norwegian joy 12 day cruise

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Norwegian Joy

Former name: norwegian bliss.

Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line

• New York (NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn)
• Miami (Florida)
• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)
• Seattle (Washington)

Norwegian Joy current position

Norwegian Joy current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 33.25119 N / -65.28085 W) cruising at speed of 11.2 kn (21 km/h | 13 mph) en route to BERMUDA. The AIS position was reported 10 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Bermuda . Prices start from USD 729 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 05 May, 2024 and ends on 12 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Norwegian Joy

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Norwegian Joy Itineraries

Norwegian joy review, review of norwegian joy.

The 2017-built Norwegian Joy cruise ship (ordered as "Norwegian Bliss") is the 2nd of all four Breakaway Plus-class NCL liners - with sisterships Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Bliss (2018), Norwegian Encore (2019). This class is approx 7000 GT-tons larger in comparison to the company's second-biggest vessel - Norwegian Epic .

The vessel (IMO number 9703796) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311000599) and registered in Nassau .

In 2019, NCL Joy was drydock refurbished to become virtually identical to sistership Norwegian Bliss - NCL's most successful liner ever. Then the liner was repositioned from China to the USA. The refurb project was managed by MJM Marine (part of MJM Group (Northern Ireland UK). The company specializes in cruise ship refurbishment and interior design services. The works involved ~1400 people and 40+ onboard venues and areas were revamped. Following the refit, NCL Joy started Alaskan cruises from homeport Seattle WA , then was repositioned for Mexican Riviera roundtrips from homeport Los Angeles CA .

NCL Joy ship is currently scheduled for a drydock refurbishment in 2024 (January 6 thru February 16), to be conducted at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport .

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE ( NYC ). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American). In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL , Oceania and RSSC-Regent .

The 4000-passenger ship Norwegian Joy was built by Meyer Werft ( Papenburg Germany ) and entered service for NCL in 2017. The first name of the ship (Bliss) was selected in a USA TODAY online contest. Breakaway Plus ships are NCL's largest (163,000 GT each) and boast the innovative features found on Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway , as well as a number of new interactive experiences.

The NCL Joy ship was ordered in 2014. The construction (under the name "Norwegian Bliss") began on September 16, 2015. On October 12, 2015, it was announced that Bliss would be renamed and designed specifically for the Chinese market. On February 29, 2016 (leap year) the new name "Norwegian Joy" was officially announced. The name translates into "Xi Yue Hao" (Chinese glyphs 喜悦号).

The Breakaway Plus-class NCL ship Joy featured food and onboard experiences catering for the preferences of Chinese holidaymakers. NCL also had a different name in China - "Nuo Wei Zhen", meaning "Promising, Exclusive and Authentic". The translation of "Bliss" into Chinese doesn't have positive connotations, hence the name change.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Joy staterooms (1926 total, in 42 grades) include 1563 outside, 363 Inside (including 33x Interior Family Suites), no Studios (single cabins). Most staterooms are sized 170-215 ft2 (16-20 m2). Balcony cabins are 1024, Oceanviews 111, Standard Inside 330. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 47. The largest accommodations are The Haven Deluxe Owners Suites (1460 ft2 / 136 m2, with wraparound terrace sized 490 ft2 / 46 m2).

The boat has 20 decks , of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Compared to the Breakaway-class NCL ships (Getaway and Breakaway), the total number of Joy' Haven suites is almost doubled. There are a total of 95 Suite accommodations, including two Owner’s Suites (featuring two balconies each).

The "Studio" area (cabins and lounge area for solo travelers exclusively) on NCL Joy is occupied by Interior Family Suites (a total of 33 accommodations).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Norwegian Cruise Line provides passengers with the freedom to savor gourmet dishes, various tastes and the flexibility to choose the number of courses to enjoy during the meal. On Norwegian Joy, guests can choose between 11 complimentary dining options. They can also experience new flavors at signature specialty restaurants, such as Le Bistro, La Cucina, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Bayamo by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces.

NCL’s signature specialty restaurants feature enhanced menus including favorite dishes and new tastes. Whether passengers prefer a light meal of a favorite soup or appetizer, or indulge in a dinner featuring Maine lobster, with the new à la carte options, they have the opportunity to create their own, desired dining experience.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Joy restaurants and food bars.

• Savor Restaurant (Main Dining Room, 260 seats) features traditional Chinese cuisine offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• The Manhattan Room (Main Dining Room, aft location, 586 seats) with a dance floor for the evening dance show, featuring traditional Chinese cuisine and Western dishes.
• Taste Restaurant (Main Dining Room, 258 seats) serves contemporary Chinese cuisine.
• “Private Room at Taste” (group private dining, 100 seats capacity, own lounge area)
• The Local Bar and Grill (195 seats) a complimentary venue which is an updated take on the popular O’Sheehan’s Pub. The menu showcases similar offerings, such as Fish and Chips, Chicago Style Hot Dog, and some new additions like Tortilla Bowl. The grill is open 24 hours per day serving up different menus depending on the time of day guests choose to dine).
• Q Texas Smokehouse (218 seats) is a BBQ restaurant featuring live country music. It serves authentic Texas-style barbecue including smoked meats, pulled pork, brisket, beef and pork ribs, and side items.
• Teppanyaki Restaurant (112 seats) is the Japanese Hibachi specialty restaurant (reservations-only, at surcharge US$29 pp, kids charged a full cover). The Teppanyaki restaurant is open for Lunch (12-1:30 pm) and Dinner (5:30-10 pm). It features live cooking demonstrations and traditionally prepared (a la carte priced) specialties, including sushi, fruit sashimi, Yakitori grill, a sake menu.
• Food Republic (78 seats) is a new and exclusive dining concept (via a partnership with the Pubbelly Restaurant Group). This specialty restaurant is open lunch through dinner, offers international cuisine with a la carte menu and iPad ordering system.
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant (116 indoor seats, 66 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is reservations-only, and with cover charge US$15 PP (kids charged a full cover). The Cucina restaurant is open between 5:30-9:30 pm and has large tables. The NCL Joy’s Italian dining experience is marked by a casual atmosphere and large portions (perfect for family dinners) and traditional Italian fine wines and gourmet cuisine specialties – pizzas, pasta, seafood, classic salads, freshly baked bread, desserts (including ice cream). La Cucina additionally has a separate outdoor seating terrace (waterfront) area.
• Ocean Blue (86 indoor seats, 36 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is a specialty restaurant that serves fresh fish dishes.
• Los Lobos (Mexican restaurant)

Cagney’s Steakhouse (174 indoor seats, 24 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is a specialty dinner restaurant (open 5:30-10:30 pm) for prime steaks (Certified Angus Beef) and gourmet seafood specialties. The Cagney’s restaurant is reservations-only, with cover charge US$30 per person and a free Kids Menu. At Cagney’s, kids are charged a full cover. Additionally, the steakhouse is open for suite guests-only serving Breakfast (7:30-9:30 am) and Lunch (12-1:30 pm).

Le Bistro French Restaurant (130 seats) is reservations-only, with cover charge US$20 per person, kids are charged a full cover. The intimate and romantic Bistro restaurant is dinner-only (open between 5:30-10:30 pm) and offers some of the NCL Joy ship’s best luxury dining experiences with its upscale amenities, superior white-glove service, sophisticated cuisine with a vintage wines selection and classic French gourmet specialties in the menu. During the day, Le Bistro hosts food and wine tasting events.

American Diner (157 seats) is a specialty American Bar & Grill restaurant (outdoor seating, at a surcharge of US$9 pp) that offers complimentary fast food choices and live music performances during the day.

Coco's is a chocolate-themed dessert outlet/patisserie serving handmade pralines, crepes, truffles and other treats paired with brand teas and coffees.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The 4200-passenger NCL Joy features an expanded Haven – the line’s concept “ship within a ship”. This space (accessible only by keycard) boasts an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard area with retractable roof pool, whirlpools, spa treatment rooms, separate sauna, private sundeck.

Among the other features are the “678 Ocean Place” (spanning 3 decks, with amazing live entertainment in the evenings, several bars and alternative dining places), big-capacity water slides and a ropes course (both facilities catering to families). On NCL Joy, guests can see Tony Award-nominated musical Footloose and the classic aerial acrobatics show, Elements, as well as the wine-tasting comedy, Wine Lovers: The Musical. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

NCL Joy is the world's first-ever cruise ship with a Ferrari racetrack (deck 19). The facility is built by RiMO Supply (RiMO Germany Group) and operated via a partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches. This is also the first-ever branded Formula 1 race car track.

The 2-level track spans on 2 decks and offers incredible sea views at height of 60 m (200 ft). It has a capacity up to 10 racers at a time on electric go-karts (Ferrari branded).

The GoCars can reach speeds up to 40 mph (65 kph). In comparison to the sister-ship Norwegian Bliss, Joy's racetrack is 20% smaller and has 8 turns. Bliss has 10, two of which are cantilevered over the ship's side.

Unlimited go-kart rides (weekly pass) costs USD 100 pp (offered on all 7-day-cruise itineraries). Day passes cost USD 30 pp. A single run costs USD 10 pp. Unlimited pass passengers access the race track via separate (shorter) queue line.

Passengers booked in Concierge and The Haven staterooms enjoy complimentary rides with bookings. The used by RiMO technology ensures optimal usage under intensified UV conditions and saltwater exposure.

NCL Joy also features an open-air laser tag course (top deck), Aqua Park with Double Aqua Loop (two multi-deck waterslides - one hull-extending loop, one with transparent loop section stretching down to the below deck) and 2 racing slides (high-speed inner tubes with length over 110 m / 360 ft) both with a transparent section.

