Real-Time Pre, During and Post Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021 Sailing in the Haven

[BSR]

6 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

lol, My wife and I have been on Keto for months.  We have lost a lot of weight.  So the thought of the Ice Cream Sandwiches is so nice at any size.  My favorite desert however is at dinner.  The round chocolate cake with the vanilla Ice cream is life changing. 

We never ordered dessert at lunch or dinner in the Haven.  I guess we need to book another cruise to sample them.

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, BSR said:

We never ordered dessert at lunch or dinner in the Haven.  I guess we need to book another cruise to sample them.

Yes on booking another cruise in the Haven.  However it is a funny story.  In 2019, we were on the Getaway for Thanksgiving.  We also don't really do deserts much.  We just get so full on the meal.  Both my wife and I were attempting (key word attempting) to stay on a Keto diet.  My wife did great for three days.  I made it to dinner.  The guy next to me, a thin guy with his wife.  I hate thin people who eat a lot.  They drive me crazy.  I eat a salad and gain two lbs.  This awful thin guy ordered that cake.  I watched him take a bit and roll his eyes.  

 

That was it.  I took the like from a old movie and told the server, "I will have what he is having."  My wife was so strong but that darn cake got her on the third dinner.  True story.

[mjh2w1]

On 11/6/2021 at 1:13 PM, Sthrngary said:

I was asked by so many folks to do an "Real Time" Pre, During and Post review of my upcoming trip, I figured let's just do it.  I learned this approach from @Keith1010  whom is an ambassador for Crystal Cruises.  He cruised before I did and by reading what he did, I made my trip much less stressful.  Some things I knew, others I am glad I knew prior to the travel.  

 

I will do this in numbered installments.  Comments, Questions and Conversations are welcomed.  Before I begin, the elephant in the room is my horrible writing style.  I am completely aware my spelling and grammar are awful.  Please look past that and focus on the message.  I hope you like this stream. 

 

Installment #1: Pre-Cruise Preparations

 

Real-Time Review of the NCL Joy, November 27, 2021, 7-Day Cruise:

Overview

I take our family planning and reviews for cruise very seriously.  As you read through this real time review; you immediately see I leave no detail undone.  Therefore, when your read this review, it is the actual experience based on the preparation done. The review is detailed and long. I do this because I would want this same level of information if I were booking a cruise especially in the NCL Haven.

Pre-Cruise Preparations:

Actions On NCL Online Site:

Pre-Book/Pay Excursions and Events:

The moment I can make my excursions, I do.  I view all the offerings then choose what I think would be best.  Then I look at the guest reviews for the real scope.  NCL process is when you book the excursions, you have to pre-pay for them.  That is fine for me because I am attempting to make this vacation as much of a “All-Inclusive” feel as I can get.

 

I also pre-book and pay for the Casino “Slot” tournaments for my family. Again, one less thing to worry about or pay for.

NOTE: I notice excursion and casino slot pricing have gone up since I confirmed them.

Pre-Reserve Specialty Restaurants:

I reserve these for 130 days out. I already know which day, time, and specialty restaurant I would like to have.  The way I understand it, 130 days out is for the Haven, 125 days for the Club Suites and 120 days is for everyone else. We could not book online so I sent, and email and it showed up on my online summery that day.

Pre-Pay and Transfers:

Again, with the intention of making the trip as “all-inclusive” as possible, I pre-pay and arrange gratuities and transfers.  Since we always come in the day before the cruise, our airport to hotel/hotel to port transfers we do ourselves usually Uber.

Ship-Board Entertainment Reservations:

This online option is not available and is blank.  This is not a worry because the ship will not be close to fully booked.  However, if and when it becomes available, I will pre-book and add to my agenda document.

