NCL Joy Cruise Ship Specifications and History

The NCL Joy cruise ship is a part of Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) fleet of modern ships. It was launched in 2021.

The NCL Joy was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. This shipyard is known for building some of the world's most luxurious cruise ships.

The NCL Joy has a gross tonnage of 169,116 tons and a length of 1,002 feet. This makes it a large ship with plenty of space for passengers and amenities.

The ship has a capacity for 3,998 passengers and 1,378 crew members. This means there's always someone available to help with any needs or questions you may have.

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The Norwegian Joy cruise ship is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 2017. It's currently sailing under the flag of the Bahamas.

This ship has a unique identity, with the IMO number 9703796 and MMSI 311000599. You can track its current position, which is often reported by AIS, and find out where it's headed next.

The Norwegian Joy is known for its speed, sailing at a pace of 17.0 knots, and its expected arrival time at JUNEAU, AL is April 26 at 17:00.

The NORWEGIAN JOY is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 2017.

It's currently sailing under the flag of Bahamas.

The vessel is 8 years old.

It's expected to arrive at JUNEAU, AL on Apr 26, 17:00.

The NORWEGIAN JOY is sailing at a speed of 17.0 knots.

Its current position is at North America West Coast, reported 22 hours ago by AIS.

The vessel's IMO number is 9703796 and MMSI is 311000599.

Norwegian Joy has a total of 20 decks, with 16 of them being passenger-accessible and 11 featuring cabins.

The ship offers a variety of staterooms, with a total of 1926 available in 42 different grades. This includes 1563 outside staterooms, 363 Inside staterooms, and 33 Interior Family Suites.

Most staterooms are sized between 170-215 square feet. Balcony cabins make up 1024 of the staterooms, while Oceanview staterooms account for 111. Standard Inside staterooms number 330.

The largest accommodations on the ship are The Haven Deluxe Owners Suites, which come in at 1460 square feet with a wraparound terrace of 490 square feet.

The ship has a total of 95 Suite accommodations, including two Owner’s Suites with two balconies each. The "Studio" area on the ship is actually occupied by Interior Family Suites, a total of 33 accommodations.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of staterooms available on the ship:

The ship also features 47 wheelchair-accessible cabins and 74 suites in the Haven complex.

The onboard experience on the NCL Joy cruise ship is truly impressive. The ship features a luxury complex named the Haven on deck 18, with private access and luxurious amenities.

You'll have access to 21 bars and lounges, as well as 16 complimentary and speciality dining options. The variety of options is staggering, and you're sure to find something that suits your taste.

One of the standout features of the Haven complex is the personal butler service, which provides priority access to entertainment and dining. This is a game-changer for those who want to make the most of their time on board.

The ship also offers a range of accommodation options, including mini-suites, family suites, balcony staterooms, club balcony suites, ocean view and interior staterooms. Whether you're traveling solo or with a large family, there's something for everyone.

Daytime hosted activities include trivia sessions, competitions, and challenges, as well as more relaxed pursuits like reading a book on the Waterfront outdoor promenade. This is the perfect spot to unwind and take in the ocean views.

At night, the Atrium comes alive with live music and entertainment, including game shows like the Newlywed Not So Newlywed game show and Battle of the Sexes. These events are a great way to meet new people and have some fun.

If you're looking for some relaxation, you can also try your hand at a tabletop escape room or take part in a dance class. Alternatively, you could simply enjoy the sound of the ocean and the peaceful atmosphere of the Waterfront promenade.

The Norwegian Joy cruise ship offers a wide range of bars and lounges to choose from, with over a dozen options to discover. You'll find everything from a cigar lounge to a wine bar, and even a comedy club.

The Gazebo Lounge and Horizon Lounge are great spots to relax and take in the ocean views. The Humidor Cigar Lounge is perfect for those who enjoy a good cigar and a glass of fine whiskey, which can be found at the Maltings Whiskey Bar or the A-List Bar.

Here's a list of some of the bars and lounges on board:

The dining options on Norwegian Joy are quite varied, with several complimentary and specialty restaurants to choose from.

The Local on Norwegian Joy is a standout for included dining, with a sit-down, table service nature that we really enjoyed.

Service was prompt and food was freshly prepared, making it a great option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We did have some issues with the main dining room, with food quality being more average than exceptional.

The Garden Café on deck 16 is the cruise ship buffet, but we found it to be chaotic and overwhelming, so we only dined there once.

On the other hand, the Observation Lounge on deck 15 offers great grab-and-go options, including savory and salty tapas, sandwiches, and desserts, which we enjoyed throughout our cruise.

If you're looking to splurge on specialty dining, Norwegian Joy has six specialty restaurants to choose from, including Ocean Blue, where we had an exceptional dinner experience.

Ocean Blue's menu has a great variety of seafood and non-seafood options, including a delicious cioppino made with various seafood.

Food Republic is another favorite, with good food and a great selection of tapas, including fried rice, pad thai noodles with shrimp, and Korean fried chicken.

Teppanyaki is a fun option, with expertly prepared food and lively entertainment, but be prepared for crowds.

