Thoughts on early Sept sailing on NCL Joy --NY to Quebec

[McFins]

Thanks to so many who provided a great deal of info on the NCL Joy

 

DH and I have sailed on the Pearl, Gem, Breakaway, Escape, Prima and now most recently the Joy.  Sharing some thoughts here on the Joy. 

 

It was a great cruise on a beautiful ship.

 

*The crew and service were superb throughout.  

*Enjoyed dinners in the in the MDR (Manhattan Room) and in several specialty restaurants:  Cagneys, Teppanyaki, La Cucina and Q.  All were excellent but on this sailing we thought La Cucina was exceptional in both food and service (very much a pleasant surprise as that had not always been the case for us on other ships)  

 *Really liked the shows in the theatre -Footloose, Elements and Dan Bennett.  The Beatles were really good in the Cavern Club but for us not worth the wait --- the much better option was seeing them in the theatre ---it was nice that there were 2 Beatle shows in the theatre so many more could attend.   Great music throughout the ship with the most memorable being all entertainment in the Mojito Bar (and an added bonus was that we finally got to meet Chocolate Cowboy!), District Brew House (Beau Tahana) and the Julia Hatfield Band in Q.    The cast from Footloose also put on a great show in Q - Broadway Cabaret: Best of the 80s.     

*Surprisingly did not miss the thermal suite.  Had a great spa service (head to toe special) 

*There seemed to be more entertainment options and overall things to do on this ship even though there were only 2 sea days.  There was always something going on that we wanted to do. 

*First time we did the BTS tour and it was nice but likely one and done for us.  Ditto for the Wines around the World which was nice but just not for us (which was kind of funny as it seemed that most folks really liked the wines) 

*Except for the forward elevators and buffet, the ship never felt too crowded---always got a seat at a show, bar, casino, atrium, etc.   Never waited for a drink at the bar---even when in port and only 1 bar was open per deck--- they had plenty of bartenders so we never had to wait. 

*First time we used the laundry service and it worked well. 
 

Of course nothing is perfect so here’s some things we didn’t like as much 

*Found it difficult to have a relaxing breakfast on this ship. More so than on any other ship/sailing we have been on.   I realize you can also get Room Service but we prefer eating outside of the room. 

*Every time we visited the buffet ((breakfast or lunch) it was VERY crowded and VERY difficult to find a seat whether for 1, 2 or 4 persons.  First time in over 10 cruises we found that to be the case.  In addition, during the breakfast hours they started shutting down one side of the buffet about 45 minutes before the end of the published time (so 9:45 instead of 10:30) which I felt added to the chaotic atmosphere.  Perhaps they do that on all sailings to get ready for lunch but it was the first time I noticed such crowds.   After a few days we avoided the buffet at breakfast and went to the MDRs 

*Breakfast at MDRs Savor and Taste --- whether or not there was a line to get in, there was a long wait to get your meal at breakfast.  Also a long wait to simply get coffee/tea (or milk if you don't care for coffee mate).    I wondered why they didn't also serve breakfast in the Manhattan room too or why the hours for breakfast in the MDRs weren't longer?   The Local also looked crowded at breakfast time so we passed on that.  

*Forward elevators were crowded much of the time. I wondered whether they were smaller than on other ships?   I mostly use the stairs however when others in my party ride I do too and they were often crowded.  I was surprised at how many people would actually push their way into an already crowded elevator but I guess folks have different boundaries on personal space.   

 

*Overall we had a great trip and would sail on the Joy again.