Semi-Live Norwegian Joy to Bermuda - Norfolk, VA - May 8, 2022

[bluesea777]

57 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

PCT.1106 - SG tour continued

 

 

 

54 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

PCT.1107 that was a pirate ship over there on the last batch of photos.

 

 

What "pirate" ship???? Had to clean my monitor ... 

 

That's a replica of Deliverance ... see the history here:

 

Building of the Deliverance Bermuda

 

On August 28th 1609 – a month and a day after the wreck of the Sea Venture – the keel was laid for a new ship to take the survivors to Virginia. With the Sea Venture still high on the reefs, most of the material for the new ship was salvaged from her. On March 30th 1610 the new ship was towed to the water where William Strachy wrote “When she began to swim upon her launching, our Governor called her The Deliverance.” Meanwhile Sir George Somers decided to build a second, smaller, ship and called her The Patience.

On May 10th 1610 both ships were ready and set sail for Virginia, laden with salted pork and other supplies from Bermuda. On reaching Jamestown thirteen days later they were shocked at the condition of the few colonists who had survived the previous winter. On the other hand the remaining 60 Virginians must have been amazed at the excellent condition of the 150 new arrivals they had believed lost almost a year ago.

Given the dire conditions in Virginia, Sir George Somers volunteered to sail back to Bermuda in The Patience and return with a cargo of hogs and other foods which were plentiful in Bermuda. Unfortunately he again ran into bad weather and after arriving in Bermuda several weeks later, Sir George Somers died of exhaustion.

The Diorama shows great activity in building The Deliverance, which was of great significance in the history of both Bermuda and Virginia.

 

Enjoy the rest of your stay in Bermuda and the cruise!

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, Love2cruise77 said:

How did you learn about the free ferry to St George?  Is there a specific schedule that they are on?  Do they return from St George to Dockyard or do you have to make your own ways back?

When we were there less than a month ago, NCL provided a separate piece of paper in the Daily Whatever It's Called with the schedule for the free NCL Ferry. I'm not sure if the schedule changes: I'll leave that for @mking8288 to provide. It's parked right at the pier the cruise ships dock at, at the Royal Dockyard.

 

The shuttle does return from St. George to Dockyard several times a day, after dropping Dockyard passengers off at St. George. On the last day. there was only one shuttle to and from - curious if that has changed.

[mking8288]

@lovetocruise77 NCL’s free ferry is docked directly across the pier or cruise terminal.  The week’s scheduled times are subject to change and published in the Freestyle Dailies, see post #127. It’s also posted by the docking area next to where the ferry is located. When in doubt, ask the ferry crew and make sure your smartphone is on the proper & correct (BDA) time zone. 
 

 

[bluesea777]

The existence of the NCL ferry began in summer 2017. NCL leased it …. it was called Bo Henry II at the time and our DS worked on it as a deckhand (for that summer season only). The concept proved successful so NCL bought it and had it refurbished and repainted it from original blue/yellow to pink/blue and renamed it Pride of St. George. It came back to Bermuda to service NCL pax in 2018, 2019 and went away for a couple of years. Very glad it’s back here this year!

 

When asked, DS said the worse job was cleaning up vomits …. 🙃

 

 

[scooter6139]

15 hours ago, mking8288 said:

One of the best NCL productions tonight, 100 minutes long to a 75 to 80% full audience in the Joy Theater tonight ... even for the late show, sleep afterward.

 

Love all the reviews!  Recall that 100 minute long Footloose show bruising my tailbone by sitting for too long.  Being fat doesn't help either.  🙄

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, bluesea777 said:

What "pirate" ship???? 

That's a replica of Deliverance ... see the history here:
Building of the Deliverance Bermuda
Enjoy the rest of your stay in Bermuda and the cruise!

My bad for not cleaning my bifocals … Thanks for that history lesson. 
 

Our timing was good, on the ferry going back now as a light shower just started en route & cloudy overcast sky. 

[nesila]

7 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Good morning from Heritage Wharf, Dockyard. We've arrived - Bermuda, we are back again to visit. It's a cloudy day. Time for breakfast first.

 

Several important details, info & useful reminders from the FS Dailies to take along to go ashore, especially first time visiting 👌

 

 

wondering how you like the virtual balcony? are you missing the ability to open the door and walk out?