Additional amenities include Complimentary 24-hour Room Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Joy lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Joy Theater (907 seats) is the ship’s main show lounge served by its own bar (on deck 7). The theatre offers grand-style music and evening show productions. The evening program features Broadway-style shows, musicals, cabaret performances, magicians and comedy acts.
• Atrium “678 Ocean Place” is 3-decks high, open-floor midship area with live entertainment and a big-size LED screen for movies. The Lobby level's Atrium Bar (44 seats) serves coffees, beers, wine by the glass, other drinks.
• Chess & Card Room, Library, Internet Cafe (open 24 hours, Meeting Rooms; Photo Studio & Shop; Art Gallery
• Reception (Guest Services Desk- assistance, reservations, information); Shore Excursions Desk (information, planning, booking)
• Social Comedy and Night Club (103 seats) has a large dance floor and offers live entertainment by stand-up comedians and DJs.
• Maltings Whiskey Bar (56 seats)
• Horizon Lounge (90 seats) is a 2-deck bar lounge exclusive for The Haven passengers.
• Mixx Bar (29 seats) is a piano bar located between Taste and Savor restaurants, making it a popular pre- and after-dinner venue for enjoying cocktails.
• Joy Casino is a premium gaming lounge with both smoking and non-smoking areas, large-size LED screens, a separate Joy Casino VIP Room (high-stakes gambling room) and is served by Skyline Bar.
• Skyline Bar offers cocktails before dinner. Guests can meet friends after a show or press their luck with the bar-top poker screens.
• Promenade Deck’s best feature is the Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft/402 m long, open-air area with multiple alfresco dining and entertainment venues). It offers a unique open-air deck experience by several seaside venues with outdoor seating. The list of the venues features shops, bars, restaurants, a 1/4-mi-long boardwalk (outdoor area with shaded seating) located 8 stories above the water.
• Starbucks Coffee Bar (44 seats) offers items from the full Starbucks menu.
• Dolce Gelato (Italian ice cream bar, a la carte)
• District Brew House (94 seats) has a keg room and offers a selection of 50 bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap (including the new Wynwood brew). The venue is operated via the NCL partnership with Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company.
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge (16 seats) is the ship’s smoking-allowed bar lounge.
• The Cellars Wine Bar (49 seats) is operated via NCL partnership with Mondavi and offers premium wines and tapas-style a la carte menu. The Wine Bar has a separate room for wine tastings (with sommelier service) and an outdoor seating area on The Waterfront.
• Carlo's Bake Shop is a premium patisserie/bakery by ‘the “cake boss” Buddy Valastro.
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar (52 seats/indoor and Waterfront/outdoor) features live Latin music performances.
• Tradewinds Tax & Duty-Free Shops are duty-free retails selling alcohol, tobaccos, NCL-logoed merchandise, jewelry, watches, perfumes and cosmetics, brand fashion and accessories, special occasion gifts. The shopping complex includes Tides Boutique, Cartier, Omega, Bvlgari, Fine Watches, The Time Zone, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Bally, Godiva (gourmet sweets, including truffles, premium chocolates, soft-serve ice cream), also Beauty Shop.
• The Cavern Club Lounge (45 indoor seats, 45 Waterfront/outdoor seats) is a replica of Liverpool's music club and offers Beatles music, tribute bands performances and "The Choir of Man” crew show (dynamic performances with live percussions, high-energy music, dancing and foot-stomping by 9 crew performers).
• Photo Gallery & Shop (photo-video services by professional onboard photographers)
• The A-List Bar (44 seats) serves handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits and wines. The Bar is named after Andy Stuart (NCL's President and CEO).
• The Haven Lounge & Bar (90 seats) is a VIP lounge exclusive for Concierge Level passengers with a delicious buffet available for light breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.
• Garden Cafe (708 indoor seats, 280 outdoor seats) is a complimentary, buffet-style casual restaurant, plus an Open-Air Garden Cafe (outdoor seating area). It offers traditional Asian cuisine as well as specialty dishes from all around the world.
• Waves Pool Bar (15 seats) is a casual outdoor bar serving beverages, including popular cocktails.
• Aqua Park (3-decks high, with 2 pools, 5 multi-level waterslides / Ocean Loop; 2 racing-slides, “Free Fall” drop-slides; 4 Whirlpools, poolside bar, Sun Deck area); Kids'Aqua Park
• Splash Academy (kids 3-12 yo, is 2-story high, offers themed activities, with a light-up floor (for interactive dancing), circus school (with a resident clown), Nintendo and PS3 console games, kids-only cinema, crafts-arts, pirate parades. The area hosts also the Guppies Nursery (toddlers 6 months to 2 yo) and the Kid’s Aqua Park (splash pool, Nickelodeon characters entertainment).
• NCL Joy ship’s Mandara Spa & Fitness /wellness complex consists of Thermal Suite (heated loungers, sauna, steam rooms, solarium), Salt Room (halotherapy room), Beauty Salon, Foot Clinic, Barber Shop, Medi Spa (teens), Aerobics Studio (classes).
• Entourage Teen Centre is a teens-only club lounge for kids 13-17 yo (complimentary, supervised by certified counselors). The teen lounge has Video Games Arcade, large TVs for movies, PlayStation 3 gaming consoles, game tables (pinball, foosball, air hockey). Here are hosted themed parties (dance, pool, pizza) and teen discos in the evenings.
• Galaxy Pavilion is an indoor complex for virtual-world and multi-player gaming, equipped with interactive video walls and virtual reality technology. 
• “The Haven” complex is for Villa- and Suite passengers only, and consists of "The Haven Courtyard" (has a retractable roof, adults-only pool area, 2 Whirlpools), spa, steam room, gym room), "The Haven Restaurant" (92 indoor seats, 38 outdoor seats) and "The Haven Lounge Bar" (capacity 90 seats, offering a delicious limited buffet for breakfast and lunch with delicious traditional Chinese and Western cuisine).
• Spice H2O (124 seats, lower level 1 of 2) is an adult-only relaxation area, with 1 pool, 2 Whirlpools, huge outdoor LED screen, Poolside Bar, Grill.
• Pulse Fitness Centre features Technogym equipment and a separate Aerobics Studio for classes, among which Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, boxing, TRX).
• Sports Complex has a Bungee Trampoline, Spider Web (climbing wall with spiral slide), Mini Golf and Ropes Courses, Zip Line, The Plank (walking platform); combined sports court (basketball/volleyball), Race Track (Ferrari TM go-karts), Rock Climbing Wall, Jogging Track.
• Race Track is operated with 10 electric carts and 5-6 min race sessions. Go-Karts are decorated with different companies' logos.
• Laser Battle is an open-air laser tag course with obstacles and a large touchscreen for kids.
• Vibe Beach Club (99 seats, deck 19) is an adults-only relaxation area (surcharges per day apply) with cantilevered whirlpools, sunbathing area with sun loungers and luxury chaise lounge chairs, outdoor bar, private cabanas.
• Forward on decks 17-18 are located two 2-level bar lounges - Horizon Lounge and The Haven Lounge.
• Forward on deck 17 are located The Haven Courtyard Sundeck, Jacuzzies, waterslides (Aqua Racer, Ocean Loops), Speedway Jogging Tracks.
• On deck 16 are located swimming pools, Sundeck, Kids' Aqua Park, wellness facilities (Fitness Center, Mandara Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop).
• Forward on deck 15 is the Observation Lounge & Bar (444 seats, size 2723 ft2 / 253 m2). This is a VIP lounge (exclusive for Concierge Level passengers) with a delicious buffet (available for light breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks) and offers 270-degree ocean views (from floor-ceiling windows) and full Bar service.
• On deck 13 is the Infirmary/Medical Center.
• On deck 8 are Cellars Wine Bar, Maltings Whiskey Bar, Cavern Club, Humidor Lounge, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, The A-List Bar, Tradewinds Tax & Duty-Free Shops.
• On deck 7 is the Box Office.
• On deck 6 are located Shore Excursions, Internet Cafe-Library-Card Room, Perspective/Photo Studio, Meeting Rooms, Reception/Guest Services, Art Gallery, The Atrium.
• On deck 5 are the children's venues (Splash Academy, Guppies, Video Arcade, Entourage).

Signature activity facilities include 2-level electric go-cart track (Scuderia Ferrari, on top-deck), Galaxy Pavilion (interactive gaming center), outdoor laser tag course, a water park with 2 multi-story waterslides, an outdoor park for tai-chi practicing, luxury-brand shopping district.

Galaxy Pavilion (gaming center) is equipped with interactive video walls and Oculus virtual reality technology. The equipment includes three XD Dark Ride Motion simulators (with 3D real-time graphics, 3D Virtual Surround Sound, multi-sensory effects), six Xbox stations, Star Wars Battle Pod (arcade game), hovercraft bumper cars.

Itineraries

Norwegian Joy itinerary program was initially based on Asian cruises with roundtrip departures from homeports in China ( Shanghai and Tianjin ). The Inaugural Cruise (roundtrip from Shanghai) was on June 27, 2017.

NCL Joy's 2018 Asian schedule also included one 3-night Cruise to Nowhere (on Feb 19) and short-break itineraries (4- and 5-night) visiting exclusively ports in Japan ( Hakata-Fukuoka City , Nagasaki , Yatsushiro-Kumamoto City , Hiroshima , Kochi ). Most 4-night itineraries include only one port of call. In 2018, the ship had scheduled a total of 87 roundtrips leaving from China.

In 2019, NCL Joy operated seasonal cruises in Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal . In April 2019, the ship was repositioned from Shanghai China to Seattle WA for a 7-day Alaskan program. NCL Joy replaced in Alaska NCL Pearl and joined there the fleetmates NCL Bliss and NCL Jewel . After Alaska 2019 season, Joy was repositioned to homeport Los Angeles for Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera itineraries (winter 2019-2020).

Before the inaugural USA (Alaskan) season, Norwegian Joy underwent a USD 50 million drydock upgrade to become virtually identical to NCL Bliss.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in early-April 2021 NCL announced new schedules for the ships JADE (7-day Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Piraeus-Athens /starting July 25), JOY (7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay Jamaica /starting August 15) and GEM (7-day Caribbean from La Romana Dominican Republic /starting August 7).

• Previously, the boats were planned to restart as follows - Joy (October 19, 2021/Caribbean from Miami ), Gem (Oct 29, 2021/Bermuda from NYC ), Jade (January 2, 2022/South Africa from Cape Town ).
• In late-May NCL canceled JOY's ex-Jamaica schedule (Aug 7 thru Oct 9) and planned an Alaskan deployment (with Seattle homeporting) but this program was canceled in June.
• In early-June NCL canceled GEM's ex-Dominicana schedule (Aug 15 thru Oct 10).

For 2021-2022-2023 were scheduled roundtrips from homeports Miami (to Caribbean), NYC New York (to Bermuda),  Los Angeles (to Mexican Riviera), Seattle (to Alaska).

Norwegian Joy - user reviews and comments

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Norwegian Joy ship related cruise news

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Other Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships

• Norwegian Aqua
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Sun
• Norwegian Viva
• Pride of America

Norwegian Joy Wiki

Norwegian Joy is one of NCL's Breakaway Plus-class/new series vessels. Joy and the sistership Norwegian Escape (October 2015) both had their names selected through contests hosted online.

The vessel was initially named "Norwegian Bliss" (selected via an NCL-hosted online contest) The vessel's construction started with the steel-cutting on September 16, 2015. On October 12, 2015, was officially announced that the new ship would be redesigned for the Chinese market. The new "Joy" name was announced on March 30, 2016, along with the homeports in China - Shanghai and Tianjin.

The ship's name "Norwegian Joy" (in Chinese "Xǐ Yue Hao") was announced on Feb 29th (2016).

The liner was built with new "scrubbers" (exhaust gas cleaning systems). The new technology reduces the equivalent of approx 1500 tons of the poisonous gas Sulfur Oxide. These in-line scrubbers (5 units) are lightweight and able to operate in a dry mode, as well as in open and closed loops.

The vessel's construction officially started on September 16, 2015, with the steel-cutting ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard ( Papenburg Germany ). Instead of the traditional water method (injecting the metal with heat), for NCL Joy was used the dry plasma method - for more precise cuts and creating less mess).

On April 5, 2016, started the vessel's physical construction/assembly with the keel-laying ceremony. During the event, the first keel block (weighing 680 tons, one of all 80 blocks comprising the vessel) was lifted by a huge crane and placed into the shipyard's covered building hall. With this event was officially started the ship's assembly. Previously, a special commemorative coin was created and during the keel laying was traditionally placed under the first building block. The coin was blessed on March 31, 2016, at XingTian Temple (Shanghai) during a pledge ceremony to the Chinese goddess of the sea "Mazu".

In March 2016, at Mazu Temple (Shanghai) was held a traditional ceremony to obtain a blessing for the coins used in NCL Joy's keel-laying ceremony. During the event, temple representatives gifted a Mazu ceramic statue to the NCL company. The statue was then brought to Germany for the vessel's official delivery. The statue was given a place of honor on the ship to carry Mazu's blessings on the repositioning cruise from Europe to China.

The name of the ship's godmother (godfather in this case) was officially announced by NCL in late November 2016 - Wang Leehom (born 1976), Chinese-American singer, actor, producer and movie director. The NCL Joy's godfather also serves as the NCLH company's brand ambassador for the Chinese market, promoting NCL through various media (including social media) platforms.

On March 4, 2017, was the launch (float-out from drydock/shipyard's covered dock 2). The vessel was then berthed at a pier for the remaining works. The conveyance (via Ems River towards the North Sea) was scheduled for late March. In the North Sea were held sea trials before the official delivery (April 28, 2017). NCL Joy arrived in Shanghai China in late June for year-round operations.

On March 26, 2017, the vessel was conveyed on Ems River from Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland . In the following days, the ship completed sea trials on the North Sea and was handed over to NCL on April 27.

NCL Joy ship was delivered on April 28, 2017. The onboard ceremony was held in Bremerhaven . The ceremony was attended by Andy Stuart (NCL's CEO and President) and David Herrera (NCLH China's President).

The ship was christened in Shanghai China on June 27, 2017. The onboard naming ceremony featured a live performance by the vessel's godfather Wang Leehom. He is a Chinese-American songwriter, singer, music producer, actor and film director. In homage to the hull art (by Chinese artist Tan Ping, who also attended the event), the christening ceremony started with a dance performance by Yabin Wang. The Phoenix was selected as the hull artwork's focal point, as for the Chinese the mythological bird represents beauty and good luck. Naming ceremony's pinnacle moment was when the godfather Wang Leehom and NCL executives simultaneously smashed champagne bottles against a replica ship's hull, which released an oversized Veuve Clicquot (Yellow Label Champagne) bottle that shattered against the real ship's hull.

For season 2019 (April through September), NCL offered 1-day only promo deals with free flights and reduced roundtrip airfare for new bookings on Norwegian Joy's 7-day Alaskan itineraries (roundtrips from Seattle). NCL's Alaskan promo was available for one day only (September 14, 2018). Instead of the airfare promo, customers had the option for up to USD 1000 per stateroom discount.

Following the relocation from Asia, NCL's Joy had planned a USD 50-million refurbishment for upgrades and design changes, to become identical to the sistership Norwegian Bliss .

Following the COVID-related suspension, NCL Joy was scheduled to restart operations in 2021 with a mini-season of 7-day Caribbean roundtrips from Jamaica (August 15 thru October 9).

Prices were in the range USD 500-800 per person with double occupancy. However, the Jamaica homeporting schedule was canceled in late May, and the liner restarted services on October 19, out of PortMiami .

