I did my second solo cruise on the Joy to Bermuda last month as well and had a fantastic time. I only went on my first cruise ever less than 2 years ago and that was also on the Joy so I'm always going to be very fond of the ship.
I don't drink alcohol or soda so I always turn off the drink package option, saving me the $150 cost to the gratuities they charge for it. Since I do drink coffee, I then buy the Starbucks package that NCL offers for around $115 which gets me as much coffee as I desire. I probably drink 4 or 5 in a day on cruises, totally paying for itself. I also like to ask my room attendant if they like coffee and what kind do they like. Since you can order 2 coffees at a time, every 30 minutes, in the mornings I will get my coffee and then whatever they drink. I feel like it's a nice added gesture for someone who is working really hard that doesn't cost me any extra money as I would be buying it for myself anyways.
10 weeks and counting now! I always bring a reusable water bottle with me, so I guess that is going to get some use. Will definitely checking out all those plaques on Deck 6. Very interesting. Definitely would mention the cabin door to the room steward. Thanks for another great vlog.
Finding the cabin door ajar would concern me too. I thought they always automatically closed behind you. I’d call guest services and ask for maintenance to have them check the door (spring maybe), to make sure it is working properly. Never hurts to check. I’ve read the thermal suite was redone during the recent update to the Joy - did you happen to visit? Nice to see your food choices for the included restaurants!
Hi, I would definitely ask the room steward if he was in the room? If he was, he needs to be aware of this when leaving. if not, it's time to visit guest services and speak with the hotel manager.
She actually came when Zach was in, and asked him to leave the cabin so she could service it. It sounds like she was behind schedule and in a big hurry, and neglected to latch the door.
Loved your review! Lots of great info that i can really use since I'm scheduled to sail on the Joy. I'm curious though why didn't you go to the Garden Cafe (buffet) or attend any of the singles meetups? I love NCL's solo cruising because it gives me the option to connect with other solos when I'd like some company or to hang out on my own when I don't.
Thanks for visiting us here in Bermuda! Hope you had a great trip. I’m treating some family to a cruise on JOY in October sailing out of Miami! 😂. Just to share for others-. If you have the Free at Sea basic beverage package like we do you can add on the Starbucks package for $12.95 / day. I simply called customer service and they took my CC number over the phone. To note, they do require anyone in your cabin to be charged as well). Still a great deal if you think you might hit up Starbucks 2-3 times /day. Happy Sailing!
Twice my cabinmates left our door unlocked. Hard to tell them to make sure it locks (they're teens so I couldn't be too hard on them). I started making sure the door got locked after watching another UA-camr talk about how often hotel room doors don't get locked as we assume they automatically do.
Zach love your videos. The unlocked door first thing your Passport should always be in the Safe..... Speak to your room steward first. If he for some unknown reason not a good answer, then go to Guest Service. The shower making noise....... if it not affecting the pressure or temp really not a big deal.... I love Cagney's, the MDR is the specials don't ring my bell I Love the Herb-Crusted Rotisserie Chicken which is a nightly item. Cagney's I go to the first night. MDR I'm online 15 minutes before they open.
In regards to your cabin being left open, I would consider it an error of a busy day *unless* it happens again. In the meantime though, I would secure all valuables in either the safe or (my preference) locked luggage under the bed. I'd call guest services about that shower head though. It's incredibly annoying, and might be an easy fix!
The door thing was weird, they're usually weighted to close on their own. I'd report that to customer svc. As for dinner I've never had to wait on an NCL ship to get into main dining. I've sailed a lot of the breakaway and plus ships just not the Joy.
Customers should demand bottled water on cruises at no extra charge. Bottled water at the grocery store is 15 cents a bottle or less. Hotels are beginning to offer free bottled water, and cruises should follow suit.
Slight correction…..you CAN’T wear just anything anytime at the sit-down restaurants on Norwegian. Some of us appreciate that and another reason why I almost never eat at the buffet.
I simply put their items and towel on the deck and move the chair over to where I’d like it to be. I do not understand the sense of entitlement too many people have on these ships? It’s selfish/piggy behavior. If someone ever questions me, I pretend I don’t speak or understand English and ignore them. Never be confrontational or remind them that “reserving” chairs is NOT a thing.
