Semi-Live Norwegian Joy to Bermuda - Norfolk, VA - May 8, 2022

[drbeamer]

14 hours ago, mking8288 said:

A bit of good Health News to share - both Susan & I are feeling much better already, while we continue to self-isolate and exercise precautions, and avoid accidentally exposing anyone else ... cancelled plans this week.  This morning, our body temperature remained elevated, still taking Tylenol to help reduce our fever & manage symptoms, still feeling tired & fatigue, occassional coughs & running noses - just checked, temp at 98.0 and 98.4 respectively, SPO2 are good, BP/HR are within our expected range - she's on her iPad while watching her favorite shows on TV.   I think we are going to be fine & move forward. 

 

Apparently, unconfirmed/non-verified reports on social media about others testing positive, immediately following their disembarkation & almost certain attributed to being on the Norwegian Joy this past week.  

 

Just checked our MyNCL personal accounts - Latitudes credit received, woohoo - this will take us closer to hit Diamonds tier sooner (not that we really chase or care about reaching it) 28 points added (1 point/per night, 1 extra point/night for suite, and b/c we booked in April with the Latitudes DoublePoints promo - 2 extra points per night) 

 

The infamous NCL Post Cruise Survey just hit our email addresses, never failed to include us while gathering data & feedback.  Now, what should I say & add ... if there is a section to include extra remarks, hmmm ... 

Hello,

 

I just want to thank you for this great review. Also glad you are both getting better. My brother’s family booked this cruise for July, having never cruised before. He asked my DH and I to join after he booked a haven access penthouse. We are sapphire and haven’t cruised since the pandemic. So, we decided to go for it, got a haven family suite. Your review has helped all of us so much. 
 

We plan to take a van from Hartford area morning of cruise. Never cruised from NYC. My question: Is there just one initial line for security, then another for document check? Is Haven check in after this? I’ll follow the threads and see how the process is working on the upcoming cruises. We are trying to figure out the best time to arrive. Part of me thinks 2pm to avoid the chaos, but we usually like to arrive between 11 and 12n

 

all the best,

[mking8288]

39 minutes ago, drbeamer said:

... We are sapphire and haven’t cruised since the pandemic ... plan to take a van from Hartford area morning of cruise. Never cruised from NYC ... Is there just one initial line for security, then another for document check? Is Haven check in after this?  I’ll follow the threads and see how the process is working on the upcoming cruises. We are trying to figure out the best time to arrive. Part of me thinks 2pm to avoid the chaos, but we usually like to arrive between 11 and 12n ...

Thanks and our early wish for a safe, healthy, happy & wonderful cruise on the Joy - Bon Voyage in advance with the count down.  

 

Let's all follow, share and track how things are flowing in the next few weeks - after my onboard conversation with GS manager, to see, if in fact, they are making positive changes for the better - and for everyone. 

 

Being in Heaven, your group & you have extra advantage, there is no reason to arrive much later than 11:30 or 12:00 noon - in a van or otherwise.  Sunday traffic from CT to NY in early/mid to late morning remains unpredictable at best, whether it's via I-95 or the Merritt (I know the routes well) and you want to allow extra travel time & incidents en route, for that "ordinary" 90+ minutes "easy" drive to MCT.  

 

This is assuming some changes might be made between now & your cruise, maybe not - here's the typical flow, including the latest observations: - 

Drive direct to MCT - Pier 88 (just a single upper level on-ramp, airline terminal style - doesn't matter whether it's Pier 90, 92 (seldom used) or 88 (preferred & usually for mega-ships to dock) - get dropped off closet to the terminal entrance.  If van is being parked, proceed directly - follow signage, pay charges & park ... sometimes, there are porters up there to help with luggage (tipping = big smiles).

 

Passports & eDocs ready, walk inside - accessible & Haven reps usually to the left inside, if you don't see - ask the first "greeter" & tell her/him you are in Haven - that should get you a faster shortcut to the first checkpoint / screeners for passports & eDocs.  If not, you'll join the general line (hopefully, not)

 

After that, security screening - this month, hardly any lines or wait - got thru quickly, not a big deal.

 

Third step, more greeters - at this point, definitely ask & use your Haven status - you should be screened for your Bermuda TA & passports matched again, and have priority over all others. 

 

After that, you should be directed to go to the designated Haven Lounge in a smaller room for private check-in.  Haven staff should be easily visible around here, from what I saw. There is a Haven lounge right next to the Haven check-in stations, which is now closest to the AFT gangway, a very short - and - escorted small groups walking to the ship.

 

You should expect to get thru all these in 30 to 45 minutes top, and timed correctly, onboard by 11:15 to 11:45 am, drop or store your hand luggage, etc. and shown to the Haven restaurant, quick orientation of services, etc. and begin to enjoy the experience.  

 

Edited May 17, 2022 by mking8288

[graphicguy]

How'd I miss this?  I'm slipping!!!!

[cruiseny4life]

44 minutes ago, drbeamer said:

Is there just one initial line for security, then another for document check? Is Haven check in after this? I

@mking8288is right. You'll need to watch what happens over the next few weeks. His embarkation sounded very different to my embarkation to Bermuda on April 17th (granted that was the crazy 8 hour line embarkation). We were in Haven, but couldn't access until after security, with a document check prior to security. Keep monitoring the lives/comments as it may change in advance of your cruise.

