Real-Time Review by SthrnGary of the NCL Joy, March 19, 2022, Cruise in “Haven Lite”

[Sthrngary]

There is a quote from a movie I love, it goes like this:

"What did you do today?" 

 

The response was,

 

"Nothing and it was everything I ever expected it to be!!"

 

When I am home, I rarely eat breakfast so when I cruise, that is one of my favorite meals.  Past that, I usually skip lunch because after a few days, I literally don't get hungry during the day.  I wait for dinner and make up for lost time.

 

Today, I did some video, responded to some of you and sat under an umbrella by myself in the Vibe Beach Club. 

 

"It was everything I ever expected it to be!!"

 

Tonight, it is Teppanyaki.  I was going to change it to Cagney's for a third time there but decided just to go.  I hope the group I am with is a lively one.  My wife gave me the liquor order because we have a party at my home on Sunday.  Happy to do it.  I am trying to recover from my "Deep Tisue Massage" from yesterday by going in the hot tub often.  My body is killing me in a good way.  

 

Tonight after dinner I will try my luck again in the casino.  My goal it to pay my entire account which is currently at $250.00 with winnings.  Wish me luck.  People ask me all the time, how do I have a great cruise.  My advise is this:

 

1. Plan for the cruise and the things you want to do pre-cruise.
2. Force yourself to do at least 50% of your plan.
3. Never regret you missed something as long as you are having a good time.
4. Tip the crew when they do nice things for you.
5. Try not to over indulge on the first night or the last night.
6. Find someone having a bad day and make their day.
7. Make new friends and engage with people.
8. Remember there is nothing wrong with alone time.  It gives you time to think while viewing the ocean.

There you have it, Cruise well and enjoy every minute.

 

Edited March 24, 2022 by Sthrngary

[Candy Apple 12]

41 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

There is a quote from a movie I love, it goes like this:

"What did you do today?" 

 

The response was,

 

"Nothing and it was everything I ever expected it to be!!"

 

When I am home, I rarely eat breakfast so when I cruise, that is one of my favorite meals.  Past that, I usually skip lunch because after a few days, I literally don't get hungry during the day.  I wait for dinner and make up for lost time.

 

Today, I did some video, responded to some of you and sat under an umbrella by myself in the Vibe Beach Club. 

 

"It was everything I ever expected it to be!!"

 

Tonight, it is Teppanyaki.  I was going to change it to Cagney's for a third time there but decided just to go.  I hope the group I am with is a lively one.  My wife gave me the liquor order because we have a party at my home on Sunday.  Happy to do it.  I am trying to recover from my "Deep Tisue Massage" from yesterday by going in the hot tub often.  My body is killing me in a good way.  

 

Tonight after dinner I will try my luck again in the casino.  My goal it to pay my entire account which is currently at $250.00 with winnings.  Wish me luck.  People ask me all the time, how do I have a great cruise.  My advise is this:

 

1. Plan for the cruise and the things you want to do pre-cruise.
2. Force yourself to do at least 50% of your plan.
3. Never regret you missed something as long as you are having a good time.
4. Tip the crew when they do nice things for you.
5. Try not to over indulge on the first night or the last night.
6. Find someone having a bad day and make their day.
7. Make new friends and engage with people.
8. Remember there is nothing wrong with alone time.  It gives you time to think while viewing the ocean.

There you have it, Cruise well and enjoy every minute.

 

What movie did you quote?

 

Your list, with a few minor tweaks, could be good advice for life in general.

 

Live well.

[ColeThornton]

1 minute ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

What movie did you quote?

 

That was from "Office Space".

[kitty-sail]

On 3/23/2022 at 5:05 PM, Uff da said:

BBQ specialty restaurant. It's hit and miss. Some things are good and some things are awful. I had it on Bliss and I wish I would have made a different dining choice. The reviews of it are all over the map. That lack of consistency kills them. I personally would not book it again. 

