Since I posted this video, NCL increased gratuities to $20 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suites and below and $25 USD per person per day for Haven and Suites effective January 1, 2024.
Did this exact cruise in July 2022. It was our first cruise and we really enjoyed it. It did not appear to be as busy as your cruise. Have to agree the pool deck was crowded and therefore we only spent one afternoon there. Agree the promenade deck and the observation lounge made up for it as this is where we spend most of our time. As well as the brew house which had a good selection of beers!
Compared to our cruise before Covid and this past June trip to Bermuda with Norwegian, they are now charging for everything. Even the games in the lobby if you want to participate, there’s a fee. Thermal suite had no whirlpool pool. I would not go again.
Agree - NCL has some work to do to improve the disembarkation process when the ships are over capacity (which is basically all the time now). I’ve never seen such a chaotic disembarkation before…
I just got off this cruise. I loved Bermuda but I did not like the NCL JoY at all. The entertainment was not up the NCL level. My second least favorite cruise ever and I’ve been on a ton.
Went to Bermuda on this ship July 2023. WiFi was down when we got to terminal. On line for almost 4 hours for check in. The food venders ran out of water and snacks. People were asking for water. So check in was a disaster. The ship was nice but pool was WAYYYYYYY to small. Very crowded for a big ship. Been on 6 cruses with NCL. The Joy was NOT my best ship. The GEM,Spirit,Star,were MUCH better. The buffet for all was a crowded mad house. No one was using the lazer tag. Waste of space on the top deck.There were days we couldn,t use the pool. Will go back to Bermuda this year but will DEFINATELY take the Haven....AND you had to make reservation to see a show. All other ships I was on was walk in and find a good seat.
Very helpful video. Appreciate your listing of the good, the bad, and the ugly, all of which echo our own experiences. The variety and quality of food, especially specialty restaurants is excellent, and the entertainment is always great, just hope they don’t cut back on this in the future as has been rumored. Also the “Free at sea” is a bit misleading, since there are also lower “sail away rates” that don’t include these perks and are much lower. The lack of an adults only indoor pool or solarium area, and crowded deck space with little shade, doesn’t really fit our cruising style. Too much deck space was spent on money making activities, leaving little room for guests.
Went on a repositioning cruise in October 2023. Price was right but all the usual pros of a repositioning cruise became cons. Too many people and kids (school holidays in Europe). Bad weather resulted in missed ports and disembark was a nightmare . Last day excursion cut short due to delays in clearing the ship. As a result an 8 hour wait for the flight home. We did enjoy the food, bars and specialty restaurants. Good move removing the toys on the top deck.
Don't worry! While some areas will be busy like the lido deck - other areas are much more relaxing like the wrap-around promenade and the observation lounge. Once you explore the ship, you will find a place you like, I have no doubt! The Joy also now has the thermal suite, which is very relaxing (although of course costs extra).
I did Royals oasis of the seas, and absolutely hated it. It was chaotic crowds. Also, all of the venues were too small to accommodate people for the activities.
I think you understated the cost of gratuities. I believe they start at $20/person/day. You gave the Vibe a 4 out of 5 but you didn't address anything about it.
Thank you for pointing the gratuities out! Since I posted this video, NCL increased gratuities to $20.00 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suite and below and $25.00 USD per person per day for The Haven and Suites effective January 1, 2024. I will pin a comment to make that clear. I didn't give the vibe a perfect 5 because of the crowding and the public spaces that weren't designed to handle crowds (elevator bays, main casino floor by the tables etc.)
I went on Norwegian joy March 30th to April 6th 2024 i will never go back on the joy way to many people and kids I got sick for 3 days I'm booking smaller ships from now on less kids less people I'm going on Norwegian sky on my next cruise may 5th-14th 2024
Only food I liked was the buffet the pool is tiny and they dnt have enough show times ... I wasn't impressed I went to Mexico the best part of the Boston is when Rowen sings the washy washy song😂
Yes, most people stay/sleep in their cabin while the ship is docked. It’s very easy to get on and off the ship (and around the island) while it’s docked and the gangway is open 24/7.
@@TheChillCruiser I hear you mentioned the basic drink package, and unless I’m mistaken, isn’t it called the deluxe drink package? Isn’t the basic drink package like soda and stuff? Not alcohol?
Sorry I don't know. I checked the daily programs and every day at Heritage Wharf the casino hours were "9pm to close", which isn't helpful. I would assume they handled it like it's a port day the next day and close the casino based on usage (as in if it's happening, it stays open) up to around 1 or 2am.