 

Our experience - we arrived at 10:45 and it took 3 hours to get on the ship, even though we were Haven and we "kind of" cut the line (sorry, not sorry). We walked to the terminal from our hotel, entered through the first floor, took the elevators up and joined the line. We didn't know the line extended outside for a block or two. Had we joined the line correctly, we would have been in line for at least 5 hours. 

[latebloomer56]

Thank you so very much for this detailed review. I am hoping the suite perks you didn't re dive are only a failed trial for NCL we love the Moderno's breakfast and or Cagney's lunch with our 2 bedroom suites. If they don't offer this come our Bermuda trip next spring will change to 2 balcony cabins instead.

Hope you and the family are feeling better soon, thanks again.

[mking8288]

7 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

How'd I miss this?  I'm slipping!!!!

Howdy, GG at Ohio - happy to see that you didn't completely abandoned the rest of us "stuck" in Norwegian waters 😆 👴 😁 - I am busy banging my keyboard again this morning, hungry as hell as Mrs. M is now suffering too ... from serious cruise withdrawal - filed a complaint that she's hungry and where is that power breakfast of ours 😄 😄 😄 

 

All is well here - and, good news, we didn't gain any extra weight with all that feasting going on ... tried to eat more balanced meals and limit on red meat, etc. - shared a plate of dessert and lots of fresh fruits.  That Cagney's layered killer was a calories "killer" in disguise.  

 

Ya got lots of catching up, just going thru more photos - Susan got quite a bit of videos, going to sort them out to see which ones to add & post here.  Many NCL "addicts" are in luck & happy to come along virtually, NP sharing some of our best Joy memories ... no need to thank again & again.  Just hit the Like & Thanks button will do it. 

[graphicguy]

Dang it Henry.  You're going to make me go through the whole thread.  😉

 

Strayed to Celebrity and Royal for a wee bit.  Celebrity I like.  Royal?  Hey, it's a cruise! 

 

Just got back from Alaska.

 

Been a few minutes since I've been to Bermuda.  You've got me looking.

 

Loving the thread (at least the first two pages) so far!

[peg013]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

Let's all follow, share and track how things are flowing in the next few weeks

I hope it goes better than this past Sunday. Tons of people still needing approval from Bermuda. Videos in the terminal showing the lines and interviewing fellow passengers (thought that was illegal in the terminal?) waiting for their TA to be approved. We are haven, diamond, wheelchair assistance and will make sure we have our TA from Bermuda if I have to sit on the phone all evening Friday so I'm hoping ours goes well and will hopefully have to find out from others how their embarkation goes. I'll let you know what I hear and see but we don't buy extra internet so only some will be during the cruise. 

[mking8288]

Those "NCL Vacations Heros" Comment Cards are back, distributed and available on the Norwegian Joy - passengers are encouraged to use it and fill them out for crew members that've gone above & beyond, and for guests to recognized using exceptional service.  Fill out them, drop them off at a mail box slot at Guest Services.  It can also be emailed or put into postal mail.

 

Disembarkation info (Norwegian Joy) - timing, colors and hours of certain services are subject to change, but this should give some of you insight as a general guide or planner.  For example, breakfast available in the buffet starting at 6:00 am for NYC arrival, and in Savor, sit-down restaurant but limited menu choices - full services from 6:30 to 8:30 am.  

 

  This past Sunday (May 15th) - ship was cleared to begin Express Self Walkoff by 7:30 ... keep in mind that porter services inside the terminal isn't always available before 8 a.m. even if the priorities colored tag groups had been taken off the ship and into the building, sorted out & ready for pickup.  If you are sailing during/around the holidays and/or with a nearly full ship/at capacity - the entire process, timeline, etc. will vary widely and different, most likely - slower than you would like.  

 

  Yellow taxi services at the official taxi stand across 12th Avenue at the corner of West 48th Street has been somewhat limited both in March when we came off the Getaway and also this past Sunday - but, join the queue and usually, the next available one will come along sooner or later.  There are no Uber dispatcher, in "uniforms" with a clipboard and/or in casual street clothes claiming to be one - use your App to do it, beware of surge pricing and congestion surcharges & NYS/NYC fees on top of the base fares, and tolls - it can add up quickly, even for a short hop & not going to the airport(s).

 

Edited May 17, 2022 by mking8288

[Stefanosthecruiselover]

Does Norwegian no longer have their nighttime parties outdoors at Spice H2O?

[dexddd]

On 5/13/2022 at 9:58 AM, mking8288 said:

Onboard the ferry again, heading back to Dockyard now, plenty of time for lunch. Then get to a vantage point for sail away. 

 

Bye, Hamilton, until next time - Susan shared the sadness about businesses as we walked along Front Street, hope recovery is underway. 

 

BTC's local 4G network is fast on my Google Pixel 4a5G, couldn't get it to connect on the backup iPhone SE 2020.  These Hamilton phones taken on a Xiaomi dual sim global smartphone. 

 

Getting ready to dock again - fast ferry in 20 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Is that a new Carnival ship?  The gray one.

Edited May 18, 2022 by dexddd

[mking8288]

Coming up shortly or next is a subjective review, reflections & impressions of the ship in a number of areas, as we see them.  We did not have the added benefits of a "Behind The Scene" ship tour to ask questions, going below the passenger decks, to visit the ship's laundry operations, walk thru I-95 corridor and see gallery operations where food & meals are freshly prepared daily ... well, maybe - next time.  

