graphicguy

Just as an FYI, Port Canaveral has always had issues with embarkation. Pier 88 in NY is another. And, last but not least, SEATAC (Seattle) is the other. None of those seem to have their port personnel "together". However, these are port issues, not NCL (or any cruise lines') issues.

How did I miss this? What a cool review. Thanks!

Amen....never could understand it either. I have showed up early (9:30-ish) because my flight came in early to the embarkation port. It's a mass of people who just disembarked from the previous cruise along with those who are trying to embark on the current cruise. We were all wandering around for at least an hour, maybe an hour and a half, just milling around the checkin area. In the Haven, while I appreciate the lemon water, coffee and cookies, it's still not worth "hanging around" getting there that early. If you're not in the Haven, you're vying for a seat in the waiting area. HINT....it's not comfortable and IT IS crowded. I'm a 12:30-1:30 person. I get there at that time, miss the big crowd, usually check right in and then board the ship immediately.

Tough to know. Their contracts complete at different times. May be the same as now, but probably 50-50 it will be someone different 6 months from now. They are all great in my experience, though.

The Atlantic weather always seems to be a little "rougher" than the Caribbean, for example. I personally kind of expect it. This is true of ANY cruise ship....if there's a line at one bar, walk 75 feet in either direction, and there will be another bar where there is no line.

Actually, sounds like a good cruise. Weather....well....it's weather. Only one entity I know if that can control it....and s/he wasn't Captaining your ship. But, good luck in your vacation searches and experiences going forward.

Sailed Prima in Feb. Would sail her or Viva in a heartbeat. Beautiful ship....upscale from NCL's other ships.

I'm excited for all of you on this cruise. I love sailing with CC friends.

I've seen the "what if?" game played regarding dress codes. I know there was debate a while ago about attire when sailing to Bermuda. It's not uncommon there to see business people wearing a sport coat with shorts.

Henry....AMEX OBC is non-refundable. Use it or lose it.

Ocean Blue has ALWAYS allowed me to sit outside to dine (which I prefer) while wearing shorts. It's also one of my favorite restaurants on ANY ship that has one. Found it humoress given I could look in the windows to see someone sitting at a window table no more than 5 feet from us. Silly to see it, as the only thing differentiating whether you need to wear long pants or not is a door between inside and outside, 5 feet apart. If you're going to go "Free Style", do it everywhere.

Kim….great to see you cruising, again. Can’t wait to follow along. Funny, I was just reading an article today about the best Japanese cars of all time. Thought of you because they listed these….

I usually kick my own derriere to drag myself out of bed, shower and get a start on my day by going to one of the sit down MDRs or Buffet for breakfast. On occasion, when I stayed up way too late the night before, I get room service. This was about 6 months ago on a Mediterranean Epic cruise, but the breakfast room service required "hang tags". I was similar to you, pastries, juice and a bagel. IT showed up within the time frame they said it would be delivered. I want to think it was a 15 minute window. Breakfast in the buffet? The earlier you get there, the better. Find out when the Garden Buffet opens and plan on being there then. That's your best shot at getting in and out quickly. Have fun!

DOn't want to spoil anything, but just looked. The entire ship is sold out except for one inside cabin. Haven cabins usually sell out first on ANY NCL cruise. You can't book a Haven cabin right now regardless of how much you bid for an upgrade. But, Bermuda is beautiful and the Joy is one of NCL's nicest ships, regardless of your cabin. I'd be hard pressed to thin k of a significantly better first cruise than one to Bermuda on the NCL Joy.

Henry...just as an FYI, I just booked NCL transport from LGA to Pier 88 for my June Bermuda cruise. $75 both ways. Even with 2 people, it would be $150 both ways. I think that's a pretty good deal. For just me traveling, it's a great deal.