I went to Q a few months ago. The band was so loud, I got a headache.  Plus with hardwood floors , there is nothing to absorb the sound. The meal was just mediocre. I wouldn't waste aother dining ticket on Q.

[Sthrngary]

This is my favorite eating your experience of any cruise anytime.. I ordered a bottle of champagne for my group and we are having a fabulous time.

[RunBikeCruiseDC]

On 3/23/2022 at 8:10 AM, firstimecruiseronncl said:

I'm glad to hear this. I've stayed in the Vibe during all of my NCL sailings except my first one. I only had one lackluster experience in there when I sailed on the Bliss in Feb 2020. The staff was very nice but the attention/service was definitely lacking. 

who is working in the Vibe on Joy?!?!  We love Vibe!  Can't wait until next month (NYC to Bermuda)!

[RunBikeCruiseDC]

On 3/21/2022 at 8:26 AM, oteixeira said:

Not sure if you ever tried to get Vibe pre-covid but when you see people showing up at 7AM to make sure they get boarding group 1 and then fighting to be first at the spot where they let you enter and go to the ship and then running on the ship to get passes you understand.  

Guilty!!!!

[Sthrngary]

Ok, I tried to give everybody a really good overview of this cruise. However, tonight you will all have to forgive me. I have tried to be a good boy but tonight I might have had a few too many tequilas and a bottle of champagne. I want everybody to know that I shared my champagne in the Japanese restaurant. But I know my limits. The NCL joy is truly a joy. Tonight I’m just gonna pass out. No dessert but I assure you tomorrow morning, there will be a serious breakfast. Thank you all for reading this stream. Signing  out for tonight. 
 

Cruise well, enjoy every minute. It all ends so quickly. 

[wil e coyote]

9 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Ok, I tried to give everybody a really good overview of this cruise. However, tonight you will all have to forgive me. I have tried to be a good boy but tonight I might have had a few too many tequilas and a bottle of champagne. I want everybody to know that I shared my champagne in the Japanese restaurant. But I know my limits. The NCL joy is truly a joy. Tonight I’m just gonna pass out. No dessert but I assure you tomorrow morning, there will be a serious breakfast. Thank you all for reading this stream. Signing  out for tonight. 
 

Cruise well, enjoy every minute. It all ends so quickly. 

Gary, you are forgiven! 

I love reading the narrative of your cruise - it's making me look forward to my upcoming sailing even more! In fact, I think you should just stay on board and keep cruising so we can all keep enjoying your posts!

Let's start a "keep Gary cruising" fund...🙂

[Sthrngary]

33 minutes ago, wil e coyote said:

"keep Gary cruising" fund.

I am in. Great idea!!!!

[oteixeira]

5 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I am in. Great idea!!!!

We need to check with the boss first, don't we (Your wife)??   LOL

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, oteixeira said:

We need to check with the boss first, don't we (Your wife)??   LOL

You got that right.  That would be a huge NOOOOOO from her.

[Sthrngary]

Friday, March 25, 2022:

 

Solo Cruising:  For me personally, this week of my first solo cruising fall in to the category of "One and Done". I won't do it again.  I had a great time but it would be so much better with my best friend, my wife of 42 years.  Sometimes you have to do something like this to realize how much you need your partner.  

 

On to my final posting of this series:

 

The Last Day: The depressing last full day is upon us.  Is it so sad, NOT really!  I kind look forward to getting home.  My wife and I have a party for a friend on Sunday.  I already know what is going to happen at that party. Lots of folks are going to ask me about my cruise.  If I go into detail that lasts over 20 seconds, they will lose interest.  Why? They really don’t care because they were not there enjoying the cruise with me.  Human nature really. So, today’s entry which will be my last for this series will be about, Human Nature.

In general, we all want to be liked, embraced, and admired.  We want to be a role model for others because it helps them and makes us feel good about ourselves.  Yet when we wake up in the morning, we must look in the mirror and see our inner self very clearly. That is called being self-aware and not everyone has this ability. You see this if you enjoy observing other people on a cruise ship.

