Bringing the JOY with as live-ish a review as the lousy wi-fi will allow: Bermuda 7/9-7/16!

[goldmom]

15 minutes ago, Dorhead1230 said:

We do sail in 2 cabins when my mom comes—DH and me in one and my mom and her little roomie in the other. And this time, one is in DH’s name and one in mine, as we are the ones that get the casino rates. So we’ll luck out and end up with two sets of vouchers! Btw, I do find it odd that if two Platinum guests are travel companions it’s like, nope sorry only one qualifies for that benefit. I’m sure it would be pretty expensive for NCL given the number of people that are Platinum and above now, but it does seem to “water down” the benefit a little. I’d at least think once you move beyond basic Platinum they’d throw people a bone and give it to both 🤷🏻‍♀️

Glad to hear you get the 2 extra dinners!  

Have a great cruise!

[Dorhead1230]

Ahhhhhh! 7 days! Hopefully by this time next week we will be checked in at the terminal (dare I say…boarding?). We were such a mess getting ready to go in February that I’m like a drill sergeant now barking at everyone to get their stuff out and organized (well, not LM who desperately wants to pack himself but isn’t allowed because, if left to his own devices, he’d be roaming around in jammies or just undies and socks for a week 🤭). Plus, DH has to work right through Saturday, and got ordered to work overtime when he’s supposed to be off tonight into tomorrow, so it makes a bit more of a time crunch. So, here I sit for the hubby fashion show, helping him match outfits to pack so we’re not crazed the night before again.

Although there are certainly some merits to late arrival at the pier, it’s not for me. I don’t need to be breaking down the door when they open (and have no desire to entertain LM in the terminal for 2 or more hours waiting to board), but having a leisurely boarding and a civilized dining room lunch always sets a nice tone for the first day!

[Dorhead1230]

T-6 days! And today is almost over already! Are we the only fools who run around like mad having to get stuff and do errands leading up to a cruise? We’ve cruised enough to know what we need, but there’s still always such a list of stuff we have to do/get. Shoes for DH, especially, are the bane of my existence. He wears a 14, which hardly any stores carry in-stock, and after weeks of ordering from different places so he could keep trying stuff on, we still spent time hitting up several outlets today (where he again got nothing and then had to order more online to try, anyway).

 

We also inexplicably decided to make tonight the night to cook a lobster and crab leg dinner, which makes a mess and takes forever to eat because of shelling it all. Anything to procrastinate from actually packing, I guess 🤪.

 

Our non-NCL crustacean food porn:

 

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll get some more useful preparations done! Anyone else a bit of a last-minute packer?

[Dorhead1230]

Also, is it weird that I keep reading posts from people saying they get 7273749827 emails to watch the safety video, and even though I’m sure that’s super annoying, I have some anxiety/FOMO because I haven’t gotten any? 😆 Probably shouldn’t even put this out there and jinx myself because now the emails will start flowing in!

[Gocruise77]

Following along 😃 We’re doing this same itinerary in a few weeks. I appreciate the information.

[bkrickles1]

9 hours ago, Dorhead1230 said:

Also, is it weird that I keep reading posts from people saying they get 7273749827 emails to watch the safety video, and even though I’m sure that’s super annoying, I have some anxiety/FOMO because I haven’t gotten any? 😆 Probably shouldn’t even put this out there and jinx myself because now the emails will start flowing in!

I checked in for my 7/23 Joy sailing a few days ago and haven't received one of those emails either. 

[Jasonmom]

Following. Will be getting on the Joy as you get off.

[Dorhead1230]

1 hour ago, Jasonmom said:

Following. Will be getting on the Joy as you get off.

Ironically, so are my in-laws. Couldn’t work out DH’s and BIL’s vacations to be at the same time, so they’re the week after us.

[Dorhead1230]

Received the email below today regarding youth programs and family activities. I do not recall receiving any such email prior to our February sailing. Seems like they want people to be prepared for the fact that when there are a ton of kids onboard, Splash and/or Entourage may have long lines and/or fill up at times and need to turn people away.

 

Splash Academy was right next to DM’s cabin and drop-off was INSANE every day in February. That was February break, though, and I can’t imagine a cruise could ever have more kids on it than that one did, even any summer cruise. We don’t use Splash because we’re lucky enough to have DM with us to watch LM at night, and since we both work, we want to spend as much time with him as possible on vacation.

