Guys, your tips were amazing! We went on the 5 day cruise in late march and had a blast. Your tips made it easy to avoid the crowds and find the great spots, like the observation deck. Bravo!
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel4 ай бұрын
That's what its all about! So glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise. Hope to see you on the next adventure!
@janetkruth38139 ай бұрын
Great tips. Hope not too many people remember your tip to go to back of Garden Cafe. We discovered how much easier it was to find a table and easier to meet up there with our plates. We're on Joy again soon.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel9 ай бұрын
Yes! Meeting up with our family in the back was so easy. Enjoy your trip!
@iriszelnegron91186 ай бұрын
Thank you!! This was so helpful 🙂
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
Wonderful! Thanks for watching. Hope the tips come in handy if you find yourself on the Norwegian Joy soon!
@manielake5 ай бұрын
Great tips! Thank you.
@lisagardner9038 ай бұрын
Great tips! I am going on the Joy at the end of February. I have been on 34 cruises with NCL because I love the Free Style Cruising. It is hard to go on another cruise line company because we would not have same perks. I have been on most of NCL ships but it will be my first on the Joy.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
We hope that you have a fantastic trip on the Joy!
@laurieb11276 ай бұрын
Perks? Free at sea isn't Free. Being solo, I get 2x points on RC in an interior, oceanview or balcony cabin. Easier and faster to get loyalty rewards.
@Cha-y4129 ай бұрын
Very informative video thanks for posting. We have done 6 NCLs. Since 2014 as Haven guests 5 on Breakaway class including the Joy. 1 transatlantic Nov 2023 on Prima. My Wife loves to pick at the buffet. The Breakaway class all have the same Garden cafe and they are large offering a big selection. The Prima has The Sunrise Cafe buffet and it is 1/3rd the size of the Breakaway class garden buffet. So if the buffet is a big deal avoid Prima class ships. As Haven guests there is a private resturant serving 7 am to 9 pm, so buffets arent my priority. In Haven there is a Consigniers and they will make speciality reservations and guarenteed seating. No plastic trash liners because NCL is environmentally friendly . You should call your room steward if you have trash you feel may smell.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel9 ай бұрын
Excellent advice! Thanks. From your perspective, having sailed with NCL as many times as you have, is the Haven worth the cost?
@Cha-y4129 ай бұрын
@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel Our finances allow us to cruise every other year as Haven Guests , so yes it is costly . We did 1 Spa Suite non Haven trip on the Breakaway and after being Haven guests we were a little let down. For me it is worth it. #1 If I want to be involved with the social party atmosphere of the main areas I can, If I want to retreat to the calmer areas of the Haven I can. #2 Consigniers desk. They make all your reservations, resturants, shore excursions, Spa, barbershop, beauty treatments , even private ships photography sessions at a moments notice usually #3 - 24 Hr Butler service 24 hr room service, 24 hour carry around phone to call the Butler for any needs anywhere on the ship. 4 - Private elevators - no waiting. 5 - Priority boarding and disembarking- no lines no wait 6 - Haven Resturant opens at 7 am last seating 9 pm - Breakfast , lunch , Dinner, bars, lounges , sitting areas, sun deck, hot tubs , pools, saunas , * ice rooms and steam rooms depending on the Ship. . 7 - Reserve guarenteed seating for every show. 8 - plush bathrobes, deck slippers, 1 day laundry service. 9 - Library , board games, and card games area - kind of a throwback to earlier ship travel. 10- Some Haven suites have their own hot tubs which the room steward drains and sanitized daily then refills upon request. * Not all of our Haven suites had private hot tubs - depends on suite booked. Some Haven suites have full bathtub some dont. 11- Free Two hour behind the scenes tour of our most recent Prima Haven, incuded a guided tour of : Galley of Los Lobos and meeting the Chef, Tour of Engenineering section, Tour of crew areas , crew lounges, dining areas, Tour of ships laundry, Tour of behind the stage and entertainers areas, Tour of ships food storage areas, freezers and butchers shops, Tour of ships waste disposal areas, this is how I knew that NCL was eliminating plastic products such as bags to be environmentally responsible, and that all unconsumed food products are ground up and pumped into the Sea - they call it " feeding the fish ". Tour of ships bridge where we met the Captain and he spent about 15 minutes answering questions face to face. Included two free photographs from ships photographer of behind the scenes areas of Wife & Myself. But the biggest thing in my case is that I dont have to stress over a pool side deck lounge chair. In the Haven if the sun deck lounge chairs and unbrellas are taken you just tell the cabana attendant and one is brought out for you. The pool and sun deck furniture is much more plush and larger. If you want a snack or lunch at your lounge chairs the cabans staff will order it from the Haven resturant and set it up pool sude or on the Sun deck. YES it is costly - Yes I think it is worth it to be treated like a King every other year. Word of warning - If you go Haven it is very hard to go back . Ask my Wife!!
