*LIVE* NCL Joy Bermuda 7-nite sailing from NYC in HAVEN-06/16/2024-w/pics

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, Laszlo said:

Have a great time in the Haven and in Bermuda. Will be leaving for Bermuda about two weeks after you out of Boston. If you are looking for things to do while in Bermuda and are a little adventurous let me know. Their are a number of small islands you can kayak to just off the mainland of Bermuda within a 8 minute cab ride of the dockyard. 

 

I'm still debating if I'm going to do a live review on the Gem. Two things I will do is a video tour of the Thermal Spa and our Forward cabin. I've looked all over YT and they only have a few not great videos

 

Thanks!  Love your vids!

[graphicguy]

5 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

So tempting

 

Do it!!!!!!!!!

[mking8288]

22 hours ago, graphicguy said:

While not nearly as tech laden as @mking8288  on a cruise, I do pack some….

Dan, that is a LOL.  After a 2nd TA onboard the Prima, Station Zebra will be planning for a further adjustment, not "downgrade" to travel lighter with fewer cables, extensions, adapters, etc. on the newer NCL ships, including the Joy if and when they add "useful" bedside USB charging ports and a 110/220V outlet (or at least make it easier to "tap" into) by the bed(s) .... very important & useful health & wellness feature for CPAP users, questions asked by others on the roll call. 

 

We're treated - again, thank you to our onboard "heros" behind the scene - to free, almost all PPV movies in our stateroom to watch & enjoy, but never got the chance or "down time" to watch, can you believe that - with 7 full sea days and evenings without "live" games & entertainment "shows" to keep us busy.  Hence, on our next cruise - will likely leave the Amazon Fire HD tablet at home & just bring a iPad mini along for DW to use.  

 

I was hoping to sneak onboard this coming Sunday, on a last minute sailing on the Joy as 4 others within "our" inner circles are going for 7 nights to Bermuda ... they'll be back during Fleet Week.  Alas, it's all sold out ahead.  Mid June, we are on a week+ road trip to Canada, including Toronto and Montreal - otherwise, wouldn't rule out taking a Joy'ish ride to Bermuda again.  Countdown to our next confirmed & paid up cruise, still 4+ months out ... will just watch & wait and see.  For now, it's these semi and live reports ahead that's going to "cure" those post-cruise withdrawal - DW and I woke up this early morning around 5 AM, hungry as it's already 10 or 11 AM over in Europe ... a case of moderate jetlag.  

 

P.S. Sylvia, don't blink if you think this one fits your schedule and book it.  

[Laszlo]

17 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

 

Thanks!  Love your vids!

Thanks.... Check out H20 Sports   https://www.h2osportsbermuda.com

 

You can rent a kayak and paddle to these small islands, they all have beaches. They are a neat place to go.....

 

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.3110058,-64.8631178,885m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu

 

 

[graphicguy]

26 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Dan, that is a LOL.  After a 2nd TA onboard the Prima, Station Zebra will be planning for a further adjustment, not "downgrade" to travel lighter with fewer cables, extensions, adapters, etc. on the newer NCL ships, including the Joy if and when they add "useful" bedside USB charging ports and a 110/220V outlet (or at least make it easier to "tap" into) by the bed(s) .... very important & useful health & wellness feature for CPAP users, questions asked by others on the roll call. 

 

We're treated - again, thank you to our onboard "heros" behind the scene - to free, almost all PPV movies in our stateroom to watch & enjoy, but never got the chance or "down time" to watch, can you believe that - with 7 full sea days and evenings without "live" games & entertainment "shows" to keep us busy.  Hence, on our next cruise - will likely leave the Amazon Fire HD tablet at home & just bring a iPad mini along for DW to use.  

 

I was hoping to sneak onboard this coming Sunday, on a last minute sailing on the Joy as 4 others within "our" inner circles are going for 7 nights to Bermuda ... they'll be back during Fleet Week.  Alas, it's all sold out ahead.  Mid June, we are on a week+ road trip to Canada, including Toronto and Montreal - otherwise, wouldn't rule out taking a Joy'ish ride to Bermuda again.  Countdown to our next confirmed & paid up cruise, still 4+ months out ... will just watch & wait and see.  For now, it's these semi and live reports ahead that's going to "cure" those post-cruise withdrawal - DW and I woke up this early morning around 5 AM, hungry as it's already 10 or 11 AM over in Europe ... a case of moderate jetlag.  

