Upcoming Itinerary for Joy

The Norwegian Joy is embarking on an exciting series of voyages that promise an array of sun-drenched destinations and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a peek at where this stunning ship will be heading over the next several months:

• Bahamas – October 2024
• Caribbean – November 2024
• Mexican Riviera – December 2024
• Panama Canal – January 2025
• Miami – Bahamas – March 2025

Whether you’re yearning for tropical beaches or seeking thrilling cultural explorations, there’s something for every traveler on these upcoming cruises. Check out this walkthrough tour, and our summary of NCL Joy Reviews below. 

Dining reviews for Joy

The dining experience on the NCL Joy seems to be a mixed bag for many travelers. One review noted their disappointment with the overall quality of meals on board, stating that their expectations were not met, even with low standards. Inconsistent vegetarian options were highlighted, as one couple experienced a lack of preparation for vegetarian meals at the Suite restaurant, despite prior notice. The menu’s monotony in certain venues added to their discontent, although some dishes, like the Tahitian French toast, were praised. Specialty dining venues such as Q, the BBQ restaurant, and Le Bistro were particularly underwhelming, with criticisms of poor service and mediocre food. Despite these shortcomings, they found some solace in dining at The Local and Savor, part of main dining, where the meals were more satisfactory.

Another review echoed similar sentiments regarding the Texas BBQ restaurant, particularly with the overwhelming noise levels that marred the dining experience. An hour-long wait for a subpar meal led to the diners leaving without dessert, highlighting inconsistencies in service and food quality. This suggests that while the variety may be promising, the execution often falls short, leaving guests witha less-than-stellar impression of NCL Joy’s dining offerings.

….expect your meals to be warm rather than hot, especially during busier times. Specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro are worth the splurge if you’re seeking a more refined dining experience.

Entertainment on board NCL Joy

Entertainment options on the NCL Joy have elicited varying opinions from passengers. One review expressed disappointment with the quality of entertainment, describing the shows and comedians as lackluster and forgettable. The activities available onboard, such as “costumes of the world,” were seen as irrelevant to guest interests, with suggestions for more engaging options like trivia or dance classes. Furthermore, the talent of the core group of performers has been questioned in a few NCL Joy reviews, leaving the reviewer underwhelmed with what should have been vibrant cruise entertainment.

Conversely, another traveler found the entertainment to be a pleasant surprise. Although initially concerned due to the removal of “Footloose” from the schedule, this guest appreciated the variety and quality of entertainment on offer. They enjoyed an 80s musical performance, the comedians, and particularly the Beatles tribute band, despite the cramped conditions in some venues like the Cavern Club. This indicates that while venue size may limit comfort, the NCL Joy does offer entertainment gems for those who explore beyond the main stage shows.

Cabin Reviews for NCL Joy

Reviewers have shared varied experiences regarding the cabins on the NCL Joy. One reviewer highlighted the luxurious comfort of the Penthouse Suite, which was spacious enough for three guests and came equipped with a large bathroom and an inviting deck complete with a lounge chair. The reviewer appreciated the attentive service of their cabin steward, Dell, who often surprised them with complimentary chocolates, cookies, and charming towel animals. Despite not having any interaction with the concierge, the overall experience left a satisfying impression.

Conversely, another reviewer experienced several issues with their cabin, noting that it was not ready until hours after departure. They encountered a persistent musty odor in the bed linens and an unpleasant sewer smell in the bathroom. Additionally, the external balcony area was left uncleaned, forcing them to overlook discarded lime slices and other debris. Such contrasting experiences highlight the inconsistency in the cabin conditions on the NCL Joy, which might vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and level of attention to detail by the crew.

What’s the Crew Like on Board NCL Joy

Passengers aboard the NCL Joy have remarked on the mixed levels of service provided by the crew. One individual found the staff’s demeanor to be lacking in enthusiasm, especially when compared to their previous experiences on an Asian cruise. However, they did commend their room steward for being attentive and providing good service, which improved their overall experience despite the lack of warmth from other staff members.

