Norwegian Joy Review
Relaxing and fun--except for embarkation and debarkation!
Rating by category
Additional details
This was a bucket list cruise to go through the Panama Canal and we were traveling with another couple. We are very casual cruisers so we don't expect gourmet top of the line food (truth--we eat at the buffet a lot) or white glove service and we were very satisfied with both the food (ate at Cagneys twice--excellent and Ocean Blue once--also excellent) and service were great. We ate a few times in the main dining room and the Local--fine with all one night in the Taste the service was slow--otherwise all fine. All staff was polite and did not see any difference in staffing and staff attitude as pre-covid. Loved our steward Slamet!
We spent a lot of time on the waterfront, great area to relax in. Also liked the observation area but found it got loud at certain times--hint 2:30 to 5 snacktime is the only place that has potato chips! Took in Footloose and Elements and the Hyponotist show (hilarious) Thought all were good but again not a Broadway expert.
We took excursions in the following ports:
Cabin Review
Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom
Room 11352--bed by balcony At first glance thought the room looked pretty small and had little storage but after settling in and getting the suitcases under the bed, surprised at how much storage (two large drawers under couch, shelves in closet). Bathroom was fairly spacious, nice shower, plenty of storage although the shelves are deceiving as there is a mirror that make them look twice as wide..there is storage under the sink also.
Balcony was roomy--not big enough for a lounger but I had my steward bring me an extra table and with a pillow i had an ottoman! Plenty of room for two people could probably fit an extra chair if needed but would be a little tight.
It was a nice home for 15 days!
Port Reviews
Acapulco
Would have preferred to go to originally planned Puerto Vallarta. We did the cliff divers and it was good, city has seen better days There are some lovely view points of the bay.
Cabo San Lucas
We took a pedicab downtown to eat--nothing special I've been to Cabo on a land vacation and Medano beach area is wonderful as is the port area
Cartagena (Colombia)
Much larger city than I expected and traffic is horrible! Old city was very interesting but the vendors make the city less than optimal to tour--can't even sit anywhere without being approached (and touched) for a massage.
Nice area of port with a tourist store (nice goods) and monkeys, parrots and peacocks. Would be a nice spot to spend a few hours if not interested in a tour
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
Went on the coffee plantation tour--very interesting and loved getting to see some of the country as it is a fairly long bus drive. Nice vendor/port area where the vendors are not abrasive or insistent. Good selection of goods
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Might be an unfair rating as our tour was disappointing--thought we would see more of the island instead it was just bus stops to different shopping areas. If I go back, would like to see more of the island as I've heard it's quite beautiful.