 

P.S. Sylvia, don't blink if you think this one fits your schedule and book it.  

Hey Henry...Mentioned it over on your live review, but truly enjoyed it.  Thanks!  Thanks to all the other contributors who were your sail mates.

 

It helps being in the Apple ecosystem.  I travel with one of those multi- "mag-safe magnetic chargers".  The iPhone becomes my nightstand clock, charging stand when set up horizontally.  Those also charge my Apple Watch and my AirPods.  So, just one connection for all of that.

 

I do have to have a separate charger for my MacBook.  That is probably the biggest charger I carry.

 

The only other thing I charge is the Insta360 camera.  But, it fits in the case with the camera.  BTW....the little camera portion is magnetic and you can attach it to your shirt.  Really nice (and way less bulky than a GoPro) way to video without having harnesses and/or "sticks" to carry around. Plus, it leaves your hands "free".

 

As mentioned, it's been a little over a decade since I've been to Bermuda.  While I doubt it's changed much, I am really looking forward to going back.  Plus, while the Joy is the typical Breakaway plus ship (for those of you who are unfamiliar, the Joy, Escape, Encore are Breakaway plus ships, the largest in the NCL fleet), I am looking forward to seeing the refurb changes.

 

@Laszlo..thanks for the suggestions.  Not a "kayaker", per se.  But, a private island tour might be on the agenda. Any suggestions for the private tour?  Anyone you recommend?

 

Will be following your trip, too!

Edited May 14 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Posted this over on the roll call, but as we've noted, not much shaking over there.

 

I agree about the pool deck sailaway meet up likely to be crazy.

 

The outside bar at Cavern Club is nice, if anyone wants to meet up there say....around 5:30?  Sailaway is at 6.

[mking8288]

@graphicguy  Yes, indeed & honored, thankful and blessed with many "contributing" CC'er putting in their tips, jokes, comments & remarks to make it a fun and not just informative live report.  This week, I hope to go thru DW's Samsung's smartphone to "extract" additional photos & possibly upload some short videos to share on the thread.  

 

I wish I can just stick with Android but nowadays, Apple's eco-system including Air Tags are invaluable, sometimes find it important to keep up & do both.  Chargers (lite & high output) that I'm now carrying are compact & efficient, compatible with both platform since it's on USB-A and -C with a mini adapter, next cruise - bring fewer extension cables & cords.  

 

On our last day / disembarkation - we took a lot of pictures and nearly all of us ran down our batteries, to critically low level and despite having a 10,000 mAH battery bank.  We barely had time to sit back & checkout London Gatwick's airside & eat a light meal before boarding, then the entire row of bulkhead seating (I took up all 3 seats in the middle, hahaha, at no extra charge) failed to charge via the USB port and there're no underseat power source.  Luckily, the iPhone SE came thru to make calls & text the nephew to meet us curbside to get us home.  

 

Will now go back to "lurking" mode here & follow yours next month ... unless I hear/read or learn something else after the other 4 return from their BDA cruise on the Joy this month.  Thanks & happy planning.  

[Laszlo]

22 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Hey Henry...Mentioned it over on your live review, but truly enjoyed it.  Thanks!  Thanks to all the other contributors who were your sail mates.

 

It helps being in the Apple ecosystem.  I travel with one of those multi- "mag-safe magnetic chargers".  The iPhone becomes my nightstand clock, charging stand when set up horizontally.  Those also charge my Apple Watch and my AirPods.  So, just one connection for all of that.

 

I do have to have a separate charger for my MacBook.  That is probably the biggest charger I carry.

 

The only other thing I charge is the Insta360 camera.  But, it fits in the case with the camera.  BTW....the little camera portion is magnetic and you can attach it to your shirt.  Really nice (and way less bulky than a GoPro) way to video without having harnesses and/or "sticks" to carry around. Plus, it leaves your hands "free".

 

As mentioned, it's been a little over a decade since I've been to Bermuda.  While I doubt it's changed much, I am really looking forward to going back.  Plus, while the Joy is the typical Breakaway plus ship (for those of you who are unfamiliar, the Joy, Escape, Encore are Breakaway plus ships, the largest in the NCL fleet), I am looking forward to seeing the refurb changes.

 

@Laszlo..thanks for the suggestions.  Not a "kayaker", per se.  But, a private island tour might be on the agenda. Any suggestions for the private tour?  Anyone you recommend?

 

Will be following your trip, too!