@crystaljames94558 күн бұрын
I found your post looking for information on NCL Joy. Could you tell me what floor your cabin was on? I’m trying to decide on Cabin 14872 and 15208. Thank you
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 күн бұрын
We were in room 9272. Wherever you end up we hope it's a wonderful cruise!
@yariyarsyariyars43596 ай бұрын
I'm booked for 14 April for a 7 day (4 land days) cruise to Bermuda. Its just me and my 20 month old baby. Do you have any suggestions for cruising with a toddler ?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
Oh my gosh, 4 days in Bermuda, what an absolute dream! As for cruising with a toddler, our son was 10 months and pretty mobile when we were on the Joy. Definitely bring a white noise machine to help drown out sounds in the room and LED tealights so you can move about the room while your baby is sleeping. Be flexible with your schedule and utilize the Guppy's open play hours for place for your babe to run around and burn off some steam. Make sure you get some decent baby sunscreen. And most importantly, take SOOOOO many pictures. I already cherish ours from the cruise seeing how much he's grown in just 6 months! Have the best time ever!
@paulquinn40877 ай бұрын
good info
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel7 ай бұрын
Thanks, Paul! We hope it helps if you sail on the Allure any time soon!
@pattiharrison12802 ай бұрын
We leave tomorrow to fly to nyc & embarkation on Sunday, July 28th to Bermuda. I know my family & I will appreciate your tips even more than I do now...keep them coming...I'm watching!!! Thank you so much! Great ideas that we'd never figure until too late I'm sure!
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your kind words and have the most amazing cruise!
@marinrands2 ай бұрын
We will be flying to NY early Sunday morning from South Florida. We're on the same sailing as you with 28 family members for a reunion cruise as my son just arrived home from a 9 month deployment in West Africa (USAF) If you see see big blond curly hair you'll know it's me, say Hi
@lisagardner48149 ай бұрын
I have a question I’ve never been on a cruise before but I’m supposed to cruise on the joy this year and I was curious if there are any gluten-free options on board I couldn’t get any real definitive answers through the cruise line themselves or I’m not sure where I’m supposed to be looking and if you maybe could tell me any information in regards to that
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel9 ай бұрын
Hi Lisa! Bon Voyage in advance for your upcoming cruise! In general I can say every single time we sat down at either a specialty dining restaurant or at one of the complimentary main dining rooms the crew members always (ALWAYS) asked if we had any allergies or dietary needs. The fact that they asked made me feel confident that the chefs were happy to adapt dishes where they could. I've seen similar sentiments on reddit and NCL's blog regarding GF options. I would just recommend using your own judgment based on your level of sensitivity when going to the buffet or similar style dining option. Even naturally gluten free options have a higher chance of cross contamination there. We'd love to know your experience after the cruise! -J
@reedaharris13418 ай бұрын
You can also contact the Special Needs department for NCL for more info and advice.
@R0bertJ0hns0n19837 ай бұрын
How was the crowd... Was it very crowded?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel7 ай бұрын
It felt quite crowded. We had to wait in lines pretty often and the pool deck was always full. But we were doing a lot of things at peak times and could more easily get tables in dining facilities and spots to relax if we did them at "off" times.
@christinek25408 ай бұрын
Do you know where I can see Freestyle daily for 5 day Bermuda cruise?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
Honestly we looked a ton before we went and couldn't find one either. Still can't. Maybe you can be the first to share one with the cruising community!
@christinek25408 ай бұрын
@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel thanks for letting me know. You guys are great!
