Norwegian Joy

Former name: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Joy current position

Norwegian Joy current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 18.04626 N / -104.05397 W) cruising at speed of 16.5 kn (31 km/h | 19 mph) en route to PUERTO VALLARTA, MX. The AIS position was reported 32 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy current cruise is 15 days, one-way from Miami to Los Angeles. Prices start from USD 1086 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 30 Nov, 2024 and ends on 15 Dec, 2024.

Date / TimePort
30 Nov 17:00    Departing from Miami, Florida hotels
03 Dec 06:00 - 14:00    Cartagena Colombia
04 Dec 20:00 - 05 Dec 20:00    Panama City, Fuerte Amador, Balboa
07 Dec 07:00 - 18:00    Puntarenas, Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
09 Dec 07:00 - 18:00    Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
12 Dec 07:00 - 16:00    Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico Riviera
13 Dec 07:00 - 14:00    Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico
15 Dec 07:00    Arriving in Los Angeles, Long Beach-San Pedro, California hotels

Specifications of Norwegian Joy

Year of build2017  /  Age: 7
Flag state Bahamas
BuilderMeyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)
ClassNCL BREAKAWAY PLUS
Building costEUR 700 million (USD 920 million)
Speed23 kn / 43 km/h / 26 mph
Length (LOA)333 m / 1093 ft
Beam (width)41 m / 135 ft
Gross Tonnage167725 gt
Passengers3804 - 4622
Crew1821
Passengers-to-space ratio36
Decks20
Cabins1926
Decks with cabins11
Last Refurbishment2024
Sister-shipsNorwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape
Former namesNorwegian Bliss
Christened byWang Leehom
Owner(NCLH) Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
Operator(NCL) Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Joy Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Nov 30 15 days, one-way from Miami to Los Angeles Miami $1086
2024 Dec 15 7 days, round-trip Mexican Riviera Cabo Puerto Vallarta Los Angeles $841
2024 Dec 22 7 days, round-trip Mexican Riviera Cabo Puerto Vallarta Los Angeles $1791
2024 Dec 29 7 days, round-trip Mexican Riviera Cabo Puerto Vallarta Los Angeles $1871
2025 Jan 05 16 days, one-way from Los Angeles to Miami Los Angeles $1304
2025 Jan 21 16 days, one-way from Miami to Los Angeles Miami $1382
2025 Feb 06 15 days, one-way from Los Angeles to Miami Los Angeles $1436
2025 Feb 21 5 days, round-trip Friendship 2025 Miami
2025 Feb 21 5 days, round-trip Friendship Cruise Miami
2025 Mar 03 5 days, round-trip Love And Harmony Cruise Miami
2025 Mar 08 2 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Miami $348
2025 Mar 10 5 days, round-trip Monsters Of Rock Cruise Miami
2025 Mar 15 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Harvest Caye, Cozumel Roatan Miami $1292
2025 Mar 22 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Harvest Caye, Cozumel Roatan Miami $1142
2025 Mar 29 15 days, one-way from Miami to Los Angeles Miami $1593
2025 Apr 13 7 days, round-trip Mexican Riviera Cabo Puerto Vallarta Los Angeles $1500
2025 Apr 23 9 days, round-trip Alaska Glacier Bay, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1171
2025 May 02 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1168
2025 May 12 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1105
2025 May 21 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1115
2025 May 30 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1368
2025 Jun 09 9 days, round-trip Alaska Ketchikan, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1505
2025 Jun 18 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1455
2025 Jun 27 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1868
2025 Jul 07 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1455
2025 Jul 16 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1455
2025 Jul 25 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1748
2025 Aug 04 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1385
2025 Aug 13 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1355
2025 Aug 22 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1668
2025 Sep 01 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1305
2025 Sep 10 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1355
2025 Sep 19 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1658
2025 Sep 29 21 days, one-way from Seattle to Miami Seattle $2638
2025 Oct 02 18 days, one-way from San Francisco to Miami San Francisco $2404
2025 Oct 05 15 days, one-way from Los Angeles to Miami Los Angeles $2336
2025 Oct 20 4 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Nassau Miami $689
2025 Oct 24 3 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Nassau Miami $589
2025 Nov 11 4 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Nassau Port Canaveral $653
2025 Nov 15 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $1026
2025 Nov 22 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $1196
2025 Nov 29 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $976
2025 Dec 06 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $946
2025 Dec 13 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $946
2025 Dec 20 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $1276
2025 Dec 27 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $1376
2026 Jan 03 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $896
2026 Jan 10 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $896
2026 Jan 17 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $896
2026 Jan 24 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $896
2026 Jan 31 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $896
2026 Feb 07 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $896
2026 Feb 14 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $946
2026 Feb 21 5 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Nassau Port Canaveral $700
2026 Feb 26 5 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Nassau Port Canaveral $700
2026 Mar 03 4 days, round-trip Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay Nassau Port Canaveral $439
2026 Mar 07 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $996
2026 Mar 14 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $996
2026 Mar 21 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $996
2026 Mar 28 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $996
2026 Apr 04 7 days, round-trip Caribbean Great Stirrup Cay Dominican Republic Port Canaveral $996
2026 Apr 11 23 days, one-way from Port Canaveral to Seattle Port Canaveral $3129
2026 May 13 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1364
2026 May 22 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1574
2026 Jun 01 9 days, round-trip Alaska Ketchikan, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1508
2026 Jun 10 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1614
2026 Jun 19 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1874
2026 Jun 29 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1714
2026 Jul 08 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1714
2026 Jul 17 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1924
2026 Jul 27 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1764
2026 Aug 05 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1714
2026 Aug 14 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1824
2026 Aug 24 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1514
2026 Sep 02 9 days, round-trip Alaska Dawes Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1464
2026 Sep 11 10 days, round-trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1616
2026 Sep 21 9 days, round-trip Alaska Glacier Bay, Skagway Juneau Seattle $1512