Norwegian Joy refurbishment 2024 review

The ship's 3-week drydock refurbishment in 2024 (January 22nd through February 12th, at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam ) resulted in new venues, redesign and renovations to many public areas, an expanded Mandara Spa (a Thermal Suite was added), The Heaven complex renovations and expansions, 24x new balcony staterooms (taking space from the Observation Lounge), redesigned Premier Owner's Suites (to become 3-Bedroom Haven Suites), 40x new spa balcony cabins added (with direct access to the wellness/spa complex).

The 24 new balcony staterooms occupy a space that was part of the Observation Lounge. The category of 40x other staterooms was changed to "spa balcony", allowing their occupants free and direct access to Mandara Spa & Salon ( deck 16 ) which was fitted with a Thermal Suite. The new Thermal Suite (the largest among the Breakaway-Plus sisterships) took the space of the VR gaming complex Galaxy Pavilion. Norwegian Joy's Thermal Suite groups a Sauna Room, an Ice Room, an Aroma Steam Room, as well as a separate Spa Lounge (relaxation area with tiled heated loungers and 4-senses loungers), a Biostation (for intravenous therapy/body treatment), new foot hydrotherapy (using products by Kneipp GmbH).

The two redesigned Owner Suites are (each) with 3x bedrooms, 3x full bathrooms, 1x half bath, a separate dining room (bow-facing/overlooking the Haven Horizon Lounge), their living rooms and master bedrooms are redesigned and their terraces received new outdoor furniture.

Vibe Beach Club ( deck 20 ) was enlarged by taking the space of the Laser Tag Arena. Like on the sisterships Bliss and Encore, Joy's expanded Vibe Beach Club has private cabanas.

Drydock 2024 also included general maintenance works, technical overhauls, hull cleaning/repainting.

Inaugural itineraries 2017

Norwegian Joy was deployed for year-round operations in Asia. The NCL Joy ship is specifically designed to target the Chinese market. The vessel features a higher cruising speed allowing it to operate on longer itineraries to more distant ports of call.

Following the April 2017 delivery, NCL Joy started its repositioning to China. The relocation cruise itinerary included showcasing events as part of grand inaugural port tours. These 1-day events were held at each of the itinerary's ports of call - Singapore , Qingdao , Shenzhen and Hong Kong . VIP partner cruises were also operated from the ship's Chinese homeports Shanghai and Tianjin-Beijing .

The ship's ever first Chinese cruise (preview voyage from Shanghai to Kochi Japan ) was on June 10, 2017. The 4-night long roundtrip voyage (June 10-15) was attended by over 1700 VIP guests from Alibaba Group (the world's largest online commerce company).

The ship's christening ceremony was on June 27, 2017, led by godfather Wang Leehom.

NCL Joy's Inaugural Cruise from Shanghai was on June 28. Roundtrip itineraries out of Tianjin were scheduled for the period August 26 through September 15, 2017.

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Norwegian Joy Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Joy

Activities & entertainment

• Observation Lounge
• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Joy Casino *
• Chess and Card Room
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Galaxy Pavillion *
• Gaming Lessons *
• Whirlpools (9)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• Jogging Track
• Late Night Dancing
• Mandara Spa *
• Waterslides (5)
• Poolside Games
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Vibe Beach Club *
• Wine Tasting *
• Kids Aqua Park
• Splash Academy _ Kids Club
• The Haven Lounge _ Suite Guests
• The Haven Observation Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Comedy Performances
• Joy Theater
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Social Comedy and Night Club
• The Cavern Club
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Savor Restaurant - Main
• Taste Restaurant - Main
• The Manhattan Room - Main
• Food Republic - Tapas *
• The District Brew House - Brewpub *
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• American Diner - Diner *
• A_List Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• Skyline Bar - Clubby Bar *
• Mixx Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar - Mojito Bar *
• Starbucks - Coffee Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Cocos - Pastries *
• Surf Bar - Pool Bar *
• Waves Bar - Pool Bar *
• The Local - Pub
• Ocean Blue - Seafood *
• Q Texas Smokehouse - Barbecue *
• Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• The Haven Restaurant - Suite Guests
• The Cellars - Wine Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 80
• Very Good 62
• Terrible 35
• All languages ( 261 )
• English ( 255 )
• Spanish ( 2 )
• French ( 2 )

Upcoming itineraries

Norwegian Joy – Refurbished & Reviewed

We’re excited to board the newly refurbished Norwegian Joy cruise ship and we’re going to share everything that has been updated during the January/February 2024 refurbishment and dry dock.

Embarking from Southampton, UK after a few weeks in dry dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands , the ship was ready to receive the first guests sailing an 11-day transatlantic cruise to Miami (with no ports!). Unfortunately, we were informed that some spaces due for refitting and refurbishment weren’t quite finished, but we were able to get access to take some photos and a quick tour of new areas.

Key Points:

• Norwegian Joy underwent refurbishment in early 2024 with updates like a new Thermal Suite and additional staterooms.
• Dining options include restaurants like Taste & Savor (no charge), as well as specialty dining venues.
• The ship offers unique features like the Speedway (go-karts at sea) and a water park, but some activities come at an extra cost.
• The entertainment on the ship is underwhelming compared to past offerings, with shows like “Elements” receiving mixed reviews.
• A large variety of stateroom options are available on the ship, and the bathrooms are noted for their spaciousness and amenities.

A few interesting Facts about the Joy

The Norwegian Joy was initially built for the Asian cruising market but only lasted in Asia for a short while. NCL chose to relocate the cruise ship to the Caribbean and do a light cosmetic refresh in 2020 to bring the design more in line with what the American market would expect.

Because of the original intent of the ship, some features are unique such as the pool decks with large swaths of open space meant to accommodate more people (originally on a faux lawn-style setup). So the pools are strange (visually) in their arrangement, but nothing changes the enjoyment.

The capacity of the Norwegian Joy is about 4000 people after the new addition of some cabins on the 15th deck.

The ship is part of the Breakaway Plus class of ships which also includes the Norwegian Encore (Our favorite NCL Ship)

What’s changed on the NCL Joy

Unlike other refits of large ships, most of the ship is going to remain the same. There aren’t going to be any new restaurants or major changes to common areas or existing cabins. However, there are going to be additions and a few updates.

New Thermal Suite on Norwegian Joy

The most notable update is the removal of the Laser Tag pavilion and replacing it with a huge new thermal suite to bring the Joy in line with other newer ships that feature the beautiful thermal suite like Joy’s sister ship, the Norwegian Encore .

Larger Vibe Beach Club

The Joy now features a much larger Vibe adult-only area with added cabanas and more space to relax.

Additional Staterooms

One of the more surprising updates to the Norwegian Joy is the addition of cabins. This comes at the expense of the popular observation lounge. This has many guests talking about whether or not this will affect the feel and atmosphere of the much-beloved lounge.

Deck 15 on the Norwegian Joy before and after the ship refurbishment

You’ll notice on the after photos of the Observation Lounge on the Joy that the entire left side of the lounge was more relaxation space, where now it’s full of cabins.

NCL Joy Before Refurbishment

NCL Joy AFTER Refurbishment

Here’s the side of the lounge that’s been modified. You’ll see that most of it has been cut back with just some extra seating left behind.

The transformation of the Observation Lounge was well done visually, but cut back so much space it’s going to be interesting to see how crowded the lounge feels on a full sailing.

Other work done to the Joy during the refurbishment included new carpeting, new mattresses in the staterooms, and cleaning of all soft surfaces

The ship looked nearly new when we boarded with everything being freshly cleaned and/or replaced. It was nice to see a ship launched in 2017 maintained and cleaned up to the extent of looking nearly new again.

What To Expect on the NCL Joy

After spending 11 days on the ship immediately after the drydock and refurbishment, we were left feeling like the ship was just about the perfect size for most itineraries. With an abundant of outdoor space and so many venues for food and drink, the ship didn’t ever feel crowded. However, we were only sailing at about 65% capacity at the time.

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The Food on the Joy

Having spent nearly 60 days on Norwegian Cruise Line ships in the past year across many cruises, it was surprising to find that the food quality on the Joy was better than any in recent memory. It really feels like the food rose to the level of the pre-pandemic quality of NCL. While there were a few “misses” when it came to food, which is to be expected, the majority of the dining experiences were extremely good.

Included Restaurants on the Joy

The dining venues included with your fare are generous and quite good. Included restaurants are:

• The Manhattan Room (Main Dining Room at Dinner)
• Taste (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Savor (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• The Local (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night)
• Garden Cafe (Buffet – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• American Diner (which used to be an additional cost and is now included!)

The Manhattan Dining room is only open for Dinner while Taste & Savor restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which helps distribute the crowds during popular dining times. The menu is the same in all 3 restaurants, it’s just a matter of what environment you want to dine in (or which side of the ship!)

During lunch and breakfast, bring your patience when choosing Savor & Taste . It can sometimes take a while to get your food.

Order Cagney’s In The Main Dining Room

You can now order a Cagney’s steak from the main dining room at dinner! So if you’re craving a bit of an elevated experience in the main dining room, for about $25 you can feast on a Filet Mignon.

The Local Bar & Grill on the Breakaway Plus Class ships replace the more pub-themed restaurant on other ships called O’sheehans – but they’re the same concept with bar bites, sandwiches, wings, and a late-night dining menu. The only real letdown of the Local is the chicken wings. They’ve changed the preparation method and they’re just not as good as they once were (I think this is fleet-wide as the same changes were on the Sun & Epic recently)

Many people don’t realize that the Local also serves breakfast making it a great alternative to the buffet.

When it came to the buffet (Garden Cafe), our only real issue was the food temperatures in some locations. Somehow everything was served steaming but was lukewarm, which defies most cooking science! Other than that, the selection was always good and the restaurant along with the serving areas was spotless.

The American Diner used to be an additional charge but starting February 2024, is included and has no extra charge. The menu largely replicates The Local but with outdoor dining space. Some people think the burgers are better, but they’re basically the same preparation in a different location on the ship.

Specialty Dining on the NCL JOY

Passengers who’ve sailed with Norwegian in the past will find the usual and expected up-charge specialty dining restaurants. Nearly all of them were exceptional, but it’s obvious portion sizes have changed, so some people who have visited a specialty dining restaurant on other Norwegian ships in the past may notice this. That said, there was always plenty of food!

The Specialty Dining / Premium Dining on the Norwegian Joy include:

The seafood forward menu is relatively simple but with well-prepared seafood options. For non-fish fans, you can also order a variety of steak items. On the Joy, there is a beautiful outdoor dining space that is in high demand during warmer weather cruises. Using a specialty dining package will allow an appetizer, main course, and dessert.

Cagney’s Steakhouse

A staple on all Norwegian ships, the steakhouse continues to deliver, albeit with slightly smaller portions. A specialty dining package will entitle you to An appetizer, main course, two sides and a dessert. See the Cagney’s menu

This French-inspired restaurant was probably the least inspiring meal on the Joy. It’s also hit-and-miss on other ships as well. While we used to really love this concept, it seems to have suffered the most from cost-cutting. If you have a dining package you can order an appetizer, main, and dessert, but it’s not really worth using that credit if you like the other options on the ship. It’s definitely not worth the ridiculous a la carte pricing! The outdoor dining is beautiful, however. See the Le Bistro menu . It’s worth noting that this is the last place to get Veuve Clicquot by the glass. So if you have the premium plus beverage package, and crave champagne, this is your only option.

TIP: On the NCL Joy, Le Bistro, and Cagney’s share a space separated by a lovely bar that rarely gets crowded!

Food Republic

The most overlooked specialty dining on the ship was Food Republic. Here you can order a variety of Asian-inspired dishes and a great selection of sushi rolls. What makes the restaurant even better is the view! A covered glass canopy overlooking the ocean makes the experience feel more elevated. What we love about this is while you can use a dining package that gets each person 4 items, the prices a la carte is not bad. So it’s one of those times I’d probably skip using the dining package and just go for a sushi roll or a light snacky type dinner. TIP : You’ll be presented with an ordering tablet / iPad. If you’re using the dining package, you don’t have to order all 8 items at once! Order as you go so your food doesn’t crowd the table and get cold.

This is the Italian specialty restaurant on the Joy and we found it more average than amazing. Having dined there twice on our 11-day voyage, once was great once was ‘meh’ … In general, I’d advise against ordering the pizza. It’s just not worth it for the price and quality, but the other dishes are quite good. It also has outdoor dining on the Joy. See the La Cucina menu

Q Texas Smokehouse

Oddly, this was one of our favorite specialty dining venues on the Joy, but the quantity of food is just TOO MUCH! If you’re a BBQ fan, it’s a must-try. It’s not quite good ole’ Texas BBQ, but it’s a close approximation. If you aren’t a fan of live music, dine earlier in the evening, as they have a stage that hosts music almost every night. See the Q Texas Smokehouse Menu

We usually skip the Teppanyaki restaurant on Norwegian. The price has just gotten ridiculous for what it is and with so many land-based restaurants with the same concept, it’s hard to justify. But it’s good! If you’re craving large portions of teppanyaki-style food and a side of “show cooking” it can be good fun, especially for groups. We skipped this on the Joy so we can’t speak to the quality of the food, but people we talked to who ate at the Teppanyaki restaurant loved it.