@anafreire77613 ай бұрын
How early is early to get loungers?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel3 ай бұрын
If you want one on embarkation day, head there as soon as you get on the ship. On sea days, I'd say before 9am.
@dorindan.6648 ай бұрын
Thank you for the tips!
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
Our pleasure! Hope they come in handy soon!
@SassyGrkGrl246 ай бұрын
Next time, try biodegradable green dog poop bags. Used them with my dogs 🐕🐕 and the bags are scented and safe for the environment. Also book the Vibe Beach Club early. They only book 80 packages. We just got off the Prima and has an amazing time. Just note that they only have hot tubs but they do have showers to cool off if need be. It was very quiet and maybe no more that 30 people during our whole cruise. Will always book the VBC on future cruises.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
That's a good idea! And solid advice about VBC. We've wondered if it would be worth it in the past. Thanks!
@sewgood5682 ай бұрын
Re the go-karts, we booked them on the tv screen in our room.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel2 ай бұрын
Oh that's good to know! Definitely something to do early in the cruise if it's on your list of must dos. Super convenient that it can be done from the TV in the room.
@sewgood5682 ай бұрын
@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel restaurants can be booked too if I remember right x
@marinrands2 ай бұрын
I love Indian and Asian food too!! That tidbit made my day! Thanks!
@VittsonVacay8 ай бұрын
Great video! We’re on the Joy for the 1st time in May & Staying in the Haven….. we’re SO EXCITED 😊
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
Have a wonderful time! You'll have to let us know what you think of the Haven value wise. I always hear good things but just don't know if the additional amenities and perks are worth the cost. -J
@VittsonVacay8 ай бұрын
@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel I know it’s so hard to justify the cost these days!! but once we stayed in the Haven and tried to go back to a balcony room there is definitely a difference! Thanks again for the great video!
@allkristiningram6 ай бұрын
On many cruise lines you can ask for a diaper genie and they will bring you one.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
That's good to know! We'll have to try it on our next one. Thanks!
@doreensantore4433 ай бұрын
How early is early to go and clean your pool deck chair?
@alyssasimon39403 ай бұрын
tips for NCL alone.
@videoboysayscube8 ай бұрын
Thank you for the informative video! I do have some questions if that's alright. With my package I have a 1 Meal Specialty Dining included. Does that mean I get to order one entree at the restaurant, or does that include multiple courses? Also, how does purchasing things on the ship work? The site says everything is charged to your OnBoard account, but how does that work exactly and how do you set it up?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
So the specialty mealing included will depend on the restaurant. Some include an app, entree, and dessert, some several sharable plates. The server will explain it to you when you are seated. As for charging to an onboard account - everything will be linked to your room card. You can attach a credit card to your name/room before and when you board and every purchase will be charged to that. Or you can settle with cash at Guest services. You have to put a minimum payment down when you board (I think its $350) and then continue to monitor (which you can do through the app). We find it much preferable to just attach a credit card and not have to wait in lines at Guest Services or worry about spending over our cash limit.
@videoboysayscube8 ай бұрын
Cool, thanks for the info. @@ThisHappyPlaceTravel
@extramile1504 ай бұрын
well done...thank you.
@user-yj3ob9kd3l6 ай бұрын
I was on the Joy last month on a transatlantic from Southampton to Miami. It was all sea days and a great cruise. I really enjoyed the ship, especially the Observation Lounge. I also enjoyed the Texas BBQ. Great food and plenty of it.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
So glad you enjoyed the ship and the cruise8! We're very interested in a transatlantic eventually. Not sure what cruise line, but it would he hard to NOT want an observation lounge for a cruise like that.
@nancymccombs377510 ай бұрын
Thank you for pulling together the tips and tricks!
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel10 ай бұрын
Our pleasure! So many little ways to make a cruise on the Joy even more magical. We hope they help!
@kennethbook30373 ай бұрын
Thanks for the Tips Guys. Put them to use last week. Staffing was definitely improved from your post.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel3 ай бұрын
That's great to hear! Hopefully they stick with it and continue to improve!
@rhoshe6 ай бұрын
Thank you! Very helpful! Sailing in October out of NYC so I’ll be sharing this one!🎉🙏🏽💯
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
Wonderful! Glad you found it helpful. Hope you have an amazing cruise!