Norwegian Joy Review

Review of Norwegian Joy

The 2017-built Norwegian Joy cruise ship (ordered as "Norwegian Bliss") is the 2nd of all four Breakaway Plus-class NCL liners - with sisterships Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Bliss (2018), Norwegian Encore (2019). This class is approx 7000 GT-tons larger in comparison to the company's second-biggest vessel - Norwegian Epic.

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

In 2019, NCL Joy was drydock refurbished to become virtually identical to sistership Norwegian Bliss - NCL's most successful liner ever. Then the liner was repositioned from China to the USA. The refurb project was managed by MJM Marine (part of MJM Group (Northern Ireland UK). The company specializes in cruise ship refurbishment and interior design services. The works involved ~1400 people and 40+ onboard venues and areas were revamped. Following the refit, NCL Joy started Alaskan cruises from homeport Seattle WA, then was repositioned for Mexican Riviera roundtrips from homeport Los Angeles CA.

NCL Joy ship is currently scheduled for a drydock refurbishment in 2024 (January 6 thru February 16), to be conducted at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE (NYC). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American). In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL, Oceania and RSSC-Regent.

NCL Norwegian Joy cruise ship

The 4000-passenger ship Norwegian Joy was built by Meyer Werft (Papenburg Germany) and entered service for NCL in 2017. The first name of the ship (Bliss) was selected in a USA TODAY online contest. Breakaway Plus ships are NCL's largest (163,000 GT each) and boast the innovative features found on Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, as well as a number of new interactive experiences.

The NCL Joy ship was ordered in 2014. The construction (under the name "Norwegian Bliss") began on September 16, 2015. On October 12, 2015, it was announced that Bliss would be renamed and designed specifically for the Chinese market. On February 29, 2016 (leap year) the new name "Norwegian Joy" was officially announced. The name translates into "Xi Yue Hao" (Chinese glyphs 喜悦号).

The Breakaway Plus-class NCL ship Joy featured food and onboard experiences catering for the preferences of Chinese holidaymakers. NCL also had a different name in China - "Nuo Wei Zhen", meaning "Promising, Exclusive and Authentic". The translation of "Bliss" into Chinese doesn't have positive connotations, hence the name change.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Joy staterooms (1926 total, in 42 grades) include 1563 outside, 363 Inside (including 33x Interior Family Suites), no Studios (single cabins). Most staterooms are sized 170-215 ft2 (16-20 m2). Balcony cabins are 1024, Oceanviews 111, Standard Inside 330. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 47. The largest accommodations are The Haven Deluxe Owners Suites (1460 ft2 / 136 m2, with wraparound terrace sized 490 ft2 / 46 m2).

