for your trip report.

 

like so many in the CC NCL forum, i'm headed to the joy myself. i board on a B2B in two weeks time. i think it's one of the best ships in the fleet.

 

 

 

 

I boarded in late February for our b2bs and they didn't have separate areas that I recall. 

The CAS line banner seems hit or miss, too.

Late last year and prior no deck lines either,  but had that in February. 

I've noticed differences in the weekday vs weekend boardings too.

Frequently different terminal staff. 

NYC is my primary embarkation port.

 Never know what might happen. 🙃

18 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Still at the front of the terminal. 

Thanks 

It had always been front left forever,  then randomly switched to front right which had no space and seats were filled with disembarking pax waiting on transportation. 

They moved it front left after. 

Never know 🙃

8 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Once you pass security screening, it is time to find your check in area and line. Deck 5-11 used the check in at the front of the terminal. Haven and Decks 12-15 used the back checkin area. 
 

 

Had to double look as this check in; just confirming the special assistance area is still front left in terminal?

Thanks!

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

It must be 5 o’clock somewhere. 
 

Standard bar menu. 
 

Hmmmm,  Amarula n Maloneys/"Baloney" gone and Bailey's down to  $12. 😁🥰😋

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

What entertainment is on the ship this week. For future cruisers, The Bird notes that this week’s schedule is different than last week’s schedule which was different from the week before. 
 

Glad new aerialists have joined. 😁

7 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

First stop is document checks. Today, they were using facial recognition at document check based on… check-in photo??? CBP digital photo???  
 

Those who fail the facial recognition are sent to a [long] line for manual processing. If you pass your facial recognition, you proceed on to X-ray and metal detection. 
 

FR for initial security is definitely new and interesting. 

 Guess those who weren't able to upload pics will be in a line.

2 hours ago, WexIrl said:

They should get rid of that American Diner on the pool deck, never seen or spoke to anyone who dined there. Maybe the Q restaurant would be a better swap here. 

We popped in there numerous times for late lunches on recent cruises. 

 Especially nice on warm port days, dine outside. 

Reminiscent of the Uptown Grill on the Breakaway,  not sure what Getaway was called. 

 Since it's complimentary now,  usually busy,  but as with other things some still complain because they changed the menu when it became free.

We always cruise in February but try to avoid Jersey week/President's break now, if possible. 

Did b2bs this year late Feb,  early March into mid March. 

March cruise was same length,  10 days, but busier, but no issues with college spring breakers, more baby carriages,  though. 🙃

The 12 day is likely to be very popular with all cruisers as many like the longer ones from NYC and currently the only option. 

The prices have rapidly increased since our November booking. 

The March one is an 8 day Bahamas,  PC,  so might have more college kiddos this year,  but don't really expect masses.

On 4/29/2024 at 12:53 PM, Sand and Seas said:

Have you heard that from someone official? 

 Or are we all just hoping 🤞

Definitely official; chatted with the floor mngr on recent cruises and they were trying to decide which machines to move into the smoking enclosure..

19 hours ago, Wvshimmy said:

A local lady had mentioned the other day that you all were departing at 5 instead of 3

Was yours changed precruise?

 Our sailings have a 6pm NYC departure and 3 pm Bermuda. 

13 hours ago, Radio said:

We were always scheduled to leave Bermuda at 5pm.

 

Radio

 

.

Interesting; earlier NYC departure and later for Bermuda. 

35 minutes ago, Radio said:

Hello everyone and good day. I had another very enjoyable day in Bermuda.  I started off at Cambridge Beaches Resort, which is in Somerset Village near Mangrove Bay National Park. 

 

Cambridge Beaches Resort is a beautiful property and it seems like every time you turn your head, you get another postcard-like view.

There are two private pools, four private beaches, and  several lounges. I think I could stay here for a week or more.