I have the tendency to met folks that are loud, sometime obnoxious and some would consider low class and rude.  They want to be noticed and admired for being so outgoing.  I find these folks fun to be around but not for a long period of time.  To much of a good thing.  They have no clue they are perceived that way.

Other personalities are the quiet folks that you can see from their eyes, they don’t miss a thing.  They just keep it to themselves.  These folks end up being my favorite guests to be with on a cruise.  I never have to be the life of the party or compete with the “Crazy Guy” above.  I can just be me.

Cruises are not just a big ship with food, drink, and entertainment.  They are a place where humans can interact in harmony.  Like a buffet, you have a cross section of every type of person you can imagine.  Also like a buffet, you don’t have to enjoy every item.  If something does not suit you, don’t put it on your plate next time.  This means we as guest must make choices and be smart about them. No one can make those choose for us. You must take accountability for your cruise vacation. No cruise is ever perfect so you need to accept that and make the best of every situation.

 

This Morning at Starbucks: As I walk into the Observation Lounge on deck 15, the crew member that asked you to wash your hands said,

“Good morning, Mr. Gary.”

There are over 3,000 guests on this ship, this kind person acknowledged me by name. At the Starbucks counter, the crew member said,

“Hello, Mr. Gary.  A Tall Pike with cream and sweet n low this morning?”

Again, noticeable and appreciated.

 

Personalized Service: I have noticed that as cruising has begun again, the crew members are doing even a better job then they have pre-covid.  The service and acknowledgment I received in Starbucks; I have also received in both Main Dining Rooms.  Not to mention in all Specialty Restaurants.  This has been a very rare and welcomed surprise. 

 

Conclusion: Cruising is back.  That fact that it was gone for such a long time was initially a horrible thing.  Yet with all bad things there is a silver lining.  Guest are being kinder and more respectful to each other and the crew.  The Crew are very appreciative that they can earn a living again.  The cruise brands have fixed some issue they had in the past which were long term issues. 

We as clients get the benefit of these improvements.  Sometimes not having the ability to socialize, eat out, vacation, or live a normal life reminds you how much you really missed it.  When it comes back, we don’t take it for granted as much.  That is the way I feel at this moment.  I hope all that makes sense.

Thanks for reading alone and I will do an official review on the NCL Joy in Cruise Critic on this experience after I get home. I have enjoyed everyone’s comments and appreciate all the kind words. 

 

Cruise well and hope we all cruise together sometime.

[hallux]

@Sthrngary mind if I add my review of the cruise to this thread when I get home?  I've had a GREAT time.  I'll do my own review thread if you'd prefer...

 

I haven't read your live posts yet, just this last page..

[Sthrngary]

11 minutes ago, hallux said:

@Sthrngary mind if I add my review of the cruise to this thread when I get home?  I've had a GREAT time.  I'll do my own review thread if you'd prefer...

 

I haven't read your live posts yet, just this last page..

You can feel free to add your review however I think you’ll get better reaction if you make your review a new post. I will leave that up to you and thank you for being so kind to askYou can feel free to add your review however I think you’ll get better reaction if you make your review a new post. I will leave that up to you and thank you for being so kind to ask

[cruisebeachgirl703]

The cruise brands have fixed some issue they had in the past which were long term issues. 

We as clients get the benefit of these improvements

 

Would love to get your specifics once you have time. 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

The cruise brands have fixed some issue they had in the past which were long term issues. 

We as clients get the benefit of these improvements

 

Would love to get your specifics once you have time. 