The boat has 20 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Compared to the Breakaway-class NCL ships (Getaway and Breakaway), the total number of Joy' Haven suites is almost doubled. There are a total of 95 Suite accommodations, including two Owner’s Suites (featuring two balconies each).

The "Studio" area (cabins and lounge area for solo travelers exclusively) on NCL Joy is occupied by Interior Family Suites (a total of 33 accommodations).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Norwegian Cruise Line provides passengers with the freedom to savor gourmet dishes, various tastes and the flexibility to choose the number of courses to enjoy during the meal. On Norwegian Joy, guests can choose between 11 complimentary dining options. They can also experience new flavors at signature specialty restaurants, such as Le Bistro, La Cucina, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Bayamo by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces.

NCL’s signature specialty restaurants feature enhanced menus including favorite dishes and new tastes. Whether passengers prefer a light meal of a favorite soup or appetizer, or indulge in a dinner featuring Maine lobster, with the new à la carte options, they have the opportunity to create their own, desired dining experience.

 

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Joy restaurants and food bars.

  • Savor Restaurant (Main Dining Room, 260 seats) features traditional Chinese cuisine offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • The Manhattan Room (Main Dining Room, aft location, 586 seats) with a dance floor for the evening dance show, featuring traditional Chinese cuisine and Western dishes.
  • Taste Restaurant (Main Dining Room, 258 seats) serves contemporary Chinese cuisine.
  • “Private Room at Taste” (group private dining, 100 seats capacity, own lounge area)
  • The Local Bar and Grill (195 seats) a complimentary venue which is an updated take on the popular O’Sheehan’s Pub. The menu showcases similar offerings, such as Fish and Chips, Chicago Style Hot Dog, and some new additions like Tortilla Bowl. The grill is open 24 hours per day serving up different menus depending on the time of day guests choose to dine).
  • Q Texas Smokehouse (218 seats) is a BBQ restaurant featuring live country music. It serves authentic Texas-style barbecue including smoked meats, pulled pork, brisket, beef and pork ribs, and side items.
  • Teppanyaki Restaurant (112 seats) is the Japanese Hibachi specialty restaurant (reservations-only, at surcharge US$29 pp, kids charged a full cover). The Teppanyaki restaurant is open for Lunch (12-1:30 pm) and Dinner (5:30-10 pm). It features live cooking demonstrations and traditionally prepared (a la carte priced) specialties, including sushi, fruit sashimi, Yakitori grill, a sake menu.
  • Food Republic (78 seats) is a new and exclusive dining concept (via a partnership with the Pubbelly Restaurant Group). This specialty restaurant is open lunch through dinner, offers international cuisine with a la carte menu and iPad ordering system.
  • La Cucina Italian Restaurant (116 indoor seats, 66 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is reservations-only, and with cover charge US$15 PP (kids charged a full cover). The Cucina restaurant is open between 5:30-9:30 pm and has large tables. The NCL Joy’s Italian dining experience is marked by a casual atmosphere and large portions (perfect for family dinners) and traditional Italian fine wines and gourmet cuisine specialties – pizzas, pasta, seafood, classic salads, freshly baked bread, desserts (including ice cream). La Cucina additionally has a separate outdoor seating terrace (waterfront) area.
  • Ocean Blue (86 indoor seats, 36 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is a specialty restaurant that serves fresh fish dishes.
  • Los Lobos (Mexican restaurant)

Cagney’s Steakhouse (174 indoor seats, 24 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is a specialty dinner restaurant (open 5:30-10:30 pm) for prime steaks (Certified Angus Beef) and gourmet seafood specialties. The Cagney’s restaurant is reservations-only, with cover charge US$30 per person and a free Kids Menu. At Cagney’s, kids are charged a full cover. Additionally, the steakhouse is open for suite guests-only serving Breakfast (7:30-9:30 am) and Lunch (12-1:30 pm).

Le Bistro French Restaurant (130 seats) is reservations-only, with cover charge US$20 per person, kids are charged a full cover. The intimate and romantic Bistro restaurant is dinner-only (open between 5:30-10:30 pm) and offers some of the NCL Joy ship’s best luxury dining experiences with its upscale amenities, superior white-glove service, sophisticated cuisine with a vintage wines selection and classic French gourmet specialties in the menu. During the day, Le Bistro hosts food and wine tasting events.

