Norwegian Joy

The 2017-built Norwegian Joy cruise ship (ordered as “Norwegian Bliss”) is the second of four Breakaway Plus-class NCL liners, alongside Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Bliss (2018) and Norwegian Encore (2019). This class is approximately 7000 GT larger than the company’s second-biggest vessel, Norwegian Epic.

The vessel (IMO 9703796) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000599) and registered in Nassau.

In 2019, Norwegian Joy underwent a major drydock refurbishment to become nearly identical to the highly successful Norwegian Bliss. Following the refit, she was repositioned from China to the USA. The project was managed by MJM Marine (part of MJM Group, Northern Ireland), a company specializing in cruise ship refurbishment and interior design. Approximately 1400 people worked on revamping over 40 onboard venues and areas. After the refit, Joy began operating Alaska cruises from Seattle WA, then repositioned to Los Angeles CA for Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Norwegian Joy is scheduled for another drydock refurbishment in 2024 (January 6 through February 16) at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.

History – construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), founded in 1966 and headquartered in Miami, Florida. NCLH is publicly traded (NYSE) and its major shareholders include Apollo Global Management, Genting Group and TPG Capital. In 2017, NCL held an 8.7% global market share (passengers) and 8.4% (revenue). NCLH owns the brands NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The 4000-passenger Norwegian Joy was built by Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) and entered service in 2017. Her first name (“Bliss”) was selected via a USA TODAY online contest. Breakaway Plus ships (163,000 GT each) are NCL’s largest and offer upgraded features found on Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, along with new interactive experiences.

Norwegian Joy was ordered in 2014 and construction (as “Norwegian Bliss”) began on September 16, 2015. On October 12, 2015, NCL announced the ship would be renamed and redesigned for the Chinese market. On February 29, 2016, the new name “Norwegian Joy” was officially revealed. The Chinese name “Xi Yue Hao” (喜悦号) translates as “Joy”.

The ship was purpose-built with dining and onboard experiences tailored to Chinese holidaymakers. In China, NCL also used the brand name “Nuo Wei Zhen”, meaning “Promising, Exclusive and Authentic”. The term “Bliss” does not have a positive connotation in Chinese, prompting the renaming.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Joy staterooms (1926 total, in 42 categories) include 1563 outside cabins and 363 Inside cabins (including 33 Interior Family Suites). There are no Studios (solo cabins). Most staterooms measure 170–215 ft² (16–20 m²). The ship has 1024 Balcony cabins, 111 Oceanviews and 330 Standard Inside cabins. Wheelchair-accessible cabins total 47. The largest accommodations are the Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites (1460 ft² / 136 m², with a 490 ft² / 46 m² wraparound terrace).

The ship has 20 decks (16 accessible to passengers, 11 with cabins).

Compared to Breakaway-class ships (Getaway and Breakaway), Joy offers nearly twice as many Haven suites, with a total of 95, including two Owner’s Suites with two balconies each.

The former Studio area (solo traveler complex) on Joy was replaced with 33 Interior Family Suites.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

NCL offers flexible dining and a wide variety of culinary options. On Norwegian Joy, guests can choose among 11 complimentary dining venues and numerous specialty restaurants, including Le Bistro, La Cucina, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Bayamo by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces.

NCL’s specialty restaurants feature enhanced menus with a blend of favorite dishes and new culinary offerings. With à la carte pricing, guests can customize their dining experience—from light appetizers to multi-course gourmet meals.

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Joy restaurants and food bars:

• Savor Restaurant (MDR, 260 seats) – traditional Chinese cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• The Manhattan Room (aft MDR, 586 seats) – features a dance floor and serves Chinese and Western dishes.
• Taste Restaurant (MDR, 258 seats) – contemporary Chinese cuisine.
• Private Room at Taste – private dining for groups (100 seats, separate lounge).
• The Local Bar and Grill (195 seats) – complimentary pub-style venue, open 24 hours, serving dishes like Fish & Chips, Chicago Hot Dog and all-day menus.
• Q Texas Smokehouse (218 seats) – BBQ restaurant with live country music; Texas-style smoked meats.
• Teppanyaki (112 seats) – Japanese hibachi restaurant (surcharge US$29 pp; lunch and dinner hours; live cooking demonstrations).
• Food Republic (78 seats) – international cuisine via à la carte menu and iPad ordering.
• La Cucina (116 indoor seats, 66 outdoor) – Italian specialty restaurant (US$15 pp cover); family-style portions and classic Italian dishes.
• Ocean Blue (86 indoor, 36 outdoor seats) – specialty seafood restaurant.
• Los Lobos – Mexican specialty dining.

