Boarding the Norwegian Joy for the First NCL Cruise

Welcome aboard the Norwegian Joy, your very first NCL cruise! Get ready for an incredible 12-night Caribbean sailing that takes you to amazing destinations including Limón Costa Rica, Colon Panama, Cartegena Colombia, Oranjestad Aruba, Williamstead Curaçao, and Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island). This will be your longest sailing to date, giving you plenty of time to experience all that NCL has to offer. Plus, you’ll be traveling with Chelsy’s dad in an upgraded suite, complete with a virtual balcony and spacious living area that can sleep up to six people. From the parking and terminal process to the excitement of boarding the ship, this article will provide you with all the information you need for an unforgettable cruise experience.

It’s time to embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Norwegian Joy! Join Hoffman Happy Travels as they kick off their first NCL cruise and longest sailing to date. From exploring the newly designed Terminal B in Port Miami to boarding the magnificent Norwegian Joy, you’ll be captivated by their excitement and anticipation for the 12-night itinerary ahead. Don’t miss out on their experience of upgraded suites, delicious meals at The Local bar and grill, and the use of the Norwegian app for unlimited onboard calls and texts. Get ready for an unforgettable journey as they set sail and dive into all the amazing activities and amenities that Norwegian Joy has to offer.

Introduction

Welcome aboard the Norwegian Joy! Get ready for an exciting adventure as we set sail on our very first NCL cruise. This 12-night Caribbean sailing will take us to some incredible destinations, including Limón Costa Rica, Colon Panama, Cartegena Colombia, Oranjestad Aruba, Williamstead Curaçao, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. This cruise marks our longest sailing to date, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to explore the new itinerary and experience all that NCL has to offer. We’re not alone on this journey—we’re joined by Chelsy’s dad, adding even more fun to our trip. So, let’s hop aboard and make unforgettable memories on the Norwegian Joy!

Travelers’ Excitement and Anticipation

We can hardly contain our excitement for this trip. As seasoned cruisers, this is our longest sailing yet, and we can’t wait to embark on this new adventure. The thought of exploring new ports and experiencing NCL’s renowned hospitality has us buzzing with anticipation. We’ve heard so many great things about this cruise line, and we’re ready to see it firsthand. Plus, having Chelsy’s dad with us means more laughter, more memories, and even more fun. We know this journey will be everything we’ve dreamed of and more.

Upgraded Suite on the Norwegian Joy

One of the highlights of our experience on the Norwegian Joy is our upgraded suite. Through the Norwegian Advantage Program, we were able to secure a spacious family suite for our voyage. The room is a true gem, boasting incredible features and ample living space. With a virtual balcony, we can enjoy the breathtaking views from the comfort of our room. The suite accommodates up to six people, making it perfect for our group. It’s truly a luxurious haven, and we feel like VIPs every time we step inside.

The Parking Process

Arriving at Port Miami, we were eager to start our cruise. The parking process was smooth and hassle-free. Upon entering the parking garage, we received a ticket, and we paid for it when we returned from our cruise. Though we don’t have the exact cost at the moment, we’ll make sure to update you on this information. With the parking taken care of, we were ready to begin our Norwegian Joy adventure!

Terminal and Security

The terminal at Port Miami is impressive and modern. We were pleased with the organized and efficient system in place. NCL’s art installations added a touch of elegance to the surroundings. As we headed towards the escalator to board the ship, we could feel the anticipation building. Passing through the security checkpoint was a breeze. The conveyor system for luggage screening was quick and advanced, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all passengers. While there was a slight wait due to the influx of guests, the process flowed smoothly. We were thoroughly impressed with the terminal’s facilities and the seamless security procedures.

Boarding Process

Boarding the Norwegian Joy was an exhilarating moment. As first-time NCL cruisers, we were excited to step foot onto the ship. We noticed that the boarding process was organized based on our assigned muster station. This tactic ensured that guests were directed straight to their designated area for the mandatory muster drill. It was a clever and efficient way of handling the boarding process. Following the instructions, we made our way to our muster station and completed the required safety briefing. With that taken care of, we were officially on board and ready to have some fun!

Enjoying Meals at The Local

One of the delightful perks of our cruise is the included meals at The Local bar and grill. This casual dining venue offers a variety of delicious options to satisfy our taste buds. From starters to entrees, the menu has something for everyone. We indulged in mouthwatering dishes like sweet chili wings, fish and chips, and flavorful burgers. The food quality exceeded our expectations, and the friendly staff made the dining experience even better. And of course, no meal is complete without dessert. We treated ourselves to some delightful apple pie and heavenly brownies. The Local has truly won our hearts with its scrumptious offerings.

Using the Norwegian App

We discovered a handy tool to enhance our cruise experience—the Norwegian app. This app allows us to purchase unlimited onboard calls and texts for just $9.95 for the entire cruise. We found this feature to be incredibly useful, as it enables seamless communication with our fellow travelers and new friends we meet on board. The app also provides other advantages and benefits, making it a must-have during our time on the Norwegian Joy.

Sail Away from Miami

There’s something undeniably special about the sail away experience. As our ship departed from Miami, we felt a surge of excitement and joy. The stunning views of the cityscape slowly fading away became a lasting memory. The atmosphere onboard was energetic, as fellow passengers celebrated the beginning of the cruise. We waved goodbye to the shore, ready to embrace the adventures ahead. This sail away was the perfect start to our journey on the Norwegian Joy.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

The Norwegian Joy offers a plethora of activities and entertainment options to keep us entertained throughout the cruise. One unique activity we couldn’t resist was laser tag. Engaging in a friendly battle with our fellow passengers was an absolute blast. We also received the Freestyle Daily, a comprehensive guide to all the activities and events happening on board. Day 2 alone was filled with exciting options, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment during our voyage. With so many choices, we know we’ll make countless memories during our time on the Norwegian Joy.

Room Availability and Excitement for the Itinerary

Upon embarking on the Norwegian Joy, we eagerly anticipated the moment our rooms would be ready. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long. Our suite was available at 2pm, and we were thrilled to settle in and make it our home for the duration of our cruise. It was our own private oasis, and we couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable and inviting space. Although some other rooms were ready at 4pm, we were fortunate to have early access to ours. This timely availability added to our excitement for the 12-night itinerary, which promises to introduce us to amazing ports and new experiences. We can’t wait to explore Limón Costa Rica, Colon Panama, Cartegena Colombia, Oranjestad Aruba, Williamstead Curaçao, and Great Stirrup Cay. Each destination holds its own unique charm, and we’re eager to immerse ourselves in the culture and natural wonders.

Conclusion

Our Norwegian Joy cruise has exceeded our expectations in every aspect. From the seamless boarding process to the delectable meals at The Local, every moment on board has been a delightful experience. The upgrade to our spacious suite has added a touch of luxury and made our trip even more special. We’re grateful for the Norwegian Advantage Program that allowed us to indulge in this fantastic accommodation. The Norwegian Joy’s amenities and activities have kept us entertained and excited throughout the journey. With the Norwegian app, we’ve enjoyed seamless communication with loved ones and the freedom to explore all that the ship has to offer. As we sail away from Miami, we’re filled with anticipation for the destinations awaiting us. This 12-night itinerary promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. All in all, this Norwegian Joy cruise has been an incredible experience that we’ll cherish for years to come.