 

First, let's chat about I.T. with our scorecards, as it impact on the guest experience ... not about her engine performance, speed, navigation or similar functions.  Technology related matters: 

(and, this is going to sound rather not so positive, glass half full - half empty, it is what it is, as we are calling it, FWIW - and for others who're on this Joy sailing or recently, you are welcome to chime in with yours - constructively, might I respectfully ask)

 

Norwegian Joy issued each passenger his/her own Guest Keycard with embedded (RFID) chip.  When going ashore or returning, facial recognition is used - most of the time, but not always (for whatever reasons) at the security checkpoint... some terminals had "issues" prompting the use of a handheld RFID style reader to read/scan the keycard.  Not impressed.  

 

Ship's livecam - there is only one, and it never worked internally, unable to access it from iTV Channel 12, where as Ch. 11 - Navigational Channel always worked with live display of ship time, speed, heading, weather info, distance to port, sea states, wave height, etc.  Ch. 12 disappeared entirely as a channel by day 3 of the cruise, entirely - day 2, it briefly displayed connectivity error and offline ...

Not impressed. 

 

Luckily, our two (2) Deck 10 Mid/Fwd Family Inside Suites "SP" (ours: port side & the other one: starboard side) has the virtual balconies with dual monitor display - kind of cool to watch as we backed out of Pier 88 and turned to sail down the Hudson.  At night, it wasn't as useful as hardly anything is seen - perhaps, upgrade to (wishful thinking) 4K TV signal will make it better.  Resolution isn't great - set to 720p at best, definitely not 1080p - images were not good in rough seas and large waves. Should be capable of better/higher quality display but not (couldn't ID what brand/model, etc.)  A bit of room to improve here, me thinks. 

 

Our virtual balcony displays failed several times, twice with the lower monitor and once with the upper monitor, and entirely offline at least once - resetting or power cycling the switching control nearby did not help, nor sliding the wall curtains back-n-forth as they also acted as on/off switch.  Reported to Guest Services and trouble tickets were acted upon & resolved not immediately, but within somehow "reasonable" timeframe.  Not a ordinary "housekeeping" issues so did not expect Brian, our room steward to know how and/or expected to report the outage for us (or, should he know better as part of his daily routine ... I don't know for sure.)  Interesting enough, brother-in-law's virtual balcony in the suite always up & worked for them ... what they see is different, of course, being on the opposite side of the ship.  Maybe, should've asked for OBC for services partially not delivered, hahaha ... just kidding. 

 

Joy's satellite WiFi connect to the same hybrid high-orbit network provider, identical services on other ships with the Norwegian fleet.  It has the advantage being among the newer ones, using industrial or commercial grade Cisco wireless router (WiFi 5, dual bands) both inside our suite and strategically located in the (public) corridors and hallways, and probably cleverly hidden overhead in public area - with different & hidden SSiD - as the same network also helps run/support the ship's vital functions and business operations, etc.  Ship officers and crew managers & supervisor's Handy Phone (VoIP) probably operating one of the hidden WiFi network as well ... and, hence - tasks heavily to keep them working.  Best download inTERnet speed (using speedtest.net) was 2 Mbps, mostly below 1.7 to 1.9 Mbps and upload around 1 Mbps, rather poor overall with passenger headcounts being under 50%, imagine if ship is at or near capacity forgetaboutit.  I would not spend a dime more for the "premium" unlimited WiFi package - useless to stream HD contents at these speed. Save your money and OBC for the extra upsell.  Expecting a better product for a ship built in 2018, IMHO.  Score: acceptable but disappointed. 

 

Ship's iCafe (Internet Center) located on Deck 6 Fwd/Mid - next to Starbucks, starboard side - some of the work stations directly facing the multi-purpose atrium lobby.  Acer mini-PC's - about 12 standalone and non-networked terminals for passenger access, free use.  Barebone browser - running Windows 10, strip of usable apps, USB ports enabled - m/SD memory card storage access are assumed.  Printing is available, 50 cents a page.  Free access for NCL dot com and also for CruiseCritic online site, loads very slowly, if at all (minus graphics) - be mindful of what you are using these computers for. WiFi signal (I used mainly 5 Ghz) in this area is marginally better & stronger, not by much.  

 

In contrast, since we have Google Fi and T-Mobile cellular data services, roaming voice/text/data access was very good in Bermuda, whether it's Dockyard, St. George's or Hamilton.  For our entire cruise week - the combined data usage was about 2.5 GB of data transferred and $1.60 worth of international long-distance mobile calls, at 20 cents per minute.  Total extra charges on our next billing invoice will be the extra charges, taxes & fees - around $32 to $35, and, very reasonable ... not to mention that 4G LTE services on the island is fast & reliable.  Connecting to (local partner carrier) BTC's cellular signal towers in Bermuda was easy, automatic & simple ... not so much with an iPhone SE 2020 dual-sim enabled, cannot recalled if we had similar issues with T-Mobile roaming locally. Uploads and download were fast and superior vs. ship's coverage. 