American Diner (157 seats) is a specialty American Bar & Grill restaurant (outdoor seating, at a surcharge of US$9 pp) that offers complimentary fast food choices and live music performances during the day.

Coco's is a chocolate-themed dessert outlet/patisserie serving handmade pralines, crepes, truffles and other treats paired with brand teas and coffees.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The 4200-passenger NCL Joy features an expanded Haven – the line’s concept “ship within a ship”. This space (accessible only by keycard) boasts an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard area with retractable roof pool, whirlpools, spa treatment rooms, separate sauna, private sundeck.

Among the other features are the “678 Ocean Place” (spanning 3 decks, with amazing live entertainment in the evenings, several bars and alternative dining places), big-capacity water slides and a ropes course (both facilities catering to families). On NCL Joy, guests can see Tony Award-nominated musical Footloose and the classic aerial acrobatics show, Elements, as well as the wine-tasting comedy, Wine Lovers: The Musical. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

NCL Joy is the world's first-ever cruise ship with a Ferrari racetrack (deck 19). The facility is built by RiMO Supply (RiMO Germany Group) and operated via a partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches. This is also the first-ever branded Formula 1 race car track.

NCL Norwegian Joy cruise ship racetrack (Go-Karts Ferrari F1)

The 2-level track spans on 2 decks and offers incredible sea views at height of 60 m (200 ft). It has a capacity up to 10 racers at a time on electric go-karts (Ferrari branded).

The GoCars can reach speeds up to 40 mph (65 kph). In comparison to the sister-ship Norwegian Bliss, Joy's racetrack is 20% smaller and has 8 turns. Bliss has 10, two of which are cantilevered over the ship's side.

Unlimited go-kart rides (weekly pass) costs USD 100 pp (offered on all 7-day-cruise itineraries). Day passes cost USD 30 pp. A single run costs USD 10 pp. Unlimited pass passengers access the race track via separate (shorter) queue line.

Passengers booked in Concierge and The Haven staterooms enjoy complimentary rides with bookings. The used by RiMO technology ensures optimal usage under intensified UV conditions and saltwater exposure.

 

NCL Joy also features an open-air laser tag course (top deck), Aqua Park with Double Aqua Loop (two multi-deck waterslides - one hull-extending loop, one with transparent loop section stretching down to the below deck) and 2 racing slides (high-speed inner tubes with length over 110 m / 360 ft) both with a transparent section.