Bars on the Norwegian Joy

The NCL Joy has almost too many bars! I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. Not that it’s bad, but it’s hard to choose where to go for a drink sometimes!

The bars on the Joy include:

• The Observation Lounge – a great space for relaxing and for viewing out the front of the ship. (even though it’s reduced in size now)
• Skyline Bar – a great option within the Casino when all of the other bars are busy. It’s almost never full.
• Mixx Bar – this bar sits between Taste & Savor restaurants and is a good meeting spot pre-dinner.
• Spice H20- in the rear of the ship with a view over the all adult area & hot tubs
• Waves – The typical pool bar on the ship
• Maltings Whiskey Bar – a lovely space with lounge chairs and sofas. It’s also a place where gatherings take place like Friends of Dorothy, etc.
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar – This bar is of course where you can find mojitos, but also where live music is performed nearly all day long. There’s also a great outdoor seating area.
• Cavern Club – open only in the evenings and tends to get very crowded. Live music and performances every night.
• The Cellars wine bar – One of our favorite spots. It sits opposite La Cucina and is a great spot for people-watching while having some good wine. Unfortunately the selection doesn’t seem as good as it does on other ships with the Cellars wine bar.
• District Brew House – a great beer pub with abundant seating. It’s one of our favorite concepts on the ship with a ton of unique beer on tap and by the bottle. Don’t miss their unique cocktails.
• The Local – I really want to love this bar, but it’s just not very interesting. It’s more of a service bar for the Local restaurant. On other ships, this space is usually quite fun, but it’s boring on the Joy
• The Lobby / Atrium Bar – which is hugely popular all day long and gives a front row seat to the ridiculous games they do in the atrium.

There are also a couple of bars exclusive to the Haven guests as well.

are some tips & information about the bars on the Norwegian Joy

For more unique drinks and cocktails not on the menu, go to the A-List bar inside of Cagneys & Le Bistro. They’re more than happy to try to make unique cocktails. That bar also has mixers not found anywhere else on the ship (for example Fever Tree tonic).

The most social bar on the ship to meet people is either Mixx or the A-List bar. These are the best places for solo travelers to meet up.

The fastest place to get a drink when the restaurants are busy at dinner is the Mixx bar. Tired of waiting a long time for a glass of wine at dinner, just walk up to the bar and order it yourself.

For mid-day snacks, head to the observation lounge for a drink and a quick bite. Many passengers don’t realize that the Observation lounge also does “tea time” where there are sandwiches and pastries to have with your cocktails.

Assuming staff actively restrict the Spice H20 area, it’s a great place for an all-adult vibe while having a drink at the bar.

The Entertainment on the Norwegian Joy

Quite possibly the biggest disappointment of the NCL Joy is the entertainment. By now, most people know that Norwegian Cruise Line has pulled most of the big Broadway-style shows off of their ships. Unfortunately, the replacement entertainment is just underwhelming.

Sure, it’s fine… it’s something to do. But NCL Used to be known for really amazing entertainment at sea.

This is the biggest budget cut the cruise line has implemented and originally I didn’t feel like it was going to be a big deal, but it really does alter the enjoyment or at least the vibe of the cruise. In the past, there was always some excitement among passengers for the big shows, and now it’s nothing but a bunch of grumblings of disappointment.

On the Joy, their premier show is an in-house produced stage performance called “Elements”. Simply put, it’s a bunch of stage dancing around the theme of various elements (Fire, Ice, Water, etc). The performers do their job beautifully but the theme and the purpose of the show just fall flat. Some passengers love it, some don’t. I know for sure though, that it’s no replacement for the large production shows that NCL was always known for.

In addition, there are other performances that are underwhelming as well.

On the upside, live musing throughout the ship is generally really good though repetitive.

The “Social” on the Joy is a universal space where sometimes there is comedy, sometimes it transforms into a nightclub, and sometimes it’s a place for Art Auctions. So there’s usually something going on for entertainment inside of the Social.

Unfortunately, the Norwegian Joy lacks a Bliss Lounge or any other dedicated space as a night venue / club.

The staterooms & cabins on the Norwegian Joy

There’s every type of cabin you’d expect on a modern ship tucked away on the Joy including solo cabins, balcony cabins, suites, interior staterooms, penthouses, oceanview staterooms, and more.

We chose a standard mid-ship balcony stateroom and didn’t regret it a bit! (though we did bid for penthouses and Haven suites without success)

The staterooms on the Norwegian Joy are modern and comfortable without feeling “cold” and without feeling too much like a cruise ship cabin. The rooms feel timeless with the design and colors, so the ship should age well in the longer term and not feel dated.

Everything in the stateroom is as expected with all of the amenities found on NCL ships including a safe, flat screen TV, hair dryer, mini fridge with a few paid items, USB ports on both sides of the bed, and ample storage for a week or more of clothes.

The pleasant surprise is the bathrooms! The bathrooms on the Norwegian Joy are spacious with a glass shower (thank goodness there is no shower curtain!) and plenty of storage for toiletries.

There wasn’t anything in the cabin that was missing which would have made me feel like we should have upgraded to a larger stateroom. The rooms are pleasant, comfortable, and well-designed.

Things to do on the Norwegian Joy

There are a surprising number of things to do on the NCL Joy, however, be prepared that many activities cost extra, which is a real turn-off for some passengers.

The pools on the NCL Joy

The Joy has an unusual setup on the main pool deck, mostly due to the fact that it was originally designed for the Asian cruising market with less emphasis on pools than other spaces. That’s not to say the pools aren’t usable, they’re just a bit strange in their location.

There are the two main Lido deck pools and that’s about it unless you have access to the Haven.

On other ships where Spice H20 usually has a pool, it’s absent on the Joy and Spice H20 only has a large (very large) and fun hot tub (if you can wrap your brain around being in a hot tub with 20+ strangers)

For people who love the pool scene on cruise ships, the Joy is a bit of a bust.

Norwegian Joy Hot Tubs

Unlike other ships of its size, the Joy has very few hot tubs. There are only 2 on the main pool deck, one in the Vibe beach club, a huge 20+ person hot tub in Spice H20, and a very small hot tub in the newly added Thermal Suite. The Haven guests have access to their own wet area with a separate hot tub as well.

The water slide and water park on the Joy

The huge water slide, as I affectionately call the “toilet” – is one of the first giant slides at sea for Norwegian. Climbing up several flights of stairs, you’re greeted by an attendant that promptly instructs you what not to do and throws you down the chute. It’s good fun and surprisingly it’s one of the free activities on the ship!

At the end of the slide, you’ll find the water park which is a nice little splash area for kids. It’s not large, but big enough to give little ones something to do for a while.

The Speedway (go karts at sea)

This feature on the ship is quite puzzling. A race track at sea . The concept started on the NCL Joy and has since been adopted across the Breakaway Plus class ships including the Joy, Bliss and Encore as well as the Prima & Viva. I never quite understood this concept but some people love it. It seems enough people love the speedway on Norwegian that they keep putting them on their ships!

I just find it odd, because I rarely see it being used on the itineraries I’ve sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line. Maybe it’s the cost? Maybe it’s the demographics of the particular ship at the time.

How much is the Norwegian Speedway?

Like many things on Norwegian ships, the race track isn’t included in the cruise fare. Rides are $15 each . For an extra $5, you can have the track to yourself for three laps and drive at faster speeds. For $199, you can buy unlimited rides for your cruise.

For the overachievers on a cruise, the Norwegian Joy has a gym that, for the size of the ship, is surprisingly small. However, the facility is clean and well equipped but does get crowded. So if you’re inclined to work off those endless desserts and cocktails, the gym on the Joy is sufficient.

Starlink Internet installed on the Norwegian Joy

The Joy recently had Starlink added and while I’ve been on plenty of ships with Starlink, the speed results on the Joy were pretty bad. I’m hoping it’s because they were working out the kinks of a newly installed system. Since the basic browsing was almost unusable, I chose not to opt for the streaming version of the service to avoid disappointment 🙂 – Though I did get unlimited for 11 days.

Tip : If you’re considering unlimited internet on Norwegian Cruise Line, wait a few days into your cruise and the price drops drastically. If you have the Free at Sea minutes you can use to get by for a couple of days, upgrade on the 3rd day (of a longer cruise) and you’ll save quite a bit.

The Norwegian Joy: Final Verdict

The NCL Joy is a meticulously clean ship and benefits from several refreshes over the past couple of years. The ship feels almost brand new in all areas and the cabins are really comfortable. But would we choose the Joy again?

It depends.

The ship is fine, and the food is good, but if I had a choice of nearly any other ship doing the same itinerary, I’d probably pass on the Joy. I much prefer the Encore, the Joy’s prettier sister and the other ships in the NCL Fleet just feel a bit more refined.

I can’t put my finger on what it is with the Joy that just feels off. I keep going back to the fact it was built for a different market in Asia which perhaps shows in some of the layout and design choices. Not that it’s bad, it’s just weird in some ways.

You can’t really go wrong on the Norwegian Joy for the right price. But I certainly wouldn’t pay a premium for an itinerary with other options on this ship.

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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30+ Best Activities on Norwegian Joy (Entertainment, Features & Amenities)

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Are you wondering about the best things to do on the Norwegian Joy? The Norwegian Joy has some amazing entertainment and must try activities.

As someone who recently cruised on the Norwegian Joy, I know first hand which are the best activities, features and amenities. The Norwegian Joy has multiple entertainment venues, shows and onboard activities.

There are many activities and entertainment are “free” or included. However, there are also some things that have an extra charge, so it’s important to know what to expect before boarding the cruise.

With that being said, here’s a list of the best activities on the Norwegian Joy.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Activities on Norwegian Joy

Galaxy pavilion (virtual reality & arcade).

The Galaxy Pavilion is the virtual reality and arcade area on the Norwegian Joy. This is a great place for the entire family to get a quick thrill and to try some virtual reality video games.

In the Galaxy Pavilion, there are interactive games and games where you just sit and watch. I recommend trying the games that are interactive, as they are way more fun.

The Galaxy Pavilion does have an extra cost. Each virtual reality game costs $8 per person and last for around 2 minutes.

If you plan on playing a few virtual reality games, there are packages available which allow passengers to play an unlimited amount of time.

Galaxy Pavilion Packages

• 1 hour pass – $29
• Day pass – $49
• Weekly pass – $199

The Social (Comedy Club/Night Club)

The Social is the comedy club and night club on the Norwegian Joy. Throughout your cruise, there are comedy acts performing inside The Social. In the late evening, The Social will become a night club with dancing.

Inside The Social, there is a bar area with seating and tables so you can talk while listening to the music. There is also a dance floor in the middle of the club, which gets very busy as the night goes on.

If you’re looking for a fun place to go in the evening time, The Social is a great spot to check out. There is great music, an awesome vibe and loads of people dancing the night away.

SugarCane Mojito Bar

The SugarCane Mojito Bar is a great place to go and grab a drink while enjoying live latin music.

If you like Mojitos, you will love the SugarCane Bar. They have a great selection of fresh Mojitos and they taste amazing!

In the SugarCane Mojito Bar, there is a really fun atmosphere. Between the friendly staff, the live music and the people dancing on the dance floor, SugarCane is a great place to have a drink.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages: What’s Included and is it Worth it?

Water Slides

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for having some of the best water slides at sea. The Norwegian Joy, is no exception! The water slides are awesome on this cruise ship.

The Norwegian Joy has two waterslides, Aqua Racer and Ocean Loop.

Aqua Racer Waterslide

Aqua Racer is a water slide that is fun for the whole family. On this slide, you will be seated on an inner tube. If you’re scared of waterslides, this one is perfect as it moves at a fun, but not too fast speed.

The cool thing about the Aqua Racer is that the inner tubes can fit up to two people. This is great for if you have children or if you want to go down the water slide with your loved one.

Ocean Loop Waterslide

If you are into waterslides. the Norwegian Joy has one of the best waterslides on a cruise ship, the Ocean Loop.

The Ocean Loop is an extreme double loop waterslide that hangs over the side of the ship. This is by far the coolest water slide I have tried on any cruise line!

Related: 6 Best Norwegian Cruises for Families

Speedway (Go-Karting)

Norwegian ships are currently the only ones that have race tracks. One of the best activities on Norwegian Joy are the go-karts!