 

Norwegian App as used on the Joy - for the first 2 to 3 days, it acted up randomly and useless to make dining reservations.  The option that worked is to use one of the giant HDTV monitor display located throughout the ship, or, use the stateroom's iTV with the remote control, to scroll, click & choose - to confirm reservations.  It is useful to check the onboard charges and account's balance, etc. Pre-install it first before leaving, easier and also helpful to check for proper access. 

 

Samsung HDTV - (it's your interactive TV with the Remote Control, point & click) we have 3 of them in our "suites" - input/data sources via hard-wired Cat-5e cables, thus, HDMI port is not used, firmware locked as to blocking changes to the input source.  As a result, nearly impossible to bring along, stream and directly cast one's own media to the Samsung as output to see or watch.  Without the active network connection, the TV monitor will not boot up - no access to anything, blank display on screen (thus, answering the "geek" question raised earlier ... no, can't do).  Probably an unreasonable expectations, the living TV could use a bigger TV display, but given the limited channels & blocked usage - unrealistic to ask ... what if, I can boot up my Linux OS on a stick to self-configure the monitor, hmmm. Nay, Set-up menu probably has admin disabled already to easily changed with universal/Harmony remote.  

 

Edited May 18, 2022 by mking8288

[mking8288]

 

 

 

@dexddd -  G😁😁D  morning to you, graphical answer is no - it's the "Cape Race" from Norfolk, VA ?? - pretty sure it's not owned by Carnival, unless they are also in the cargo/container transport business ... Between @bluesea777 and @njhorseman - they aren't in "agreement" as to whether she is still serving in the USN fleet or been transferred, records not update (I've been lazy in last 3 days to look it up myself.   Otherwise, all is well enough this morning ... you need a good cup of coffee 👴

 

BTW, bluesea777 - if you see this, did Danny from Spice H2O get in contact with you already as he said ?  Just checking, no need to say update here. 

Edited May 18, 2022 by mking8288

[mking8288]

5 hours ago, Stefanosthecruiselover said:

Does Norwegian no longer have their nighttime parties outdoors at Spice H2O?

Good question: I can't say for other ships within the fleet but for the Joy, they did changed some of the venue to indoor - which is a bummer.  Got too crowded from what I've learned and some felt uneasy, left.  It's another one of those, " what the heck were they thinking, not !!! " and not a best practices these days to help crowd management & natural social distancing.  Weather was fine in Bermuda at night, Dockyard is quiet & its' been done up there on the Escape & Breakaway at other times while we're onboard in years past.  

 

@dexddd - update: CAPE RACE is listed on Marinetraffic now as a vehicle carrier with Norfolk, VA as her home port, no longer docked - moved to anchorage at Grassy Bay on May 15th.  Royal's MOS arrived a short while ago this morning and Norwegian Joy arrived earlier, watching live stream on the sweeping Dockyard/Bermuda cam - nice day, passengers going ashore - you'll see Cape Race behind/over the Joy's bow as the live cam come into view.  

https://www.portbermudawebcam.com/

 

And, NCL's free ferry services in Bermuda, The Spirit of St. George is running - away from the pier now (just outside/across from the small terminal building ... based on previous scheduled distributed ... next run from Dockyard to SG should be at 11:00 local time (30 minutes from now or 10:00 EDT - a one-hour time zone difference).  It should be arrival from its first morning trip in 15 - 20 minutes next, for anyone watching.  

Edited May 18, 2022 by mking8288

[graphicguy]

Gotta say, having had the opportunity to sail other cruise lines to other parts of the world, regardless of the marketing nomenclature or the alleged advances being touted on any particular cruise line's internet technology, they're all about the same.

 

None of them are particularly good.  Yes, they're better than they were 10 years ago.  But, none of them are good.

[MsTabbyKats]

23 hours ago, peg013 said:

I hope it goes better than this past Sunday. Tons of people still needing approval from Bermuda. Videos in the terminal showing the lines and interviewing fellow passengers (thought that was illegal in the terminal?) waiting for their TA to be approved. We are haven, diamond, wheelchair assistance and will make sure we have our TA from Bermuda if I have to sit on the phone all evening Friday so I'm hoping ours goes well and will hopefully have to find out from others how their embarkation goes. I'll let you know what I hear and see but we don't buy extra internet so only some will be during the cruise. 

Where did you get this information/videos?

[mking8288]

49 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Gotta say ... internet technology ... they're better than they were 10 years ago.  But, none of them are good.

Agreed, but, Carnival & Royal's packages are inexpensive compared to NCLH's offering and on a long cruise with multiple sea days and no chance for a decent & superior, fast  cellular signal - the difference is significant, right 🤔 .

 

Years ago, in Bermuda, I can pickup a decent Blue Zone WiFi signal from the balcony or Deck 7 or 8, but not on the pool or buffet deck (too high up, signals from the nearest tower not aimed or beamed, or reflected that high).  This time, couldn't pick up while scanning for it, but it's available at Clocktower Mall & by the ferry dock (where there's also the free Bermuda government sponsored WiFi) 

 

 

 

P.S.  Just got our Google Fi billing statement, cycle cutoff on the 15th - net total costs for data and cellular calls made (int'l @ 20 cents/min) w. taxes, incremental difference around $25 only, taxes/fees inclusive - used about 2.5G of 4G data "roaming" in Bermuda for our 2.5 days there, all over the islands on a single line with 2 extra data-only sim cards burning data.  No way that's possible relying on satellite WiFi via the ship itself, not the speed & amount of data used, regardless of cost. 

