Norwegian Joy Cruise Reviews

Packed with both adult-oriented and family-friendly amenities, Norwegian Joy brings the upscale side of Norwegian Cruise Line to the shores of Alaska and the beaches of the Mexican Riviera. Originally built in 2017 for the Asian market, Norwegian Joy received $50 million in refurbishments in 2019 before being repositioned to the American market to join her sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, in Alaska. Today, the redesigned Joy offers an impressive variety of activities, entertainment, and dining developed especially for North American travelers.

Competitive families will feel right at home thanks to the onboard laser tag, five-hole miniature golf course, and two-story go-kart speedway. There's also a fully equipped water park with two exciting features, the high-speed Aqua Racer and the Ocean Loop, whose enclosed tunnel slide spirals precariously over the edge of the deck. Plus, families can take advantage of the Entourage teen club and Splash Academy activity center for complimentary childcare. A mini water park for little ones and a virtual reality space filled with 3D games for all ages round out the ship’s extensive lineup of onboard activities.

Adults can catch the sunset from the open-air Waterfront promenade, wander into one of the poolside lounges, or head to the theater for an evening of music and laughs. In addition to stand-up, live DJs, and classic rock bands, Joy has two signature shows, the musical Footloose, and the earth-inspired acrobatic revue ELEMENTS! Passengers can also book tickets to Norwegian's popular Wine Lovers The Musical, a dinner theater production that, as you might have guessed, comes with plenty of drinks. Top dining choices include premium cuts at Cagney's Steakhouse, French favorites at Le Bistro, pasta and seafood at La Cucina, and the hibachi restaurant Teppanyaki.

Norwegian Joy cruises visit destinations along the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Alaska with periodic visits to Miami via the Panama Canal. The ship's Alaskan cruise season begins in May and runs through September, and all 7-night Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle, Washington. In the fall, Joy heads down the coast to its second homeport in Los Angeles. For much of the year, Joy takes passengers on 7-night trips across the Mexican Riviera, including ports of call in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. Longer 16-night cruises travel through the Panama Canal between Miami and L.A.

Norwegian Joy ship highlights

• Three pools and nine whirlpools
• Water park featuring the Ocean Loop and Aqua Racer slides
• Kids’ aqua park
• Go-kart racing, laser tag, and mini-golf
• Splash Academy kids club
• Entourage teen club
• Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games
• ELEMENTS! acrobatic stage show
• Broadway shows, including Footloose
• Wine Lovers The Musical dinner and drinks theater
• Seventeen lounges, including the Sugarcane Mojito Bar
• The Waterfront open-air promenade
• The Cavern Club rock venue
• Social Comedy and Night Club
• Casino at 678 Ocean Place
• Adults-only Spice H2O
• Mandara Spa & Salon
• Pulse fitness center

Before you book

Why sail on Norwegian Joy: Norwegian Joy caters to couples, families, and mature travelers seeking a destination-focused cruise experience while still sailing on a large, cutting-edge ship with the latest innovations.

You should know: While other cruise lines relegate their older, smaller ships to sail destination-focused itineraries like Alaska, Norwegian Joy is a huge, brand-new ship full of action and excitement. If you’re just sailing to explore America’s last frontier and don’t care about high-tech bells and whistles, you can find cheaper (and less-crowded) options elsewhere.