Along with Norwegian Joy, the Norwegian Bliss and the Norwegian Prima are the only two other ships to have go-kart tracks onboard.

As someone who loves Go-Karting, I was thrilled to find out that the Norwegian Joy has a race track onboard their ship.

Each race costs $15 and lasts for around 8 minutes. I decided to purchase the Unlimited Speedway Pass, which allowed me to race as much as I want for $199.

If you’re a fan of exciting activities, I would definitely check out the Speedway on the Norwegian Joy.

Tip: The quieter the Speedway is, the better of a time you will have. When there are a lot of racers there will be stoppages and the cars will be slowed down.

The Laser Tag is located outside on the top deck of the ship. This is a really fun activity for the whole family and it’s actually a really good value.

A game of Laser Tag costs $10 and lasts for around 12 minutes. The game itself is really fun and can get quite competitive.

If you prefer to watch your family play, there is a spectating area where you can sit and watch the action on TV’s.

Deal or No Deal

Deal or No Deal is a game that is loved by the passengers and it is hosted in the atrium. Deal or No Deal seems to be replacing Bingo on some cruise ships. However, this NCL ship did have Bingo onboard as well.

Deal or No Deal has an extra cost, and you can buy a card (or more) if you want a chance to participate in this game.

There are a lot of free activities on Norwegian Joy, including trivia, sudoku, and origami. Many of these activities take place in the atrium on Deck 6, near guest services.

Spice H2O is an outdoor space at the aft of the cruise ship. It serves multiple purposes so it can be used during the day and at night.

The Spice H20 on Norwegian has some really nice features. There is a super large hot tub which was a cool spot to hang out on sea days and have a good time. Seriously, it can probably fit 30 people!

This is especially good for the daytime, but can be used in the evening as well.

In the evening Spice H20 becomes a night club. This is where themed parties will be hosted throughout your cruise.

During the day it is used as a smokers area and it’s a great place to tan while getting a drink.

Related: How to Plan a Perfect Group Cruise

The Casino on Norwegian Joy is beautiful! You’ll find the casino on deck 7 and 8, near the stairway and central chandelier.

Karaoke (The Social)

If you enjoy Karaoke, then you will love Karaoke in The Social. Throughout your cruise Karaoke will be happening a lot.

It’s a great place to listen to others sing, have a drink and meet new people.

Video Arcade

The Video Arcade is located right next to the Local. There is a variety of different arcade games and there is even a bowling game.

This is a popular area for those who love arcades!

Each arcade game costs around $2 and you can pay directly from you key card.

The Cavern Club is one of the most popular places for live entertainment on the cruise ship. A live band will play most evenings. I

The Cavern Club on Norwegian Joy is an homage to the original Cavern Club in Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles. If you love The Beatles, then you will love the shows in this club.

Beatles Revolution

The Beatles Revolution shows (a tribute band) are very popular, and seats fill up quickly in the Cavern Club. Make sure to check your daily planner for the times and get there early!

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Fitness Center

When it comes to fitness centers onboard a cruise ship, the Norwegian Joy has one of the best ones I’ve seen. The gym is equipped with cardio machines, workout machines, a bench press, a TRX and multiple weight racks.

The fitness center also offers spin classes, at an additional cost ($30 per class).

Vibe Beach Club

The Vibe Beach Club is an exclusive adult only area located towards the top of the ship. The Vibe Beach Club is quite popular on Caribbean and hot weather sailings in particular.

In the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Joy, you’ll find beautiful lounge areas, a bar and hot tubs that overlook the edge of the ship. The Vibe Beach Club is a great option if you are on a sailing that is full capacity because the pool deck can be really noisy and it can be hard to find a chair.

The Vibe Beach Club varies in price, depending on your itinerary and sailing. Caribbean 7 night sailings are currently priced at $209 per person. Private cabanas are also available for rent.

If you’re looking for an included activity that the whole family can enjoy, check out the mini golf course. The mini golf area has 9 holes and is a nice area to play a relaxing game of mini golf.

The mini golf is located at the top of the cruise ship, right next to the speedway. Not only do you get spectacular views of the water, but you also get the best view of the race track!

Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge is located forward on Deck 15, and it can be hard to notice at first. It’s simply the best place to sit and relax, read a book and enjoy a coffee or drink while looking at the ocean.

In the Observation Lounge, you’ll find comfortable chairs and couches, many which are placed near the windows and overlook the ocean.

If you’re on an Alaskan cruise , this is the best place to experience the beautiful scenery while staying warm and comfortable. During a recent Canada and New England cruise , the Observation Lounge was a great place to sit and have a morning coffee as we sailed into the scenic cruise ports.

There is also a small buffet area located inside the observation lounge which offers healthy snacks and desserts.

If you’re in the mood for a larger meal, check out the Garden Café, which is located a deck above the observation lounge. You can grab some food from the Garden Café and bring it up to the observation lounge so you can enjoy the ocean view.

Jogging Track

The jogging track is a great place to burn off those cruise calories from the main dining room and restaurants! If you like running, walking, or jogging, check out the outdoor jogging track.

It’s located conveniently on the sun deck for easy access. The best time is early morning, if you like when it’s more quiet and less busy.

Poolside Activities

On the Norwegian Joy, one of the best ways you can spend a sea day is by the pool. Throughout the day there are movies on a big screen, live music, a DJ and poolside activities.

Here’s a list of Pool Side Activities on the Norwegian Joy:

• Mr. Sexy Legs
• Poolside Olympics
• What’s In the Bag? Challenge
• Ice Carving Presentation

Tip: Get your chairs early in the morning as it will be very hard to find a chair as the day goes on.

The waterfront is a unique concept that is seen on many Norwegian cruise ships (first seen on Norwegian Breakaway). There are bars and specialty restaurants (extra costs) located on the Waterfront.

It’s pretty amazing as and you can have a drink or eat dinner al fresco, while overlooking the water from the 8th deck.

On a hot Caribbean itinerary, the Waterfront a great place to hang out and have a drink. If you’re on Canada New England cruise or an Alaska Cruise , there are heaters in the ceilings, which keeps the area warm.

Maltings Whiskey Bar

Maltings Whiskey Bar is a bar that is located right next to The Social. This is a quiet bar where you can enjoy whiskey and other beverages.

Throughout my time on the Norwegian Joy, this was the place where I would meet up with friends. This bar and lounge had a nice vibe and the bar staff was very nice.

District Brewhouse

The District Brewhouse is THE bar for beer lovers! They have over 20 beers on tap and a wide variety of nearly 60 different bottled beers. In the evenings there are sports games being shown on the TV and a piano player who interacts with passengers by singing and making jokes.

Somehow we missed it when we were on our recent cruise on Norwegian Joy. Therefore, I wanted to make sure to include it so you don’t miss it on yours!

Tip: Use the interactive video wall to see what’s going on around the ship. This way you will never miss out on any dining options, shows and activities.

The Humidor Cigar Lounge

The Humidor Cigar Lounge is a classic cigar lounge with leather couches. Many passengers have trouble finding it, since it can only be accessed from the outside on Waterfront. This is done to prevent the smell of the cigars from entering the ship.

If you’re looking for a place where you can have a drink and light up a cigar, check out the Humidor Cigar Lounge on deck 8.

The Local Bar & Grill

If you’re a fan of a sports bar atmosphere and food, then you will love the Local Bar & Grill. This is the spot for watching live sports, eating pub style food and grabbing a drink.

As a football fan, this was one my favorite spot to watch the game, meet new people, have a drink and eat some food.

The great thing about The Local Bar & Grill is that it stays open pretty much all night. Whether you’re coming out of the casino, the Social or another part of the ship, grabbing food at The Local is a great way to end your night!

Norwegian Cruise Lines is known for having world-class entertainment. On the Norwegian Joy, Footloose is the main broadway style show. Reservations are needed and should be made as one of the first things you do after boarding your cruise ship .

Footloose is a broadway classic and the cast on the Norwegian Joy does a great job at bringing the show to life. It is a feel-good musical that is really fun to watch and will have you moving to the music in your seat.

Elements is an incredible show that combines magic, illusions, music, dancing and acrobatics into one. It plays in the main theater, and you’ll need to make reservations to see it.

This show was particularly cool because of the moving stage, the incredible lighting and the music. If you’re on the Norwegian Joy, be sure to reserve your seat at the Elements show. You can do this on embarkation day .

Comedians and Guest Entertainers

Like on all Norwegian cruise ships, you’ll find comedians and guest entertainers that perform in the evening either in the theater or another venue.

Dance or listen to the music of live bands and singers in the atrium, on the pool deck, or in one of the clubs or lounges.

Try a Specialty Restaurant

The Norwegian Joy has no shortage of specialty restaurants that offer a delicious dining experience.

Eating in a specialty restaurant is a great way to try different foods, that aren’t offered in the “free dining” venues, like Garden Cafe (buffet), Taste, Savor and the Manhattan Room.

Specialty restaurants have an extra charge. However, if you have the Free at Sea promotion, you likely have at least one specialty restaurant as a perk.

Here’s a list of the specialty restaurants and extra charge dining options onboard the Norwegian Joy:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• American Diner
• Food Republic
• Q Texas Smokehouse

Aqua Park (Kids Area)

If you’re cruising with younger kids, then they will love the aqua par!. The aqua park is located on the pool deck, so parents can stay nearby while their kids play in the water.

The aqua park has a small water slide, a play structure and a big bucket of water that fills up and splashes everyone.

Splash Academy Kid’s Club

Splash Academy is the kid’s club onboard the Norwegian Joy. If you have kids between the ages of 5-12, then you can sign them up for splash academy.

In Splash Academy, children will be able to play video games, participate in activities and there will be themed parties. The great thing about Splash Academy is that you can leave your children in a safe and supervised environment while you enjoy the cruise ship.

Related: Are Cruises Kid Friendly? Everything You Need to Know

Entourage (Teen Club)

The Entourage teen club is for teenagers between the ages of 13-17. This is an area where teens can meet, listen to music, participate in activities and enjoy themed parties.

As someone who grew up cruising, I will be the first to say that my parents could never get me out of the kid’s and teen clubs on cruises. The staff is always friendly, the activities are always fun and it’s a great place for teenagers to meet.

Tip: Be sure to visit and send your children to the kids club on the first day of the cruise, so they can meet other kids. It’s easier to make friends early on, then to come in when groups of friends have already been formed.

Port Lectures

If you aren’t sure which shore excursions to book or have some questions about the cruise ports on your itinerary, be sure to attend the port lecture given by the shore excursion staff.

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Final Thoughts on Best Activities On Norwegian Joy

Well there it is, the best activities on the Norwegian Joy!

If you’re considering booking a cruise on Norwegian Joy, make sure to take advantage of the many activities onboard this cruise. As someone who has tried many different cruise lines, I think the wide variety of activities is the reason why Norwegian is such a fun cruise line.

What activity or entertainment option are you looking forward to most on the Norwegian Joy? Please et me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

Follow me on  Facebook at Life Well Cruised Follow me on  YouTube at Life Well Cruised Follow me on  Pinterest at Life Well Cruised Follow me on  Instagram at Life Well Cruised

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7 Night Bermuda - New York (Nyc/Nyc)

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Luxurious tropical days can be spent on the white-sand beaches or on the links during your Bermuda cruise.

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• Norwegian Joy - Passenger Capacity: 3,852 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2017 Last Refurbished: 2024

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Norwegian Joy - April 15, 2023

April 15, 2023

April 15 - 27, 2023

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Cruise Line

12 Night Southern Caribbean

from Miami, Florida

The April 15, 2023 cruise on the Norwegian Joy departs from Miami, Florida. On this 12 Night Southern Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 8 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Norwegian Joy sets sail on a Saturday (April 15, 2023) and returns on a Thursday (April 27, 2023).

The Norwegian Joy was built in 2017 and is amoung Norwegian's 19 ships in it's fleet. The Norwegian Joy is included in the cruise line's Breakaway Plus Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Norwegian Joy vs all other Norwegian ships.

All Itineraries

Explore all that Miami has to offer, from the magnificent Port of Miami, to the world famous Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, historic Coconut Grove, and trendy South Beach. Other attractions include the Miami Seaquarium , Miami MetroZoo, and sports teams the Dolphins, Heat and Marlins. No wonder so many celebrities, such as Gloria Estefan, Madonna and Ricky Martin, call Miami home.

Explore all that Miami has to offer, from the magnificent Port of Miami, to the world famous Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, historic Coconut Grove, and trendy South Beach. Other attractions...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Norwegian Joy Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

George Town

George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands, and is situated directly on Grand Cayman. Once a center of turtle fishing, the area is now a popular tourist destination. Snorkeling and diving are especially popular, and the opportunity to swim with and feed the giant, graceful stingrays should not be missed. Don't worry--it is said that no one has ever been stung.