NCL Norwegian Joy cruise ship waterslide

Additional amenities include Complimentary 24-hour Room Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Joy lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • Joy Theater (907 seats) is the ship’s main show lounge served by its own bar (on deck 7). The theatre offers grand-style music and evening show productions. The evening program features Broadway-style shows, musicals, cabaret performances, magicians and comedy acts.
  • Atrium “678 Ocean Place” is 3-decks high, open-floor midship area with live entertainment and a big-size LED screen for movies. The Lobby level's Atrium Bar (44 seats) serves coffees, beers, wine by the glass, other drinks.
  • Chess & Card Room, Library, Internet Cafe (open 24 hours, Meeting Rooms; Photo Studio & Shop; Art Gallery
  • Reception (Guest Services Desk- assistance, reservations, information); Shore Excursions Desk (information, planning, booking)
  • Social Comedy and Night Club (103 seats) has a large dance floor and offers live entertainment by stand-up comedians and DJs.
  • Maltings Whiskey Bar (56 seats)
  • Horizon Lounge (90 seats) is a 2-deck bar lounge exclusive for The Haven passengers.
  • Mixx Bar (29 seats) is a piano bar located between Taste and Savor restaurants, making it a popular pre- and after-dinner venue for enjoying cocktails.
  • Joy Casino is a premium gaming lounge with both smoking and non-smoking areas, large-size LED screens, a separate Joy Casino VIP Room (high-stakes gambling room) and is served by Skyline Bar.
  • Skyline Bar offers cocktails before dinner. Guests can meet friends after a show or press their luck with the bar-top poker screens.
  • Promenade Deck’s best feature is the Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft/402 m long, open-air area with multiple alfresco dining and entertainment venues). It offers a unique open-air deck experience by several seaside venues with outdoor seating. The list of the venues features shops, bars, restaurants, a 1/4-mi-long boardwalk (outdoor area with shaded seating) located 8 stories above the water.
  • Starbucks Coffee Bar (44 seats) offers items from the full Starbucks menu.
  • Dolce Gelato (Italian ice cream bar, a la carte)
  • District Brew House (94 seats) has a keg room and offers a selection of 50 bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap (including the new Wynwood brew). The venue is operated via the NCL partnership with Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company.
  • The Humidor Cigar Lounge (16 seats) is the ship’s smoking-allowed bar lounge.
  • The Cellars Wine Bar (49 seats) is operated via NCL partnership with Mondavi and offers premium wines and tapas-style a la carte menu. The Wine Bar has a separate room for wine tastings (with sommelier service) and an outdoor seating area on The Waterfront.
  • Carlo's Bake Shop is a premium patisserie/bakery by ‘the “cake boss” Buddy Valastro.
  • Sugarcane Mojito Bar (52 seats/indoor and Waterfront/outdoor) features live Latin music performances.
  • Tradewinds Tax & Duty-Free Shops are duty-free retails selling alcohol, tobaccos, NCL-logoed merchandise, jewelry, watches, perfumes and cosmetics, brand fashion and accessories, special occasion gifts. The shopping complex includes Tides Boutique, Cartier, Omega, Bvlgari, Fine Watches, The Time Zone, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Bally, Godiva (gourmet sweets, including truffles, premium chocolates, soft-serve ice cream), also Beauty Shop.
  • The Cavern Club Lounge (45 indoor seats, 45 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is a replica of Liverpool's music club and offers Beatles music, tribute bands performances and "The Choir of Man” crew show (dynamic performances with live percussions, high-energy music, dancing and foot-stomping by 9 crew performers).
  • Photo Gallery & Shop (photo-video services by professional onboard photographers)
  • The A-List Bar (44 seats) serves handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits and wines. The Bar is named after Andy Stuart (NCL's President and CEO).
  • The Haven Lounge & Bar (90 seats) is a VIP lounge exclusive for Concierge Level passengers with a delicious buffet available for light breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.
  • Garden Cafe (708 indoor seats, 280 outdoor seats) is a complimentary, buffet-style casual restaurant, plus an Open-Air Garden Cafe (outdoor seating area). It offers traditional Asian cuisine as well as specialty dishes from all around the world.
  • Waves Pool Bar (15 seats) is a casual outdoor bar serving beverages, including popular cocktails.
  • Aqua Park (3-decks high, with 2 pools, 5 multi-level waterslides / Ocean Loop; 2 racing-slides, “Free Fall” drop-slides; 4 Whirlpools, poolside bar, Sun Deck area); Kids'Aqua Park
  • Splash Academy (kids 3-12 yo, is 2-story high, offers themed activities, with a light-up floor (for interactive dancing), circus school (with a resident clown), Nintendo and PS3 console games, kids-only cinema, crafts-arts, pirate parades. The area hosts also the Guppies Nursery (toddlers 6 months to 2 yo) and the Kid’s Aqua Park (splash pool, Nickelodeon characters entertainment).
  • NCL Joy ship’s Mandara Spa & Fitness /wellness complex consists of Thermal Suite (heated loungers, sauna, steam rooms, solarium), Salt Room (halotherapy room), Beauty Salon, Foot Clinic, Barber Shop, Medi Spa (teens), Aerobics Studio (classes).
  • Entourage Teen Centre is a teens-only club lounge for kids 13-17 yo (complimentary, supervised by certified counselors). The teen lounge has Video Games Arcade, large TVs for movies, PlayStation 3 gaming consoles, game tables (pinball, foosball, air hockey). Here are hosted themed parties (dance, pool, pizza) and teen discos in the evenings.
  • Galaxy Pavilion is an indoor complex for virtual-world and multi-player gaming, equipped with interactive video walls and virtual reality technology. 
  • “The Haven” complex is for Villa- and Suite passengers only, and consists of "The Haven Courtyard" (has a retractable roof, adults-only pool area, 2 Whirlpools), spa, steam room, gym room), "The Haven Restaurant" (92 indoor seats, 38 outdoor seats) and "The Haven Lounge Bar" (capacity 90 seats, offering a delicious limited buffet for breakfast and lunch with delicious traditional Chinese and Western cuisine).
  • Spice H2O (124 seats, lower level 1 of 2) is an adult-only relaxation area, with 1 pool, 2 Whirlpools, huge outdoor LED screen, Poolside Bar, Grill.
  • Pulse Fitness Centre features Technogym equipment and a separate Aerobics Studio for classes, among which Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, boxing, TRX).
  • Sports Complex has a Bungee Trampoline, Spider Web (climbing wall with spiral slide), Mini Golf and Ropes Courses, Zip Line, The Plank (walking platform); combined sports court (basketball/volleyball), Race Track (Ferrari TM go-karts), Rock Climbing Wall, Jogging Track.
  • Race Track is operated with 10 electric carts and 5-6 min race sessions. Go-Karts are decorated with different companies' logos.
  • Laser Battle is an open-air laser tag course with obstacles and a large touchscreen for kids.
  • Vibe Beach Club (99 seats, deck 19) is an adults-only relaxation area (surcharges per day apply) with cantilevered whirlpools, sunbathing area with sun loungers and luxury chaise lounge chairs, outdoor bar, private cabanas.
  • Forward on decks 17-18 are located two 2-level bar lounges - Horizon Lounge and The Haven Lounge.
  • Forward on deck 17 are located The Haven Courtyard Sundeck, Jacuzzies, waterslides (Aqua Racer, Ocean Loops), Speedway Jogging Tracks.
  • On deck 16 are located swimming pools, Sundeck, Kids' Aqua Park, wellness facilities (Fitness Center, Mandara Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop).
  • Forward on deck 15 is the Observation Lounge & Bar (444 seats, size 2723 ft2 / 253 m2). This is a VIP lounge (exclusive for Concierge Level passengers) with a delicious buffet (available for light breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks) and offers 270-degree ocean views (from floor-ceiling windows) and full Bar service.
  • On deck 13 is the Infirmary/Medical Center.
  • On deck 8 are Cellars Wine Bar, Maltings Whiskey Bar, Cavern Club, Humidor Lounge, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, The A-List Bar, Tradewinds Tax & Duty-Free Shops.
  • On deck 7 is the Box Office.
  • On deck 6 are located Shore Excursions, Internet Cafe-Library-Card Room, Perspective/Photo Studio, Meeting Rooms, Reception/Guest Services, Art Gallery, The Atrium.
  • On deck 5 are the children's venues (Splash Academy, Guppies, Video Arcade, Entourage).