 

I did just have a moment of panic, though, upon first looking at this email thinking it was going to say Splash was closed or something. First off, I would feel bad for kids who love it. But even more so, I want people to be able to drop their kids off so there are a few less running around the rest of the ship all the time 🙈🙊

[NewPennCruiser]

We will be boarding the Joy in a few weeks so we're excited to read about your trip and will be following along. Our last cruise was in 2020 just as covid was starting to rage so I'm serious when I say we are just over the moon excited to get back out to sea again. We love Bermuda and this will be our first cruise on one of NCLs newer ships. (last cruised on NCL about 10 years ago)   Wishing safe travels to everyone.   Dave

[bkrickles1]

2 hours ago, Dorhead1230 said:

Received the email below today regarding youth programs and family activities. I do not recall receiving any such email prior to our February sailing. Seems like they want people to be prepared for the fact that when there are a ton of kids onboard, Splash and/or Entourage may have long lines and/or fill up at times and need to turn people away.

 

Splash Academy was right next to DM’s cabin and drop-off was INSANE every day in February. That was February break, though, and I can’t imagine a cruise could ever have more kids on it than that one did, even any summer cruise. We don’t use Splash because we’re lucky enough to have DM with us to watch LM at night, and since we both work, we want to spend as much time with him as possible on vacation.

 

I did just have a moment of panic, though, upon first looking at this email thinking it was going to say Splash was closed or something. First off, I would feel bad for kids who love it. But even more so, I want people to be able to drop their kids off so there are a few less running around the rest of the ship all the time 🙈🙊

Thanks for the info.

We have two 5 year olds in our group sailing Joy on July 23rd and the parents are looking forward to them participating in Splash Academy.

I believe they'd like them to go to the morning and evening sessions, if possible.

My wife will probably be doing late night babysitting, which is why we were invited. Lmao!!

Please continue to provide all this good information!

[Dorhead1230]

52 minutes ago, NewPennCruiser said:

We will be boarding the Joy in a few weeks so we're excited to read about your trip and will be following along. Our last cruise was in 2020 just as covid was starting to rage so I'm serious when I say we are just over the moon excited to get back out to sea again. We love Bermuda and this will be our first cruise on one of NCLs newer ships. (last cruised on NCL about 10 years ago)   Wishing safe travels to everyone.   Dave

There are lots of things to love about the newer ships, in my opinion. If you’re cruising mainly just for peace and quiet and serenity, maybe not the best because there are indeed many people. Numerous people. Everywhere. Lol.
 

Ok, maybe I exaggerate slightly…the ships are huge and you can find peace and quiet when you want. But then there’s also a lot of other fun stuff to do—more entertainment than you can possibly fit in, great variety of bars, some interesting specialty dining options, cool/unique activities, etc. I will say, if you’re pool people, it’s not great on the big ships—simply not enough space in the pool or on the deck directly adjacent to accommodate. We’re not pool deck people so it has no impact on our enjoyment. Plenty of deck space in other areas if you just want fresh air/sun. We always book balconies so we have the option to sit out on our own balcony, too.

 

I’m sure you’re going to have a wonderful time! Thanks for following the review!

 

50 minutes ago, bkrickles1 said:

Thanks for the info.

We have two 5 year olds in our group sailing Joy on July 23rd and the parents are looking forward to them participating in Splash Academy.

I believe they'd like them to go to the morning and evening sessions, if possible.

My wife will probably be doing late night babysitting, which is why we were invited. Lmao!!

Please continue to provide all this good information!

You’re welcome! On Getaway, Splash is plopped in the middle of deck 13, so I saw it every day. On Joy, it’s on deck 5 (which I think is the normal location on Breakaway Plus ships, because I feel like that’s where it is on Escape). So I probably won’t see it as much, unless we go to one of the open play times when parents can go with their kids. But I’ll be sure to post any important/interesting info I come across about it!

[mugtech]

WiFi looking good so far, hope it continues. 