George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands, and is situated directly on Grand Cayman. Once a center of turtle fishing, the area is now a popular tourist destination. Snorkeling and diving are...

Puerto Limon

The second-largest city in Costa Rica, Puerto Limon will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Soak in the distinct Caribbean flavor of the city's world-famous Carnivale de Limon. See the wonder of the sea turtle nesting grounds in Tortugero. Delight in the dolphins at Manzanillo National Park. Or, if ultimate relaxation is your goal, sprawl luxuriously on any of the area's lavish sand beaches.

The second-largest city in Costa Rica, Puerto Limon will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Soak in the distinct Caribbean flavor of the city's world-famous Carnivale de Limon. See the wonder of...

Colon is one of Latin America's busiest commercial centers. Since 1953, it has had a free trade zone, where merchants can import and export goods without paying duties. The main streets of Colon are often crowded with sailors, traders, and tourists. The city has many bars, nightclubs, and gambling establishments. Colon also has duty-free shops, which sell many products at low prices.

Colon is one of Latin America's busiest commercial centers. Since 1953, it has had a free trade zone, where merchants can import and export goods without paying duties. The main streets of Colon are...

Once the port where the wealth of the New World flowed back to the Old, Cartagena also served as a notorious base for privateers and pirates. Today, you can stroll the tree-lined Spanish colonial artistry of old in the streets and see the works of the Gold Museum. The port is also a great place to find bargains on emeralds.

Once the port where the wealth of the New World flowed back to the Old, Cartagena also served as a notorious base for privateers and pirates. Today, you can stroll the tree-lined Spanish colonial...

Blessed with a non-stop breeze, neat little Oranjestad reflects the Dutch passion for cleanliness. Stroll the town's chic shops, venture out to see the wind-formed divi-divi trees, or visit an undersea garden of brilliant corals on a semi-submersible craft.

Blessed with a non-stop breeze, neat little Oranjestad reflects the Dutch passion for cleanliness. Stroll the town's chic shops, venture out to see the wind-formed divi-divi trees, or visit an...

Hospitable and always sunny, Curacao bids you a warm welcome. The friendly inhabitants, first class hotels, wonderful climate, crystal clear seawater, fascinating architecture, floating market, pontoon bridge, secluded bays, rich fauna and flora, and the many possibilities for excursions and entertainment make Curacao the tourist's paradise.

Hospitable and always sunny, Curacao bids you a warm welcome. The friendly inhabitants, first class hotels, wonderful climate, crystal clear seawater, fascinating architecture, floating market...

Great Stirrup Cay

Join Norwegian Cruiselines on the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. Four square miles of white beaches and coconut palm trees. Great Stirrup Cay features great swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a barbecue Bahamas-style or do some shopping at the straw market to make your island experience complete.

Join Norwegian Cruiselines on the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. Four square miles of white beaches and coconut palm trees. Great Stirrup Cay features great swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a...

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JOY - 2021 FREESTYLE DAILY REQUEST!!!

By Battleship88 , December 28, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Battleship88

Does anyone have copies of any 2021 NCL JOY freestyle daily's?  I'd like to have an idea of what I'll have available to do during the week.

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2 minutes ago, Battleship88 said: Does anyone have copies of any 2021 NCL JOY freestyle daily's?  I'd like to have an idea of what I'll have available to do during the week.

They're on here already. 

I downloaded and printed them but I'm not sure which thread. 

Try a search. It was probably 2 weeks ago. 

6 minutes ago, bkrickles1 said: They're on here already.  I downloaded and printed them but I'm not sure which thread.  Try a search. It was probably 2 weeks ago. 

I think it was from a November Joy roll call.

A tip for forum use - near the top, just below the red COVID banner, is a box with links and a drop-down.  That drop-down has pre-programmed searches for every ship.  I found this thread using that drop-down - 

Here is today’s from the Joy. 

THANKS EVERYONE!!!

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12 Themed Cruises You Should Have On Your Radar In 2024

T aking a cruise is an experience unlike anything else. Days at sea on a ship full of entertainment and relaxation make for a fantastic vacation. But what if you want even more from your cruise? A theme might be what's missing. In addition to all the usual cruise experiences, themed cruises allow fans of a particular artist, lifestyle, hobby (or even animal), to celebrate their passion on the high seas with activities, events, surprises, and sometimes special guests.

There are dozens of themed cruises on offer each year, usually hosted by major cruise lines like Norwegian , Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. But don't let their numbers fool you. According to  Business Insider , themed cruises are rapidly climbing in popularity, and some trips are selling out in record time. That means it's important to find your dream-themed cruise and reserve your tickets as early as possible.

Fortunately, even if they're sold out, most themed cruises will let you join a waiting list, so there's still hope! Here are 12 themed cruises that will set sail in 2024 and are well worth boarding, either now or the next time they hit the high seas.

Read more: Under-The-Radar Beaches You Need To Visit In The Caribbean

The Emo's Not Dead Cruise

If you truly know it's not a phase, the Emo's Not Dead Cruise is perfect for you. Gather with fellow emo fans for four days (and nights) of concerts, activities, and even a private party at Great Stirrup Kay in the Bahamas. Over a dozen bands will perform, including Yellowcard, Senses Fail, and Armor for Sleep. Alongside themed activities like a masquerade ball, cruisegoers can also enjoy surprisingly cheerful activities like a bellyflop competition in the ship's pool.

The first Emo's Not Dead cruise was in 2022. Cruisegoer and emo fan TheReelChris shared highlights on  YouTube , calling it "EPIC." Fans in the comments section agree, with Schecterplayer92 adding, "This was one of the best experiences of my life." With a killer lineup and entertaining activities scheduled, it seems like Emo's Not Dead 2024 will also be a rad experience. The cruise will be hosted on the Norwegian Pearl, leaving from Miami on February 26 and returning on March 1, 2024. But what would an emo-related cruise be without a little sadness? Unfortunately, the cruise is already sold out. If you're interested, you can  sign up for the waiting list  and hope.

Meow Meow Cruise

Some of us know that no matter how great a vacation might be, cats would make it even better. Meow Meow Cruise has solved that problem. While guests unfortunately aren't allowed to bring their own furry friends aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, the four-day cruise will give them their feline fix in plenty of other ways. 

Activities include cat-themed trivia and a scavenger hunt. But the best part may be communing with fellow cat people (many of whom stroll around the ship wearing cat ears). You'll also be able to mingle with real cats -- one of 2024's ports of call is Key West, where you'll find the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and its community of about 60 friendly polydactyl kitties, many of them descended from one of the author's own pets.

It's hard to find reviews for Meow Meow Cruise, but the fact that this themed cruise has been going on annually since 2015 speaks for itself. The 2024 Meow Meow Cruise sets sail from Miami on February 21, with a return date of February 25. Tickets are still available, but to be sure you don't miss out, consider booking right now.

In My Cruise Era

Sure, cruises are great — and cruising is a multi-billion dollar industry — but is anything more popular than Taylor Swift? For those who can't imagine anyone saying "no" to that question, there's no better cruise than In My Cruise Era. While not officially affiliated with Taylor Swift, this themed cruise is a passionate fan homage. Swifties will be able to dress up in their favorite Taylor-inspired looks, exchange friendship bracelets, perform their idol's songs during karaoke sessions, and more. We're also guessing there will be of lots impromptu song breaks throughout the ship from Taylor's extensive catalog.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas will host this cruise, which sets sail from Miami on October 21, 2024 -- which, as People Magazine points out, is one day after the Eras Tour will be in the city. Fans lucky enough to attend the concert can continue their Taylor euphoria for four more days on the high seas. Since this is a new themed cruise, there aren't any reviews, but based on the positive fan vibes from Eras Tour concerts and movie viewings, among other events, we're guessing it's going to be a great time for Swifties. Swifties must agree, since the cruise is already sold out. Cancellations do happen, though, so hopeful fans can join the waiting list.  Contact the cruise's organizers to sign up.

Disney's Halloween On The High Seas

Go on just about any cruise-related blog or website and you'll see that Disney Cruise Line's Halloween-themed cruise, officially called Halloween on the High Seas, is a popular favorite. As you probably expect from Disney, this themed cruise is perfect for a family vacation , so it's not too scary. The cruise is hosted on multiple Disney Cruise Line ships, and each one is decorated with the care and attention to detail you'll find in most Disney-related enterprises. The Pumpkin Tree is the highlight of the decor, with pumpkins that eventually appear on its branches and transform into lit and unlit jack o'lanterns.

Halloween on the High Seas also features Halloween activities (including a trick-or-treating night) and exclusive Halloween-themed desserts. Disney cruises in general are known for their opportunities to meet the studio's beloved characters, and during the Halloween on the High Seas cruises, some of those characters are in costume. Notably, Disney Cruise Line's official site tells us, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow will be dressed as the Sanderson Sisters -- who wouldn't want to see that? 

This magical mixture of whimsy, fun, and exclusive opportunities is the perfect way to cast a spell on Disney fans of all ages. Luckily, Halloween on the High Seas is held during a number of different times in September and October, so you and your family should be able to find a place on board!

The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Sure, Hallmark Channel Christmas movies might be a little on the cheesy side, but let's be honest: lots of us dream of being in one in real life. You can get a little of the real-life Hallmark movie experience by visiting some of the movies' filming locations , but now there's a way to have an even more immersive experience: The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise.

Passengers will get to meet Hallmark Channel movie stars, attend panels and photo ops, and get to see a new Hallmark Christmas movie before its world premiere. Maybe best of all, passengers can take part in lots of Hallmark Christmas movie-inspired activities, including tree lighting and cookie decorating -- all while wearing their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters.

2024 is the first year of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise. It was originally intended to be just one cruise, but a second one was added after the first one sold out. As of now, two Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruises are scheduled for 2024. Both go from Miami to the Bahamas and back and last four days in November. ... And both are sold out. But Christmas is a time of miracles, so if a Hallmark Channel Christmas experience on the high seas sounds like your dream come true, sign up for the waiting list as soon as you can!

Hurtigruten Northern Lights Cruises

Themed cruises are often about fandoms and hobbies. But Norway-based cruise line Hurtigruten offers a themed cruise that's about something even bigger: the Northern Lights . There are several Northern Lights-themed cruises out there, including some luxurious options by Cunard. Unfortunately, the Northern Lights aren't always visible, but Hurtigruten stands out by offering a Northern Lights Promise for cruises scheduled between September 26 and March 31 and lasting longer than 11 days. If the Northern Lights aren't visible during your cruise, they'll give you another one. So if you're serious about seeing the Aurora Borealis, this is the company to choose.

The Northern Lights are the focus of Hurtigruten's eponymous cruises, but there are also other things to do on board, including scientific lectures and photography lessons. There are excursions, too -- notably a dog sledding option. Passengers who've taken one of Hurtigruten's cruises unanimously praise the stunning fjords and landscapes you can admire from the ship and during excursions, not to mention their experiences of seeing the Northern Lights. Some warn that the ships aren't as luxurious or modern as many other cruise ships, primarily because Hurtigruten's ships are also functional vessels intended to transport and deliver mail to various points on the Norwegian coast. Still,  Cruise Critic reviewers like cmolaison praise the friendly crew, the surprising level of comfort, and the "stunning vistas" you'll see, saying he and his family "highly recommend" taking a Hurtigruten cruise.

Cruise & Crop Crafting Cruises

If the perfect vacation for you is a combination of R&R and crafting, you're in luck! There are several crafting-themed cruises. One of the most popular is organized by Cruise & Crop, with ships around the world hosting different crafting- and arts-themed trips. This makes them the most accessible themed cruises on our list, with different price ranges, departure points, itineraries, and ports of call. One thing all crafting cruises have in common, though, is groups of like-minded people exploring their creativity amid the other joys of cruising.

For instance, one of Crop & Cruise's 2024 offerings is a Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, featuring scrapbooking and other papercraft classes taught by artist Barb Warne. The ship departs from Los Angeles on April 19, returning April 26. Many Cruise & Crop cruises sell out quickly, so if this idea has sparked both your wanderlust and your creativity, be sure to check their list of 2024 cruises and reserve as soon as you can.

Star Trek: The Cruise

For seven days and nights every year, thousands of Star Trek fans gather to be a part of a fandom extravaganza at sea. Star Trek: The Cruise is an experience that features celebrities aboard (2024's guests include LeVar Burton and Wil Wheaton, among many others), costume and cosplay events, and lots of fun activities. 

