Real-Time Review by SthrnGary of the NCL Joy, March 19, 2022, Cruise in “Haven Lite”

[cabincop]

On 3/19/2022 at 1:15 PM, Sthrngary said:

Any all of you Doubted me. The quest for 1942 has been achieved. They won and the ship has not even left the dock. I am not sharing with you what bar it is because there’s only a half a bottle left. Unless you’re really nice to me.

 

Cruise well in 1942!!!!

Ok I love a good tequila is this as smooth as Clase Azul? Or spicer like Casamigos? I’ve never done the Platinum Beverage  Package or any of them. Are they worth it? I might be in Haven for my TA. Thank you. Happy Tequila 🥳 

[Sthrngary]

Dinner in the MDR, Savor. The appetizer was ravioli and it was good. The main course was the fish this evening and it was excellent. For dessert I had the apple strudel and ice cream very good. And I had a couple of lovely glasses of champagne with my dinner and a Starbucks cappuccino with my dessert. The service was excellent. All of my selections were made by my waiter who I give all the credit for a lovely meal.

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, cabincop said:

Ok I love a good tequila is this as smooth as Clase Azul? Or spicer like Casamigos? I’ve never done the Platinum Beverage  Package or any of them. Are they worth it? I might be in Haven for my TA. Thank you. Happy Tequila 🥳 

. Also many French champagnes are available by the glass and one selected bottle. I think it’s worth the money because they are items that I would never do at home but love to enjoy when I’m vacationing. I hope that helps you.1942 is extremely smooth. Obviously it is a sipping tequila. The program they get you that is the premium plus beverage package. My wife and I always get that so this time even though I was solo, I treated myself. Look online at the offerings for the premium plus beverage package. Also no, many high-end liquors are available that are not listed on the brochure. Also many French champagnes are available by the glass and one selected bottle. I think it’s worth the money because they are items that I would never do at home but love to enjoy when I’m vacationing. I hope that helps you

[Sthrngary]

Earlier I gave my overview of the day. I want to correct something. I said I was not going to gamble on this cruise. It is only the first night and I fell off the wagon. I lost on the slot machines and win it all back plus sum at blackjack. My winnings are going for tips tomorrow to many of the great crewmembers that have treated me like a rockstar. I had my adrenaline rush and now I’m good.

 

Thank you casino at seas. 

[HBCcruiser]

6 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Earlier I gave my overview of the day. I want to correct something. I said I was not going to gamble on this cruise. It is only the first night and I fell off the wagon. I lost on the slot machines and win it all back plus sum at blackjack. My winnings are going for tips tomorrow to many of the great crewmembers that have treated me like a rockstar. I had my adrenaline rush and now I’m good.

 

Thank you casino at seas. 

Congrats!! 🥳🍀🥂

[Sthrngary]

Conclusion for Day #1:

 

As most of you know, I have written extensively about the "Secrets of the Haven VIP Experience" and the NCL Premium Plus Beverage Package.  This cruise is the first time I have sailed in a very long time when I was not in the Haven or other VIP areas of cruise brands.  I think it is only fitting for me to comment on the difference.

 

The Haven: I did everything I could to win an upgrade bid to the Haven.  The challenge was I was cruising solo, and you have to pay for two upgrade amounts unless you were booked by Casino's at Sea.  Therefore, I was very conservative on my bids and fell short. Many have asked me if I miss the Haven experience.  The answer is yes, yes 1000 times yes.  I miss not engaging with the many Haven Crew members that became my friends.  The personalized service I received. The GREAT food and dining experience in the Haven Restuarant. Finally, the Haven Bartenders that were so very nice to me. The key here is as a solo cruiser, hell as any cruiser price is an issue.  I simply could not justify the difference in investment just for me. If my wife was with me, that would have been a different story. She is my Queen and deserve all the luxury life has to offer.  WHY, she has to deal with ME!!!!