Signature activity facilities include 2-level electric go-cart track (Scuderia Ferrari, on top-deck), Galaxy Pavilion (interactive gaming center), outdoor laser tag course, a water park with 2 multi-story waterslides, an outdoor park for tai-chi practicing, luxury-brand shopping district.

Galaxy Pavilion (gaming center) is equipped with interactive video walls and Oculus virtual reality technology. The equipment includes three XD Dark Ride Motion simulators (with 3D real-time graphics, 3D Virtual Surround Sound, multi-sensory effects), six Xbox stations, Star Wars Battle Pod (arcade game), hovercraft bumper cars.

Itineraries

Norwegian Joy itinerary program was initially based on Asian cruises with roundtrip departures from homeports in China (Shanghai and Tianjin). The Inaugural Cruise (roundtrip from Shanghai) was on June 27, 2017.

NCL Joy's 2018 Asian schedule also included one 3-night Cruise to Nowhere (on Feb 19) and short-break itineraries (4- and 5-night) visiting exclusively ports in Japan (Hakata-Fukuoka City, Nagasaki, Yatsushiro-Kumamoto City, Hiroshima, Kochi). Most 4-night itineraries include only one port of call. In 2018, the ship had scheduled a total of 87 roundtrips leaving from China.

In 2019, NCL Joy operated seasonal cruises in Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal. In April 2019, the ship was repositioned from Shanghai China to Seattle WA for a 7-day Alaskan program. NCL Joy replaced in Alaska NCL Pearl and joined there the fleetmates NCL Bliss and NCL Jewel. After Alaska 2019 season, Joy was repositioned to homeport Los Angeles for Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera itineraries (winter 2019-2020).

