Wvshimmy

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)

 

 

 

 

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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. 🙃

3 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

i agree. i encourage people to continue to call and write and post by carrier pigeon.

 

 

that would be status quo... free drinks "in the casino."

 

we have been talking here about NCL eliminating free drink cards in the casino as we have come to know them. that is what has been announced.  but now NCL is rumored to be backtracking a bit and saying that rubys and elites will get FAS drink packages throughout the ship, exempt from paying the gratuities on the package. elites are rumored to be getting the premium plus package. having a truly "free" FAS drink package is very different than just getting free drinks while playing in the casino.

 

 

your status is listed online in your account. click on the "my account" pull down menu on the upper right side of the page. your casino status will appear just below your latitudes number, however, it often takes months for them to update this. mine still says "ruby" and yet i made "elite" back in early february.

Might be different on a phone. 

Mine has never listed casino status, only lats tier and points on android. 

Latitudes also listed by account. 

3 hours ago, PatJim said:

Yes!  We’ve done quite a few Canada/New England cruises, and always have a lobster lunch in every port😋 Our last cruise there was a September 2022 Bermuda cruise, that was switched to C/NE night before, but that’s another story…

 Wish that was true.  I had read that on CC, but on a recent cruise, my sister ordered the fillet without foie gras, but was still charged.  Both the waiter and then assistant maitre d’ explained that the surcharge was for the superior quality of the fillet, not the fois gras.  They also said there was no way to NOT charge the $10 using their computer system.  Really ridiculous, as many people won’t eat fois gras for ethical reasons, or—like you—simply don’t like the taste (full disclosure—I do like it).  It also implies that the fillet in other restaurants is inferior.  We were so annoyed by this, we went to the Haven Concierge and he had the charges reversed on Susan’s account.  It turned out to be from his discretionary account, not from the restaurant.  It’s not the $$, it’s the principle!

The upcharge without seems to be hit or miss depending on ship and crew in my experiences. 

Recently on the Sun I was charged,  but not on the Getaway or Joy. 

Honestly didn't notice any difference in the quality any time. 

7 hours ago, L1211 said:

Bought twin lobster tails one night and surf and turf another night on the Bliss a week ago- both were terrific!  Highly recommend!!

Being used to fresh catch,  most frozen is less than appealing,  but I had the twin tails recently on the Getaway and was pleasantly surprised. 

They were very tender and sweet. 😋

Good choice that night. 

NCL hasn't had lobster in complimentary venues in years. 

They do have menu options from Cagney's which include lobster tail(s).

Actually tried the twin tails just recently and was pleasantly surprised; very tender and sweet. 

Will do so, again. 😋

Yes, NYC  collects a tax until international waters. 

While Bermuda does not,  most restaurants/bars add an automatic gratuity to bills. It was around 17%.

Dawn,  as others have said is one of the older in the fleet. 

We did a great 14 day itinerary on her 2019.

 Not my favorite ship,  but would definitely rebook again for an awesome itinerary. 

Love the Jewel class,  midsized ships. 

While older,  refurbished and well maintained with a certain charm without the bells and whistles. 

Dawn crew was great,  as always,  but missed the Spinnaker lounge and Great Outdoors. 

On 6/30/2023 at 3:14 PM, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Syd Norman's is also my favorite. Yes, I stood in line 45 minutes prior to the show on the Prima in September and again in March. However, I also stood in line 45 minutes prior to the show on the Breakaway in October 2022 and on the Getaway in February 2023.

 

Yes, syds and the comedy clubs are small venues on the ships that have them. 

Lines form early on all, so Prima is no different. 

Curious,  as someone said the MDR menus have reverted back the alternating ones like the rest of the fleet vs the one,  single menu with the special choice. 

 Any Intel?

1 hour ago, Seas2mountains said:

New decor at Le Bistro. 
 

Dinner at Le Bistro. We were a little rushed to get to the VIP party at 7pm and let our waiter know. 
 

Drinks. Veuve Cliquot 
 

Appetizer. escargot

dinners. Dover sole and Sea Bass

Desserts. Marquis chocolate and Frazier. 

 

I think they did an amazing job with Bistro and Magnums area refurbs.

Very bright with nice color palettes,  now. 

Crew at Bistro was awesome on recent cruises. 

Actually,  all venues. 

The chocolate marquis is da bomb! 😋🙃

58 minutes ago, Seas2mountains said:

Hello - sorry for the delayed update.  We are having a lot of fun on the cruise but also blame the SLLLOOOOOWWWW Wifi for the delayed updates.  (More on Ink 48 later on as we did have an issue.)

