Boarding Norwegian Joy in New York City! Embarkation & First Sea Day

[@jpnbronx323]

Thank you. Excited to see what's changed. Never been on the Joy, later this year for the first time.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Hope you have a great cruise! The Joy is awesome :)

[@jpnbronx323]

You have inspired me to add South America to the future list. Thanks for a great series. I binged the entire cruise - awesome.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@jpnbronx323 thanks so much! That one was so amazing!

[@shannyrenee17]

Wow, I didn't know the Joy was so nice!

[@northwestman1]

Thanks for sharing Mer… always enjoy your videos. Good job !!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you! ☺️

[@cruisingandexploring]

Great video, sail away from NYC looked amazing. Look forward to the rest of the series. Just subscribed 😊🚢

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thanks so much!! 😊

[@angelaharmon2543]

That's funny how we all have different preferences. I prefer the couch on the balcony side so I can look out while drinking coffee in the am (if it's too cold/rainy to sit on the balcony).

[@MrKn1214]

Look forward to the rest of this series , since I will be on a 7 day Bermuda cruise on the MSC Meraviglia for this coming October , thank you for sharing 😊

[@bigd9848]

I love NCL I have been on at least 17 times. I have been on the joy 3 times and it is backwards compared to the Breakaway class ships. I love the Escape and the Breakaway. I have many bartender friends that remember me and are friends with on Facebook. I will be back on the joy in August for a 10 day from NY.Thanks for the update on the Joy 💎

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Escape is a great ship! I love all the Breakaway class ships but the ones with the Observation Lounge just take the cake for me, it’s such a great spot and I miss it when it’s not there!

[@brianpickens8520]

I think we are taking the same cruise because i will be on the joy in august as well for 10 day. This will be my first time cruising period so i'm trying to get as much info as i can.

[@wanetahenderson6762]

@@brianpickens8520we are sailing on the Joy for 10 days in august as well! Our first time on a cruise! We sail on august 18.

[@chrishiggs7351]

Great video and thanks for sharing. Sailing out of NYC must be really nice. I lived there and saw the ships leaving all the time.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

It’s one of my favorite sailaways for sure 😊

[@GinaKowal-p2d]

We sail the Joy in 2025. Curious, how do you predict which layout the bed will be positioned in a cabin? I haven’t been able to figure this out. Please share this tip. Thank you!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@GinaKowal-p2d I can only go based on previous experience 😂 I refer back to a cabin that I had in the past where I know the layout and I *assume* every other cabin is laid out the same, the problem is once you go up or down a deck you have no idea if they match! It’s a guessing game 😆

[@GinaKowal-p2d]

Gotcha! I wish they could be more transparent with us, not that it’s a big deal, but I am a planner just like you! I like to research everything at a time 😂

[@tinadocampo1875]

Hi, Going on this ship Oct.7, part of the Haven section of the ship. I know it is technically fall in NJ, going to Bermuda on a 5 day cruise. What do I wear on the ship??? Can I wear shorts, capris, short sleeved tops...so uncertain. The 3 other cruises I have been on left from NJ in the summer months...I NEED YOUR ADVICE PLEASE. What to pack?😅

[@MerCruisesSolo]

My guess is it will still be warm enough for shorts, capris and short sleeve tops even in NJ/NYC, but just in case I would bring a few layers! The weather in Bermuda is still very nice and warm that time of year, but it can get chilly if it's windy out on sea days. Better to bring a few extra layers than to be cold!

[@anthonyvicatetti3911]

Good video, booked a cruise on Joy in October .

[@juanurena7702]

I went on that same itinerary in JULY…. I LOVE THE JOY ❤

[@darrenchichester9777]

Cheers from Bermuda! Hope you had a great time here on the island-- finally some nice weather for you! funny-- Taking some family on JOY this October out of Miami. LOL

[@MerCruisesSolo]

The weather was perfect!! Such a beautiful island 😍 hope you have a great cruise on the Joy!!

[@JustTheilogsAdventures]

Considering sailing on Norwegian Joy. Are there any kids activities? My family and I sailed on Royal twice and though they had a good amount of activities and entertainment. Do you know if Norwegian Joy has lots of entertainment and activities for a family?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

I haven’t sailed on Royal (and don’t have kids so not entirely sure all of what’s available) but I know there is mini golf, go karts, water slides, kids activities and kids club on the Joy that I’m aware of!

[@Be_Greateful_For_Everything]

Great vid !