[bluesea777]

Sorry it’s a crappy outlook for you … hope weather clears up tomorrow. 
 

 

The ship next to you is the vehicles carrier “Cape Race” that brought the sail boats to the island for the Sail GP (races this weekend May 14/15). 
 

 

[mking8288]

PCT.1108 more pictures - 

St. Peter's Church, Bus Stop - to/from Hamilton and businesses along the commercial strips. The takeout place is still there after all these years but not other small shops. Outside the gift shop with the bus maps is where you pickup the bus to Hamilton, then transfer to Dockyard, if you do it on your own. 

 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

PCT.1110 - making our way back to wait for our free NCL Ferry at 3 pm to the ship at Dockyard. 

 

[itsnotjustme]

On 5/8/2022 at 8:20 AM, mking8288 said:

We booked 2 of these not for the extra perks and knowing full well for what's (likely) excluded and/or no longer provided, discontinued and changed - we simply wanted the extra space, extra bathroom and it is just forward of the Fwd elevators

So in this Family Suite category, just what are the extra perks?  I have received contradictory answers from NCL.

 

Do you get to have breakfast and lunch in one of the specialty restaurants (I think other ships used Moderno), or does that option not exist due to the existence of the Haven restaurant (which this suite would not be eligible for)?

 

Thank you both for your in depth review, and in advance for an answer to this question!

Edited May 11, 2022 by itsnotjustme
Add additional fact.

[bluesea777]

1 hour ago, itsnotjustme said:

So in this Family Suite category, just what are the extra perks?  I have received contradictory answers from NCL.

 

Do you get to have breakfast and lunch in one of the specialty restaurants (I think other ships used Moderno), or does that option not exist due to the existence of the Haven restaurant (which this suite would not be eligible for)?

 

Thank you both for your in depth review, and in advance for an answer to this question!

 

On the Joy the SC and SP suites are NON-Haven so these do not offer the same perks as the H* suites that are Haven Suites.

 

The Joy was built for the Chinese that have large families (kids, parents, grandparents rooming together) so they had "Concierge" Suites with own lounge. When the ship moved to the US it was refurbished and these cabins were reclassed as SC & SP non-Haven suites and the Horizon lounge that was on deck 14 forward, under the Observation Lounge (on deck 14) disappeared.

 

mking8288 is in the SP cabin - Family Suite. SPs are interior, and the SCs have balcony.

 

Pricing for these SC and SP cabins are far lower than the H* cabins. 

 

 

[Love2cruise77]

7 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

When we were there less than a month ago, NCL provided a separate piece of paper in the Daily Whatever It's Called with the schedule for the free NCL Ferry. I'm not sure if the schedule changes: I'll leave that for @mking8288 to provide. It's parked right at the pier the cruise ships dock at, at the Royal Dockyard.

 

The shuttle does return from St. George to Dockyard several times a day, after dropping Dockyard passengers off at St. George. On the last day. there was only one shuttle to and from - curious if that has changed.

 

6 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@lovetocruise77 NCL’s free ferry is docked directly across the pier or cruise terminal.  The week’s scheduled times are subject to change and published in the Freestyle Dailies, see post #127. It’s also posted by the docking area next to where the ferry is located. When in doubt, ask the ferry crew and make sure your smartphone is on the proper & correct (BDA) time zone. 
 

 

 

6 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

The existence of the NCL ferry began in summer 2017. NCL leased it …. it was called Bo Henry II at the time and our DS worked on it as a deckhand (for that summer season only). The concept proved successful so NCL bought it and had it refurbished and repainted it from original blue/yellow to pink/blue and renamed it Pride of St. George. It came back to Bermuda to service NCL pax in 2018, 2019 and went away for a couple of years. Very glad it’s back here this year!

 

When asked, DS said the worse job was cleaning up vomits …. 🙃

 

 

 

Thanks for the info on the free ferry.  Much appreciated.

[mking8288]

Cagney's dinner for 6 earlier tonight. Lots of food for 6, ended up taking out our desserts.  Part 1 - starter & entrees (both FAS and Platinum meals with different options & rules) 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

Cagney's dessert - so good but way too much, couldn't possibly finished them. We shared 3 plates & took the rest back to our 2 suites.  