 

The Haven Lite Approach: I learned a few things that are worth mentioning.  The Vibe Beach Club is awesome. They are never crowded even though they are sold out.  The crew have be so kind to me and every Vibe Guest.  Haven Lite is not Haven Lite without the Vibe Beach Club.  The Premium Plus Beverage Package for me makes a big difference.  As I have said so many times, it is worth it to me.  I like to try new things and would rather pay a premium for an all-inclusive approach then to worry about my stateroom account at the end of the week with drink overage charges.  If you are a Haven Guest and love it like I do.  My recommendation is don't be afraid to go Haven Lite.  Just be Stategic about it.  I have to also say, the MDR is not the Haven Restuarant, however it is very nice.  I would still add a couple of the Specialty Restaurants to my week just to finish the Haven Lite Strategy.

 

Just My Two Cents: What has happened recently is that NCL is selling out the Haven completely with the Bid up process.  This is a great business strategy and I support it.  It gives folks that would have never tried the Haven, a unbelievable experience.  The challenge is the NCL Joy when it was converted from the Asian market to the American market added Haven Suites.  This did not effect the Haven Restuarant but it did effect the Haven Sundeck and the Haven Bar.  The Haven sundeck is now almost as crowded as the main pool.  There were times when in my November Cruise on the Joy, it was hard to find a lounge chair on the sundeck.  The Haven Bar was often time also very crowded.  The same holds true for this sailing which was confirmed by my Haven guest friends who are sailing. Yes, as unpopular as it is to say this, many children have taken over the Haven courtyard pool.  I have been told it is extremely loud and although the kids are not misbehaving, it is kind of like a kids pool area.  Nobody's fault, just a Spring Break week with lots and lots of families cruising. 

 

More than one of my friends have told me they wish they had gotten a Vibe Beach Pass.  After experiencing the Vibe Beach Club, I have to agree with them especially if they are sailing on the NCL Joy. Those extra Haven Suite Added make a difference.  Should that be the case, "No".  The same does not hold true for the Bliss or the Encore which have the same Haven Space with less Haven Guests.

 

My Haven Lite approach for this cruise was the absolute right call for me as a solo.  I would do this again if it was a Holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or Spring Break Month like it is this month.  If it was other less popular months for families to cruise like the week after those holidays, the Haven would be the better call.  Lots of families in the Haven with lots of kids do make a difference to the quiet luxury you are expecting.  Just the truth and the way it really is. 

 

I thought long and hard before I wrote this.  I think those that read what I write want me to always be transparent.  When we cruise, we owe it to ourselves to be strategic with our choices.  This week has be a very positive learning experience for me.  I hope my experience helps yours.  Have a great evening.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every minute of your vacations. 

 

 

[JJCas]

   Just got off the Joy.  First time in the Haven.  I think they said there were around 2600 guests on board.  Never had a problem getting a lounger on the sun deck - although a shaded spot was hard to come by at times.  There were quite a few kids, but I think they were around more because the kids club is still closed.

[charlie murphy]

alright Gary. great info so far, this TIME my request (reference My last request ) is the TUBE we can't wait for the TUBE  --I don't know what they call that water slide drop, but we want a full report.... the drop, the curves , the loop ( saw on-line someone not make it around, they said because they were below the 130 lb. minimum) You push the scales over 130 don't you, If not hit the buffet and then the water slide! LET'S GO !!  You should have no problem. I think you already mentioned this as part of your plan, so I am just having fun, if not part of the plan --- don't hurt yourself, but you are working out .... SO!? enjoy your cruise I am lovin your reports and insight. AND I will enjoy it even more when I am sitting at my work desk this week. thanks.

[mertziek]

7 hours ago, JJCas said:

   Just got off the Joy.  First time in the Haven.  I think they said there were around 2600 guests on board.  Never had a problem getting a lounger on the sun deck - although a shaded spot was hard to come by at times.  There were quite a few kids, but I think they were around more because the kids club is still closed.

We were on the Joy last month when they had 1300 total passengers onboard BUT the Haven was sold out due to those affordable upgrades.  We are not big sun worshippers but we did find the sun deck congested when we wanted to spend a couple of hours up there and chair hogs were out in full force which was disappointing.  We saw cabanas “saved” with towels, books, etc - even a walker - from early on in the day with no one occupying them during peak hours for long times.  We did find sun deck bar service to be very good

[Markanddonna]

Gary, I consider myself a pretty savvy cruiser, but you are the king supreme. Consider writing a book of suggestions on Amazon kdp. Live your kind attitude!

