Built in 2017, Joy is one of Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus class ships. It’s big, and it’s got a ton of options, entertainment wise.
There are several shows taking place nightly, ranging from a Broadway-style musical to comedy and even some cirque-style experiences. You can also catch a live band at various venues around the ship.
Public Spaces
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for some of the biggest and most amenity-filled ships at sea. The Joy is no different — it’s the smallest ship in NCL’s Breakaway Plus class but offers big-name entertainment in big, state-of-the-art theaters; sprawling spas; casino-filled decks; and dedicated children’s zones.
The Joy also features a few spots where you can kick back solo, people-watch or relax with a book. One of the best is the Observation Lounge on Deck 15. This forward-facing space has multi-story windows that give you great views.
For some fun and active play, try The Speedway on Deck 19, a full-sized go-cart track that costs $15 for a 10-minute ride. Or check out the Galaxy Pavilion, a new gaming area that combines old-school arcade games with lots of virtual reality. You can also cut loose by heading to the tippy top of the ship and doing some laser tag. It’s a blast but if you get motion sickness easily, avoid this.
Atrium
With its quarter-mile oceanfront promenade, Norwegian Joy lets you connect with the world around you while enjoying signature dishes from specialty dining venues. Challenge friends and family to a race on the Aqua Racer or take on the Ocean Loops in the kid’s aqua park. Or, immerse yourself in a faraway virtual world at Galaxy Pavilion.
The ship also offers a spa with multiple treatment rooms and a pool, plus a gym with equipment overlooking the sea and multiple professional instructor-led classes. You can even enjoy a great view of the world around you from Observation Lounge, a forward-facing space with multi-story windows.
Like other ships in the Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class, Joy has a huge variety of places to dine, with options that range from complimentary main and casual dining venues to for-fee specialty eateries. The ship also features real Broadway shows in a big, state-of-the-art theater and a casino that fills half a deck.
Observation Lounge
Whether you want to watch bald eagles soaring over Alaskan fjords or dolphins speeding through tropical, crystal-clear water, Norwegian Joy’s two phenomenal observation decks put you in the perfect position to take it all in. And if you’re lucky enough to be traveling in The Haven, the ship’s most exclusive suites and villas, you’ll enjoy a truly world-class two-story observation lounge complete with 24-hour butler service.
The rest of the ship is also packed to the gills with things to do. Designed to connect you with the ocean, the walkable promenade known as The Waterfront offers amazing views and fresh sea air along its quarter-mile length. And along the way, you’ll find restaurants and bars to keep you fed and hydrated.
Ocean Plaza
As the name suggests, Ocean Plaza is where most of the action takes place on Norwegian Joy. Like her Breakaway Plus class sisters, the ship has plenty of pubs and other social spaces for cruisers to meet up and mingle. But it also boasts the most over-the-top attractions of any cruise ship in the fleet.
For example, there are two big water slides — the Aqua Racer and the Ocean Loops — which always have short wait times. Go-Karts are another popular form of top-deck entertainment on Norwegian ships. On Joy, you’ll find a full-sized track that costs an extra fee to ride.
If you want to get away from it all, head over to Deck 20 to try one of the most unique virtual reality experiences at sea. The Galaxy Pavilion features interactive video walls and immersive virtual reality headsets that give you a thrill. You can even fight a laser battle against your family and friends!