We Survived a Week on Norwegian Cruise Line's Worst Rated Ship!
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- The @CruiseCriticVideos reviews are in, and Norwegian Joy doesn't fare well. In fact, these cruisers have the mega-ship rated as one of the worst NCL vessels in the fleet. Are these negative cruise reviews justified? Well, we are back from a Norwegian Joy Bermuda sailing and have our honest Norwegian Joy review.
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NORWEGIAN JOY REVIEW
0:00 Introduction
1:12 The Outdoor Decks
3:42 Signature Attractions
7:05 Complimentary Dining
10:35 Specialty Dining
13:10 Entertainment
15:45 Nightlife
17:50 Onboard Activities
19:20 Staterooms
21:00 Service
22:15 The Verdict
NORWEGIAN JOY REVIEW
We were actually surprised to find that Norwegian Joy is one of the lowest-rated cruise ships on Cruise Critic. So, for this review of Norwegian Joy, we looked at the common complaints to see if they were justified.
One repeated theme in the comments had to do with @norwegiancruiseline Joy's sundeck. Here, we tend to agree with the critics. Compared to her sister ships, the Norwegian Joy pool deck is poorly designed. Plus, on our sailing, the deck chair hogs were out in full force, so getting a seat was impossible.
Other complaints have to do with the attractions onboard. Here, we disagree. We knew before the sailing that many of the Norwegian Joy signature attractions were an upcharge. This is true on most NCL ships, so it didn't bother us. For this Norwegian Joy cruise review, we took a drive on the NorwegianJoy Speedway but did not use the laser tag or the Galaxy Pavilion.
Regarding dining, we both agree and disagree with the other reviewers. We were disappointed in the complimentary dining in the main dining room and buffet. But, the Local pub was what we expected; our meals were fresh and service was prompt. Most importantly, specialty dining lived up to NCL's reputation. Among our favorites during this Norwegian Joy Bermuda cruise were Ocean Blue, Food Republic, and Teppanyaki.
We also disagreed with a few of the reviewers who indicated that there needed to be more activities onboard or that the entertainment could have been better. Jake and the rest of the cruise director staff did a great job hosting all of the typical onboard events for this seven-night cruise. There were plenty of trivia sessions, competitions, pool deck showdowns, and a lineup of game shows like Deal or No Deal, the Battle of the Sexes, and the Not so Newlywed Game Show.
Also, the main theater entertainment was better than the typical revue shows on other cruise lines. For this Norwegian Joy cruise review, we watched the two signature productions and two headliner acts. Our favorites included the Broadway production of Footloose and the headliner aerialist duo Cliché. Although, the critics are right that some of the venues are too small. Getting seats at the comedy club or the micro-sized Cavern Club was very difficult.
For us, the bars and lounges, as well as the nightlife, on the ship shined. We enjoyed several musical acts in the District Brewhouse, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and the Atrium. Not to mention, the specialty cocktails at these venues as well as the Maltings Whiskey Bar were top-notch. Of course, there's also the popular parties in Spice H2O and the GLOW party on the pool deck.
While NCL Joy isn't our favorite ship in the fleet, it delivered a fun Bermuda cruise and is certainly one of the best options cruising to this region. The ship is definitely a worthy contender for your voyage to this beautiful island. Plus, it will undergo some enhancements in 2024, adding a thermal suite, larger Vibe Beach Club, and more!
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Have you cruised on Norwegian Joy? Do you agree with the critics?
My husband and I cruised on the Joy to Bermuda last November. I enjoyed the ship. I usually don't go in the pool on cruises, since I have a pool at home and don't like public pools, so that didn't affect me. I thought the food was good in the MDR, but we only went to the Manhattan once, choosing the smaller Savor and Taste. I think we went to the buffet twice. Not a fan of crowds in there. I could take or leave the Local. We liked Cagney's and Le Bistro. We enjoyed the musical entertainment and we thought Elements was entertaining. We did go to the Beatles show, but was not impressed and left halfway through. The seating was awful. We liked relaxing in the Observation Lounge. We enjoyed Bermuda and did two fantastic excursions offered by NCL, which both included tours of the island, with interesting stops along the way. I would cruise on the Joy again, if the itinerary was right. It's what each individual enjoys that makes the cruise
No. It was a blast
We absolutely loved our cruise on the joy In November 2023
I loved it. The Observation Lounge was a favorite hangout that is very different from other cruise ships. The Texas BBQ was great, too. I loved eating while the band was playing. The Waterfront seating area on Deck 8 was a great place to enjoy some quiet time gazing out at the deep blue sea. The covered area with loungers on the upper deck is another great hangout. I think those who have experienced many different ships on different cruise lines can appreciate the unique features of the Joy.