[jimbri]

Enjoying your review

[bkrickles1]

10 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 

We were supposed to sail Joy 1/15/22 and got cancelled just a couple of days prior.

It was a huge disappointment.

Anyway, we've rebooked Joy for 6/26/22 out of NYC, sailing to Bermuda.

We won't be in the Haven and we won't be getting Vibe passes but my question is Vibe adjacent.

On Escape, there was a large public space on deck 19 just outside of Vibe. 

It was great! There was a bar (half was inside of Vibe and half was in the public space), a hot tub and even a mist machine. This space was mostly undiscovered for the first couple of days and was perfect for my crew of misfits. lmao!

According to the deck plans for Joy, that same space exists on deck 19 outside of Vibe.

Could you please confirm whether this space actually exists on Joy?

Thanks in advance and continue to enjoy your sailing.

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, charlie murphy said:

alright Gary. great info so far, this TIME my request (reference My last request ) is the TUBE we can't wait for the TUBE  --I don't know what they call that water slide drop, but we want a full report.... the drop, the curves , the loop ( saw on-line someone not make it around, they said because they were below the 130 lb. minimum) You push the scales over 130 don't you, If not hit the buffet and then the water slide! LET'S GO !!  You should have no problem. I think you already mentioned this as part of your plan, so I am just having fun, if not part of the plan --- don't hurt yourself, but you are working out .... SO!? enjoy your cruise I am lovin your reports and insight. AND I will enjoy it even more when I am sitting at my work desk this week. thanks.

I have already done both slides on the Joy. I did them in November. The dead drop is the one folks get stuck in. When I did it, no issue. It is fast, fun and the fist drop is very exciting. Remember no jewelry or piercings or they won’t let you on. The other slide is in a tube and is much more tame. But is equally as fun. I did both the slides about four times each. On this trip I will not be leaving the ship so when the slides open there will be no lines and I will enjoy them as much as I can. I hope that’s what you were looking for.

[SliderNc]

@Sthrngary  Glad to see you are having a blast solo.  I finally got to have some 1942 in February when catching up with some friends from college for our annual golf weekend.  One of them brought a few bottles for the house we were staying in.  Needless to say, I need to sip it next time to probably get a better experience.  I'm more of a bourbon guy, but from what taste I did get, it was pretty good.

 

Enjoy your day in Roatan.

[Sthrngary]

6 minutes ago, bkrickles1 said:

We were supposed to sail Joy 1/15/22 and got cancelled just a couple of days prior.

It was a huge disappointment.

Anyway, we've rebooked Joy for 6/26/22 out of NYC, sailing to Bermuda.

We won't be in the Haven and we won't be getting Vibe passes but my question is Vibe adjacent.

On Escape, there was a large public space on deck 19 just outside of Vibe. 

It was great! There was a bar (half was inside of Vibe and half was in the public space), a hot tub and even a mist machine. This space was mostly undiscovered for the first couple of days and was perfect for my crew of misfits. lmao!

According to the deck plans for Joy, that same space exists on deck 19 outside of Vibe.

Could you please confirm whether this space actually exists on Joy?

Thanks in advance and continue to enjoy your sailing.

 

There is no public space. The vibe takes both sides of the middle of the ship. So the vibe has two hot tubs whereas the escape had one hot tub and one for public. This vibe is bigger. I hope I answered your questionThere is no public space. The vibe takes both sides of the middle of the ship. So the vibe has two hot tubs whereas the escape had one hot tub and one for public. This vibe is bigger. I hope I answered your question

[bkrickles1]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

There is no public space. The vibe takes both sides of the middle of the ship. So the vibe has two hot tubs whereas the escape had one hot tub and one for public. This vibe is bigger. I hope I answered your questionThere is no public space. The vibe takes both sides of the middle of the ship. So the vibe has two hot tubs whereas the escape had one hot tub and one for public. This vibe is bigger. I hope I answered your question

Thanks for the quick response.