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you! ☺️

[@Be_Greateful_For_Everything]

@@MerCruisesSolo I am going tomorrow 😌

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Be_Greateful_For_Everything so exciting! Have an amazing cruise! 🤗

[@Be_Greateful_For_Everything]

@@MerCruisesSolo thank you ♥️

[@JeffMelsonVlogs]

Would love to do a cruise from NYC. Have you ever cruised the 10 day cruise from Boston to Quebec City, Canada? I am considering doing that one in September.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Not yet, but will be doing a Canada & New England cruise in about a month!

[@mohamedanish6950]

I'm going to join the same cruise within a month as a pastry chef....love from India ❤

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thanks so much for watching! Hope you have a great contract on the Joy! 😊

[@kathleenyan2854]

One of my favorite ships

[@madgeclarke6128]

How much for the cabim

[@Parkhopper1985]

Hi mer, happy cruising

[@RodneyWright3]

I lived on that ship for over a year. I miss it.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Wow, that sounds amazing! Love the Joy, she is definitely my favorite big ship (so far!) 😊

[@OTRjournal]

I was wondering why the Joy is your favorite ship. Ive been on six NCL ships and the Joy was my least favorite. I did an 11 day NYC to Quebec City cruise on Joy last year before the referb. Among other things, not a fan of the space removed from the port side of the observation lounge for more retreat cabins.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

It’s a tough call now especially after replacing such a large chunk of the Observation Lounge with balcony cabins, so it’s probably between Bliss and Joy as my favorite big ship (the Gem is my favorite small ship). Joy just checks all the boxes and has so many of my favorite venues and spaces… but I have lots more cruise lines and ships to check out, so my favorites are bound to change!

[@annettebyrd8259]

Heeey girl!!! I'm from Philly too!!! I just booked the joy for October 5 days going to Bermuda ❤ The ship looks so gorgeous 😍 ❤I can't wait to try the thermal suite. I'm going solo on this cruise. I'm subscribing right now and looking forward to watching more of your content 😊 I love solo traveling as well. Of the 12 cruises I've been on so far, 3 have been solo, so this will be my 13th cruise and 4th solo. I have a solo cruise booked on the Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady out of NY in 2025!!! My goal is to start Vlogging my journeys. Do you have any suggestions on cameras, lighting, and microphone? Also, feel free to share any tips and tricks. I absolutely love this video. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@annettebyrd8259 ooh yay, sounds like you’ve got a bit of experience solo cruising, you’ll have a great time on the Joy, such a fun ship, and the thermal suite is awesome! For a new vlogger you really don’t need much in the way of gear - you can do pretty much everything with a good smartphone! Lots of my content is filmed on my iPhone with a tripod! I’d start there and get used to that first and then start expanding your gear as you need 😊

[@annettebyrd8259]

Thank you!!!

[@annettebyrd8259]

​@@MerCruisesSoloThank you!!

[@LaszloBagi]

Great video

[@BonnyJamison]

Is there an additional charge for the Spice H2O?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

no, it is an open space, no charge!

[@BonnyJamison]

Thanks so much. Will be sailing on the Alaska itinerary on the Joy.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@BonnyJamison have an amazing cruise, Alaska is incredible! 😊

[@carolwilhite9999]

Great video. Embarkation looked crowded. What time did you arrive? What time did you actually get on the ship? Thanks.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you! We arrived at the pier at 11:30am and stepped foot on the ship at 12:10pm so it was really very quick! The security line was very long but moved fast, and check-in was a breeze, we walked right onto the ship after getting our keycards.

[@janinallentown8801]

​@@MerCruisesSoloThat's so very good to hear since we have 3 generations sailing on the Joy tomorrow. Thank you for a great prep video.

[@Patrick-oe6rt]

A cruise with your mom. Cherished times.

[@shimmerysummersun]

Hi Mer! Love all of your cruising videos! This may be too personal of a question, so I understand if you don't answer, but what do you do for work that allows you to be able to travel so much? With my job, I only get 3 weeks of leave per year so I can usually only go on one "big" vacation annually.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you so much! 💕 I have a corporate job with a hybrid work schedule. I get about 5-6 weeks of vacation each year (I am tenured so have received extra time for how long I’ve been at the company) that doesn’t roll over, and I try to plan a lot of my travel around holidays to maximize how much time off I can take. I am very fortunate and grateful to be able to travel as much as I do with my job!

[@Thatboivin1234]

omg i hope i see you there. be there tomorrow😁

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Have a great cruise!

[@Thatboivin1234]

@@MerCruisesSolo you too!!