I strongly agree. We have cruised twice on the Joy and feel it is just getting worse. In fact, they didn't even deliver our luggage to the room. They piled it up against a hallway wall and we had to collect it ourselves. Room was still dirty, no towels and soiled couch seat. What's really sad is that we own a Travel Agency and really surprised about the quality.
Keep in mind most people just go on cruise critic to complain
I was on the NCL Joy for its cruise to Bermuda from NYC in August 2023. I didn’t try to do everything on this cruise but I found it wonderful. It was certainly fun although not as memorable as my previous cruise in 1980 when I was an Engine Room cadet on a Merchant Marine training ship (TSES V).
We found the food to be excellant on our cruise on the Joy in August 2023. While the Garden Cafe was crowded, we always found seating within a few minutes.
I cruised on the NCL Joy in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a time when there were few kids onboard and it was destination cruise to the Panama Canal and Central America. Had a fabulous time, loved the ship, the specialty restaurants and the venues. Our ship was not completely full, so the entertainment venues were not full, and we never had to wait to get into the Cavern Club. In fact, most of the time there were plenty of places to sit even during the Beatles review. But that was 4 years ago, and times seem to have changed.
We cruised the joy in November 2023 and absolutely loved it and are planning on going on the joy again. No complaints about the food and activities.
Overall, we enjoyed NCL Joy, too, but we are still fans of Norwegian Encore. Have you sailed on that ship? With the new changes coming to Joy, it will be interesting to see how the ship handles crowds. Happy cruising.
Thanks so much for this information. I'm sailing on the Joy next year around this time, and this information has been very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
We cruised Joy in May 2023 and my only complaint was terrible weather all the way to Bermuda and back to NYC. Staff was incredible as we have come to expect with NCL, especially my housekeeper. Food was great. Bliss is up next out of LA in 2 weeks. We have also been on Escape in 2019.
I have already been on Joy, and we had the most fantastic time! The ship was not at full capacity for our sailing, but that would not deter us as we normally said Royal's Oasis class which has a higher capacity. These ships are made to handle it. I chose a similar room for my 2024 sailing on Joy, and cannot wait. I am also interested to see the ship more at capacity, and compare. We are not the type of cruisers that care about the upcharge nickel and dime items that people seem to complain about. Everything we do, is included already. The only thing I see that I will purchase is bottled water on board. Royal includes water in their drink pkg, NCL does not. They do have a free water option that is not bad, just to go off ship I like to take the bottles. Now back to the ship - some may not like Joy, but remember she is different. She was made for the Asian market... so as an example - the pool area was designed for Tai Chi. I can see this being busy - but other than that, I am not worried for March!
My husband & I leave March 2nd on the Joy cruise
Sailed on both Encore and Bliss where the grab n go buffet is featured in the afternoon in the Observation Lounge. I’d give this venue high marks on both ships.
They both had lots of great seating friendly staff who got to know me and my drink preferences. The ambiance there was great. That’s why we booked our cabin on the same level. But, in general, I’ve not encountered a main deck buffet that wasn’t a little chaotic. It comes with the territory. Haven’t sailed on the Joy yet, so your comments will be well noted. Many thanks for the review.
Thanks for the feedback. Happy cruising.
We were on the Joy twice last year and we loved it. I love the observation decks because that’s where my husband and I spent most of our time. I hope they are not going to remove the observation decks when they’re going to dry dock next year.
Unfortunately, they are greatly reducing the size of the observation lounge during dry dock.
A few years back I went on the that ship and I loved it
A strong positive for Norwegian is the Single supplement that removes the bulk of the Single Surcharges on many NCLH ships.
Due to the pricing in my opinion just add some special dining since the base cost is affordable.
Good point. Thanks for watching.
My favorite ship. I could do without the go carts but we like the indoor/outdoor bars most
We’re booked on the Joy for April 2024. Looking forward to it. We sailed the Getaway out of New York a couple years ago and we’re happy with it. We will def hammer out the mistakes we made on the Getaway when we sale the Joy in April. Namely preplanning activities and restaurants.
One thing to keep in mind is that the NCL Joy was originally designed & built to be in China where the climate & culture are much different than it’s usage now.
Very true. That’s why we are looking forward to some of the changes coming after the dry dock.
they are getting rid of galaxy pavillion which has the arcade, teen club, and the VR! i went on the joy in july, im a teen myself and i was kind of bored since everything required pay, i would go to the galaxy pavillion to chill out so im sad its being taken away as im going back august 2024 :,) @@Eatsleepcruise1
A fun behind-the-scenes thing, the Joy was actually built for the Asian market, which is why it's so different than the other Breakaway Plus ships.