Before the inaugural USA (Alaskan) season, Norwegian Joy underwent a USD 50 million drydock upgrade to become virtually identical to NCL Bliss.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in early-April 2021 NCL announced new schedules for the ships JADE (7-day Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Piraeus-Athens/starting July 25), JOY (7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay Jamaica/starting August 15) and GEM (7-day Caribbean from La Romana Dominican Republic/starting August 7).

  • Previously, the boats were planned to restart as follows - Joy (October 19, 2021/Caribbean from Miami), Gem (Oct 29, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), Jade (January 2, 2022/South Africa from Cape Town).
  • In late-May NCL canceled JOY's ex-Jamaica schedule (Aug 7 thru Oct 9) and planned an Alaskan deployment (with Seattle homeporting) but this program was canceled in June.
  • In early-June NCL canceled GEM's ex-Dominicana schedule (Aug 15 thru Oct 10).

For 2021-2022-2023 were scheduled roundtrips from homeports Miami (to Caribbean), NYC New York (to Bermuda), Los Angeles (to Mexican Riviera), Seattle (to Alaska).

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Norwegian Joy Wiki

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

The vessel was initially named "Norwegian Bliss" (selected via an NCL-hosted online contest) The vessel's construction started with the steel-cutting on September 16, 2015. On October 12, 2015, was officially announced that the new ship would be redesigned for the Chinese market. The new "Joy" name was announced on March 30, 2016, along with the homeports in China - Shanghai and Tianjin.

The ship's name "Norwegian Joy" (in Chinese "Xǐ Yue Hao") was announced on Feb 29th (2016).

NCL Norwegian Joy cruise ship

The liner was built with new "scrubbers" (exhaust gas cleaning systems). The new technology reduces the equivalent of approx 1500 tons of the poisonous gas Sulfur Oxide. These in-line scrubbers (5 units) are lightweight and able to operate in a 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). Instead of the traditional water method (injecting the metal with heat), for NCL Joy was used the dry plasma method - for more precise cuts and creating less mess).

On April 5, 2016, started the vessel's physical construction/assembly with the keel-laying ceremony. During the event, the first keel block (weighing 680 tons, one of all 80 blocks comprising the vessel) was lifted by a huge crane and placed into the shipyard's covered building hall. With this event was officially started the ship's assembly. Previously, a special commemorative coin was created and during the keel laying was traditionally placed under the first building block. The coin was blessed on March 31, 2016, at XingTian Temple (Shanghai) during a pledge ceremony to the Chinese goddess of the sea "Mazu".

In March 2016, at Mazu Temple (Shanghai) was held a traditional ceremony to obtain a blessing for the coins used in NCL Joy's keel-laying ceremony. During the event, temple representatives gifted a Mazu ceramic statue to the NCL company. The statue was then brought to Germany for the vessel's official delivery. The statue was given a place of honor on the ship to carry Mazu's blessings on the repositioning cruise from Europe to China.

The name of the ship's godmother (godfather in this case) was officially announced by NCL in late November 2016 - Wang Leehom (born 1976), Chinese-American singer, actor, producer and movie director. The NCL Joy's godfather also serves as the NCLH company's brand ambassador for the Chinese market, promoting NCL through various media (including social media) platforms.

On March 4, 2017, was the launch (float-out from drydock/shipyard's covered dock 2). The vessel was then berthed at a pier for the remaining works. The conveyance (via Ems River towards the North Sea) was scheduled for late March. In the North Sea were held sea trials before the official delivery (April 28, 2017). NCL Joy arrived in Shanghai China in late June for year-round operations.

On March 26, 2017, the vessel was conveyed on Ems River from Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland. In the following days, the ship completed sea trials on the North Sea and was handed over to NCL on April 27.

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

The ship was christened in Shanghai China on June 27, 2017. The onboard naming ceremony featured a live performance by the vessel's godfather Wang Leehom. He is a Chinese-American songwriter, singer, music producer, actor and film director. In homage to the hull art (by Chinese artist Tan Ping, who also attended the event), the christening ceremony started with a dance performance by Yabin Wang. The Phoenix was selected as the hull artwork's focal point, as for the Chinese the mythological bird represents beauty and good luck. Naming ceremony's pinnacle moment was when the godfather Wang Leehom and NCL executives simultaneously smashed champagne bottles against a replica ship's hull, which released an oversized Veuve Clicquot (Yellow Label Champagne) bottle that shattered against the real ship's hull.