[Jasonmom]

Did the Wi-Fi not work? Looking forward to how your trip is going

[Dorhead1230]

14 minutes ago, Jasonmom said:

Did the Wi-Fi not work? Looking forward to how your trip is going

I board on Sunday…I just was antsy and started the thread a week early 🤭

[bkrickles1]

23 hours ago, Dorhead1230 said:

You’re welcome! On Getaway, Splash is plopped in the middle of deck 13, so I saw it every day. On Joy, it’s on deck 5 (which I think is the normal location on Breakaway Plus ships, because I feel like that’s where it is on Escape). So I probably won’t see it as much, unless we go to one of the open play times when parents can go with their kids. But I’ll be sure to post any important/interesting info I come across about it!

Thank you!!

I was with my group of 13 yesterday and everyone is soooo excited!!

We had my 7 and 8 year old nieces with us last summer on Joy and I brought them one day down to deck 5, so I'm aware of the much preferred location. Lol!

I've been hesitant to ask as I don't want to overstep, but are you planning on posting dailies?

If so, thanks in advance! If not, thanks in advance!  Lmao!!!!!

[Dorhead1230]

29 minutes ago, bkrickles1 said:

Thank you!!

I was with my group of 13 yesterday and everyone is soooo excited!!

We had my 7 and 8 year old nieces with us last summer on Joy and I brought them one day down to deck 5, so I'm aware of the much preferred location. Lol!

I've been hesitant to ask as I don't want to overstep, but are you planning on posting dailies?

If so, thanks in advance! If not, thanks in advance!  Lmao!!!!!

Yes, I definitely will post them! Just deciding whether I want to kick it old school with photos, or be modern and screen shot from the app. There’s something kind of fun about the photos, I think, but we’ll see!

[Dorhead1230]

With only four days to go and my commitment to finishing packing at a reasonable time, I thought I’d share some of the supply items I pack for cruises. I know many people on here are quite experienced cruisers, but some of you may be newer, and no matter how many times I cruise, I always find tidbits here on CC helpful. Perhaps some of this is a little over-the-top (dare I say…overboard?), but I’d rather be prepared for various eventualities and not have to pay exorbitant fees to visit medical for minor issues, or have to buy overpriced items on the ship (or in this case, in port, because Bermuda is crazy expensive…and if someone from Long Island who hangs at casinos a lot says stuff is expensive, you can bet it’s nuts).

 

I pack a full OTC medicine and first-aid kit. Pain relievers, stomach remedies, seasickness stuff, cold meds, and Benadryl because DH is allergic to pine nuts (not like epi-pen allergic, but would need Benadryl immediately because he starts to swell up). Funny/ridiculous story about his allergy: he developed it as an adult in his mid-20s. So one day at a previous job, he ate a pine nut cookie at work, not realizing what would happen. He started swelling up and immediately drove to Target. He figured children’s Benadryl would act the fastest because it’s liquid. He gets back in his car and proceeds to start swigging it straight from the bottle, and suddenly realizes there’s a lady in the car next to him looking at him like he’s got a serious problem as he chugs kids’ allergy meds 😂. Anyhow, back on track… in the red bag, there’s a thermometer, and stuff for minor injuries—bacitracin, band aids, gauze, tape, and aloe. Several of these items have come in handy over the years, so I’d much rather travel with them. I also started bringing Covid tests last time, which came in handy when we all started to get sick (wasn’t Covid) because getting tested on the ship (with the same rapid tests I brought anyway) would have been so expensive, and then what a pain to do battle with insurance and whatnot.

 

Also, since long before Covid, I have packed these Clorox medical-grade peroxide-based wipes. They’re the only ones I’ve ever seen that regular people can buy that kill norovirus. I’m not sure if I can say on here where I buy them? Suffice it to say you can get them from an online retailer that sells everything and is slowly edging its way toward world domination. I bring a bunch and wipe down everything in the cabin when we get on…doorknobs, light switches, remote, phone, faucet handles, etc. And with all the reports I keep seeing of how overworked the stewards are now, I’m even more glad to have them! Obviously I don’t bring the whole huge container; they stay completely usable when folded up and placed in ziplocs with the air squeezed out. Also, if you use these, wear a glove because the peroxide is strong enough to make white spots on your hands.