Yes, but it just got an update and looks amazing. Have you sailed on her?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Not yet! I've been on the Prima, Pearl, and Escape, and I'm going on the Sky soon. Gotta sail 'em all!
Going on Joy next week. Sailing looks sold out online so I'm prepared for things to move slow. Seems like sailing at full capacity is normal lately with the increase in people taking cruises. I'm not one to sit out by the pool, but I can see how it could become frustrating if someone can't get a chair. I'm hoping the food and performers are good, those are the main things I look forward to. The specialty dining on NCL is worth paying extra money for.
Have a great cruise. Looking forward to hearing your review when you get back.
I am on it right now and it is full capacity - no real issues with waits other than dinner - make sure you make reservations as soon as you can:)
Just went on the Joy and had a great time. 😎
Observation Lounge is the nicest feature on Joy. Now it will be filled with cabins.😢
Not all of it, but we are disappointed that it is being made smaller. But happy to see a thermal suite instead of the galaxy pavilion.
The Joy is my favorite ship!
Why?
I’m cruising on the Joy in 2024
I wanted to try the galaxy pavilion I like virtual reality activities.
I think the Galaxy Pavilion is leaving now.
We have sailed Breakaway, Jewel, and Dawn over the past year and we have Escape coming up soon. So no Joy but I feel we have a general idea of what NCL ships are all about.
Personally I like their itineraries and Free At Sea promotion and O'Sheehans (Local)
I do not like that you have to pay for the go karts or laser tag. Onboard ship activities are free on RC. (Florider, ifly, bumper cars, laser tag, ice skating)
Paying for the vibe. Solarium is free and bigger on RC.
Having to stand in line for entertainment bc the venue is too small. It's the same with their other ships.
When will NCL listen to their cruisers?
If RC ever adds the Free At Sea promotion (or something similar) it's game over for NCL.
Only my opinion
Thanks for your feedback. A free at sea on royal would be a huge hit to NCL for sure!
DB what month did you sail ...???
Bruh this place was great- other then the pool getting crowded
Glad you enjoyed. Overall, we liked Joy too.
Nice review. We travel on the NCL Joy later this year and are looking forward to it.
Have fun!
If the speedway was included the line would be so long
i would hope they build another kids play area, beside the water park
getting rid of that stupid laser tag and virtual reality thing when it goes in dry dock is great we’ll be on it in aug next year h2o is great but it’s like a library back there quiet boring and nothing is ever on the tv
We agree that removing the laser tag is a good thing. We like the quiet atmosphere of Spice.
Just got off the joy today. It was an ok experience. Won’t go again though
Why? Any particular reason.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 there was not much entertainment aside from the couple of performances. The dining from the complimentary restaurants was not good. Tasted like reheated microwaved food. Buffet was ok though. Bermuda was beautiful
Norwegian Joy is 5 start?
I didn't know people were dying on "The worst ship." congrats on your survival.
We didn't sail on joy but did star, think the offerings on Norwegian is poor since covid and cruisers should ckeck other cruise lines.
Getting on a dream , getting off they have you packed, standing to exit n
not on floor where bathrooms are.
We just finished a cruise with Royal Caribbean on Sunday and I couldn't believe the difference between embarkation and disembarkation. Embarking was so welcoming and even fun and organized. Disembarking? Oh, my God, I felt like we were being thrown to the wolves and they couldn't get rid of us fast enough! We were disembarking in Bayonne, NY in January and they would NOT let us wait inside. We were ushered outside so quickly--I felt like an unwelcome guest at someone's party and they wanted us out! In their defense, I know why . . . they have only a matter of hours between cruises. We were exiting and there was literally about two hours before thousands of new guests would be embarking, but, wow! I didn't like the feeling of being discarded like yesterday's garbage.
You really aren’t saying anything. People on every cruise line complain about the pool areas and space around the pool. Of course people will enjoy specialty dining over the main dining rooms.
Joy for me what’s great trip. Except disembarkation what’s absolutely mess.
I was on this ship nyc to Bermuda week of April 14th. It’s lacking kids activities and only one water slide for kids vs the 3/4 on the Getaway. Go kart track Marshall’s are nazis and didn’t let us adults race.
Anyone here going to Edsea in less than 2 weeks 🙏🏽 will be only 21+
Jesus...go carts? Formula 1 simulations? Why do people feel that they have to be constantly entertained? There's no need to go on a cruise to do what you can do at a mall arcade. You're on a cruise. Lie down. Relax. Feel the sea air. Take a breath. Breathe slow. Strike up a conversation with a willing person.