 

Wow, more "treats" 😳 delivered into our SC, good for afternoon coffee & tea time in our mini living rooms. Comparing the perk 🙄 no further comments needed. Shall I say more.  I'm going to invoke the Fifth & not testify later on 🫢

 

The speedway, water slides & laser tags, etc. were open earlier during the day, didn't check them out, sorry. 

 

[mking8288]

For the next 90 minutes, I am live on CC via ship's satellite WiFi ... switching to my Lenovo touchscreen Chromebook, and try to address most direct questions or info requested.

 

First, tomorrow's Freestyle Dailies - 

 

[mking8288]

A late night walk to get water, upstairs in the Garden Cafe, there are hand wash stations with running water, soap & paper towel - going there, it's washy washy. Very 👍 good, I am fine with that - best practices with infection control & being  clean (retired primary health & ambulatory care administrator and volunteered in medical reserve)

 

The pool deck - lots of open space but swimming area, not so much - as expected. 

 

[mking8288]

Deck 10 - club/balconies near the elevators & stairs, noise & foot traffic doesn't appear to be a problem. Corridors are a bit tight but it's passable unless one is of size, the service carts are out, or someone coming in opposite direction with a motorized wheelchair or similar assisted device.

 

Trays from room service out in the hallway, hmmm - wasn't there when I left 15 minutes for a quick run upstairs. It's a hazard and there's no reminder to keep them inside or at least in the "cutout" for the staterooms. 

 

[mking8288]

Beautiful sunset from Dockyard as seen from Cagney's & out on the Waterfront, as taken by Mrs' Samsung Galaxy S21 - views of the marina area nearby.  More free  wallpapers for CC'er 

 

[Caribbea]

26 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

For the next 90 minutes, I am live on CC via ship's satellite WiFi ... switching to my Lenovo touchscreen Chromebook, and try to address most direct questions or info requested.

 

First, tomorrow's Freestyle Dailies - 

 

Hi, how is the mask status in Bermuda? Are Bermudians wearing masks? Are stores requiring you to wear masks before you enter? Anyone not allowed to deboard the ship (that would mean they are in quarantine?)?

[The P]

Hi, Henry. Sharon here. Would you please try to find out how many passengers are projected for next week? My TA doesn't know and the NCL rep I talked to said, "We don't have that info." Uh huh.........Your photos are making me hungry but giving me some good ideas on where to hide the ducks I found/was given on our Getaway cruise. 

 

Edited May 12, 2022 by The P
added more

[mking8288]

11 hours ago, joelheather said:

You stated you have 2 Cabins on this cruise. And that their are differences in the layout.  Would it be possible to see what the differences are?  It seams the Port side cabins are 564 Sf while the starboard SP’s are 512sf.  We have the smaller of the two booked.  Could you take 5 minutes and show us how the layout is different.   Thank you so much.

 

I have 3 pictures from the second 2BR 2Bath Inside Family Suites, almost directly across the corridor from us on Deck 10, it's as close to being midship and the forward stairs & elevators as possible & available at the time of our booking ... 

 

I actually like the layout of their 2nd bedroom *539 - long desk / dresser w lots of drawers. But prefer our main bedroom, has an extra closet for clothing. *539's living room is more rectangular but smaller w a shorter width, 1 less closet but the dining area w the table is more "separate" 

 

Whites space behind us (main bedroom)  is crew storage for towels, linens & supplies and sometimes, can hear doors closing behind them during work hours.  Otherwise, entire section with 6 suites is quiet with minimal foot traffic.

 

I'll get more pictures tomorrow or Friday when the room is nicely refreshed. There is a sofa chair in the smaller bedroom, a nice touch & when paired up & move into the living room area - 5 can sit together for the evening.  Okay, where's the virtual fireplace, as I cannot stream or Chromecast my offline contents into the Samsung HDTV.

 

Edited May 12, 2022 by mking8288

[mking8288]

35 minutes ago, Caribbea said:

Hi, how is the mask status in Bermuda? Are Bermudians wearing masks? Are stores requiring you to wear masks before you enter? Anyone not allowed to deboard the ship (that would mean they are in quarantine?)?