Cagney's steakhouse is a bit of a mixed bag, but their OMG caramel cheesecake is a must-try, in our opinion.

The bars and nightlife on Norwegian Joy are a big part of its charm. With over a dozen bars and lounges to choose from, you're sure to find your favorite spot.

You can start with the Gazebo Lounge, The Humidor Cigar Lounge, or even Starbucks if you need a caffeine boost. Other popular spots include the Skyline Bar, Horizon Lounge, and The Haven Lounge.

If you're looking for something more low-key, you might enjoy the Vibe Beach Club or Waves Pool Bar. Both offer a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of drinks.

Be sure to check out the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, where you can try Heidi's go-to raspberry-guava mojito or my jalapeno-cucumber mojito. This spot is a great place to enjoy live music and a few drinks.

The Maltings Whiskey Bar is another standout spot, located on Deck 6 near The Social and Teppanyaki. It's a great place to try a Blackberry Bourbon Smash or other upscale cocktails.

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If you're looking for a more energetic vibe, head to the Social Comedy & Night Club or the Cavern Club. Both offer live music and dancing, and are great places to meet new people.

If you're looking for a more laid-back spot, you might enjoy the District Brew House, which features a wide selection of beer and live music. We particularly enjoyed Beau Tahana's high-energy performances here.

Here are some of the bars and lounges on Norwegian Joy:

Norwegian Joy also offers several epic pool deck parties, including a 90s party and a Glow Party. These events are a lot of fun and offer a great way to meet new people and enjoy the ship's nightlife.

The Norwegian Joy cruise ship is a playground for adults and kids alike. You can enjoy a range of onboard activities, from racing to gaming.

The Joy Speedway is a unique outdoor attraction where you can drive a race car at sea. However, be prepared for crashes and bottlenecks, as the track is small and turns are tight. The $15 per person charge is worth it for the experience, but be aware of the potential for accidents.

The ship's Galaxy Pavilion is an immersive gaming experience with interactive video walls, hovercraft bumper cars, and three interactive dark ride simulators. You can also play a Star Wars Battle Pod video game or try your luck at the Joy Casino.

For kids, there's the Splash Academy, a drop-off program for kids aged 5-12, where they can participate in arts and crafts, games, and theme days. The Kids' Aqua Park is also a great spot for kids to cool off and have fun.

If you're looking for some relaxation, the Waterfront outdoor promenade is a great spot to read a book, take a walk, or enjoy the ocean views. Alternatively, you can try your hand at mini-golf, play some video games, or try your luck at the slot machines.

Here's a rundown of some of the ship's entertainment options:

The Norwegian Joy cruise ship offers a variety of itineraries, but the current one is a 9-day round-trip Alaska Glacier Bay, Skagway Juneau cruise.

Prices start from USD 931 (double occupancy rates), and the itinerary begins on April 23, 2025, and ends on May 2, 2025. The ship departs from Seattle, Washington hotels on April 23 at 16:00.

Here is a breakdown of the itinerary:

The Norwegian Joy has had a variety of itineraries over the years. In 2017, it began with Asian cruises departing from Shanghai and Tianjin, with its inaugural cruise on June 27, 2017.

The ship initially operated short-break itineraries in Japan, including 3-night cruises to nowhere and 4- and 5-night itineraries visiting ports such as Hakata-Fukuoka City and Hiroshima.

In 2019, the ship was repositioned to Seattle, Washington, and began operating 7-day Alaskan cruises, replacing NCL Pearl and joining NCL Bliss and NCL Jewel in the region.

The Norwegian Joy underwent a $50 million drydock upgrade before its inaugural USA season, making it virtually identical to NCL Bliss.

Here are some of the ship's notable itineraries:

The ship's itineraries have been affected by the Coronavirus crisis, with new schedules announced in early-April 2021, including 7-day Caribbean cruises from Montego Bay, Jamaica, and La Romana, Dominican Republic.

You'll be rocking out to the greatest hits and dynamic new musical interpretations of Footloose, exclusively at sea with Norwegian Joy.

Based on the fan-favorite film, Footloose tells the heartwarming story of a young Chicago teenager who moves to a small Midwestern town where dancing is banned.

You can catch Footloose and other spectacular shows on board, including ELEMENTS, a show that combines magic, music, and dance to reveal the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire.

ELEMENTS is an incredible combination of wonder, allure, and sensual delight, featuring mesmerizing magic acts, flying, and rousing rhythms that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Norwegian Joy is a beautiful cruise ship, and here are some key details to know:

The Norwegian Joy was built in 2017 and underwent a refurbishment in 2019, making it a relatively new addition to the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.

It's a contemporary ship, part of a class that's known for its sleek and modern design. The Norwegian Joy has a massive tonnage of 168,800, making it a large and impressive vessel.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the key numbers to know about the Norwegian Joy:

Norwegian Joy is a massive cruise ship, and its specifications are impressive. The ship was built in 2017 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, at a staggering cost of EUR 700 million (USD 920 million).