I can't think of one. Our guy who we used 13 years ago is retired. I would just google it. Most of them are private operators. If they are not booked they are waiting at the pier.

 

You would laugh at the amount of stuff I carry. This time around it will be my MBP, two action cameras (go pro and DJI). My DJI pocket that I use for video of cabin tours,  underwater scooter, drone, and all the crap that goes along with that. We also take snorkeling gear and two very small very light weight folding beach chairs.

Edited May 14 by Laszlo

[graphicguy]

5 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

I can't think of one. Our guy who we used 13 years ago is retired. I would just google it. Most of them are private operators. If they are not booked they are waiting at the pier.

 

You would laugh at the amount of stuff I carry. This time around it will be my MBP, two action cameras (go pro and DJI). My DJI pocket that I use for video of cabin tours,  underwater scooter, drone, and all the crap that goes along with that. We also take snorkeling gear and two very small very light weight folding beach chairs.

Well...the saving grace is, your videos look good.  Mine look like they were filmed by a derelict (which come to think of it.......LOL!).

[Laszlo]

7 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Well...the saving grace is, your videos look good.  Mine look like they were filmed by a derelict (which come to think of it.......LOL!).

Thanks! 

[cruiseny4life]

And you said this one would start out slow...well, good sir, I do believe you're already going at a quick pace! Two pages in since Saturday...and a month to go.

 

What an amazingly freakishly great price on an HI room!! Kudos to you for finding that room!

[Cruising since 3]

36 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

 

 

@Laszlo..thanks for the suggestions.  Not a "kayaker", per se.  But, a private island tour might be on the agenda. Any suggestions for the private tour?  Anyone you recommend?

 

Will be following your trip, too!

Carol-Lynn Smith does an amazing Bermuda island tour.  You can find her on FB and communicate with her on F B through messenger.  She came highly recommended from "Bermuda Bound" group and I used her in October 2022.  She is a retired policewoman, super-friendly and knowledgable.  She has a couple people who work with her also.  I highly recommend seeing if she is available while you are there.

[graphicguy]

10 minutes ago, Cruising since 3 said:

Carol-Lynn Smith does an amazing Bermuda island tour.  You can find her on FB and communicate with her on F B through messenger.  She came highly recommended from "Bermuda Bound" group and I used her in October 2022.  She is a retired policewoman, super-friendly and knowledgable.  She has a couple people who work with her also.  I highly recommend seeing if she is available while you are there.

Great!  Thank you!  I'll check her out.

[graphicguy]

13 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

And you said this one would start out slow...well, good sir, I do believe you're already going at a quick pace! Two pages in since Saturday...and a month to go.

 

What an amazingly freakishly great price on an HI room!! Kudos to you for finding that room!

Sometimes the stars align, the moon blocks the sun, I find 4-leaf clovers in my yard.....LOL!

 

Have mentioned before, like you, I shop cruises like a fiend.

[cyntil8ing]

I can highly recommend Heidi Cowan with Bermuda Byways Tours (https://www.bermudabyways.com). I have used her twice, once in a shared tour with random people, all were from the same ship, and once privately when we traveled with my kids and parents. She customized the private tour so we saw all new stuff. The only repeat, and it was one I was happy to do, was the fish sandwich lunch. 

[Laszlo]

On 5/11/2024 at 4:56 PM, graphicguy said:

So, I start planning about a month in advance of any sailing.  Just got my luggage tags.  Sounds like a good place to start.

 

Will take you through the booking and planning and go live when I board.

 

This cruise is two fold...

 

A) June is my birthday month, and I always try to take a cruise on my birthday month.  It's a little dicey as schools are usually out by June, which means the little rug ra......er.....precious little angels will be cruising.  So, I try to stay away from the Caribbean given that seems to be the route most of the parents like to take with children.  Thus Bermuda, which I haven't been to in about a decade.  I don't except it's changed all that much.  But, a decade is a decade.  And, I do enjoy Bermuda way more than the Mexico and Caribbean itineraries.  I also have always enjoyed staying in one place over nite (actually, 3 nites) so I can take my time and really explore without being in a time crunch.

 

B)  Those of you who followed my foibles early this year, are aware of my wretched clumsiness by hitting a pool of water in The Local on the Prima, which doing a Buster Keaton inspired face plant.  As a result, NCL graciously admitted there shouldn't have been a pool where I did the clumsy dance and granted me a fairly nice discount on my cruise.  Had to use the discount within a year.  This seemed like a good place to use it.