OK, here is my perception:

1. Handwashing:  Everyone and I mean everyone washes their hands before they go into the Buffet and other places like the observation lounge.  No one gets upset.  Even the kids wash.
2. Buffet: No one that I observed has touch food with their hands and not put it on their plates.  Let me say this another way, no one is touching food. 
3. Kids: The parents are making plates for their kids and the kids don't touch the foods either.  I have also noticed the children onboard are extremely well mannered.
4. Upselling: This has been minimized and I only had this happen very briefly at the spa.  I said no and it was over. 
5. Private Area's:  I am referring to the Vibe Beach Club and the Haven.  I have experienced in the past, folks that did not have Haven or Vibe access coming in and using the area's often.  The crew would say nothing.  This time, those folks are asked to leave. 
6. Lines at Guest Services: I have never had to wait more then two minutes to get to Guest Services.  In the past, the line took for ever.  
7. Specialty Restaurants:  Never crowded, easy to get my reservation changed.  They always remember my name.
8. Room Steward: Always available and prompt.  
9. Ship Cleanliness:  The best I have ever seen on a cruise ship.  
10. Crew Member Attitude: The best I have ever felt on a cruise ship except when I did a luxury cruise mid-2021.  That should make sense. 

That should give you an idea of just a few things I noticed.  In the past there were lots of rules and policies.  They were never enforced.  It seems that the crew are much better at following them on this cruise.  The only exception is that the Main Pool Chair Hogs are alive and well.

 

I hope that helps clarify.

 

Cruise well.

[dessleo]

@SthrngaryThoroughly enjoyed your thread here. I would love to watch your YouTube videos as well... what is the name of your channel? I searched "sthrngary" and got results for some weird word lol.

 

Thank you for all of the great tips. I have not yet sailed on NCL.. but now I want to!

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, dessleo said:

@SthrngaryThoroughly enjoyed your thread here. I would love to watch your YouTube videos as well... what is the name of your channel? I searched "sthrngary" and got results for some weird word lol.

 

Thank you for all of the great tips. I have not yet sailed on NCL.. but now I want to!

I have sailed Royal, Celebrity, Carnival, HAL, Crystal, Disney and NCL.  They all had positives and negatives.  All the brands cater to a slightly different client.  I enjoy all of them.  I enjoy NCL because of the entertainment, there VIP section called the Haven and the Vibe Beach Club. The more you go on a specific brand the better you know how to approach your cruise.  My first cruise was the SS Norway 42 years ago which NCL owned. So I have some history with this brand.

 

On my video's.  Below is a link to my last video I did which was the NCL Joy, (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony.  Once you see that, you can find my video's on lots of stuff.  Thanks for asking.

 

https://youtu.be/o41jS5lNrTY

 

 

Edited March 25, 2022 by Sthrngary

[cruisebeachgirl703]

16 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

OK, here is my perception:

1. Handwashing:  Everyone and I mean everyone washes their hands before they go into the Buffet and other places like the observation lounge.  No one gets upset.  Even the kids wash.
2. Buffet: No one that I observed has touch food with their hands and not put it on their plates.  Let me say this another way, no one is touching food. 
3. Kids: The parents are making plates for their kids and the kids don't touch the foods either.  I have also noticed the children onboard are extremely well mannered.
4. Upselling: This has been minimized and I only had this happen very briefly at the spa.  I said no and it was over. 
5. Private Area's:  I am referring to the Vibe Beach Club and the Haven.  I have experienced in the past, folks that did not have Haven or Vibe access coming in and using the area's often.  The crew would say nothing.  This time, those folks are asked to leave. 
6. Lines at Guest Services: I have never had to wait more then two minutes to get to Guest Services.  In the past, the line took for ever.  
7. Specialty Restaurants:  Never crowded, easy to get my reservation changed.  They always remember my name.
8. Room Steward: Always available and prompt.  
9. Ship Cleanliness:  The best I have ever seen on a cruise ship.  
10. Crew Member Attitude: The best I have ever felt on a cruise ship except when I did a luxury cruise mid-2021.  That should make sense. 

That should give you an idea of just a few things I noticed.  In the past there were lots of rules and policies.  They were never enforced.  It seems that the crew are much better at following them on this cruise.  The only exception is that the Main Pool Chair Hogs are alive and well.

 

I hope that helps clarify.

 

Cruise well.

Thanks Gary. Appreciated. Good to know and hope it lasts. 

[lyannea]

In one of the You-Tube videos, you held up a copy of the cruise planner that you made for you and your family, outlining activities, etc  for each day.