[@Thatboivin1234]

@@MerCruisesSoloalso have you been on Norwegian joy before? cause i need some tips lol😂

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Thatboivin1234 yes, 5 times now 😂 you will have a blast! Explore the ship & have fun!

[@Thatboivin1234]

@@MerCruisesSolookay i just finished the cruise. and the one thing i loved was the washy washy guys at the buffet😂

[@BrianCloutier-o7i]

Understood and thanks for the video!

[@HikinukiWorldTour-HWT]

Thanks for the video - we are considering this cruise and your video helped us decide to give it a try. We just started our travel channel (hikinuki world tour) and are always looking for inspiration and really enjoyed your video!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you so much!! Hope you enjoy your cruise, it’s one of my favorites!

[@BritsAbroadTravelCruise]

Another fabulous, fun, fact packed vlog (try saying that after a few cocktails!). We've just discovered your channel Meredith, and enjoying exploring your cool content. We've hit your Subscribe✔and scattered our likes 👍and will be back for more of your solo and cruise experiences and journeys 😃

[@MerCruisesSolo]

So glad you’re here, thanks for watching and all the support!! 🩷💙

[@BritsAbroadTravelCruise]

@MerCruisesSolo Hey, you're welcome Mer. It can be tough creating content that you hope people will watch and enjoy, so kind comments are welcome for all of us to encourage that creative process. Your stuff is very watchable, and you come over as authentic and enthusiastic, so keep on keeping on 👍

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@BritsAbroadTravelCruise love this, and fully agree - as a fellow creator, you understand how much work (heart & soul) goes into these videos! Will be checking your channel out as well ☺️

[@downtovacay]

How was the Joy for you? That West Side Port was just how it looked for us.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Love the Joy!! This was my 5th time cruising on her and it was just as great as all the times before 😊

[@downtovacay]

@@MerCruisesSolo I saw reviews about how bad the Joy was, and I couldn't understand how. It's a well balanced ship. It's not a Bliss or Encore, but it is still worth it. Just wondered how the new additions are, since we ported a week before the dry docking. Good stuff.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@downtovacay I agree, I don’t understand the negative reviews! For me, the Observation Lounge, Waterfront and Spice H2O adults-only area are some of the best spots on any NCL ship, and the Joy checks all of those boxes so I’m a happy cruiser! 😊💕

[@downtovacay]

@@MerCruisesSolo Long live Norwegian haaaaa

[@keeperzero]

I have a hermit crab named Gustavo

[@omgitsmatt3mdm117]

Do you pay for all your cruises??

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Yes, of course I do! Have not been offered any free cruises (yet) from any cruise line 😆

[@omgitsmatt3mdm117]

@@MerCruisesSolo take me next time 😭😭😭

[@user-ow1xo1fx8o]

So excited! Doing this same cruise this Sunday. Thanks for sharing

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Yay!! Have an amazing cruise! 🛳️🗽

[@lindaquackenbush3879]

Certainly! On the Norwegian Joy, smoking is permitted in specific designated areas. Here are the details: Spice H2O: On deck 16 mid-ship, starboard side, you can smoke cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and vapor smoking devices in the Spice H2O area1. Humidor Lounge: If you enjoy cigars, head to the Humidor Lounge. It’s the designated space for cigar smoking only. Casino: Smoking is allowed in the casino, but only when you’re actively playing. However, cigar smoking and tobacco chewing are strictly prohibited in the casino area. Remember that smoking of any kind is not permitted in staterooms and balconies. Enjoy your cruise on the Norwegian Joy! 🚢🌴12

[@MerCruisesSolo]

This changed when the ship recently went through dry dock in January! Not all of the messaging on the website has been updated and I’ve heard some sales and chat reps online are not yet informed, so there is some miscommunication out there, but I can assure you there is no smoking in Spice H2O anymore; instead, they added an enclosed section on the pool deck.

[@anthonyvicatetti3911]

Solo :)

[@stevenbush4344]

She skipped the 3 1/2 hour madness of checking in and getting on the ship. And WIFI went down.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

This video was filmed in late April, we arrived at the pier at 11:30am and had stepped on the ship by 12:10pm! No WiFi issues. Sorry to hear your experience was different, for us everything went smoothly!

[@kevinkiss3340]

@@MerCruisesSoloHow many people were on your Cruise?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@kevinkiss3340 it was sold out, so a full ship! I believe the ship holds around 4,000 passengers

[@adagiotexas]

Nice video. Love the 70's porn music 😁

[@MerCruisesSolo]

😂 I’ll take your word for it! 🤣

[@briancloutier2781]

How is such a pretty girl like you cruising alone?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Because I want to! 😊