The ship's class is NCL BREAKAWAY PLUS, and it measures 333 meters in length. Its width is 41 meters, and it has a gross tonnage of 167,725 tons. The ship's speed is a respectable 23 knots, which translates to 43 kilometers per hour or 26 miles per hour.

Here's a breakdown of the ship's dimensions:

The ship has a capacity for 3,804 to 4,622 passengers, depending on the configuration. It also has a crew of 1,821 members, which is a significant number. The passengers-to-space ratio is a respectable 36, indicating a comfortable and spacious experience for passengers.

The ship has 20 decks, with 11 of them having cabins. There are a total of 1,926 cabins on board, which is impressive. The ship has undergone a refurbishment in 2024, which has likely improved its amenities and services.

The Norwegian Joy ship was ordered in 2014. It was designed specifically for the Chinese market, a different approach from previous NCL ships.

The construction of the ship began on September 16, 2015, under the original name "Norwegian Bliss". The ship was later renamed to Norwegian Joy on February 29, 2016.

The name change was made to cater to the Chinese market, as the translation of "Bliss" into Chinese doesn't have positive connotations. The new name "Norwegian Joy" translates into "Xi Yue Hao" in Chinese.

The Norwegian Joy is currently cruising at a speed of 22.9 kn (42 km/h | 26 mph).

You can track the ship's location in real-time, as its current position is regularly updated.

The current location of Norwegian Joy is in North America West Coast (coordinates 56.39798 N / -134.40769 W).

The AIS position was last reported 27 minutes ago.

The Norwegian Joy cruise ship has undergone some fantastic enhancements, making it an even more incredible experience for its passengers.

The Thermal Suite at the Mandara Spa and Salon is now the largest among the Breakaway-Plus class ships, boasting a centralised layout and an entrance corridor with waterfalls and sculptures.

This newly expanded Thermal Suite includes a separate lounge area featuring a sauna, ice room, and aromatic steam room, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

A total of 24 new balcony staterooms were created by redesigning the Observation Lounge, offering stunning ocean views and a more intimate experience for guests.

The Mandara Spa and Salon has also been enhanced with the recategorisation of 40 new spa balcony staterooms that provide direct access to the Thermal Suite and the spa.

The Haven by Norwegian Premier Owner's Suites have been expanded to three bedrooms, featuring three and a half bathrooms, a fully renovated living room, and a master bedroom with outdoor balcony furniture.

Each of these suites now includes a new dining room that faces The Haven Horizon Lounge, offering breathtaking views and a more spacious living area.

The Laser Tag arena on deck 20 has been replaced with the expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club, featuring a layout similar to the Vibe Beach Club on the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

The Vibe Beach Club includes new private luxury cabanas, providing a luxurious and exclusive experience for adults-only guests.

A quarter-mile oceanfront promenade has been added to the Norwegian Joy, offering stunning ocean views and creating a connection between guests and the sea.

The Norwegian Joy has had its fair share of contractors involved in its construction and refurbishment. Almaco Group was responsible for designing, supplying, and installing all catering-related equipment for the galleys, bars, buffets, pantries, provision stores, and refrigeration machinery on the ship, securing the contract in June 2017.

Alipay, a payment solution provided by Ant Financial Services Group, was also introduced on the Norwegian Joy in June 2017, allowing passengers to make payments on the ship. MJM Marine was selected as the outfitting contractor for the ship's refurbishment in February 2019.

The Norwegian Joy has undergone several refurbishments and upgrades since its launch, with the latest one taking place in January 2024, where new enhancements were unveiled following a 3-week drydock refurbishment project.

Almaco Group was responsible for designing, supplying, and installing all catering-related equipment on the Norwegian Joy, securing the contract in June 2017.

The company's expertise in accommodation and catering system solutions made them a great fit for this project.

In June 2017, Ant Financial Services Group's Alipay received a contract to introduce its payment solution on the Norwegian Joy ship.

This partnership aimed to provide a seamless payment experience for passengers.

NCL selected MJM Marine as the outfitting contractor for the ship's refurbishment in February 2019.

Their experience in outfitting and refurbishing ships made them a top choice for this project.

Norwegian Joy has been in the news for various reasons, including a 3-week drydock refurbishment project that unveiled new enhancements aboard the ship. The refurbishment project took place at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam/Holland.

In January 2024, the Norwegian Joy ship underwent drydock refurbishment to enhance the onboard guest experience. This refurbishment project aimed to improve the ship's amenities and services.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its 2026 spring/summer itineraries, featuring voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, and more. These itineraries offer a range of exciting destinations for travelers.

The Norwegian Joy ship will host a distinctive True Crime Cruise in January 2026, a partnership between festival operator Sixthman and NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line. This unique cruise experience will be a great opportunity for fans of true crime stories.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled its 400+ new voyages scheduled from late 2026 to early 2027, as part of its Black Friday Sale. This sale includes a 50% discount on select cruises, making it an ideal time to book a trip.

Here's a list of the new Norwegian Joy ship enhancements:

The Norwegian Joy ship has also been in the news for a few other reasons, including a 3-week drydock refurbishment project that took place at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam/Holland.