Edited May 18, 2022 by mking8288

[graphicguy]

It's been a little bit, but I do recall being able to get a WiFi plan at the dock in Bermuda (bought from a kiosk very near the disembarkation point) for $15.  Pretty good price for what I remember to be 2 days of usage.

 

Unfortunately, the signal wasn't strong enough to reach the ship, as the router only covered the immediate area around the kiosk.  But, they had benches you could sit on around the area.

 

I did some work from those benches.  Again, that was a few years ago, though.

 

Always found the "included" NCL WiFi to leave a lot to be desired.

[peg013]

1 hour ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Where did you get this information/videos?

 

I just checked to make sure it is still posted and it is. It is in a group just named for the ship on FB. I don't think I am allowed to link the group here.

[MsTabbyKats]

16 minutes ago, peg013 said:

 

I just checked to make sure it is still posted and it is. It is in a group just named for the ship on FB. I don't think I am allowed to link the group here.

Thanks....I found it.  According to some of the posts....not to worry as long as you have the provisional approval.  They're working on them "on the ship".

My plan is get tested Friday (unfortunately DH doesn't do "early")...and upload the "hopeful" negative tests.  I'm going to request a late check in....and bring all my print outs.  If we don't get final approval...I guess we'll just have to do it in the terminal or on the ship...or whatever.  I prefer that than to being on hold for a couple of hours.

[kgmorris]

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

 

 

@dexddd -  G😁😁D  morning to you, graphical answer is no - it's the "Cape Race" from Norfolk, VA ?? - pretty sure it's not owned by Carnival, unless they are also in the cargo/container transport business ... Between @bluesea777 and @njhorseman - they aren't in "agreement" as to whether she is still serving in the USN fleet or been transferred, records not update (I've been lazy in last 3 days to look it up myself.   Otherwise, all is well enough this morning ... you need a good cup of coffee 👴

 

BTW, bluesea777 - if you see this, did Danny from Spice H2O get in contact with you already as he said ?  Just checking, no need to say update here. 

Yes the Cape Race is still part of the US Navy Reserve Fleet and is still active. 🙂

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/sites/marad.dot.gov/files/2021-10/MARAD RRF SHIP POSTER - Rev I - January 2021_0.pdf

[njhorseman]

1 hour ago, kgmorris said:

Yes the Cape Race is still part of the US Navy Reserve Fleet and is still active. 🙂

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/sites/marad.dot.gov/files/2021-10/MARAD RRF SHIP POSTER - Rev I - January 2021_0.pdf

That is what I've said on other threads where this was discussed, but in fairness the document you've cited is over a  year old and theoretically could be out of date.

[mking8288]

Working on a wrap-up / summary impressions - should be posted very soon, plus a little extra section about we (6 of us) think of our "SC" "suites" (better known as Family Inside "s"uites with a virtual balcony living room and 2 bedrooms/2 baths) and future options.

 

Meanwhile - instead of another minor but important Health update again - please go to this linked post within the thread on details.  In brief - one more in our party Antigen Rapid self-tested at home this morning to be "positive" he's doubled boosted & asymptomatic, doing fine (re-checked this evening again, no changes) and taking all appropriate self-isolation measures & staying home, etc. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2851776-how-are-covid-cases-on-ncl-ships/?do=findComment&comment=63233985

 

Cruising next, whether out of NYC soon or elsewhere, on the Joy or another ship within the fleet - my opinion and personal advise (feel free to ignore & agree, no discussions here - please) bring high-quality masks, best you can take along in plentiful quantity, change out often & discard used/soiled ones promptly in a safe manner, and carry/use your own, personal - hand sanitizers to use onboard & in ports, etc.  And, go ahead and enjoy your upcoming cruise - indefinitely hiding and sheltering-in-place is not the only answer to move ahead & out of this global pandemic.  Understand the odds, check that your health & travel insurance are in place and got it covered, re-confirm tele-health/tele-medicine to keep in touch with your healthcare provider (PCP) - pack extra personal medicine as appropriate; and, go enjoy living and cruising.  

 

[mking8288]

A casual summary, impressions, observations, comments, thoughts, ideas, tips and misc, FAQ - tossed together, post-cruise evaluations from us ... here we go:

 

  Already finished both the NCL post-cruise eSurvey, format & questions asked are a little different this time (vs. previous ones done, including the Getaway in March/April 2022) and also Bermuda Tourism Authority's lengthy eSurvey (in which, we proclaimed the head tax a/k/a TA application fee of $40 per applicant is a ripoff & deterent for visitors, tourists, cruise ship arrivals and bad for the island's overall economy ... ArriveCan is free for visitors to file in advance & simple, not arriving by cruise ship (hence, not needed ...) 