21 days prior to Embarkation:

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, which was exactly 21-days prior to the cruise, NCL has a few more security questions (online check-in question #7), videos and reservation for CVS Covid-19 Testing. Simple and seamless.  This is NCL efforts to streamline the boarding process especially since Covid-19 testing will be done at the terminal.  If you use the same email address, CVS will send you barcodes for each of your guests to provide at the port. Your eDocs are not instantly ready.

NCL Download eDocument:

When you are informed via email your e-Documents are ready. I always download at least one set of Documents.  As boring as it is, I even read them cover-to-cover.  There is usually a “Barcode” for your reservation, and I capture that.  I then insert that “Barcode” in my “Family Cruise Journey Document” as a backup.  The original barcode I print and put in the file folder I bring.   I always have a backup plan for important documents.

Coming Soon:

Installment #2: Pre-Cruise Covid-19 Testing Strategy and Port Testing Procedure:

 

This is amazing!  What you have provided so far is fantastic.  I'm really looking forward to all of your feedback.  I'm confident the information you're providing will make our trip most enjoyable.  I hope you have a pleasant cruise.

[mjh2w1]

On 11/10/2021 at 9:38 PM, psac said:

My wife is very detailed with her planning. We were on a cruise last month with her parents, and there were a few…. Issues. She wishes she had written a doc like yours. Her exact quote, hope you get the Friends reference, was “I think he is my lobster.”

 

Just hope the falange doesn't break!!!

[debnjoe1438]

Hi, quick question. How do I add a photo to "my NCL" on line check in? Enjoying this thread.

[quillwercruisers]

1 hour ago, debnjoe1438 said:

Hi, quick question. How do I add a photo to "my NCL" on line check in? Enjoying this thread.

I had to upload from my computer.   Couldn't do it from my phone.

[mjcatlvr]

On 11/12/2021 at 12:44 PM, Sthrngary said:

Yes on booking another cruise in the Haven.  However it is a funny story.  In 2019, we were on the Getaway for Thanksgiving.  We also don't really do deserts much.  We just get so full on the meal.  Both my wife and I were attempting (key word attempting) to stay on a Keto diet.  My wife did great for three days.  I made it to dinner.  The guy next to me, a thin guy with his wife.  I hate thin people who eat a lot.  They drive me crazy.  I eat a salad and gain two lbs.  This awful thin guy ordered that cake.  I watched him take a bit and roll his eyes.  

 

That was it.  I took the like from a old movie and told the server, "I will have what he is having."  My wife was so strong but that darn cake got her on the third dinner.  True story.

OMG! Are we talking about the Chocolate Hot Lava Cake with ice cream??? Dang, that is some yummy stuff! I have been working the pounds down a little bit "pre cruise for the 11/27 NCL JOY" to make room for a bit of this treat! Truly nothing like it!!

[mjh2w1]

On 11/12/2021 at 6:39 PM, mjh2w1 said:

Just hope the falange doesn't break!!!

That's another "Friends" reference!!!

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, mjh2w1 said:

That's another "Friends" reference!!!

I looked it up and could not find it.  LOL.  I was lost on the reference.

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, mjcatlvr said:

OMG! Are we talking about the Chocolate Hot Lava Cake with ice cream??? Dang, that is some yummy stuff! I have been working the pounds down a little bit "pre cruise for the 11/27 NCL JOY" to make room for a bit of this treat! Truly nothing like it!!

OK, believe it or not it was not the Chocolate Hot Lava Cake I was referring too.  However, I LOVE Chocolate Lava Cake so yet another thing I am going to have to have.  The cake I was referring too was a small round chocolate cake, it was frosted with chocolates frosting.  It came with vanilla ice cream

 

So from one dieter to another, we have to share these taste delights. 

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

Pay Attention:  This is from a guy that has been watching cruise prices especially the Haven for over three years.  It is a hobby and I do it with my coffee every morning.  Here are some things I have noticed recently and I hope it helps folks.

