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Norwegian Joy cruise ship
Norwegian Cruise Line · Breakaway Plus Class

Norwegian Joy

West Coast home, world-class ship — Joy delivers year-round.

© Arno Redenius / WC / CC BY-SA 4.0
Launched
2017
Gross Tonnage
167,725 GT
Passengers
3,883
Decks
20
Home Port
Los Angeles, California

Norwegian Joy was originally built for the Chinese market and launched with features tailored to Chinese cruisers, but after lower-than-expected demand NCL brought her to North America in 2019 following a significant refurbishment. She now sails from Los Angeles — Alaska itineraries in summer, Mexican Riviera and Caribbean in winter — and her unique history means she has an unusual layout with some features not found on other Breakaway Plus ships, including the largest go-kart track in the fleet.

✦ The standout feature

The Race Track — at over 1,100 linear feet, Joy's go-kart circuit is the longest Race Track in the NCL fleet, spanning multiple levels and extending over the ship's edge for open-air racing with ocean views below. It's the most thrilling activity on any NCL ship.

What’s Onboard

🍽️

Dining

  • 29+ dining venues
  • Cagney's Steakhouse
  • Le Bistro French
  • Bayamo by Ocean Blue seafood
  • The Local 24-hour diner
  • Los Lobos Modern Mexican
🌊

Pools & Recreation

  • Race Track — longest go-kart circuit in the NCL fleet
  • Laser Tag
  • Aqua Park with waterslides
  • Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality arcade
  • Mini golf and sports courts
  • Observation Lounge for Alaska viewing
🎭

Entertainment

  • After Midnight — Broadway-style jazz and swing show
  • Howl at the Moon dueling pianos
  • Levity Entertainment stand-up comedy
  • The Brat Pack live show
  • Spice H2O adults-only venue
  • Casino and bars
🛏️

Cabins

  • 1,941 staterooms
  • The Haven luxury complex
  • Studio single-occupancy staterooms
  • Spa staterooms
  • Family staterooms
  • Balcony staterooms with Alaska views in summer
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family & Kids

  • Splash Academy kids' club
  • Race Track and Laser Tag for older kids and teens
  • Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality
  • Aqua Park slides
  • Teen lounge
  • Alaska wildlife programmes in summer

Video Tour

Norwegian Joy | Full Walkthrough Ship Tour & Review

✓ Best for
  • West Coast (LA) cruisers
  • Go-kart enthusiasts (best track in the NCL fleet)
  • Alaska from Los Angeles
  • Solo travellers (Studio cabins)
  • Mexican Riviera sailings
✗ Not the right fit for

Those expecting a standard Breakaway Plus layout (Joy's design is unique and some find it confusing). Luxury seekers outside The Haven.

Typical pricing

7-night Alaska from ~$1,100/pp (inside) to $4,000+/pp (Haven suite)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Norwegian Joy originally built for China?
Joy was delivered in 2017 specifically for the Chinese cruise market, with features like a Chinese restaurant, mahjong tables, and layout preferences suited to Chinese guests. After NCL's China plans didn't materialise as expected, she was refurbished in 2019 and transferred to North America with standard NCL features.
Is Norwegian Joy good for Alaska from Los Angeles?
Yes. Joy's LA homeport is ideal for West Coast cruisers who want Alaska without the effort of flying to Seattle or Vancouver. The round-trip voyages sail north along the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts before entering Inside Passage waters for glacier viewing.
What is the Galaxy Pavilion on Norwegian Joy?
Galaxy Pavilion is a virtual reality and high-tech gaming arcade with VR experiences, racing simulators, and other interactive attractions. It costs extra per activity and is one of the unique features from Joy's original Chinese build that was retained in the 2019 refurbishment.
Does Norwegian Joy have Studio cabins?
Yes. Joy has Studio staterooms for solo travellers with no single supplement — the same concept as Bliss and Prima. The Studio Lounge provides a social space exclusively for solo cruisers.
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