It's disappointing but I had a feeling that was the case.

The deck plans are clear as day that there IS a public space there but I saw a drone video and it looked different so I'm not surprised by your answer.

Some, in our group, just can't swing Vibe so we typically stay in all the public spaces/sun decks.

And, my wife prefers it that way. She loves the hustle and bustle and eavesdropping. Lmao.

Between deck 17, overlooking the pools, and Spice, we'll be fine and will thoroughly enjoy ourselves.

Thanks again.

[oteixeira]

9 minutes ago, bkrickles1 said:

Thanks for the quick response.

It's disappointing but I had a feeling that was the case.

The deck plans are clear as day that there IS a public space there but I saw a drone video and it looked different so I'm not surprised by your answer.

Some, in our group, just can't swing Vibe so we typically stay in all the public spaces/sun decks.

And, my wife prefers it that way. She loves the hustle and bustle and eavesdropping. Lmao.

Between deck 17, overlooking the pools, and Spice, we'll be fine and will thoroughly enjoy ourselves.

Thanks again.

Not sure if you ever tried to get Vibe pre-covid but when you see people showing up at 7AM to make sure they get boarding group 1 and then fighting to be first at the spot where they let you enter and go to the ship and then running on the ship to get passes you understand.  NCL could allow 4x the number of people in that area and still sell it out every time (when at full capacity).  I would not be surprised if on the new ship styles (Prima) it is even bigger with even more passes available.

[Sthrngary]

When you are 64, you get up early. You go to deck 15 the Observation Deck. You take your daily and get a large Starbucks cappuccino. It is Quiet and somewhere private. You look at the water and the waves. you count how many days you have left on your cruise. That approach should sound familiar to a lot of people.

 

There is eggs Benedict in my life this morning. A treadmill afterwards, and then a bar crawl with my friends from the Vibe “Gary” Beach Club.

 

Tonight it is LeBistro and the Beatles revolution.

 

Cruise well every one.

[TSUmom]

I love early mornings on a cruise....up before sunrise with a cup of coffee is so peaceful.

[vacation44]

Just now, TSUmom said:

I love early mornings on a cruise....up before sunrise with a cup of coffee is so peaceful.

Agree 100%!

[CDR Benson]

1 hour ago, TSUmom said:

I love early mornings on a cruise....up before sunrise with a cup of coffee is so peaceful.

 

That's my wife, too.  Me, I prefer the wee hours, when the sky is like an ebony mantle with tiny glitter of far-distant stars.  The dozen or more soft glows of the ships at sea for miles around us, with the only sound that of the wake rushing by as our ship moves through the night.

 

It's a most calming, serene experience.

 

 

 

Edited March 21, 2022 by CDR Benson

[Lupush]

Enjoying reading your live report.  Thanks for sharing, Gary.

[JustSomeLady]

11 hours ago, JJCas said:

   Just got off the Joy.  First time in the Haven.  I think they said there were around 2600 guests on board.  Never had a problem getting a lounger on the sun deck - although a shaded spot was hard to come by at times.  There were quite a few kids, but I think they were around more because the kids club is still closed.

It was our first time in the Haven as well last week, and for the most part it was absolutely amazing. I didn’t have a problem getting a lounger on the Sun deck. I think because the kids club was closed, parents couldn’t really get away from their kids to enjoy it. 
 

A couple of the younger boys did harass staff and run wild, and a couple teens did not abide by the Haven rules on visitors. With the teens, the staff handled things promptly. With the littles, the parents should be embarrassed that their kids felt it appropriately acceptable to run screaming through the place while accosting staff. 

[CDR Benson]

8 minutes ago, JustSomeLady said:

A couple of the younger boys did harass staff and run wild . . . With the littles, the parents should be embarrassed that their kids felt it appropriately acceptable to run screaming through the place while accosting staff. 

 

And people wonder why I loathe children.

 

 

Edited March 21, 2022 by CDR Benson

[Oxo]

Would someone please let me know who the General Manager is?

TIA