 

Specifically on the NCL Joy in November 2021. The first cruise back for the Joy is the Thanksgiving Cruise which leaves on November 20, 2021.  Notice the Haven is completely sold out.  Here is what I saw. 8 days before the ship was sailing out, there were Haven suites available.  Then they were gone.  Those are the upgrades getting accepted.  The reports on social media was that the Minimum bids were actually getting the upgrade.  Keep those dates in mind.

 

The next Joy Cruise is November 27, 2021 departure.  It is 13 days before the sailing. Lots of Haven suite available.  Look for your upgrade bid opportunity.  It might be a once in a lifetime situation at a bargain price.  The reason for all this opportunity is the ship will be sailing with 50% to 60% capacity.  No children and only vaccinated.

 

Just a strategy and I do not have a crystal ball.  If you want to upgrade with bid, do it now. 

[Tiffany18]

How does bidding for an upgrade work? Does someone from NCL call or e-mail you? 

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, Tiffany18 said:

How does bidding for an upgrade work? Does someone from NCL call or e-mail you? 

Email before your cruise.  Depends on stateroom you booked.  

[nhtravels]

On 11/12/2021 at 8:35 AM, Sthrngary said:

 

My wife said, not another word about this cruise until we are on the ship.  I don't blame her.  I have been kind of a pain.  My favorite part of cruising is seeing folks experiences on things I have experienced before.  I live to watch people having a good time.  

 

My husband is saying the same thing.  I'm a planner (and I tend to become a little obsessed when it comes to travel planning).  Our compromise is I can plan to my hearts content and he'll happily go along with whatever I want, as long as he picked the destination of the cruise.  The rest is up to me.  He just doesn't want to talk cruising every night until 2022!  

 

Now if I could just get him to pick a fall trip so I had something else to plan for!  

 

Can't wait to follow along on your Anniversary trip!  (We are celebrating 30 years on our Bliss Panama Canal trip in Feb.)

[jimbri]

Looking forward to your review.  I too am the planner for our vacations.

[SliderNc]

22 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Pay Attention:  This is from a guy that has been watching cruise prices especially the Haven for over three years.  It is a hobby and I do it with my coffee every morning.  Here are some things I have noticed recently and I hope it helps folks.

 

Specifically on the NCL Joy in November 2021. The first cruise back for the Joy is the Thanksgiving Cruise which leaves on November 20, 2021.  Notice the Haven is completely sold out.  Here is what I saw. 8 days before the ship was sailing out, there were Haven suites available.  Then they were gone.  Those are the upgrades getting accepted.  The reports on social media was that the Minimum bids were actually getting the upgrade.  Keep those dates in mind.

 

The next Joy Cruise is November 27, 2021 departure.  It is 13 days before the sailing. Lots of Haven suite available.  Look for your upgrade bid opportunity.  It might be a once in a lifetime situation at a bargain price.  The reason for all this opportunity is the ship will be sailing with 50% to 60% capacity.  No children and only vaccinated.

 

Just a strategy and I do not have a crystal ball.  If you want to upgrade with bid, do it now. 

Q3 earnings report was not good for any of the lines, including NCL.  I suspect they are doing two things right now:

 

1. Making up for lost revenue, even if it is in smaller numbers.  If you get people to upgrade and move to the Haven, you have lower level cabins you can fill much easier.  Small domino effect in that some people that are other lower level cabins can upgrade to balcony, etc and so on.

 

2. People get a taste of the "suite" life and NCL hopes they get someone (like me) who get upgraded once and then won't book anything but the Haven at their normal prices.  I'm sure the conversion rate is super low (probably below 10%) but the increased revenue is what they want from someone who might cruise once or twice a year and would be willing to book Haven.

 

 

[Sthrngary]

9 hours ago, nhtravels said:

My husband is saying the same thing.  I'm a planner (and I tend to become a little obsessed when it comes to travel planning).  Our compromise is I can plan to my hearts content and he'll happily go along with whatever I want, as long as he picked the destination of the cruise.  The rest is up to me.  He just doesn't want to talk cruising every night until 2022!  