 

After riding around a bit I decided to spend a little time at Glass Beach. I believe it is only about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the dockyard. I saw many Cruise passengers there enjoying the day. 

 

Glass Beach is a pristine beach with calm, crystal clear ocean water. I heard there was a lot of colorful glass beads here but I did not come here for that. I think it is one of the most beautiful beaches I can remember. 

 

Here or if you pics from today. Thanks for tuning in. 

 

Radio

 

 

Cambridge Beach Resort 

 

 

 

Cambridge Beach Ocean view 

 

 

Main pool 

 

 

Cambridge Beach 

 

 

Glass Beach 

 

 

 

Crystal clear water and Glass Beach 

 

 

 

 

These rocks don't look very safe

 

 

 

No water shoes required here 

 

 

 

Welcome to King's Wharf 

 

 

I have to be back on board tomorrow by 4:30 pm

 

 

.

 

 

A local lady had mentioned the other day that you all were departing at 5 instead of 3

Was yours changed precruise?

 Our sailings have a 6pm NYC departure and 3 pm Bermuda. 

9 minutes ago, Always Cruising said:

From your dailies, it looks like there is only 1 performance (45 min) of country music each night at Q.  When I was on the Joy last year, there were at least 3 performances each night. 

3 ; early,  middle,  later 

7 hours ago, Radio said:

Hello everyone and good day. Norwegian Joy has left Manhattan, NYC, and is on her way to beautiful Bermuda.

 

MSC Meraviglia will be ahead of us on this Bermuda voyage but will arrive on Tuesday. Norwegian Joy will arrive on Wednesday morning and will only be traveling about 10 kts.

I'm not sure how many passengers are on board, but I think we may be at capacity. Embarkation day is always the busiest and most stressful day of any Cruise. I'm sure things will start calming down as the night progresses.

 

I have a standard balcony solo cabin on the starboard side of Deck 12. It is a basic cabin and it has all the normal cabin amenities. I like the fact that it has a glass shower with no curtains. It is a little strange that there are no drawers anywhere in the cabin, but it does have many shelves in several places.

 

Here are a few pics from entering the terminal and on board Norwegian Joy.

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

I approached the Lincoln Tunnel which would take me under the Hudson River and to  Manhattan.

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure why, but I really don't like the Lincoln Tunnel.

 

 

 

 

I drove by a Carriage Ride on 11th Avenue and 42nd Street

 

 

And I can see my home for the next 7 nights.

 

 

 

Norwegian Joy is a beautiful ship.

 

 

 

Workers are busy prepping.

 

 

 

The terminal was crazy busy but I was able to make it from this point onto the ship and only 15 minutes.

 

 

 

I don't think I remember this terminal having food vendors.

 

 

 

This photo props before you board

 

 

 

And away we go . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Almost there. . .

 

 

 

Norwegian Joy from New York Port webcam (PTZtv)

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few years ago preshutdown,  they had a stand against the wall with basic items situated midway through the terminal. 

Have never seen a food truck. 

Interesting 

Also for a short time they had ship store items for sale in the terminal; caps, Lanyards,  mugs, etc. 

4 hours ago, UKstages said:

 

if it's the same "kim" i have spoken to over the years, working out of her home office in arizona, she was indeed a delight. (her last name is the same as the first name of a title character in a dickens novel.)

 

 

were you actually charged this fee? as long as i've been getting a casino sponsored package of minutes, it has always said there was a $3.95 fee. it's baked into the app interface. but i've never been charged. not once.

Same,  listed, never charged 

Haven't been on the Joy since late 2022 and have a few upcoming cruises booked. 

Two requests,  if you get a chance,  please/ty.

 The observation lounge doors weren't automatic then, quite a challenge for pax using mobility aids; needed to wait and hope someone appeared for access. 

 Pic of new smoking enclosure on pool deck.

Guessing it's similar to Baway/Getaway. 

Thanks and enJOY!

Wondering if they finally made the observation doors automatic?