But what makes Star Trek: The Cruise truly unique is that audience participation is very much encouraged. Passengers and celebrity guests are all considered the crew of one great, big, intergalactic vessel. Passengers get to interact with the guest stars in events like karaoke battles, and stars share parts of their earthly lives with Q&A sessions and even glimpses at other projects they may be involved in.

The first Star Trek: The Cruise was held in 2017 and since then it's been a fan favorite. Star Wars and cruising aficionado Aaron Bossig writes on  Trek Movie.com that many fans go on the cruise every year, and proudly wear t-shirts from the previous ones. He calls Star Trek: The Cruise "an extra special convention experience." 2024's edition will be held on the Mariner of the Seas, departing from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 22 and returning on February 29.

Literature Festival At Sea

Once a year, aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2, passengers can mingle with writers, poets, journalists, and critics in a full-blown literary festival in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Literature Festival at Sea invites writers in all genres to host round table discussions, participate in Q&As revolving around their work and areas of expertise, host workshops, and converse with passengers.

Whether passengers want to participate as much as possible or just attend a few events, the Festival seems to be an excellent addition to a typical Queen Mary 2 voyage. On TripAdvisor , passenger Artemis C writes of her experience at a previous Literature Festival at Sea that "the whole week was a joy". 

2024's lineup features crime novelists, journalists, historians, and more, for what's sure to be a fascinating week of discussion and discovery. If you'd like to combine an elegant transatlantic cruise and a literary experience, 2024's Literature Festival at Sea will take place from November 13-20, departing from Southampton, U.K., and arriving in New York. Cunard has also launched an Australian Literature Festival at Sea, scheduled from December 11-16, 2024, on the Queen Elizabeth, which departs from and returns to Sydney. 

Chefs Making Waves

Many cruise lines are proud of their food offerings. Some cruises feature dishes created by world-famous chefs, and others even host food and wine festivals. But no culinary cruise event seems quite as, well, fun, as Chefs Making Waves. This culinary-themed cruise will set sail for the first time in 2024. Onboard will be a number of beloved celebrity chefs, including Anne Burrell and the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. Cooking demos and, of course, food tastings of all kinds (including sit-down meals, desserts, and street food) are on the menu. Best of all, Chefs Making Waves is an all-inclusive cruise, so everyone can eat and drink without having to pay extra!

There will be all of the usual cruise-related fun, from swimming to excursions, to help you work up an appetite. There will also be unique games, with some of the chefs participating in events like bingo and a celebrity chef sing-off. If this sounds like an awesome cruise, you're not the only one who feels that way. Chefs Making Waves will take place from March 25-29, departing from Miami with excursions in Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas ... and it's already sold out. But you can still  sign up for the waiting list . With a little luck, you'll be able to enjoy this delicious, themed cruise experience.

Soul Train Cruise

Imagine a festival with a lineup featuring some of the best soul and R&B acts of all time. Now imagine it's on a relaxing cruise ship. This dream is actually reality -- it's called the Soul Train Cruise. The popular themed cruise will be celebrating its 11th year in 2024 and the lineup is on fire. Dozens of groups and artists will perform, including The Temptations, Boyz II Men, and En Vogue. Passengers can also learn how to dance like people did back in the old school days of Soul Train's TV show, with lessons from some of the show's actual dancers. There will also be wine tastings, Q&A's, comedy shows, and a lot more.

With all of this on offer, it's no surprise that the Soul Train Cruise is sold out. But sign up on the waiting list and keep your calendar free from January 27-February 3, and you may get lucky. If you do, the cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale, with ports of call in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and St. Maarten.

The Gothic Cruise

The Gothic Cruise is an annual event held on an ordinary cruise ship. Goths mingle with "norms" but have their own private events on board, mostly DJ sets and concerts. There's also a masquerade ball, with Goths decked out in their finest Victorian-style garb ... as long as it meets ship safety requirements, that is. The cruise's website specifies that simulated weapons aren't allowed and notes that hoop skirts are fine for the ball but not in the ship's dining areas, "due to the close proximity of the tables". And yet, the Goth community thrives on these cruises -- and even gains norm fans along the way. 

In a Porthole Magazine article about the Gothic Cruise, longtime attendee Spike Pittman says that many mainstream passengers are wary of the Goths at first, "But by the end they're begging to get into our private events." Some even book their future cruises to coincide with the Gothic Cruise, even if they don't plan on attending every event. 

The Gothic Cruise has been held since 1989. Cruising doesn't seem very Goth, but in the end, the article points out, it comes down to what all themed cruises offer: a sense of community (in this case, one that often stays up all night and sleeps during the day). If this moves your little black heart, the 2024 Gothic Cruise will be held on the Norwegian Escape (but book through the Gothic Cruise's website for private event access), departing from Orlando on March 2, and returning March 9.

Read the original article on Explore .

Protect Your Trip »

15 top adults-only cruises for 2025 & 2026.

Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure.

Top Adults-Only Cruises

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

If your idea of getting away from it all includes a vacation without the kids, consider booking an adults-only or adults-oriented cruise . While some lines provide a fully adults-only experience (i.e., children are not allowed on board), others offer adult-focused venues and activities on the ship to keep you separate from younger patrons.

The following cruise lines provide upscale amenities, immersive excursions, sophisticated dining options, lively nighttime entertainment and time for relaxation among like-minded – and similarly aged – travelers.

Find your perfect cruise

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Travelers ages 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking 's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. The line's 11 oceangoing ships carry between 930 and 998 guests (at double occupancy) and offer luxurious, comfortable Scandinavian-style spaces. The line will add Viking Vesta to its ocean fleet in 2025.

Viking's exploration program boasts special access to behind-the-scenes experiences curated for travelers who are interested in history, food, the arts or science. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional family farm near Bergen, Norway, or spend an evening dining on Chinese specialties at a home-hosted dinner in Shanghai .

In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuşadasi) in Turkey and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece . Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like cooking classes and lectures by historians. Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations with a private veranda, all meals (including specialty dining venues), wine and beer at onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service, one free excursion per port, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and access to onboard amenities such as the Nordic Spa and fitness center.

In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world – including Mississippi River cruises aboard Viking Mississippi. The line also has two Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which traverse waterways from Canada, the U.S. and South America to remote destinations in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only retreat for guests ages 18 and older. The line currently has three sister ships: Scarlet Lady (the first in the fleet), Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady . The line's fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is set to debut in September 2025.

All the ships in this adults-only cruise line feature 1,404 cabins (most with balconies) and RockStar Quarters suites, where guests have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor deck space. The superyacht-inspired vessels boast 20-plus eateries, including restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, and a variety of onboard fitness and wellness spaces. At Redemption Spa, relax and recharge in the mud room or salt therapy chamber – and then take rejuvenating dips in the hot and cold plunge pools. You can even order a bottle of bubbly anywhere on the ship via the Virgin Voyages app's secret "Shake for Champagne" feature.

Itineraries on Virgin Voyages span destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Morocco, as well as trans-Atlantic crossings. The line will also feature 21 new ports across its global fleet in 2025, including destinations in Iceland, Turkey, Oman, Italy, Portugal, the Cayman Islands and more. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues and basic beverages such as soda, water, tea and coffee. Gratuities for the crew, Wi-Fi access, entertainment and group fitness classes are also included. While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, a unique multiform theater at sea.

P&O Cruises

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet – Arcadia and Aurora – are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Arcadia, the slightly newer of the two ships (debuted in 2005), carries 2,094 guests at double occupancy, plus 866 crew. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to a variety of European destinations, ranging from Spain and the Canary Islands to Norway and Iceland; some cruises visit the U.S. and Canada. The ship will also sail world cruises in January 2025 and 2026.

Arcadia's 15 restaurants, cafes and bars include Indian cuisine with a British twist at Sindhu, as well as steaks and seafood by renowned British chef Marco Pierre White at Ocean Grill. Passengers can take a class to sample the line's branded gins; sip Champagne at Intermezzo, the ship's cocktail and Champagne venue; or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif at the yacht-inspired Spinnaker. After exploring exciting ports of call, head back on board to enjoy Arcadia's elegant interiors and top-notch service. You can splurge on a stone therapy treatment and a visit to the thermal suite at the spa for some extra pampering, followed by a live show at the three-tiered theater, The Palladium. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe.

Aurora is a slightly more intimate ship, carrying 1,874 passengers (double occupancy) and 850 crew members. A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of the vessel. Itineraries include destinations in the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the British Isles, Iceland, the Caribbean and South America. There are 19 restaurants, bars and cafes on the ship, including club-style restaurant Alexandria and casual spots like The Beach House. After dinner, live entertainment and dancing await you at the show lounge Carmen's, as do larger productions at the ritzy 660-seat Curzon Theatre.

Top Cruises Designed for Adults

While some all-inclusive – or mostly all-inclusive – boutique and luxury cruise lines are family-friendly, many of the onboard venues and activities are adult-by-design. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's four upscale boutique ships provide immersive travel experiences geared toward adults. These smaller ships – accommodating a maximum of 702 guests – sail waterways and rivers that larger ships can't access, docking in city centers and unique ports of call around the globe.

Many Azamara voyages also offer longer stays and overnights in port, unlike some competitors' itineraries. Some even feature special events, such as a 12-night voyage from Rome to watch the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025, or a 25-night cruise in February 2025 from Buenos Aires, Argentina , to attend Carnival in Rio de Janeiro . In addition, the line is extending its offerings on Country Intensive voyages in 2024 and 2025 with itineraries in various continental European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Iceland and Australia.

On board, you'll find a wide selection of casual and formal dining options ranging from Windows Cafe to the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. Specialty restaurant offerings include top-notch steak and seafood at Prime C and Italian fare at Aqualina. Atlas Bar is a unique venue on Azamara Onward (the line's newest ship), though its artisanal cocktail menu is also available on the line's other ships. Discoveries Lounge is another guest-favorite spot, and wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner.

Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations; select spirits, wine and beer; gratuities; 24-hour room service; and nonalcoholic beverages. You'll also have access to complimentary AzAmazing Celebrations with special evening and daytime events ashore and on the ship. You can purchase a package that includes additional amenities like unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore excursion credits and other perks. Butler service and other extras come with suite accommodations.

Courtesy of Scenic

When it launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse I was touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht." The intimate vessel offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests (double occupancy). The line's second luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, which is nearly identical to its sister ship, debuted from Lisbon, Portugal , in April 2023. The Polar Class 6 rating enables these two yachts to sail to destinations like Antarctica; on these expedition-style voyages, the ship carries only 200 guests and offers a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

All suite accommodations include a private veranda or terrace; butler service; state-of-the-art amenities; a king-size Scenic Slumber Bed; and an in-suite minibar stocked with wine, spirits and other personally selected beverages. You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and the line's submersibles for underwater exploration.

Guests can enjoy up to 10 dining experiences on the ship, including French fine dining at Lumière; innovative Asian flavors at Koko's Asian Fusion; Italian, steak and seafood specialties at Elements; or an immersive dining experience at Chef's Garden @ Epicure. When it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample craft cocktails or the impressive selection of whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. Other onboard activities include getting an invigorating treatment at Senses Spa or just relaxing with Champagne and spectacular views on deck 10 at the Sky Bar.

Scenic's ships sail to destinations in Australia and the South Pacific; Europe and the Mediterranean; Asia; the Americas and the Caribbean; and the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Following Seven Seas Grandeur's launch in December 2023, this line now has six luxury vessels in its fleet. Regent Seven Seas ' all-inclusive fares include round-trip business class or coach airfare (depending on the destination); complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays; two- or three-night land packages; all meals and beverages; free shore excursions; prepaid gratuities; and more. Seven Seas Grandeur is a sister ship to the elegant Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor ; it features 372 luxurious all-balcony suites and an impressive ratio of 548 crew members to just 744 guests (double occupancy).

In the evenings, diners can choose between French cuisine at Chartreuse; creative Asian fare at Pacific Rim; steaks and seafood at Prime 7; Italian dishes at Sette Mari at La Veranda; or design-your-own-entree options at the ship's largest specialty restaurant, Compass Rose. For a casual evening, plan to dine alfresco at the Pool Grill. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment at the Constellation Theater. For a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, Connoisseur Club. There are also plenty of options for exercise, fitness and relaxation at Serene Spa & Wellness.

If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the high seas, consider booking the Regent Suite. Situated on deck 14 – and boasting more than 4,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor space – this luxurious accommodation features an impressive balcony with a minipool spa, in addition to two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, and a private in-suite spa. Cruise fare for the suite also includes a long list of high-end amenities such as access to a private dining room called The Study, a personal car and guide in every port, free in-suite spa services, a complimentary cocktail party for eight guests, a private butler and more.