Oh, I just LOVE NCL ships. That waterfront area really is wonderful - it's amazing how it's always dead down there when the top deck is SO busy! Great video as always, Zach!
I'm enjoying your vlog! Yes, report that your door was left open. That is not good. Your room steward doesn't want to be blamed for any stolen items, I'm sure. Reporting this protects both of you!
I really loved the Joy. I did do a 4 night out of Miami, so it was most certainly a "booze cruise". The best part was when the divorce parties started hanging out with the bachelorette parties. The pool deck was insane on the sea day. My favorite spot on the ship was the mojito bar outside on the waterfront.
We really enjoyed the dinner and a show concept of the Manhattan Room and I _love_ the NCL pager system. We would take the pager up to the Prime Meridian Bar located one deck up between Cagney's and Moderno and have pre dinner cocktails. I liked this routine so much that I was actually disappointed when there was no wait and we were seated right away.
Love your vlogs, very informative, detailed, without being boring. Your accent is wonderful too👏❤️
I did my second solo cruise on the Joy to Bermuda last month as well and had a fantastic time. I only went on my first cruise ever less than 2 years ago and that was also on the Joy so I'm always going to be very fond of the ship.
I don't drink alcohol or soda so I always turn off the drink package option, saving me the $150 cost to the gratuities they charge for it. Since I do drink coffee, I then buy the Starbucks package that NCL offers for around $115 which gets me as much coffee as I desire. I probably drink 4 or 5 in a day on cruises, totally paying for itself. I also like to ask my room attendant if they like coffee and what kind do they like. Since you can order 2 coffees at a time, every 30 minutes, in the mornings I will get my coffee and then whatever they drink. I feel like it's a nice added gesture for someone who is working really hard that doesn't cost me any extra money as I would be buying it for myself anyways.
10 weeks and counting now!
I always bring a reusable water bottle with me, so I guess that is going to get some use.
Will definitely checking out all those plaques on Deck 6. Very interesting.
Definitely would mention the cabin door to the room steward.
Thanks for another great vlog.
Great tip. Have a great time!
End of Nov for us Miami to LA 15 days
Thanks Zach! We enjoyed your video!
Finding the cabin door ajar would concern me too. I thought they always automatically closed behind you. I’d call guest services and ask for maintenance to have them check the door (spring maybe), to make sure it is working properly. Never hurts to check.
I’ve read the thermal suite was redone during the recent update to the Joy - did you happen to visit?
Nice to see your food choices for the included restaurants!
Hi, I would definitely ask the room steward if he was in the room? If he was, he needs to be aware of this when leaving. if not, it's time to visit guest services and speak with the hotel manager.
She actually came when Zach was in, and asked him to leave the cabin so she could service it. It sounds like she was behind schedule and in a big hurry, and neglected to latch the door.
I was on the Bliss in October '23. The observation deck was favorite, bar none, for ambience and for food/drink.
Great video . The ship look just like Norwegian Escape I was on it back in 2022 I have wonderful time on it...
Loved your review! Lots of great info that i can really use since I'm scheduled to sail on the Joy. I'm curious though why didn't you go to the Garden Cafe (buffet) or attend any of the singles meetups? I love NCL's solo cruising because it gives me the option to connect with other solos when I'd like some company or to hang out on my own when I don't.
Thanks for visiting us here in Bermuda! Hope you had a great trip. I’m treating some family to a cruise on JOY in October sailing out of Miami! 😂. Just to share for others-. If you have the Free at Sea basic beverage package like we do you can add on the Starbucks package for $12.95 / day. I simply called customer service and they took my CC number over the phone. To note, they do require anyone in your cabin to be charged as well). Still a great deal if you think you might hit up Starbucks 2-3 times /day. Happy Sailing!
Management needs to be aware that your door was not secured.
Twice my cabinmates left our door unlocked. Hard to tell them to make sure it locks (they're teens so I couldn't be too hard on them). I started making sure the door got locked after watching another UA-camr talk about how often hotel room doors don't get locked as we assume they automatically do.
