Norwegian Joy

So, does the name actually make sense for this mega-ship?

Did you know that Norwegian Joy was originally designed with the Chinese market in mind? 

It debuted in 2017, sailing through Asia, before Norwegian Cruise Line brought it to the USA just two years later. This ship aims to be a jack-of-all-trades, offering entertainment options geared primarily toward teens and adults - including a go-kart track - along with great food and attentive staff. However, the ship feels more crowded than most newer Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, with some tight corridors, small pools, and pushy salespeople that contribute to a sense of claustrophobia.

Let’s check out what works and doesn’t work on the Norwegian Joy.

What we like about the Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Cruise Line©

Let’s start with one of the most important things in cruises and… well… in life. Food. Norwegian Joy gets food right. The buffet offers a wide variety of options, more so than many other cruise lines, for both breakfast and dinner. Specialty dining is also excellent, with restaurants like Le Bistro and Ocean Blue being highly praised and well worth your attention. And let’s not forget that guests staying in one of The Haven Suites have access to an exclusive restaurant with exceptional dining options.

The staff usually receives great reviews from guests, and you’ll notice something interesting later in our “What We Don’t Like” section. While there seems to be a shortage of staff onboard the Norwegian Joy, those who are there do their jobs incredibly well. The staff, especially at guest services, is attentive and professional. There are numerous accounts online of long guest service lines where staff members took the time to address each guest individually, remaining patient and kind throughout. Way to go!

The observation lounge on the Norwegian Joy is another standout feature. Located on Deck 15, this special spot features huge windows, bars, lounges, and even a Starbucks, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the views of the sun and ocean in the distance. It’s a serene area that feels far less crowded than the rest of the ship. Combine that with the chill vibes, and it quickly becomes one of the best spots onboard.

There are plenty of entertainment options onboard. This ship is a mega-resort at sea, similar to many ships from Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It features two waterparks, multiple waterslides, a go-kart racing track (yes, really), a mini-golf course, an arcade, and several other fun amenities. The go-kart racing track is fun, even though it feels a bit small with many tight turns - Norwegian has to save space, after all.

What we don’t like about the Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Cruise Line©

This is also a ship that can feel crowded for a particular reason: it appears to lack sufficient staff. Some bars have only one or two bartenders, and the same issue occurs at certain kiosks. This causes lines to grow longer, and when all you want is a taco or a piña colada on a hot summer night, waiting 20 minutes for your order can be a hassle.

The main problem is that there are a lot of pushy sales tactics onboard the ship. Staff members often walk around trying to sell bingo cards, while photographers promote photo packages. You’ll also frequently hear announcements about special sales or the jackpot being ready for you to “win big.” These pushy sales tactics are definitely a letdown, especially since most people on a cruise ship just want to relax.

Norwegian Cruise Line©