Of the NCL Breakaway class ships the Joy is the worst. Joy was built for the Far East market and was a disaster. No sauna, no steam room, low ceiling showers, no Spa suites. We have done 6 Haven NCL , most recent on Prima. Avoid the Joy.
the breakaway class is just awful. its a cattle car. It's only hope is to rip out all the gimmicks and make all the open air area's public and with recliners. One look at the pool area and sunning spots and I know I'd hate that ship. Imagine a race track and laser tag that can accommodate, what 50 people at a time? those areas could hold 700 sun-bathers and another pool. What a waste of space.
I just got off this cruise. I loved Bermuda but I did not like the NCL JoY at all. The entertainment was not up the NCL level. My second least favorite cruise ever and I’ve been on a ton.
Since I posted this video, NCL increased gratuities to $20 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suites and below and $25 USD per person per day for Haven and Suites effective January 1, 2024.
I was on that same cruise as you. Had a great time and the weather was perfect.
Did this exact cruise in July 2022. It was our first cruise and we really enjoyed it. It did not appear to be as busy as your cruise. Have to agree the pool deck was crowded and therefore we only spent one afternoon there. Agree the promenade deck and the observation lounge made up for it as this is where we spend most of our time. As well as the brew house which had a good selection of beers!
Thank you for watching and welcome to cruising! I'm glad you enjoyed the ship!
My husband and I love Norwegian, and our favorite island is Bermuda. However, the ship seems way too crowded. I can’t believe they added more cabins.
Great Ship went during thanksgiving this year 2023 would go again in a heartbeat. Great crew
We loved our cruise on this ship back in November and will definitely be going on the joy from here on.
Compared to our cruise before Covid and this past June trip to Bermuda with Norwegian, they are now charging for everything. Even the games in the lobby if you want to participate, there’s a fee. Thermal suite had no whirlpool pool. I would not go again.
No hot tub or hydrotherapy pool in the thermal suite?!!!!! What’s the point of it then ?! 🤷♂️
Also when it disembark time, it was a total nightmare, they had all 5000 to 6000 guests in line at the same time. It was horrendous.
Agree - NCL has some work to do to improve the disembarkation process when the ships are over capacity (which is basically all the time now). I’ve never seen such a chaotic disembarkation before…
I just got off this cruise. I loved Bermuda but I did not like the NCL JoY at all. The entertainment was not up the NCL level. My second least favorite cruise ever and I’ve been on a ton.
Sorry to hear the ship was disappointing - but glad you enjoyed Bermuda. Definitely one of my favorite cruise itineraries.
I totally agree. How was it when you were disembarking?
@@brownminingcompany6939 for me it was one of the most chaotic disembarkations I’ve ever experienced.
Went to Bermuda on this ship July 2023. WiFi was down when we got to terminal. On line for almost 4 hours for check in. The food venders ran out of water and snacks. People were asking for water. So check in was a disaster. The ship was nice but pool was WAYYYYYYY to small. Very crowded for a big ship. Been on 6 cruses with NCL. The Joy was NOT my best ship. The GEM,Spirit,Star,were MUCH better. The buffet for all was a crowded mad house. No one was using the lazer tag. Waste of space on the top deck.There were days we couldn,t use the pool. Will go back to Bermuda this year but will DEFINATELY take the Haven....AND you had to make reservation to see a show. All other ships I was on was walk in and find a good seat.
Very helpful video. Appreciate your listing of the good, the bad, and the ugly, all of which echo our own experiences. The variety and quality of food, especially specialty restaurants is excellent, and the entertainment is always great, just hope they don’t cut back on this in the future as has been rumored. Also the “Free at sea” is a bit misleading, since there are also lower “sail away rates” that don’t include these perks and are much lower. The lack of an adults only indoor pool or solarium area, and crowded deck space with little shade, doesn’t really fit our cruising style. Too much deck space was spent on money making activities, leaving little room for guests.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience!
Went on a repositioning cruise in October 2023. Price was right but all the usual pros of a repositioning cruise became cons. Too many people and kids (school holidays in Europe). Bad weather resulted in missed ports and disembark was a nightmare . Last day excursion cut short due to delays in clearing the ship. As a result an 8 hour wait for the flight home. We did enjoy the food, bars and specialty restaurants. Good move removing the toys on the top deck.
gosh, now I am worry because I am going to bermuda in 3 days on Norwegian Joy. oh boy. I just hope is relaxing
Don't worry! While some areas will be busy like the lido deck - other areas are much more relaxing like the wrap-around promenade and the observation lounge. Once you explore the ship, you will find a place you like, I have no doubt! The Joy also now has the thermal suite, which is very relaxing (although of course costs extra).