 

The other supplies we always bring include a waterproof pouch for the beach, magnet hooks to hang on the walls in the cabin, suction cup hooks and shower poufs for using the shower gel (that shower gel lathers up great when you use the poufs), travel detergent in case stuff needs to get washed in the sink (I also bring Shout wipes, especially for LM’s daily stains!), dish soap because we bring insulated cups to fill with cold drinks from the buffet and I would be so grossed out if we couldn’t wash them with soap for a week, a little Bluetooth speaker for music from my phone in the cabin, and duct tape. I know the duct tape seems odd, but Macgyver would approve and we have actually used it before. Once, a couple we hung out with during the cruise had a duffel bag completely split open when they needed to pack at the end of the cruise, and they were able to use our duct tape to patch it well enough to use. A couple other times, when the ship was rocky later in the cruise when more hangers in the closet were empty, I was able to just tape them together to stop the constant metallic clanking (the hangers can’t be completely removed from the closets). The gray thing in the ziploc is a cheap shoe organizer that we hang from the magnet hooks to organize our collection of supplies in the cabin. We try to keep the cabin really neat and organized to make it as easy as possible on the steward!

 

I also have this backpack that packs into itself (when it’s taken out, the pouch is actually a little pocket inside the backpack). It has always been useful for beach trips and packs up so small. We bring some clips and clothes pins, too…useful for hanging stuff to dry and last cruise, when LM started to get sick near the end and we were keeping him in the cabin, DH made him a little fort to hang out in on the bed using the plastic clips, towels, and pillows. So you never know when this crap comes in handy!

 

Before our last cruise, I found these luggage tag holders that worked out really well. I just filled out the tags, cut off the excess, folded them in half so you could see the info on both sides, and slid them in. I used to laminate the tags in packing tape to make them sturdy, but these are so much better!

[cruiseny4life]

When you cut yourself out in the woods that duct tape comes in useful when civilization is still a two to three day backpack away! Stops the bleeding and holds the lovely fleshy parts together. If I cut myself on a rock or coral, I'd do this rather than get stitches from medical on the ship. I might need that first aid kit full of drugs from you though as I wince at the pain....ahhh type 2 fun memories. 🤠

 

Btw, you held out a lot longer than I ever have when starting a live. Usually check-in day, or just after, is when I start. Well done on having self-control! And, I'm so happy to follow your journey. A Joy cruise to Bermuda this winter is one we're looking at doing. 

 

You might have mentioned this, sorry if you did and I missed it, are you getting the thermal suite for you? 

[Dorhead1230]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

When you cut yourself out in the woods that duct tape comes in useful when civilization is still a two to three day backpack away! Stops the bleeding and holds the lovely fleshy parts together. If I cut myself on a rock or coral, I'd do this rather than get stitches from medical on the ship. I might need that first aid kit full of drugs from you though as I wince at the pain....ahhh type 2 fun memories. 🤠

 

Btw, you held out a lot longer than I ever have when starting a live. Usually check-in day, or just after, is when I start. Well done on having self-control! And, I'm so happy to follow your journey. A Joy cruise to Bermuda this winter is one we're looking at doing. 

 

You might have mentioned this, sorry if you did and I missed it, are you getting the thermal suite for you? 

Wow, duct tape really can fix anything, huh? 😮

 

I actually thought of you when I finally said ok a week is good lol! I remember your last one starting way in advance. But I also think you were reporting on the saga of your husband’s passport, right? More interesting than me spending this week taking LM to mini sports camp and getting the family packed!

 

Isn’t Joy the ship with no thermal suite? I thought I remembered seeing that. Either way, I’ve never done it. I wouldn’t now anyway because I like to do stuff with LM during the day and then later on (I guess it closes anyway) I’d rather do shows, music, and the casino, so I never bought the pass in the past, anyway.

 

I feel like Debbie Downer saying it, but Bermuda may not be an ideal winter itinerary if you really have your heart set on visiting there. If you just want a cruise on a nice ship during the winter months and won’t be disappointed if they reroute you, then no biggie. But I remember this past winter seeing on here that they rarely made it to Bermuda on itineraries scheduled for there. Our February cruise replaced Bermuda with Miami, but I totally expected it so I was mentally prepared to not make it. I remember years ago they never scheduled Bermuda cruises/stops outside of April-October; then they suddenly started scheduling it in winter post-Covid, but it’s not far enough south to have great weather in winter. Just wouldn’t want you guys to be super disappointed if you psych yourself up for Bermuda and plan it and then don’t make it 😕.