 

Now if I could just get him to pick a fall trip so I had something else to plan for!  

 

Can't wait to follow along on your Anniversary trip!  (We are celebrating 30 years on our Bliss Panama Canal trip in Feb.)

You are so lucky.  Your husband will at least pick the destination.  I thought my wife bucket list destination was Alaska.  She seemed excited. Then she said, "If we go to Alaska in May, we will not have warm weather!"  This was on year after it was booked.  No problem though, it got cancelled.

 

So I booked Mexico.  She said, "Did we not already go to these places?"  Finally just a few days ago, she said.  "I hate it is so cold and it gets so dark so early here."  I said, "Good thing we are going on vacation in 12 days."

 

I think you will get this, "I can't win, ever."  So this trip I have resolved myself to the fact, when someone complains, I am having a shot of Tequila.  If they don't want me to be wasted 24/7, they better stop complaining.  I think I finally figured out my path to a perfect cruise, LOL.

 

Cruise well. 

[cmecruise1962]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

 

I think you will get this, "I can't win, ever."  So this trip I have resolved myself to the fact, when someone complains, I am having a shot of Tequila.  If they don't want me to be wasted 24/7, they better stop complaining.  I think I finally figured out my path to a perfect cruise, LOL.

 

I LOVE this!!!  Drinking game alert!

[Sthrngary]

This morning, I booked four Covid-19 PCR tests for our local CVS for Wednesday, November 24, 2021.  It takes one to two days to get the results back.  In my area, it takes one day.  I am NOT doing this as a requirement of NCL, it is NOT.  I am not doing this to have NCL pay for quarantine if we test positive at the port, I have Travel Insurance.  I am doing this for my sanity and peace of mind.  

 

The one thing I know is, if one of my party of four is tested Positive at the port, no one in the party can cruise.  It is "All for one and one for all" type situation.  

[cruising sister]

We are currently isolating away from others before our cruise on the 27th. We are flying out on Thanksgiving day (cheap miles) and PCR testing on Tuesday. That puts us in the 96 hour window in case of positive at pier. Excited but the next 10 days will be hard. I feel like not packing until negative results. I had bags at the door waiting for car service and had to cancel month long cruise due to start of pandemic. That was the hardest nontrip to unpack. 

[lkj1301]

5 hours ago, SliderNc said:

 

 

2. People get a taste of the "suite" life and NCL hopes they get someone (like me) who get upgraded once and then won't book anything but the Haven at their normal prices.  I'm sure the conversion rate is super low (probably below 10%) but the increased revenue is what they want from someone who might cruise once or twice a year and would be willing to book Haven.

 

 

Thats us.  🤪 I booked the Haven once, now thats the only place dh will stay.  My fault, I guess since I booked it.  But I guess, lucky me since the only other say he wants to have is the cruise line (I give him choices).  He really doesn't care about destination as long as its warm.

 

BTW the Joy is finally scheduled to be in Miami on the 18th.  It's about time 😊

[Sthrngary]

24 minutes ago, lkj1301 said:

Thats us.  🤪 I booked the Haven once, now thats the only place dh will stay.  My fault, I guess since I booked it.  But I guess, lucky me since the only other say he wants to have is the cruise line (I give him choices).  He really doesn't care about destination as long as its warm.

 

BTW the Joy is finally scheduled to be in Miami on the 18th.  It's about time 😊

May I ask where you found out the the 18th date?

[SliderNc]

10 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

May I ask where you found out the the 18th date?

 

This was as of right now when I looked at the Miami-Dade government site searching for cruise line dock usage this week.

[pbenjamin]

12 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

May I ask where you found out the the 18th date?

 

https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=9703796

[Sthrngary]

12 minutes ago, SliderNc said:

 

This was as of right now when I looked at the Miami-Dade government site searching for cruise line dock usage this week.

You made my day.  Thank you.