Another passenger faced frustrations stemming from an apparent shortage of crew and overworking the existing staff, as indicated in their review. They often returned from excursions to find their room not attended to and experienced a need to repeatedly ask for basic amenities. The lack of friendliness also left a negative impression, marking it as an unusual encounter for them in their history of cruising. These narratives underscore the variability in crew service, emphasizing the notable impact staff availability and attitude can have on the cruise experience.

Cabin size on the Norwegian Joy is reasonable, with trendy decor that adds a modern flair. The space feels well-maintained and clean, and storage is cleverly designed to maximize room. For the price point, the cabins are very comfortable, though nothing overly luxurious unless you opt for upgraded accommodations like The Haven.

How Crowded is NCL Joy

Many reviewers have commented on the high levels of congestion on the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Joy. One reviewer noted that the layout of the ship contributes significantly to the crowded feeling, particularly in the atrium and pool areas. The reviewer pointed out that, despite being a large vessel, the fitness center and pool areas were surprisingly small, leading to a clumped-together feeling that detracted from their cruise experience. They expressed frustration about the dining options, marking them as mediocre, which often led guests to congregate in the limited restaurant spaces.

Another contributor highlighted their dissatisfaction with the bar service, which was often hampered by long lines and slow service. The free drink package, part of NCL’s “Free at Sea” offerings, was popular but seemed to be overwhelmed in execution. The wait times at bars for drinks, coupled with unsatisfactory wine choices, only amplified the problem, putting a damper on what was supposed to be a relaxed atmosphere. These experiences were shared by other NCL Joy reviews we read, painting a general picture of a ship that frequently struggled to manage its capacity of cruise passengers.

Staff was also iffy. Some employees were friendly and open, while others just seemed clueless and unaware of the ship’s events. When asking employees questions, even if they didn’t know the answer to it, no one would offer to check with someone who did.

Spa & Gym Reviews

The spa and gym facilities aboard the NCL Joy appear to have elicited mixed feelings from its guests. One critique of the spa experience noted a particularly negative Ladies Night event, which was marred by the off-putting behavior of the spa staff. The attendants were described as rude, and patrons felt that the services promised, such as a neck and back massage, were inadequately delivered or missed altogether. This led to a general sentiment that the spa offerings were more focused on upselling additional services rather than providing a relaxing experience. This is a common thread in a lot of NCL reviews, where priority is given to those who pay extra. 

The review of the ship’s gym and surrounding pool area paints a similar picture of inconvenience and frustration. One reviewer shared that securing a chair by the pool required guests to wake up as early as 6 AM, which defeated the purpose of a leisurely vacation. The poolside music was another point of contention; a limited playlist and repetitiveness detracted from the ambiance. The constraints and service issues seemed to overshadow any luxury aspects, making the spa and fitness experiences a regrettable aspect of their cruise journey.

General Comments

Reviewers of the Norwegian Joy are providing diverse perspectives regarding their experiences on board. One reviewer felt that the ship is beginning to show its age, with its interiors appearing dated and the public spaces lacking excitement. They found the service generally adequate after an initial adjustment period and were impressed by the quality of the entertainment, especially the vocal talents on display. However, they were less enthused by other aspects of the cruise, such as the standard dining experiences and the buffet, which they described as average. This reviewer summed up their experience by noting that the Norwegian Joy was a level above Carnival but could not quite compete with Royal Caribbean.

Conversely, another reviewer expressed a highly positive experience, particularly pleased with the efficient embarkation process and the interconnecting rooms that worked well for their family. They praised the complimentary dining options and found the service in the restaurants to be fast and friendly. This reviewer also highlighted the ship’s impressive array of activities, such as go-karting, waterslides, and mini golf. They enjoyed various nighttime entertainment options, singling out the “elements show” and 80s Broadway hits as some of their favorites. Although they acknowledged the crowded pool areas on sea days, they appreciated the availability of chaise lounges further from the main pool area. Overall, their commentary painted a picture of a satisfying and enjoyable cruise experience.