 

I'm from Ohio and have to make my way to NYC.  So, will have some cringe inducing plans for that.

 

Traveling solo, which I have been doing a lot lately.  I'm retired.  GF is not.  Even though I teach at the local community college, summers a slow.  I also do work with my local community as an advisor for our recreation endeavors.  Despite that, I have plenty of time on my hands.  My GF, does not.  Last cruise we took together was right after the restart a few years ago.  Since she needs some lengthy notice to take a week or two off, she can't just pick up and leave.  I can.  We're looking at a cruise for next year in the Nordic, region however.

 

This is a Haven booking.  Extravagant?  Especially for a solo?  Probably!  I don't care, though.

 

Will take you throughout the ship, in addition to the Haven, the excursions, entertainment, food, drinks, bars restaurants, casino, theaters, getting there, and getting back, etc.  Not much of a pool person, but I'll try to sneak in some pictures around that area, too.

 

I like doing this, but it is time consuming, especially since it's a vacation.  I'll do my best to offer up the info most people want to see.  But, I make no commitments nor any promises (that sounds like a one nite stand, fercryinoutloud)!

 

This will probably start out slow, but will pick up speed (and posts) as we get closer. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is some great brand new drone video of the Joy going out of NYC   

 

 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, Laszlo said:

Here is some great brand new drone video of the Joy going out of NYC   

 

 

That's really cool.  I had forgotten that there was a big open space where they usually put pool(s).  First time I saw it close up.

[Laszlo]

10 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

That's really cool.  I had forgotten that there was a big open space where they usually put pool(s).  First time I saw it close up.

The should pull that track out and put a pool up there

[Sugar Magnolia]

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

P.S. Sylvia, don't blink if you think this one fits your schedule and book it.  

Just lurking for now 👀… still have to get through the port intensive Med cruise on the Escape. Have a little empathy please. 🙏 

 

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, Laszlo said:

The should pull that track out and put a pool up there

You'll get no complaints from me if they did.

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Just lurking for now 👀… still have to get through the port intensive Med cruise on the Escape. Have a little empathy please. 🙏 

 

I'm trying to work up some empathy for you. 

 

Let's see?

 

Nope!  Can't do it!

 

😉

[LauraS]

On 5/13/2024 at 10:53 AM, graphicguy said:

While not nearly as tech laden as @mking8288  on a cruise, I do pack some….

 

 

We like this pic.  A lot!

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, LauraS said:

We like this pic.  A lot!

I'm here to serve!!!! 😉

[graphicguy]

Preparing you in advance to allow all the ammunition to be loaded for this post.

 

I'M FLYING IN THE DAY OF THE CRUISE!

 

There, got that mentioned up front.

 

The method to the madness.....a long, long, long time ago, I played baseball for my high school....a 1B to be exact....and sometimes right fielder.  I lettered and started on the team 3 years.  In my mind, I was nothing exceptional in my own mind.  They threw or hit it to me, and I caught it.  They threw it to me, and I hit it...sometimes really, really hard.  That's it.

 

However, the powers that be must think that was a worthy accomplishment as they are inducting me into my High School's Athletic Hall of Fame.  Only thing I can figure would be either my team mates have moved, or are dead.  Took them a while to get to my name.

 

Anyway, there's a point to this.  The induction ceremony is the evening of June 15th.  We sail on June 16th.  I could skip the ceremony, but wouldn't that be in poor taste?  They went to all the trouble and I didn't show up?  There are others who are being inducted, too.  But, I kind of really want to go.  

 

It's settled.  I'm flying in the day of the cruise.

 

Made my own reservations, as this is tricky enough without NCL adding a layer of complexity by booking through them.

 

Moreover, my preferred airline, Delta, has 2 other flights later that will get me to Pier 88 one time.  Plus, if I want to go from Cincinnati to JFK or EWR, there are 2 other flights that will get me there on time.  Or, American Airlines has 2 more into LGA that will get me there on time.  In short, I have backups on top of back ups if something goes amiss on my scheduled flight.

 

 

Edited May 15 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Landing.....at LGA at 9:17 a.m. gives me PLENTY of time to get to Pier 88.  Probably be able to meander around a bit, take my time.  I'm using NCL's transport to the Pier ($75 round trip) .  So, probably doubtful they will be around that early.  Hit up a Starbucks and chill for a bit.