 

We left Ink 48 about 9:30am and it was a super easy and short walk from the hotel to Pier 90. Street level is where all the people getting off of the Gem and Getaway were hanging out waiting for transportation. While the porters seemed to be collecting luggage on the street level, for some reason we didn't completely trust them to get the bags on the ship when it looked like there were so many bags in the area for those getting off the ship, so we took our bags with us on the large freight elevators at Pier 90. The woman operating the elevator asked why we didn't drop our bags but we said we were told to bring them upstairs so she didn't argue with us.

 

Several porters were there when we got off the elevator and we felt a little better as everyone on this floor was definitely departing. We waited until a little after 10am until they ACTUALLY called for people by check-in times and asked to CONFIRM the check-in time really matched on the paperwork. This is our 19th cruise on NCL and it is the FIRST time they have ever checked our check-in time.

 

It took a little bit of waiting in line to get through security even though we were within the first 20 people going through security. Once we got through security, we looked for the Haven signs and they confirmed we were on the list with our Suite and we were allowed to enter the Haven/Suite lounge.  We did not get breakfast as sleep was a little more important for us and we knew we would get food and plenty of it very soon after boarding. We were happy to see many different appetizers and more than your typical breads and fruit but some sandwiches including some mozzarella and tomato sandwiches. 

 

Leo the concierge greeted us and welcomed us. He gave us our current restaurant reservations.  I had written out on a paper the reservations I wanted to add or change. He asked to keep the paper and I agreed.  Magically, those reservations were made quite quickly! 🙂  Leo also answered questions including the question about Bermuda.  He did tell us about the change and additional time we would get in Puerto Rico.

 

We got on the ship around 11:20am and were among the first 10 people to board the ship - yeah - my husband likes to be among the first when possible. We have been the first and second on the ship a few times. I have no idea why but I go along with it as it makes him happy. Lol. The things we do for love. 

 

We were escorted to Cagney's for a wonderful lunch and we had excellent service by Leah. We enjoyed a cocktail with lunch. I'll post photos later. Our rooms were ready by 2:30pm but they had warned us earlier that they might not be ready until 3pm. We found our luggage in the hall and got all items unpacked before the Muster drill at 3:30pm.  Muster drill was a little irritating after having no muster drills during the past post-Covid trips but it went fairly fast. We really liked getting a nap in when there were no muster drills.

 

The ship left fairly close to the planned departure time of 4pm and it was a little after 4pm when we left. While it was cold outside, we bundled up with our parkas and enjoyed watching the Newark shoreline until we passed the statue of Liberty. Our normal ship tradition is to spend the early afternoon in the hot tub before most people get their luggage as few remember to put swimsuits in carry on luggage. It was way too cold for us so we waited until 5pm to go to the spa (photos provided later) to get in a hot tub and the thermal spa. It was a quick dip as we had reservations at Cagney's at 6pm.

 

We had a wonderful dinner at Cagney's (photos later) and enjoyed hearing the amazing Nathaniel in the atrium and the beautiful voice of Tania in Magnum's until we called it a night. We took advantage of FAS+ where the P+ got us 4 bottles of San Pellegrino and flow water for the room. We also enjoyed the P+ wines at Cagney's and in the lounges. 

 

We can tell that there are fewer bar servers but we did get served fairly quickly last night.  Today was not as quick and the bars that were open were all swamped.  With it being a little cold outside, many guests are hanging out at bars taking advantage of their FAS drink packages. We were happy see many people giving tips to the bartenders who were working so hard and did not get a break.

I will update on our Saturday at sea next.

 

 

 

 

Really enjoyed Tania on our recent cruises. 

Very low key, amazing voice. 

Nice gal; this is only her second cruise contract. 

Look for an amazing server in Magnums; Mildren. 

She's a sweetheart. 

Crew all were outstanding on our January/February cruises. 

Enjoy!

5 hours ago, Rubybadu said:

So I’m still none to wiser as to what’s going on. 
 

im no navigator but I can do maths. We’re travelling at 20 knots and have under 1000 nautical miles to go. Either we are going to hang out on the east coast for a day or we are on track to be in New York nearly a day early? 
 

First day I’ve felt the vibration on the ship and it’s very bad. 

Under best sea and weather conditions,  20 knots would take over 2 days. 

There are some wicked winds churning on the Atlantic and farther south. 

 The Captain will adjust speed and course for safety and comfort. 

Enjoy the rocking! 🙃

56 minutes ago, PistolPete13 said:

Some photos of the Prima leaving NY harbor for the first time yesterday (10/6/22)

 

Nice shots!