Do you have a copy of it somewhere on Cruise Critic ? If not, I'll freeze frame the video and copy.

It's the best and most organized that I've seen.

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, lyannea said:

In one of the You-Tube videos, you held up a copy of the cruise planner that you made for you and your family, outlining activities, etc  for each day.

Do you have a copy of it somewhere on Cruise Critic ? If not, I'll freeze frame the video and copy.

It's the best and most organized that I've seen.

I actually did two documents. One was an Excel spreadsheet calendar. It laid out every day and utilizing the delis that some people post I would choose times for activities, specialty restaurants, and shows so they would all be coordinated. If you go onto my posting that’s called the secrets of the NCL haven VIP experience, they are throughout that stream.

 

The other one I did was about 27 pages with everything from copies of my passport, to my Covid cards for my entire family, and menus for all the restaurants we were going to. On that document I have way too much personal information so it would be hard for me to post it. I did once sometime back and I sanitized it. As you know I’m on a cruise right now and I’ll try to remember to see if I can find it. 

 

My family makes fun of me for doing these things but it just makes cruising a little less stressful for me. What is funny is it on this cruise I did much less planning because it was just for me traveling solo.

 

Cruise well

[Beach Life 1]

14 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I have sailed Royal, Celebrity, Carnival, HAL, Crystal, Disney and NCL.  They all had positives and negatives.  All the brands cater to a slightly different client.  I enjoy all of them.  I enjoy NCL because of the entertainment, there VIP section called the Haven and the Vibe Beach Club. The more you go on a specific brand the better you know how to approach your cruise.  My first cruise was the SS Norway 42 years ago which NCL owned. So I have some history with this brand.

 

On my video's.  Below is a link to my last video I did which was the NCL Joy, (H2) Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony.  Once you see that, you can find my video's on lots of stuff.  Thanks for asking.

 

https://youtu.be/o41jS5lNrTY

 

 

Great Video!!  Thank you so much for taking the time.  Your videos and posts are soooo informative.  I do have a question.  Would you book a front facing cabin again?   Is it windy?  I've asked this before,  and it seems some people enjoy it,  others say way too windy.  Also,  I don't see the dreaded "steel door"  to the balcony in the owners suite,  so I imagine that would make a difference in using the balcony.   Thanks again.    

P.S.  -   I'm enjoying your post about your current cruise.  Thanks again

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, jezabel80 said:

Great Video!!  Thank you so much for taking the time.  Your videos and posts are soooo informative.  I do have a question.  Would you book a front facing cabin again?   Is it windy?  I've asked this before,  and it seems some people enjoy it,  others say way too windy.  Also,  I don't see the dreaded "steel door"  to the balcony in the owners suite,  so I imagine that would make a difference in using the balcony.   Thanks again.    

P.S.  -   I'm enjoying your post about your current cruise.  Thanks again

@jezabel80Yes, I would absolutely book a front facing balcony again.  Sure there is wind from time to time.  No the H2 Owners Suite had a side balcony which you could go to if the wind was to bad which it never was. I would also consider the rear facing balcony.  The difference is in the back of the ship there is a lot more vibrations from the engines.  That does not bother me at all but it does bother some. 

 

When choosing staterooms, it is also very important to consider where you are going.  For example, if you are going to Alaska, that wind might be a bit to much with the cold weather.  Wind in warm weather is a much different story. 

 

Hope all that makes sense. 

 

Cruise well.

[lyannea]

18 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I actually did two documents. One was an Excel spreadsheet calendar. It laid out every day and utilizing the delis that some people post I would choose times for activities, specialty restaurants, and shows so they would all be coordinated. If you go onto my posting that’s called the secrets of the NCL haven VIP experience, they are throughout that stream.

 

 

Cruise well

Gary, Thank you so much for the response. I'm interested in the spreadsheet, which I'll find, no problem.

 

Thanks again for the time you've taken to share your experiences with the rest of us

Get home safe.