I'm not a fan of the pool deck but there are usually a lot of competition game activities that are included happening in that area.
On the Gem here in Bermuda right now - will be heading out of here on Tuesday and missing you by one day.
I would politely mention to your steward. This has been great informative video. Thanks
Zach love your videos.
The unlocked door first thing your Passport should always be in the Safe.....
Speak to your room steward first. If he for some unknown reason not a good answer, then go to Guest Service.
The shower making noise....... if it not affecting the pressure or temp really not a big deal....
I love Cagney's, the MDR is the specials don't ring my bell I Love the Herb-Crusted Rotisserie Chicken which is a nightly item.
Cagney's I go to the first night.
MDR I'm online 15 minutes before they open.
3 weeks sailing eastern Canada!
In regards to your cabin being left open, I would consider it an error of a busy day *unless* it happens again. In the meantime though, I would secure all valuables in either the safe or (my preference) locked luggage under the bed. I'd call guest services about that shower head though. It's incredibly annoying, and might be an easy fix!
Hi Zach! Great video as always! Can you check in for the main dining rooms using the app, or is checking in at the podium the only option?
The door thing was weird, they're usually weighted to close on their own. I'd report that to customer svc. As for dinner I've never had to wait on an NCL ship to get into main dining. I've sailed a lot of the breakaway and plus ships just not the Joy.
The local is so good when the club closes late at night n they r the only thing open! Is there a bliss on board or what’s the night club?
How many laps for a mile on waterfront? Be on escape in 2wks today for my 70th birthday mediterranean cruise. Price is same on land starbucks.
WAIT A SECOND!!! You used the ATM on the ship?!?!? What was the fee $12.00.
Customers should demand bottled water on cruises at no extra charge. Bottled water at the grocery store is 15 cents a bottle or less. Hotels are beginning to offer free bottled water, and cruises should follow suit.
I think they should insta ll bottle filling stations, way easier and less waste.
report the room. mistakes happen but the cabin steward needs to be aware
Slight correction…..you CAN’T wear just anything anytime at the sit-down restaurants on Norwegian. Some of us appreciate that and another reason why I almost never eat at the buffet.
mention it so she can be careful next time.
Do people actually respect “the towel on the chair “ rule? I wouldn’t .. Inthink its first come, first serve
I simply put their items and towel on the deck and move the chair over to where I’d like it to be. I do not understand the sense of entitlement too many people have on these ships? It’s selfish/piggy behavior. If someone ever questions me, I pretend I don’t speak or understand English and ignore them. Never be confrontational or remind them that “reserving” chairs is NOT a thing.
Less face, more ship, pleeeeeze. I already know what you look like.
Why would not get the free at sea plus. $294 and you get twice as much value from it
Oh, I just LOVE NCL ships. That waterfront area really is wonderful - it's amazing how it's always dead down there when the top deck is SO busy!
Great video as always, Zach!
Heading on her in a week! Glad to see you can walk around the waterfront because I had heard how crowded the walking track is.
I'm enjoying your vlog! Yes, report that your door was left open. That is not good. Your room steward doesn't want to be blamed for any stolen items, I'm sure. Reporting this protects both of you!
I wondered if the NCL "Joy" was going to Bermuda from Norfolk VA since it would be closer than leaving from Manhattan?
I really loved the Joy. I did do a 4 night out of Miami, so it was most certainly a "booze cruise". The best part was when the divorce parties started hanging out with the bachelorette parties. The pool deck was insane on the sea day. My favorite spot on the ship was the mojito bar outside on the waterfront.
We really enjoyed the dinner and a show concept of the Manhattan Room and I _love_ the NCL pager system. We would take the pager up to the Prime Meridian Bar located one deck up between Cagney's and Moderno and have pre dinner cocktails. I liked this routine so much that I was actually disappointed when there was no wait and we were seated right away.
Why wait for dining when the buffet is easy peezy ! I would talk to the room steward to ask why was my door open ?
Looking forward to day 3
Can’t wait for my trip