Cagney’s Steakhouse (174 indoor, 24 outdoor seats) – premium steakhouse (US$30 pp cover); also open for suite-guest breakfast and lunch.

Le Bistro (130 seats) – French restaurant (US$20 pp cover); elegant dinner venue offering fine wines and classic French cuisine; daytime wine-tasting events.

American Diner (157 seats) – American bar & grill (US$9 pp surcharge), offering comfort foods and daytime live music.

Coco’s – chocolate-themed patisserie serving pralines, crepes, truffles and specialty coffees/teas.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

The 4200-passenger Norwegian Joy features an expanded Haven—the line’s “ship within a ship” complex. This exclusive area includes an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, retractable-roof pool, whirlpools, spa treatment rooms, sauna and private sundeck.

Additional features include “678 Ocean Place” (a 3-deck hub with shops, bars and entertainment), multi-deck waterslides, a ropes course and major stage productions such as Footloose, Elements and Wine Lovers: The Musical. Other entertainment includes fireworks shows, Rock of Ages, Cirque Dreams and Illusionarium.

Norwegian Joy is the world’s first cruise ship with a Ferrari-branded racetrack (deck 19). Built by RiMO Supply (Germany) and operated in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches, this Formula 1–themed electric go-kart track spans two decks and offers sea views from 200 ft (60 m) above the water.

The track accommodates up to 10 racers at a time. The electric go-karts reach speeds up to 40 mph (65 km/h). The track is 20% smaller than Bliss’s and features eight turns (Bliss has ten, including two cantilevered turns).

Go-kart pricing: US$100 weekly pass, US$30 day pass, US$10 per single ride. Complimentary rides are available for Concierge and Haven guests.

Other attractions include an open-air laser tag arena, Aqua Park with Double Aqua Loop waterslides, two 360-ft racing slides and transparent-slide sections.

Additional amenities include complimentary 24-hour room service, supervised kids programs (“NCL Kids”), Wi-Fi Internet and onboard laundry.

Below is the full list of Norwegian Joy lounges, clubs and entertainment venues:

• Joy Theater (907 seats) – main show lounge with Broadway-style productions.
• Atrium “678 Ocean Place” – 3-deck open atrium with live entertainment and a large LED screen.
• Chess & Card Room, Library, Internet Café; Photo Studio & Shop; Art Gallery.
• Guest Services and Shore Excursions Desk.
• Social Comedy & Night Club (103 seats) – comedy, dancing and DJ nights.
• Maltings Whiskey Bar (56 seats).
• Horizon Lounge (90 seats) – exclusive to Haven guests.
• Mixx Bar (29 seats) – piano bar between Taste and Savor.
• Joy Casino – premium gaming lounge with smoking/non-smoking areas, VIP gaming room and dedicated bar.
• Skyline Bar – cocktails and bar-top poker gaming.
• Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft / 402 m) – outdoor walkway with alfresco dining, shops and bars.
• Starbucks Coffee Bar (44 seats).
• Dolce Gelato – à la carte Italian gelato.
• District Brew House (94 seats) – bar with 50 bottled beers and 24 draft beers.
• Humidor Cigar Lounge (16 seats).
• The Cellars Wine Bar (49 seats) – wine tastings, tapas menu and outdoor seating.
• Carlo’s Bake Shop – desserts by Buddy Valastro.
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar (indoor/outdoor) – Latin music and cocktails.
• Tradewinds Duty-Free Shops – jewelry, watches, perfumes, fashion, NCL merchandise.
• The Cavern Club Lounge – Beatles-themed live music venue.
• The A-List Bar (44 seats) – named after former CEO Andy Stuart.
• The Haven Lounge & Bar – exclusive buffet for Concierge Level guests.
• Garden Café – complimentary buffet (708 indoor, 280 outdoor seats).
• Waves Pool Bar (15 seats).
• Aqua Park – pools, slides, whirlpools and sun deck.
• Splash Academy – kids (3–12), Guppies Nursery (6 months–2 years), Kids’ Aqua Park.
• Mandara Spa & Fitness – Thermal Suite, Salon, Barber Shop, Medi Spa, classes.
• Entourage Teen Centre (13–17) – video games, movies, dance parties.
• Galaxy Pavilion – virtual reality and multi-player gaming center.
• The Haven complex – private pool, whirlpools, restaurant, lounge.
• Spice H2O (adult-only) – pool, whirlpools, bar and giant LED screen.
• Pulse Fitness Centre – Technogym equipment, aerobics studio.
• Sports Complex – trampoline, climbing wall, mini-golf, ropes course, basketball court, zip line, jogging track.
• Laser Battle – open-air laser tag.
• Vibe Beach Club (deck 19) – adults-only, whirlpools, bar, cabanas (surcharge).
• Observation Lounge & Bar (deck 15) – 270° views, buffet, bar, exclusive to Concierge Level.
• Medical Center (deck 13).
• Deck 8 – wine bars, lounges, shops.
• Deck 7 – Box Office.
• Deck 6 – Shore Excursions, Library, Internet Café, Art Gallery, Atrium.
• Deck 5 – children’s venues.