 

Norwegian Joy, in our eyes, is a mixed cruise experience, unless our recent "Getaway" - consistently inconsistent, (2 words to describe her, in short) promising as a whole and a great to excellent team of officers, crews and workforce that appeared to have high spirits, friendly and nearly always smiling - senior staff are much more strategically visible.  We did not get to explore, experience and visit some, if not all, of the vast areas throughout the ship during our 7 nights stay - which we knew - and planning to do that soon (that's Semi-Live-II continuation, stay tuned in the near future) 

 

We booked directly online - but, with the assistance of a helpful NCL agent/PCC in finalizing the details & linking the reservations for 2 inside Family Suites w 2 BR/2BA (unique to the Joy, coded as "SP") and virtual balcony last minute, caught NCL's April promo, used 2 CruiseNext certs in each, at almost its lowest price - with just 3 adults in each, very spacious; comparable to the luxurious Haven experience, minus the extra perks, trimmings, decorations, fancy tricks & daily "treats" and the butler/concierge experience & availabilities - most of which, we know but do not want or need - thus, "saving" a bit of money.  We could've tried to pack 4 adults, possibly 5 but didn't think it's that good, configuration & setup is good for an extended family with children & teens, but not (we can affirm) really suitable for 5 or 6 grown-up. 

 

  The drop-down/upper pullman bed in the smaller bedroom is fine for teens & young adult that don't midn climbing up & down, using it as a sleeping pad; and, that fully extended living room sofabed would be too cozy for 2 adults to stretch out & sleep at night (which bathroom to "intrude" & use.) 

 

  For more than 5 seniors, the arrangement will not work - unless there is an extra rollaway bed option to set-up in the (relatively) spacious living room area (minus the privacy) at night ... a magnetic DIY curtain across the room is tacky and no good - better off looking into a different combo of cabins.  

 

  Given the prices of other cabins or staterooms, depending on the dates & itineraries, we've come to lean toward an initial conclusion that these SP are NOT the best deals for booking 4 adults or more per "suite", for us; aside from the 2nd. bathroom and shared living room space (and, as far as we could tell, only one (1) tiny mini-room safe to share among all occupants, enough to put wallets & passports & a few smartphones & iPads inside ... that's about it, can't even fit an 11" Chromebook or 10" Fire HD tablet).  There are more usable & easy reached 110v and 220v outlets in the small bedroom, none in the LR by the sofa or near the TV - bedside, there is a single, usable USB outlet next to the swivel LED light/switch, convenient with 2A output, not fast/turbo or QC ... why doesn't NCL adopt some of the best ideas from hotel chains like the Marriott, aside from saving their money, less for more.  Luckily, being a tech geek for the last 40+ years helped, never travel with my collection of adapters & plugs to innovate, or else, would be calling or running to Guest Services to ask.

 

Deck 10 Mid/Forward is a good location vs. other SP on higher decks, although 11 would be just as good - avoid ours or similar ones next to that white (crew/storage/supplies) space as it is slightly noiser than usual.  Very good as we battled very rough sea state and large/very large waves, height in excess of 30 feet for more than just a few hours on the Bermuda crossing - think hurricane seasons & Pacific storms.  

 

Bathrooms are typical & like those for a Studio, Inside, Oceanview/Balcony and the larger bathroom in the "main" being the same/comparable to those in a (formerly) mini-suite (now, labeled as "Club Balcony Suite" which is also consistently very misleading - the bathtub is a nice touch but step-in/over height to not senior/accessible friendly and it's sliding "soft-touch closing" door kept shutting & slamming when we ran into rough sea state and large waves for 24 hours, requiring fixes with wet towels & bulldog clips to hold them tight. 

 

  Nothing fancy or upscale about the showerhead or the double sink itself, functional - the sink drained very, very slowly - cute to watch grey water sloshing & splashing around after brushing our teeth and washing up - deep to use as a mini-bath for infants (just kidding) and to hand wash laundry. 

 

  Afterall, with the newly downsized paper laundry bag (gosh, it is small, tiny - WTH) now costing $29 per stuffed bag on Specials and few remaining perks or amenities, one could be tempted to wash underwears & socks, swimwear & quick dry items in the suite ... but, wait, there is no recessed/retractable nylon laundry line in the stand-up tub area.  Nope - asked for more bags to do free Platinum laundry but steward still gave us paper ones ... not too "smart" or just rigid, just not going above & beyond to please.  No extra bonus brownies to him, from us ... we still, gave him a little $$ extras for the week, could've done more - as a whole, didn't earn our Vacation Heros recognition. 

 

  There're 2 tiny drilled holes, maybe it was once there & taken out, for whatever reasons - hey, dab a bit of flexible, waterproof silicone to fill up the opening - a micro/hidden camera can otherwise be place behind that vertical panel (of course, we can't get into that space - refer/see the photo taken /posted earlier).  

 

Main bedroom (Joy # 10543) - it's spacious, plenty of (3) full-size closets, the top shelf is on the high end, this ship was destined and designed for the Chinese/Asia market initially - they are generally not as tall.  At 6' tall myself, I had to stand on my toes to reach the back of the shelves to check if anything was left behind or just to get my Lenovo CB out, as it slide it up there for daily storage (keep it out of sight, out of mind until I wanted to go online).  DW will have to get a step stool, wait ... there isn't one in the suite.  Hairdryer is stored under the Dresser, lighted and that's where "all" the outlets are - one (1) single 110v and one (1) 220v outlet, duh.  Why does the smaller bedroom has more 3+1 outlets at the long dresser/tabletop - so that "kids" can connect their X'box (wait, you cannot plug into the Samsung TV's HDMI port nor Chromecast anything ... blah)   UL-listed Triple outlet Cube by GE to the rescue, plus have a 220v to 110v adapter plug make fast charging for the iPad possible.  

