05/12/2025
NCL Joy Review
This was the second time on the Joy and based on some past experience on a different ship, we were hoping for a better experience this time and we got it. The staff were friendly, smiling, and it didn't feel like they were just doing their job. The ship was clean and there is a lot to do on it. Multiple different bars and restaurants and a nice sized arcade as well as a go-kart track.
Now for the best part, we typically book interior cabins and are very happy with interior cabins but this time we were in NCL's Haven and had an amazing cabin plus access to the Haven areas. I'll put a video on Youtube in the next day or so but all I can say is WOW! Not only did our cabin have the regular cabin steward but it also included a butler. At one point our cabin steward said, "this cabin is no joke" when referring to cleaning it.
As for the Haven, we likely didn't take advantage of everything available since it was a short cruise but we had cookies and fruit delivered nightly as well as a coffee maker in our room. Then in the private Haven area - it has it's own pool, hot tubs, restaurant, bar, lounge, and seating at the shows. The restaurant has food items not available elsewhere on the ship like lobster deviled eggs. When boarding, we were escorted on and did not have to wait in line and the same thing happened when leaving the ship.
This was definitely a great experience but we'll go back to our interior rooms as we can travel more often with interior cabins and still have great experiences at the places we visit.