Signature attractions include the Ferrari go-kart track, Galaxy Pavilion VR center, outdoor laser tag, multi-story waterslides, tai-chi outdoor park and luxury retail district.

Galaxy Pavilion features interactive video walls, Oculus VR, XD Dark Ride simulators (with 3D graphics and surround sound), Xbox stations, Star Wars Battle Pods and hovercraft bumper cars.

Itineraries

Norwegian Joy’s original deployment was Asia-based with roundtrip departures from Shanghai and Tianjin. Her inaugural cruise (roundtrip from Shanghai) departed on June 27, 2017.

In 2018, the schedule included a 3-night Cruise to Nowhere (February 19) and multiple 4- and 5-night Japan itineraries visiting Hakata-Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Yatsushiro-Kumamoto, Hiroshima and Kochi. In 2018, Joy had 87 scheduled roundtrips from China.

In 2019, Joy operated in Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal. In April 2019, she repositioned from Shanghai to Seattle for a 7-day Alaska program, replacing Norwegian Pearl and joining Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Jewel. After Alaska, she repositioned to Los Angeles for Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera sailings (winter 2019–2020).

Before her inaugural US season, Joy underwent a USD 50-million refit to match Norwegian Bliss.

Following the COVID-related pause, in April 2021 NCL announced revised restart schedules for Norwegian Jade, Joy and Norwegian Gem:

• Jade – 7-day Mediterranean/Greek Islands from Piraeus (starting July 25).
• Joy – 7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay (starting August 15).
• Gem – 7-day Caribbean from La Romana (starting August 7).

Previously planned restarts:

• Joy – October 19, 2021 (Caribbean from Miami).
• Gem – October 29, 2021 (Bermuda from New York).
• Jade – January 2, 2022 (South Africa from Cape Town).

In late May, NCL canceled Joy’s Jamaica program (Aug 7–Oct 9) and planned an Alaska deployment (Seattle homeport), which was then canceled in June. In early June, NCL also canceled Gem’s Dominican Republic program (Aug 15–Oct 10).

For 2021–2023, Joy was scheduled for roundtrips from Miami (Caribbean), New York (Bermuda), Los Angeles (Mexican Riviera) and Seattle (Alaska).

Norwegian Joy is one of NCL's Breakaway Plus-class vessels. Joy and the sistership Norwegian Escape (October 2015) both had their names selected through online contests.

The vessel was initially named “Norwegian Bliss” (also selected via an NCL online contest). Construction began with the steel-cutting on September 16, 2015. On October 12, 2015, NCL officially announced that the ship would be redesigned for the Chinese market. The new name, “Norwegian Joy”, was revealed on March 30, 2016, together with the designated Chinese homeports Shanghai and Tianjin.

The name “Norwegian Joy” (Chinese: Xǐ Yuè Hào) was also publicly announced on February 29, 2016.

The ship was built with new “scrubbers” (exhaust gas cleaning systems). This technology reduces the equivalent of approx. 1500 tons of Sulfur Oxide emissions. The five in-line scrubbers are lightweight and can operate in dry mode as well as in open and closed loops.

The vessel’s construction officially started on September 16, 2015, with the steel-cutting ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard (Papenburg, Germany). Unlike the traditional water method (using heat injection), Joy was built using the dry plasma cutting method, which allows more precise cuts and creates less debris.

On April 5, 2016, the keel-laying ceremony marked the start of the ship’s physical assembly. The first keel block (weighing 680 tons and one of 80 total blocks) was lifted by crane and placed in the shipyard’s covered building hall. A commemorative coin—blessed on March 31, 2016, at XingTian Temple (Shanghai)—was traditionally placed under the block. The coin was blessed during a ceremony dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea.

In March 2016, at Mazu Temple (Shanghai), a traditional blessing ceremony was held for the coins used in Joy’s keel laying. Temple representatives presented NCL with a ceramic Mazu statue, which was later transported to Germany for the ship’s delivery. The statue was given a place of honor onboard to bestow blessings during the repositioning voyage from Europe to China.