Wasn't easy for mobility challenged pax in 2022.

10 hours ago, Wvshimmy said:

Good to know. 

I'm sure it will take a while to smooth out the process. 

I knew about the Elite benefits, but wasn't aware the amenities were added precruise. 

Thanks!

56 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Elites used to have a lot of entitlements (pre-paid daily service charge, free premium internet, $600 shoreex credit, etc.). All of those entitlements were added about 7 days prior to departure. I assume that the beverage packages and internet for Rubies will be done the same way. 

 

If they do it the same way, when you see those entitlements hit your reservation, ask for an updated guest confirmation and amenities confirmation (general chat is fine - if you get a chat agent that won't touch a casino reservation, hang up and go to the next agent). If you don't see them pop on your reservation, then start bugging CAS. 

Good to know. 

I'm sure it will take a while to smooth out the process. 

On 4/3/2024 at 1:26 AM, BirdTravels said:

So,,, the website is now pretty clear. Ruby and above get the beverage package and elite gets plus. 

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/casino-cruise/players-club

 

Supposedly, when you book with CAS, they are supposed to waive the grats on the FAS beverage package. I asked the exec host onboard, what about those reservations already booked. He is checking. 
 

The BTS tour is the ShoreEx version. 
 

The difference for Elites is the reduction of the ShoreEx credit from $600 to $500. The limo service and $1K OBC is the same along with the prepaid DSC. 
 

For Ruby, no more water or “plus”/Ultra /black card drinks. You get your 6 boxes of water and you pay for the rest. 

I needed to call about possibly changing a cabin on an comped cruise. 

Was going to wait until at least next week to inquire re PIF bookings with FAS. 

Since I was already on the phone,  I asked. 

 Sweet rep put me on hold a few times,  apologized several times and checked latest memos. 

She removed all my Bev pkgs on all my bookings,  readjusted totals and sent new confirmations for all without asking. 

PIF bookings should see the refunds back to the cc in 7-10 days .

I'll be checking. 

They still don't have specifics how/when/where the beverage pkg will be added for Ruby , other than onboard. 

Should be similar for Elite. 

* Elite player boarded Getaway today,  and GS added new drink benefits to her freestyle card.

12 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

I'll add my info for another data point.  I am Ruby and I always decline the FAS package, and I always add at least the two package specialty dining depending upon length of the cruise.

 

I have 5 cruises booked.  No changes as of this morning.  I sail 04/22 so looking forward to NCL working out the kinks.  According to the latest CAS structure Ruby does not get the Premium Beverage Package???  And there is no mention of FAS+???

 

I gotta admit I thought this thread would be longer after yesterday.  Hmmm....

New updated website lists UBP (formerly called PBP) For Ruby and PPBP for elite. 

 How/when those will be applied is unknown at this juncture. 

Some have called and been told "onboard ".

Others have indicated things appearing on their bookings. 

Always purchase the FAS and currently have 2 after FP,  one PIF, and one farther out comped cruises. 

Additional ones with just deposits,  currently. 

 Lots of details to work out and implement. 

I'll wait till the onslaught of calls has died down,  and hopefully get more consistent information and details. 

Pax on the sailings where changes have been implemented will likely share their experiences. 

Several cruises now started before April 1st.

Next up isn't until May for me.

All my bookings have FAS, which I always add, including 2 past FP. 

Dropping them from other bookings wouldn't be an issue before FP if they're automatically adding the pkg for Ruby up. 

 The adding "at time of bookings " per info I've seen is also interesting as my bookings started back in June 2023.

No changes to my wifi,  either. 

 We shall see the procedures soon, hopefully. 

Unfortunately,  the little guys; reps and onboard hosts will be dealing with the muck and likely not so pleasant pax/customers. 

Typical higher up decisions,  implementation in most businesses. 

Stay tuned,; Paul Harvey,  the rest of the story. 🙃