 

  But, bring your own hi-output USB standalone power brick anyway - if you hangout in the Observation Lounge & need a boost for your jumbo iPhone or smartphone mid-way thru, there are no usable wall outlets anywhere there, that I can see as being within reach & usable.  I always recommend a 10' plus USB 2.0+ extension cable to get that extra long reach and the advice stands  - 13' to 15' or 16' in overall length works better & safely, a 15' extension cable is even better, only take up a few oz. & very little space in the carry-on. 

 

  Nice touch, an umbrella to use for a rainy day (probably can't ask for an extra one for the other "suite" guests, I think) stored in the close - plus 2 white robes, but no slippers ... none, whatsoever of anything in the other room or any of the other closets.  Lots of hangers, however, but just 1 tiny, small paper laundry bag high up on the living room closet, as if it is hidden treasure to hunt for, hopefully not found - since no laundry slip came with it.  There are 3 of us booked into each of these "suite" several weeks ago, plenty of time for the passenger manifests distributed to each deck's assigned room stewards to prepare/set-up and for the asst. housekeeping manager or whoever to cross-check.  Our other suite had no robes, slippers or laundry bag at all - had to ask our "Brian" as he serviced both.  Sailing before us wasn't full - they should had plenty of time, supply/storage close just behind & near us, not acceptable but is it a big deal to tell the "hard-working" guy or call his "boss" for a friendly chat.  No, it's not my style to bug or complain about little or minor things discovered onboard, not going to expect OBC or a bottle of house wine as an apology or token of appreciation ... maybe, should've, thoughts ??   

 

  Reality check: - Mrs. M cruising with her sisters would never discover what's hiding & out of sight there.  I haven't really done a casual but in-depth review or commentary like this in a while, in a long time - this isn't as good as our Getaway just a few short weeks ago, not sour, not bitter, just disappointed from this grumpy old fella.  It's a cloudy Thursday morning with rain & drizzle outside, sun will be out tomorrow & 90 degree F on Saturday, really - this is May, not June/July in NY - feeling even better today, so is everyone else with the positive test.  Perhaps, we were expecting way too much - if this was a true Inside, Oceanview or even plain old Sail Away Balcony assigned to us last minute or that we got lucky & upgrade bidded into these as a steal, the disappointment won't be as clear.  Ahh ... expectations and promises, there are plenty of mis-matches last week, that's for sure, frankly. 

 

Living room within our suite - this is bigger than the average balcony and even club balcony suite, visually as I didn't bring a tape measure to check the L X W - the sliding curtains that hide/switch off-on the double monitor, virtual balcony screens were functional (if NCL upscale them with a nicer Amazon graded ones - a bit of colors, patterns or whatever - it will be as cool as the ones in Haven, really)  The fabric-covered foam sofa/convertible bed is firm & comfortable, Mrs. M's favorite couch to cat-nap mid-afternoon, with a light switch nearby - too bright, how about a sliding or rotating dimmer for mood lighting (virtual candlelight dinner for 2, 3 or 4 in "suite" would be cooler)   Just kicking ideas around to be creative, right.  There is a single sofa chair there, pull the extra sofa chair from the small bedroom - 4, 5 or more can easily sit in this area, enjoy snacks (but, not those "cheap" treats for just 2, please - NCL - don't bother or do it better, it's just laughable.)  Order (once free) room service delivery, pizza & drinks, sodas or juice, beer, maybe even a cheap bottle of sparkling bubbles for a quiet morning - ship itself and the suite being the destination.   Haha, ideas for a long T/A and coastal repo.  Turn on that "smallish" Samsung HD TV at 720p - how about a dedicated channel for these suites to load a virtual fireplace with background music in the winter/colder months, or maybe sounds of waterfalls or mountains & beaches on display, especially if that live Joy shipcam continue to stay offline for passengers but visible remotely to other broadband users from far away, find that really odd & not acceptable. Make it more end-users friendly, if the Marriotts can do it, because they can - why not.  What's NCL's idea/concept behind labeling these, deceptively, as "suites" - because of the upscale linen & bath products - is it really worth that much more to pay for, dunno.  

 

  The offered pre/cruise concierge help for "priority" dining & show (shorex ??) reservations aren't really happening or at least we don't believe these "limited" services with the disclaimers stated in the welcome letter/message - truly made a difference to/for us with the week-long onboard experience, ditto with the lack of priority embarkation/boarding & disembarkation - certainly, anyone with Platinum tiered status can reach for & are supposed to be granted the nearly identical privileges, without paying extra for it.  Never once heard, meet or see the concierge team anywhere near these suites or come by, alas ... expectations & being informed as to what's entitled, our faults 😉 - perhaps.

 

  More, tons of storage in the living room - plentiful if two adults are sleeping here - two closets & six drawers.  But, there are few, none, electrical outlets by the TV or the sofa - looked & searched with my LED flashlight, high & low, behind those curtains ... would be nice to sit back on the sofa or that comfortable sofa chair & do a little online surfing, with that sluggish upgrade unlimited WiFi package (thankfully, it's pathetically slow I would never get the "premium" streaming extras for the duration -saved $$ for more gift shop souvenirs on sale)  Still, trading in 1 of the 2 included 150 free minutes as part of the Free At Seas bundle for a $100 credit, costing "only" $115 more against NR OBC in our account - used to be $125 credit for 250 minutes, cost $85 then for the difference.  Not combinable with Latitudes discount or stackable with other offers, no reductions if upgrading on Day 2 (or 3 on longer cruises) but at least, the other 125 free minutes can still be used on a 2nd or other devices, shared or given to someone else in your traveling party.  