WASHY WASHY HAPPY HAPPY😊😊😊😊
I’m going on the ship less than a week😅
I hope you have a great cruise!
All Im hearing for me to stay myself on Royal Caribbean.
I did Royals oasis of the seas, and absolutely hated it. It was chaotic crowds. Also, all of the venues were too small to accommodate people for the activities.
Is the brewhouse and mojito bar included in the drinks package or do you pay for that per drink? Thanks
Yes, they're included! All drinks available on the ship priced up to $15 are included in the package.
I think you understated the cost of gratuities. I believe they start at $20/person/day. You gave the Vibe a 4 out of 5 but you didn't address anything about it.
Thank you for pointing the gratuities out! Since I posted this video, NCL increased gratuities to $20.00 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suite and below and $25.00 USD per person per day for The Haven and Suites effective January 1, 2024. I will pin a comment to make that clear. I didn't give the vibe a perfect 5 because of the crowding and the public spaces that weren't designed to handle crowds (elevator bays, main casino floor by the tables etc.)
What is a De La Crème? I googled it but found several options. I am Curious!!
I was referring to "La Crema", a California winery that offers a very nice buttery chardonnay 😄
I went on Norwegian joy March 30th to April 6th 2024 i will never go back on the joy way to many people and kids I got sick for 3 days I'm booking smaller ships from now on less kids less people I'm going on Norwegian sky on my next cruise may 5th-14th 2024
Sorry to hear about your experience on Joy. I've been on Sky - it's a nice ship and definitely much smaller. Hope you have a much better time!
Only food I liked was the buffet the pool is tiny and they dnt have enough show times ... I wasn't impressed I went to Mexico the best part of the Boston is when Rowen sings the washy washy song😂
They also dnt have laser tag anymore or any of the vr games
And the hot tubs have so much chlorine in them it takes ur breath away
Wait, do people not stay on the ship when it docks in Bermuda? Did you book a separate hotel?
Yes, most people stay/sleep in their cabin while the ship is docked. It’s very easy to get on and off the ship (and around the island) while it’s docked and the gangway is open 24/7.
was extremly disappointed how run down Bermuda has become since i was last there in the late 80s
How do you mention the free at sea program, but not mentioned it’s best feature, the included unlimited open bar?
You must have missed it - I mention the drink package at 05:29 when I talk about Free at Sea
@@TheChillCruiser did you? I must’ve missed it, let me go look.
@@TheChillCruiser I hear you mentioned the basic drink package, and unless I’m mistaken, isn’t it called the deluxe drink package? Isn’t the basic drink package like soda and stuff? Not alcohol?
is the casino open when dock in bermuda for 3 days?
Yes, it opens around 8 or 9pm each evening in port.
@TheChillCruiser-ot1ex Got it, Thank you. What time does it usually close while in bermuda port?
Sorry I don't know. I checked the daily programs and every day at Heritage Wharf the casino hours were "9pm to close", which isn't helpful. I would assume they handled it like it's a port day the next day and close the casino based on usage (as in if it's happening, it stays open) up to around 1 or 2am.
Anyone know what took the place of lazer tag and galaxy?
The Vibe Beach Club was expanded into the laser tag space. Galaxy was replaced with a new thermal suite.
What! You were in the haven and didn’t have private elevator access? We did on escape in 2016
Of the NCL Breakaway class ships the Joy is the worst. Joy was built for the Far East market and was a disaster.
No sauna, no steam room, low ceiling showers, no Spa suites.
We have done 6 Haven NCL , most recent on Prima. Avoid the Joy.
You mean Norwegian Depression
To many people and kids
the breakaway class is just awful. its a cattle car. It's only hope is to rip out all the gimmicks and make all the open air area's public and with recliners. One look at the pool area and sunning spots and I know I'd hate that ship. Imagine a race track and laser tag that can accommodate, what 50 people at a time? those areas could hold 700 sun-bathers and another pool. What a waste of space.
I just got off this cruise. I loved Bermuda but I did not like the NCL JoY at all. The entertainment was not up the NCL level. My second least favorite cruise ever and I’ve been on a ton.
Sorry to hear the ship was disappointing - but glad you enjoyed Bermuda. Definitely one of my favorite cruise itineraries.