NCL Norwegian Joy cruise ship

For season 2019 (April through September), NCL offered 1-day only promo deals with free flights and reduced roundtrip airfare for new bookings on Norwegian Joy's 7-day Alaskan itineraries (roundtrips from Seattle). NCL's Alaskan promo was available for one day only (September 14, 2018). Instead of the airfare promo, customers had the option for up to USD 1000 per stateroom discount.

Following the relocation from Asia, NCL's Joy had planned a USD 50-million refurbishment for upgrades and design changes, to become identical to the sistership Norwegian Bliss.

Following the COVID-related suspension, NCL Joy was scheduled to restart operations in 2021 with a mini-season of 7-day Caribbean roundtrips from Jamaica (August 15 thru October 9).

Date / TimePort
07 Aug 20:00Departing from Montego Bay, Jamaica
09 Aug 07:00 - 18:00Harvest Caye Belize, NCL private island
10 Aug 07:00 - 17:00Coxen Hole, Roatan Island, Honduras
11 Aug 10:00 - 20:00Cozumel, Mexico
13 Aug 07:00 - 18:00Ocho Rios, Jamaica
14 Aug 06:00Arriving in Montego Bay

Prices were in the range USD 500-800 per person with double occupancy. However, the Jamaica homeporting schedule was canceled in late May, and the liner restarted services on October 19, out of PortMiami.

Norwegian Joy refurbishment 2024 review

The ship's 3-week drydock refurbishment in 2024 (January 22nd through February 12th, at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam) resulted in new venues, redesign and renovations to many public areas, an expanded Mandara Spa (a Thermal Suite was added), The Heaven complex renovations and expansions, 24x new balcony staterooms (taking space from the Observation Lounge), redesigned Premier Owner's Suites (to become 3-Bedroom Haven Suites), 40x new spa balcony cabins added (with direct access to the wellness/spa complex).

The 24 new balcony staterooms occupy a space that was part of the Observation Lounge. The category of 40x other staterooms was changed to "spa balcony", allowing their occupants free and direct access to Mandara Spa & Salon (deck 16) which was fitted with a Thermal Suite. The new Thermal Suite (the largest among the Breakaway-Plus sisterships) took the space of the VR gaming complex Galaxy Pavilion. Norwegian Joy's Thermal Suite groups a Sauna Room, an Ice Room, an Aroma Steam Room, as well as a separate Spa Lounge (relaxation area with tiled heated loungers and 4-senses loungers), a Biostation (for intravenous therapy/body treatment), new foot hydrotherapy (using products by Kneipp GmbH).

The two redesigned Owner Suites are (each) with 3x bedrooms, 3x full bathrooms, 1x half bath, a separate dining room (bow-facing/overlooking the Haven Horizon Lounge), their living rooms and master bedrooms are redesigned and their terraces received new outdoor furniture.

Vibe Beach Club (deck 20) was enlarged by taking the space of the Laser Tag Arena. Like on the sisterships Bliss and Encore, Joy's expanded Vibe Beach Club has private cabanas.

Drydock 2024 also included general maintenance works, technical overhauls, hull cleaning/repainting.

Inaugural itineraries 2017

Norwegian Joy was deployed for year-round operations in Asia. The NCL Joy ship is specifically designed to target the Chinese market. The vessel features a higher cruising speed allowing it to operate on longer itineraries to more distant ports of call.

Following the April 2017 delivery, NCL Joy started its repositioning to China. The relocation cruise itinerary included showcasing events as part of grand inaugural port tours. These 1-day events were held at each of the itinerary's ports of call - Singapore, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. VIP partner cruises were also operated from the ship's Chinese homeports Shanghai and Tianjin-Beijing.

The ship's ever first Chinese cruise (preview voyage from Shanghai to Kochi Japan) was on June 10, 2017. The 4-night long roundtrip voyage (June 10-15) was attended by over 1700 VIP guests from Alibaba Group (the world's largest online commerce company).

The ship's christening ceremony was on June 27, 2017, led by godfather Wang Leehom.

NCL Joy's Inaugural Cruise from Shanghai was on June 28. Roundtrip itineraries out of Tianjin were scheduled for the period August 26 through September 15, 2017.