 

  The Nespresso coffee machine stocked with the capsules is probably the only useful perk that we see as values-added, with enough supplies and a cup for each adult guests in these "suites" would be what I call attention to details, NOT here (did we have to ask or made another "request" for it to get done.)  Ditto, for an bucket filled with ice & a clean drinking glass based on headcounts, or, maybe - just a simple checklist pre-arrival or even on embarkation day, so that the steward can do it as part of the evening turn down services & then subsequent days ??  Perhaps, just pointing out how to better enhance the onboard guests'  experience??  If I can click on our Marriott Bonvoy App - quickly & easily as part of a mobile/early, contactless check-in, surely NCL can explore, look & put that into system ... in the near future, just a suggestion, for our "mutual" convenience.  Ahhh, wait - that's probably Haven only.  Kicking the tin cans here.

 

  The rectangular table with chairs is compact, just big enough for 4 to sit-down for a meal, breakfast and snack, afternoon coffee & tea, and that Cagney's dessert overnight.  If we stay (only if) in one of these again, maybe we'll bring a fancy linen tablecloth to give it a nicer look for photos, pamper ourselves since we can't see NCL doing it.  

 

  Tips - using the regular morning continental breakfast (delivered within 30 minutes, as late as 9:30 - 10 am) with the door hangers, put it outside at the doorknob and use the table & chair for that, especially for a light one, tip for the delivery as it is always appreciated.  Skip the hot breakfast options as it is very limited in variety (unless included at no extra upcharge in the future, or you don't mind using NR OBC like us.)  The upcharge ($10 fees per delivery trip - or use that SWIFT app) for lunch, dinner or late night snacks - with more choices and variety is better, especially if you might be seasick and/or not in mood to leave the suite to dine somewhere or bring something back from the buffet, etc. 

 

Setup of the other family "suite" (#10539) is a little different, slightly smaller at 512 sq.ft. vs. 550 or 560 sq.ft. - with the living room area having just one closet, a shorter set of cabinet next to/below the wall-mounted TV (same size) - it sleep up to 6 also with the upper pullman ... comments about their configuration does not change, same.  

 

  The smaller bedroom also has a huge, full-height closet that'll store a month's worth of 4 season clothes for 2 easily, but no mini-safe there, plus dresser/desk drawers for everything else, plenty of outlets, a sofa chair next to the single bed.  The night stand/table next to these beds are actually bigger/wider than the ones from the Insides, OV or Balconies ... probably identical or same as the ones in the mini-suites (club balcony "suites")   In between, the floor space is quite good, enough to set out a yoga mat to do stretching exercise ... or, an extra self-inflating airbed for an unexpected visitor to cat nap in the afternoon, sleeper for a toddler or bassinet, etc.  Being smaller, it has a simple bathroom, sink and toilet - and a walk-in shower, pretty much like those in a regular stateroom - our "seniors" actually like it better with their minor mobility issues, and use it during the week - more users friendly (even when neither really has a safety grab bar.)  By day 5, we ran out of those deluxe shower & bath gel and minus having any wall-mounted dispensers for soap & shampoo, had to ask the steward to re-supply & bring it.  

 

 

Footnotes/Comments - please refer to post #278 for most images/pictures mentioned in this post - (this will continue/resume toward a full wrap-up) 

 

 

Butter - we "forget" to ask/include/order ...  Ketchup - for the hash browns, not included but ask if you want them.   Hot water & juice - ask for them if you like to have it - bonus, you can keep the cups/mugs & re-use them ... store in the refrigerator.  It is roomier & bigger than the smaller ones used in regular cabins. 

 

 

 

Edited May 19, 2022 by mking8288

[bluesea777]

On 5/18/2022 at 9:56 AM, mking8288 said:

 

 

@dexddd -  G😁😁D  morning to you, graphical answer is no - it's the "Cape Race" from Norfolk, VA ?? - pretty sure it's not owned by Carnival, unless they are also in the cargo/container transport business ... Between @bluesea777 and @njhorseman - they aren't in "agreement" as to whether she is still serving in the USN fleet or been transferred, records not update (I've been lazy in last 3 days to look it up myself.   Otherwise, all is well enough this morning ... you need a good cup of coffee 👴

 

BTW, bluesea777 - if you see this, did Danny from Spice H2O get in contact with you already as he said ?  Just checking, no need to say update here. 

 

Well, I was wrong and @njhorsemanwas correct 😁 ...

 

The reason I said that Cape Race brought the boats, etc for the Sail GP was that we saw no sailboats out on the water for practices (except for one solo boat Switzerland (SUI) that somehow came to the island a week or 2 before and they were practicing on the water a lot) UNTIL the day after the Cape Race's arrival to the Dockyard. 🙃

 

Update: Cape Care left Grassy Bay yesterday mid-afternoon escorted by Tug Powerful and then when they reached off St. George's the pilot was kicked off the ship. Cape Race continued its way SW, destination unknown.

 

P.S. Sorry to hear all in your party of 6 came down with the virus when you got back home. We all (party of 4) also came down with it 3 days after our Joy cruise back in March out of Miami to Western Caribbean. 

 

Edited May 19, 2022 by bluesea777