[fstuff1]

I'm currently on the joy In Bermuda.

 

Free wifi at the dock works for my phone but not my laptop.

Can't get the login screen on laptop.

 

On phone (android), it pops up automatically when you connect to the free wifi.

 

Just fyi

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, Dorhead1230 said:

Wow, duct tape really can fix anything, huh? 😮

 

I actually thought of you when I finally said ok a week is good lol! I remember your last one starting way in advance. But I also think you were reporting on the saga of your husband’s passport, right? More interesting than me spending this week taking LM to mini sports camp and getting the family packed!

 

Isn’t Joy the ship with no thermal suite? I thought I remembered seeing that. Either way, I’ve never done it. I wouldn’t now anyway because I like to do stuff with LM during the day and then later on (I guess it closes anyway) I’d rather do shows, music, and the casino, so I never bought the pass in the past, anyway.

 

I feel like Debbie Downer saying it, but Bermuda may not be an ideal winter itinerary if you really have your heart set on visiting there. If you just want a cruise on a nice ship during the winter months and won’t be disappointed if they reroute you, then no biggie. But I remember this past winter seeing on here that they rarely made it to Bermuda on itineraries scheduled for there. Our February cruise replaced Bermuda with Miami, but I totally expected it so I was mentally prepared to not make it. I remember years ago they never scheduled Bermuda cruises/stops outside of April-October; then they suddenly started scheduling it in winter post-Covid, but it’s not far enough south to have great weather in winter. Just wouldn’t want you guys to be super disappointed if you psych yourself up for Bermuda and plan it and then don’t make it 😕.

Oh gosh, you're right! There's no thermal suite on Joy. If you do have any spa treatment, you can use the sauna in the spa before/after your treatment. Sometimes, they do offer a day pass as well. You can ask in the spa if that's important to you. Important to me, yes. To you? Doesn't sound like it haha. 

 

Yep, it was passport drama! Great memory, unlike my sieve. 

 

And, you're just being realistic. It's not the best in the winter. I do love me some sea days though! We did make it to Bermuda in April of last year, but our hopes were dashed in September and January, so we know it's a crap shoot if you actually get there or not. Oh Bermuda, why so elusive? 

[Dorhead1230]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

And, you're just being realistic. It's not the best in the winter. I do love me some sea days though! We did make it to Bermuda in April of last year, but our hopes were dashed in September and January, so we know it's a crap shoot if you actually get there or not. Oh Bermuda, why so elusive? 

There must be some reason why they started putting it on winter itineraries despite the fact that it is not a great winter destination, especially for sailing ships there. Everything in Bermuda is expensive; I can’t imagine it’s a cheaper port for them to visit when they do make it there. Is it just a good draw for them to list it on itineraries because people love Bermuda and it makes the itinerary a little different? Don’t know; but they can’t possibly be scheduling it in the winter with the expectation of making it there most of the time.

 

If you decide to go sometime this winter, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you to make it there! I have always been grateful for my time off as a teacher, especially since having LM, but one thing I look forward to in my eventual retirement is being able to travel during off-seasons as opposed to all the worst, most-crowded weeks of the year.

Edited July 6, 2023 by Dorhead1230

[Dorhead1230]

@fstuff1 thanks for the heads up! I hope you’re having a wonderful cruise! Bring her back in good condition for us 😊

[mking8288]

3 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

I'm currently on the joy In Bermuda. Free wifi at the dock works for my phone but not my laptop.

Can't get the login screen on laptop ... 

How "new" or old is your laptop ?   Maybe it's not of recent vintage - simple solution, pickup one of the newest 802.11.ax (not *.ac) USB WiFi card/adapter, configure it as the primary & disable the internal WiFi/port - for your next cruise.  That should make it WiFi 6+ compatible and easier to find/connect to assorted hotspots out there.

 

If you are on the upper deck, try using the current laptop on the Waterfront outside, it might make a difference between 0 "bars" and "2" bars signal, and, usable.  That was the case for me before, nothing up on the pool deck and Spice H2O but marginal & usable on Deck 8 facing Clocktower Mall.  

 

Those WiFi hotspots have a limited & short range, unlike cellular signal towers.  Regards 😄