Eastern Seaboard Adventure aboard Norwegian Joy

After a quick breakfast at the Riu Manhattan Times Square, we hopped into our pre-booked taxi, buzzing with excitement for our upcoming cruise. Check-in at Pier 90, Manhattan Cruise Terminal was smooth and efficient, and by noon, we were aboard Norwegian Joy, settling into our beautiful Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony in The Haven. We loved the sail away from New York, passing the Statue of Liberty, admiring the skyline, and cruising under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge—a breathtaking start to our journey. Following a choppy night at sea, we arrived late into Boston. With only a few hours to explore, we strolled through its historic streets, green parks, and past landmarks like the Cheers bar. Our next stop, Portland, Maine, greeted us with sunshine. It’s a wonderfully walkable town—we even enjoyed a narrow gauge train ride along the coast. Of course, lobster was a must! We dined at The Highroller Lobster Co. and it was absolutely delicious. A Day at Sea gave us time to explore Norwegian Joy, refurbished in early 2024. The ship offers a fantastic range of staterooms—from solo studios to The Haven Owner’s Suite. We relaxed at the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, enjoyed the revamped Thermal Suite at Mandara Spa, and zoomed around the Norwegian Joy Speedway. There's even crazy golf! I discovered a new favourite cocktail in the Observation Lounge, where the panoramic views were unforgettable. Dining under the stars on The Waterfront was magical. We indulged in mouth-watering ribs at Q Texas Smokehouse, elegant French cuisine at Le Bistro, and the freshest seafood at Ocean Blue—my favourite meal of the trip, and included in our Free at Sea Package (along with drinks and WiFi). The theatre shows were outstanding, and I particularly loved starting my days with a Starbucks coffee. Our early morning arrival into Sydney, Nova Scotia was refreshing. We strolled along the promenade, explored the town, and enjoyed a delicious treat—a “Beaver Tail” pastry. In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, we joined in the fun of the Pumpkin Festival, walked the charming streets, and soaked up the setting of Anne of Green Gables. During the next sea day, we were lucky enough to spot a couple of whales—an unforgettable sight. Our 6th port, Saguenay, featured a scenic fjord approach. I’d definitely recommend booking an excursion here for the best experience. Our cruise concluded with two days in Quebec City. We took a local bus to the stunning Montmorency Falls—so easy and well worth it. Back in the city, we explored the historic, French-speaking streets and soaked in the old-world charm. From Quebec, we boarded a pre-booked train to Montreal, where we stayed at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Fun fact: Montreal has over 20 miles of underground walkways connecting shopping centres, restaurants, and subway stations. We explored the city via the Hop On, Hop Off bus, making the most of our final day. Sadly, our Eastern Seaboard adventure came to an end. We boarded our flight back to Manchester, filled with memories of beautiful ports, exciting cities, and the unbeatable experience aboard Norwegian Joy. Until next time!