Vacation is different for everybody. Get over it
@firstlas9647 Probably the reason why most "adults" stay away from the "fun" ships that cater to kids and wanna be kids. Celebrity, Holland America, and in some respects Princess are our go to cruise lines and we've never been disappointed. However these lines have few if any family activities so I can understand why the other lines may be preferable if you have a younger family that likes amusement parks.
But even with the entertainment you just mentioned you still have the choice to "lie down, relax, and feel sea air"? The beauty of offering variety is that parents can relax while the kids go play. And they're getting rid of their virtual reality (Galaxy Pavilion) and replacing it with a spa thermal suite (yay!). I would, however, be open to cruises for seniors where that stuff is not part of the package and pretty much everyone is there to relax. I just retired in June so I'm looking forward to cruises that are not during (expensive) black-out dates and there will certainly be less kids.
lmao what mall arcade has go carts??😂
Yea, but have you ever done an F1 simulator?
I just booked my first NCL cruise and it’s on this ship…. Now I’m nervous 🥴
We're going in December, I'm a little nervous now too lol
I'm thinking it will be fine though. We are fairly new to going on cruises, only going on Virgin once before (great time). I think the lack of experience will help out, everything will seem great since I don't have much to compare it to 🤷
@@dougvass9493 this will be my first time on NCL. I’ve been in Carnival maybe 6 times love them.I wanna try Virgin so bad, but they a little out of budget at the movement 😝
Don't be nervous, it's fantastic, don't let worry spoil ur buildup to a great vacation, I've been on 44 cruises, u will love NCL
Don't be nervous, it's fantastic, it's like when one person likes a restaurant and another doesn't, lol. Get exited not nervous, enjoy not stress lol
went on the joy in sept an d it was great we have no complaints about this ship
Built for the Far East Market that was a total failure the Joy is by far the worst of the Breakaway class ship aive been on.
Always s Haven guest
Ive been on the;
Breakaway
Encore
Escape
Bliss
Joy
and the Prima - not Breakaway class.
Avoid the Joy if you can.
No spa suites, no saunas, no steam rooms, no headroom in the showers , and that 1950s style cafe is awful.
Every time I cruise NCL, I instantly regret it the moment I get on the boat. I feel like they nickel and dime you for absolutely everything. Their "Free" stuff they let you choose from is also a gimmick. They open very few bars and serve you slowly as possible so it is tough to get a drink where other cruise lines have more bars open and are rolling. On an NCL ship, it is hard to walk for more than 10 min before somehow spending money to enjoy yourself. Everything feels cramped, etc. The food is good though, no problems there.
Yes, we sailed on the Joy and we were not impressed. Too crowded, venues too small. If you want to see a comedy show or the Beatles cover band, you must be a Haven guest. The venues hold less than 100 people each and there were over 4 K people onboard. It was poirly laid out, they allow childern at the bar booths in the casino. Even Cagneys was meh. We did not play laser tag or VR games, we did not play on the water slides, and did not drive the track. Lol. We love NCL but we wont ever cruise on the Joy again. The crew was amazing but so utterly over worked it made me sad. Next cruise in Feb is on the Jade. The Gem is our favorite ship. I know it will be awesome. Will be my first time in Aruba! 🎉
I just got off an original joy three days ago after a seven day cruise. Worst cruise I’ve ever been on. I’ve never had so many choices of totally flavorless food in my life. Even the specialty restaurants managed to screw up they are expensive food. The meat was so tough I had do use a steak knife even on a chicken breast. The ship was so crowded. We sometimes waited for 20 minutes for an elevator. There are lines everywhere absolutely no available loungers by the pools and it was just awful. I wanted to just lay around and relax and eat at Will and I ended up tired and lost 7 pounds.
Omg. But did you really have such a bad time? Did you die? Go carts on a 🚢 is cool in itself. $15 is still less than on shore. Holy sheeet. I hope you don’t get any comps for your negative video.
Was the video really negative?
bro you are just a spoiled brat it's a nice ship
I just got off the Joy after 7 days. It was absolutely horrible and I would not recommend it to anyone the food was absolutely horrid and flavorless. Including the food in the specialty dining areas. How anyone can take Italian food and make it taste like nothing is beyond me. The food open to the main dining room and buffet etc. is also have called poorly cooked all the meat was so tough it would take a beaver to eat through it and our cabin was the smallest one I’ve ever seen. We had a balcony room but had it stop and let each other pass to get around the bed. And the couch was so uncomfortable I can”t imagine trying to Sleep on it. I will never ever go on another NCL cruise in this lifetime.