Officially, per Bermuda gov't / health authorities - masks are required or mandatory when on buses, ferries & other indoor places where social distancing is not possible ... we're at St. George's bus stop, watching the bus driver waited for 2 tourists (not sure if they are from the Joy) to put their mask on properly before letting them past the farebox onboard.  Signage are posted at store entrances about masking up - it's hard to say whether stores are "requiring" it.   Outdoor by SG's Town Hall/ Square, masks are worn by some but not others, mix of surgical masks & KN95's and KF94's (true fit-tested N95 have 2 bands that go over & around the head) - what I saw, folks are acting smartly on their own, based on risks factors while others choose their "freedom" perhaps feeling lucky.   To each his/own - don't want to get into or spin up a debate against CC's rules.

 

AFAIK, nobody held in quarantine - I'll remember to take a walk on Deck 13 Fwd (where MC is located on the Joy) and surrounding to see if ... And, if they are - not something one wish to announce & better to keep it low key to not set off panic.  

 

A good old nurse friend of mine was vaxxed/boosted and exposed to the sub-variant last month, self-isolate at home & was planning to return to duty within 5 to 7 days ... taking an extra week to rest & recover at home ... and they're well protected on the job, still puzzled as to where & how.   Live, travel & cruise smartly to stay healthy is all I'm going to say on masking.  

[mking8288]

44 minutes ago, The P said:

... My TA doesn't know and the NCL rep I talked to said, "We don't have that info." Uh huh.........Your photos are making me hungry but giving me some good ideas on where to hide the ducks I found/was given on our Getaway cruise. 

I'm borrowing Bonnie's crystal ball and I believe the magician saw possibly 2,500 boarding this weekend ... I would use those as a ballpark figure.  Remember our GA cruise in March - it's a bit more crowded this week based on the theater turnout, which seemed consistent mostly with the #'s given.   The Bermuda TA requirements are definitely not helping to boost occupancy and we didn't see really much last minute booking & sign-up for the Roll Call.  The M&G was a disaster itself, absolutely no mingle & no intro, as if CC got hijacked - wondered in the last 2 days what other CC'ers that show up think - didn't get a chance to talk or meet the others in the DBH.   Wish your week to be a better one & I believe it can, should and will do so.  

 

It was a lot of food in Cagney's tonight for 6 of us, with the sides & the starters ordered - good thing we ate light all day to prepare for a big feast.  Service by the wait team was excellent, not just in Specialty but also in Taste & Savor.  

 

[mking8288]

On the subject of doing our complimentary Platinum (Sapphire, same - none for being in these suites) - we typically do a single (paper) bag's worth for 2 of us, on a  7 nights cruise - with 3 of us and the newly re-sized bag, we are going to be doing 2 of them, out of necessity.  As we cannot fit it all into one, taking the rest home with us - underwears & sleepwear need to be washed & refreshed, as we packed light, each with a carry-on for most items.  

 

We asked our steward to bring us 2 paper bags and laundry slip, and realized the bags are truly, really in 2 sizes.  Last month of the Getaway, it was the "original" - apparently, we got 2 of them from Joy's remaining old inventory, then, found an extra one - our hotel liner bag  won't fit inside.  Wall Street has a new term of these shrinkage while prices go up  - not a surprise move by manager, for stockholder's benefit (and, we are ... understand, it's business. ) 

 

It's like those Just Water paper carton, it's 16.9 oz - we get "cartons" free as Sapphire. The larger carton is 33 oz. & $5 plus 20%, for your convenience. Remember, one has choices - brought along our 20 oz. Contigo to refill, with a clean cup ...

 

That's about all for this evening, 2 am BDA time - 1 am, EDT.  Time to get some zzzz's - that was a jumbo-sized dinner.  After morning breakfast, we are probably taking the local ferry into Hamilton, roam around the city - then, catch a scenic bus ride back, maybe making a stop at Clocktower Mall.  Tomorrow night, we booked Food Republic for dinner.

 

BTW, the Norwegian App really not functioning well onboard, not able to check or make reservations for specialty dining or shows - had to go the iTV screen with the remote control, or dial the in-house extension directly - or go to the venue when it is staffed & make our own request.  With occupancy (just) under 50% - NP, easily done, plenty of available time slots for various SD.   Live shipcam / Ch.12 is offline & not showing up when scrolling via the Remote Control - in a way, we missed the real balcony ... what to do / recommend / choose - the next time if we are returning to the Joy.  

 

Edited May 12, 2022 by mking8288