NCL announced the ship’s godfather in late November 2016: Wang Leehom (born 1976), a Chinese-American singer, actor, producer and film director. As Joy’s godfather, he also serves as NCL’s brand ambassador for the Chinese market, promoting the line through various media platforms.

On March 4, 2017, the ship was launched (floated out from the covered dock). She was then berthed alongside to complete outfitting. The conveyance along the Ems River toward the North Sea was scheduled for late March. Sea trials were conducted in the North Sea prior to delivery on April 28, 2017. Norwegian Joy arrived in Shanghai in late June for year-round deployment.

On March 26, 2017, the vessel was conveyed along the Ems River from Papenburg to Eemshaven, Holland. After completing sea trials, the ship was handed over to NCL on April 27.

Norwegian Joy was officially delivered on April 28, 2017. The ceremony onboard in Bremerhaven was attended by Andy Stuart (NCL President & CEO) and David Herrera (NCLH China President).

The ship was christened in Shanghai on June 27, 2017. The ceremony featured a live performance by godfather Wang Leehom. Chinese artist Tan Ping, the creator of Joy’s hull art, also attended. The Phoenix was chosen as the central hull-art motif, symbolizing beauty and good fortune. The ceremony concluded with Wang Leehom and NCL executives simultaneously smashing champagne bottles against a replica hull, triggering the release of an oversized Veuve Clicquot bottle that shattered against the ship’s bow.

For the 2019 season (April–September), NCL offered one-day-only promotional deals with free flights and reduced roundtrip airfare for new bookings on Norwegian Joy’s 7-day Alaska itineraries (roundtrip from Seattle). The promotion, available September 14, 2018, also offered an alternative option of up to USD 1000 stateroom discount.

Following her relocation from Asia, Joy was scheduled for a USD 50-million refurbishment, including upgrades and design modifications to match Norwegian Bliss.

After the COVID-related operational pause, Norwegian Joy was scheduled to restart service in 2021 with a short Caribbean season of 7-day roundtrips from Jamaica (August 15–October 9).

Prices ranged USD 500–800 per person (double occupancy). However, the Jamaica homeporting program was canceled in late May, and the ship restarted service on October 19 from PortMiami.

Norwegian Joy refurbishment 2024 review

The ship’s 3-week drydock in 2024 (January 22–February 12, at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam) introduced new venues, redesigned and renovated public areas, an expanded Mandara Spa (with a new Thermal Suite), renovations and expansions within The Haven complex, 24 new balcony staterooms (converted from part of the Observation Lounge), redesigned Premier Owner’s Suites (now 3-Bedroom Haven Suites) and 40 new Spa Balcony cabins (with direct access to the wellness complex).

The 24 new balcony staterooms occupy former Observation Lounge space. Another 40 staterooms were reclassified as “Spa Balcony”, granting free, direct access to the Mandara Spa & Salon on deck 16, newly fitted with a Thermal Suite. The new Thermal Suite—now the largest in the Breakaway Plus class—replaced the Galaxy Pavilion and includes a Sauna Room, Ice Room, Aroma Steam Room, Spa Lounge (with heated loungers and 4-senses loungers), a Biostation (for IV therapy/body treatments) and Kneipp foot hydrotherapy.

The redesigned Owner’s Suites each include 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 1 half bath, a separate bow-facing dining room (overlooking the Haven Horizon Lounge), redesigned living rooms and master bedrooms and upgraded terrace furnishings.

Vibe Beach Club on deck 20 was expanded into the former Laser Tag Arena. As on Bliss and Encore, the enlarged Vibe Beach Club now features private cabanas.

Drydock 2024 also included general maintenance, technical upgrades and hull cleaning/repainting.

Inaugural itineraries 2017

Norwegian Joy was deployed for year-round operations in Asia. The ship was purpose-built for the Chinese market and features a higher cruising speed to support longer itineraries to more distant ports.

Following her April 2017 delivery, Norwegian Joy repositioned to China. The relocation cruise included a series of inaugural showcase events in the ports of Singapore, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. VIP partner cruises were also operated from the Chinese homeports of Shanghai and Tianjin-Beijing.

The ship’s first Chinese cruise (preview voyage from Shanghai to Kochi, Japan) departed on June 10, 2017. The 4-night roundtrip (June 10–15) carried over 1700 VIP guests from Alibaba Group.

The christening ceremony was held on June 27, 2017, led by godfather Wang Leehom.

NCL Joy’s inaugural cruise from Shanghai departed on June 28. Roundtrip itineraries from Tianjin were scheduled between August 26 and September 15, 2017.