@MOTLEYBRUE6 ай бұрын
I have that poster in the background autographed by 20+ Disney characters!!!
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel6 ай бұрын
That's very cool! What a great idea.
@jojoclayborne26818 ай бұрын
love the tips and will defiantly watch more. I gave the thumps up and subscribe.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
So glad to hear that! We hope they help if you ever find yourself on the Joy. Stay tuned because the next cruise vlogs start tomorrow 🤫
@maritesmacasadia1189 ай бұрын
Great info. Thanks!
@timothylynskey92248 ай бұрын
Hi guys, great and very informative video I’m pondering going on Norwegian joy for a transatlantic cruise from Southampton in the uk going to Miami USA it’s eleven nights with no stops exactly a lot of sea days also the ship is less than half full after saying that i do like sea days I’m a big fan of going to the gym and love to catch up on my reading also I haven’t mentioned I’m a solo traveler this cruise has a lot of travelers booked on….in your opinion would either of you do it as solo travelers
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
So glad you found the video to be helpful! That sounds like quite the trip you're considering. Obviously everyone finds their happy place in different ways, so I have a hard time recommending one way or the other on such a long cruise. What I CAN say is if you're the type of person who enjoys the more relaxing and easy going aspects of cruising, then any ship is likely to give you what you're looking for on a transatlantic sailing. Personally, I think we would choose a ship with more variety of amenities and on board entertainment if we were going on a cruise of that length with no stops, but that's something we value a lot in a ship. Check out our ship tour of the Norwegian Joy if you haven't already! It may help you see first hand if the Joy has enough of what you're looking for! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYS3nGV_irmohdE
@timothylynskey92248 ай бұрын
@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel thank you for your prompt reply
@user-yj3ob9kd3l6 ай бұрын
I was on the transatlantic in Feb that you mentioned. It was great. I love TAs, but I have not cruised one with no ports, so I was looking forward to it. The weather was cool and rainy a few days, but I was able to enjoy so many areas inside. Without busy days in ports, the cruise did not fly by and really did seem longer than it was. It really was a great cruise. P.S. there were only 2300 passengers, about 60%. THAT was fantastic!!
@AustinCohen-gj3tt8 ай бұрын
I will be on the cruise on the Joy on March 2nd.I am looking forward to it
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel8 ай бұрын
How exciting! Great time of year to cruise too. Enjoy!!
@ayshaw20076 ай бұрын
How was it?
@ilovemiriamsomuch7 ай бұрын
Is there pool for babies?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel7 ай бұрын
There is a kids aqua park on deck 16, but generally the rule is that children using the area have to be out of diapers to use it. If you're looking for more of what the Norwegian Joy has to offer, check out our complete tour! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYS3nGV_irmohdEsi=_9Wmr6ijIZ6JSFPm
@doreensantore4433 ай бұрын
How early is early to go and claim your pool deck chair?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel3 ай бұрын
Especially on the Joy we'd say if you want some shade during the day claim the chairs on the main pool deck early (9 am). If full sun is more your style you can probably wait a little longer and claim some chairs on one of the higher decks.
@kevinkiss33402 ай бұрын
NCL Employee doesn’t give out Towels until 7am. I showed up 8am deck 16 EVERY Lounge chair was taken. So I had to come back 8:45 when the running track opens 9am to get a Chair on deck 17. I didn’t get a chair until 9:30 because it takes time for Employees to put chairs out on the track. This is a good Ship if you don’t like the ☀️. (:
@himalayapatel20525 ай бұрын
How was the internet? Were you getting good speeds?
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel5 ай бұрын
While we sailed, it was awful and only worked about 50% of the time. We didn't try to stream, upload or download anything and I doubt it would have worked anyway. BUT we've heard that they added Starlink in the refurb a couple months ago so hopefully it's much better now.
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel5 ай бұрын
The internet wasn't great at the time but it did what we needed (basic browsing and some low quality streaming). I heard that's one of the things that improved after the recent enhancements, though!
@terriharper29119 ай бұрын
Love the bloopers😂
@ThisHappyPlaceTravel9 ай бұрын
I swear, our raw footage feels like it's 50% bloopers sometimes lol!