Regent's 2025-2026 Legendary Voyages include sailings to destinations like Barcelona, Tokyo and more. If a world cruise is on your bucket list, you can circumnavigate the globe for 154 nights beginning in January 2026 aboard Seven Seas Mariner.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea's all-inclusive luxury ocean and expedition cruises offer voyages to more than 900 destinations across the seven continents. Silversea's 11 ultra-luxury ships and expedition vessels range in size from 51 to 364 suites and boast spacious ocean view accommodations – most with private verandas. Cruise fares cover door-to-door transfers from home to the ship, including airfare (business class in some destinations) and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. On board, guests will have butler service, a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to staff, 24-hour gourmet dining, premium alcoholic beverages, one complimentary shore excursion in each port, gratuities and more.

Silver Ray is set to become the 12th ship in the Silversea fleet when it debuts in summer 2024. The luxury vessel adds more open spaces and top-notch cuisine. Silver Ray is also the second vessel in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is billed as a more sustainable cruise ship.

Four of the line's ships are purpose-built expedition vessels that sail to the farthest reaches of the Earth, including Antarctica, the Arctic and Greenland, French Polynesia and the Pacific, Asia, and more. On these sailings, guests will experience immersive exploration with as many as 28 expedition staff per cruise. Unique upcoming itineraries visit Greenland and the Arctic Circle, as well as remote locales like Robinson Crusoe Island, Tahiti and more.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn features an all-inclusive adult-focused experience on its five luxury ocean vessels and two expedition ships. One of the line's newest ships, Seabourn Pursuit, is an ultra-luxury Polar Class 6 purpose-built expedition vessel with 132 oceanfront veranda suites. The ship is equipped with two submarines for underwater exploration, kayaks and 24 Zodiacs. There's also a 24-person expedition team to assist guests with exploring far-reaching destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley region of Australia, the Amazon and the Northwest Passage.

The new Seabourn Ovation accommodates up to 600 guests (double occupancy) and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn's ships: well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas and nearly a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Guests can try Seabourn's new Mediterranean venue, Solis, on four of the line's ships, including Ovation. You'll also find health and wellness programs curated by Dr. Andrew Weil.

The Seabourn Conversations program is another highlight. Accomplished experts host adventures ashore, participate in meals and chat with guests on board. For a special treat, don't miss the Caviar in the Surf beach party. This event (available in select destinations) includes chilled Champagne, caviar, music and a barbecue set against a backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Windstar Cruises

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar's six intimate ships accommodate between 148 and 342 guests. Passengers can choose between cruising on one of the line's three-masted Wind Class vessels or one of its three Star Plus Class ships.

Windstar just announced the addition of two new ships to its fleet; Star Seeker is expected to launch in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026. These two vessels will feature 112 suites with private verandas and infinity windows, two Owner's Suites with wraparound balconies, a water sports platform, a two-story spa and fitness center, and more. The ships are constructed with ice-strengthened hulls that position them for exploration in remote destinations like Antarctica.

Windstar's adult-focused and casual – but still elegant – onboard experiences feature locally inspired top-notch dining, guest lecturers, a water sports platform on all ships, an open bridge policy and an engaging social environment. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, Windstar is also regarded as one of the most romantic cruise lines for a wedding, honeymoon , vow renewal or anniversary trip, especially in magical destinations like the South Pacific or Europe.

Windstar's smaller ships can reach ports, coves, harbors and villages that are not accessible by larger vessels. They also offer more than 2,000 immersive cultural experiences in port, many with small groups. You'll find culinary-themed voyages in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, as well as wine-focused itineraries around the world. What's more, Windstar's itineraries offer late evenings and overnights in its ports of call, allowing guests to experience local culture and cuisine after dark.

Windstar will begin sailing in South America in December 2025 with the 312-passenger (double occupancy) Star Pride, offering excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the town of Cusco , Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands .

Other Top Adults-Only Cruise Options

While these larger ships offer activities for families and children of all ages, adults can also find hidden retreats and venues just for grown-ups. These spaces are typically quieter and situated away from the crowds.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers spaces created with adult guests in mind. On Celebrity Beyond and the newest addition to the fleet, Celebrity Ascent , adults can have a unique dining experience at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience.

When it's time to relax, The Solarium is a popular adults-only area located on the Resort Deck of all Celebrity ships. This light-filled pool area encased by a glass dome is the perfect quiet space for reading a book or taking a nap. While there, you can also grab a light breakfast or lunch at the Spa Cafe and Juice Bar, or order your favorite cocktail while lounging in the hot tub.

Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Ascent, Beyond and Apex are the new elevated bar spaces. The Edge series World Class Bar – a popular spot on other Celebrity Cruises ships – features craft cocktails in a beautiful setting. And don't miss the two-story Sunset Bar on Celebrity Ascent, a reimagined space by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations and beautiful wake views.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The Sanctuary, a retreat for guests ages 18 and older, offers an escape from bustling public spaces. The relaxing top-deck venue is available on all Princess Cruises ships and features plush lounge chairs, a spa-like setting and Serenity Stewards, who serve light bites and other refreshments. To fully unwind, consider reserving a private cabana, where you can book an open-air massage. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship, with some offering the exclusive Retreat pool, cabanas and a bar area, and newer iterations featuring more space.

Spellbound by Magic Castle is an exciting new venue aboard the line's newest ship, Sun Princess, for adults 21 and older. The collaboration with The Magic Castle private club in Hollywood offers guests an evening of magic, illusions and theatrical cocktails in a Victorian-inspired space.

If you're heading off the ship for an excursion to Princess Cays (the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas), plan to chill out for the day in an adults-only Sanctuary Bungalow. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. You can also order a gourmet picnic to enjoy while lounging on shore.

Back on the ship, adults can reserve a spot for the line's new Winemaker Dinners, a partnership with Caymus Vineyards. These 12-guest evenings are offered fleetwide, two to three times during each cruise. Winemaker Chuck Wagner personally selected the wines from the notable Napa Valley winery to pair with the elevated five-course menu.

Carnival Cruise Line

The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is located on all of Carnival Cruise Line 's ships. Access to this tranquil outdoor hideaway is complimentary for passengers 21 and older. While there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. Take in the warm sun and ocean breeze with a signature sangria in hand, or stop for a healthy meal at the Fresh Creations salad bar (available on select ships) for an alfresco lunch.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Though Disney Cruise Line tends to attract families and younger travelers, it also offers multiple spaces and activities for adults 18 and older. Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish , boasts several luxurious adults-only venues featuring characters and scenes from "Beauty and the Beast."

For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. If you prefer French-style fare and world-class wines served in an elegant and shimmering setting, Enchanté by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Before dinner at either venue, enjoy a signature cocktail at The Rose. After dinner, you won't want to miss the galactic libations and ever-changing views of faraway galaxies at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar.

Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. Outdoors, the kid-free Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on all the ships. For even more pampering, Senses Spa & Salon boasts treatment rooms with ocean views, luxurious spa villas and other amenities. On Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line 's private island, adults can head to Serenity Bay – a scenic, adults-only stretch of the beach.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). On Norwegian 's Bliss, Escape, Getaway and Breakaway ships, the Vibe Beach Club sun deck invites guests to relax in oversized hot tubs and comfy daybeds, adding perks like a full-service bar and chilled towels. Guests can enjoy two-story beach clubs on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore, while the clubs on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva include the line's first infinity hot tubs. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for the club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy.

At Norwegian Epic's two-level Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. Multiday passes are available to all adult cruisers, while travelers who book a Haven suite can access Posh Beach Club for free. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. At night, the space becomes an open-air dance club where you can spend the evening partying under the stars.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Solarium is Royal Caribbean International 's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 18 and older. Located at the front of every ship in the fleet, this indoor-outdoor oasis (or indoor-only on Quantum Class ships) offers impressive vistas and endless views of the sea. Thanks to a full glass canopy over the interior space, adult passengers can enjoy quiet lounging areas, swimming pools and whirlpool tubs with a view, no matter the weather. Select ships feature a cascading lagoon for further relaxation.

Be sure to grab a tropical cocktail or zero-proof drink at Solarium Bar (or Sunshine Bar, on Quantum ships) to sip poolside while enjoying the ocean vistas. Guests of both bars must be at least 21 years old when sailing from North America or a minimum of 18 when departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Adult cruisers (18 and older) can relax and chill out at the first suspended infinity pool at sea at The Hideaway on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Icon of the Seas. The beach-vibe neighborhood, perched eight stories above the sea at the back of the ship, features Champagne cocktails, a DJ spinning tunes, full-size daybeds, a wraparound bar, and endless ocean and sunset views from the multilevel terrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Adults-only cruise ships – or adults-only spaces on cruise ships – have become increasingly popular over the years," says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic. "That's not only because fewer people are having families. It's also because parents themselves often want the chance to get away, either by themselves for a romantic trip or with friends to celebrate a special occasion, girls' or guys' weekend, or milestone birthdays."

"I seek out adult spaces on cruise ships primarily because I want my experience on a ship to mirror my life on land – a little quieter, with more sophisticated food and drink options," she explains. "I also appreciate the opportunity to connect with my friends who are parents in a space where we can have personal one-on-one conversations or let loose a bit with some drinks. Adults with children are more than just their kids, after all – and they also appreciate a space where they don't have to worry about their little ones."

Anne Scully, a partner at the luxury travel company EMBARK Beyond, says, "With so many cruise lines and sailings, it's always a good idea to have options – and adults-only cruises are very popular." She adds, "Viking and Virgin have always focused on adults-only cruises and most river cruises also cater to adult passengers."

Adults-only cruises are designed with guests ages 18 and older in mind, from the staterooms and dining venues to the onboard entertainment and shore excursions. What you typically won't find on board are water or theme parks, climbing walls, game rooms, and restaurants serving kid-friendly foods.

If you're looking for a relaxing, fun and romantic vacation without the kids in tow – and you don't want to deal with the other passengers' children on your getaway – consider booking a sailing specifically for cruisers at least 18 years old. Alternatively, select a cruise line or ship that caters to mostly adults and doesn't offer any services, kids clubs, babysitting or activities for children.

You don't have to be a kid to be a Disney Cruise Line fan. While the line does not have an adults-only vessel within the fleet, there are plenty of kid-free spaces for adults only. Adults can enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment in several venues and relax at designated pool areas on the ship. There's also private, adults-only stretch of beach, Serenity Bay, on the line's private island, Castaway Cay.

In addition, Disney offers one of the best programs to keep youngsters entertained at sea, so you'll find that many of the children hang out in the kids club during the day and in the evening. These club spaces are divided by age groups, and they're typically open until midnight or 1 a.m. so parents – and even adults without kids – can enjoy a night out on the ship sans kids.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and Vietnam and Cambodia and an expedition vessel in Antarctica. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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• First-Time Cruise Tips
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Norwegian's Giving Joy Programme

Each year during Teacher Appreciation Week, NCL launches Norwegian's Giving Joy contest inviting the public to nominate a deserving educator and recognise their incredible efforts within their classrooms. Since 2019, the programme has received over 58,000 teacher nominations, over 1.8 million votes, awarded more than 250 educators with the holiday of a lifetime, and donated over $445,000 to educators and their schools which has truly helped make an impact in each of their communities. In addition to the prizes, the nomination platform itself recognises hundreds of spectacular individuals, who all too often go underappreciated and unrecognized.

• LEARN MORE ABOUT GIVING JOY

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Giving joy 2023 grand prize winners.

RYAN PRICE BUCKINGHAM COLLEGIATE CHARTER ACADEMY | VACAVILLE, CA

Mr. Price is an amazing teacher. He takes time out of his day to make sure our class is enjoyable and that English is understandable. He makes sure we're comfortable in his class and works so hard just to be able to provide us with the top-tier education that we as Buckingham students thoroughly enjoy. He deserves a holiday and a rest from the difficult but rewarding life of a teacher, which is why I nominate Mr. Price for the cruise prize on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

CAROLYN REARDON JAMES OTIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CHICAGO, IL

Ms. Reardon is a fantastic music educator. Working in the Chicagoland area for over 7 years in general music band and orchestra, she takes programmes that have nothing and makes them into ones that are highly sought-after. Her drive and dedication to her students are unparalleled. Ms. Reardon deserves the world for all that she does for her students. She creates a loving, compassionate, and inclusive space that encourages her students to become the creative souls they were meant to be. Ms. Reardon has worked so hard for 7 years. It's time for her efforts to be honoured and a cruise would be the perfect gift to such an inspiring educator.

ANGELO MIRANTE LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL | ARLINGTON, WA

"I was put on this earth to be a teacher. Educators have always had an impact on me, especially when I needed it most. I know the power teachers hold to inspire and motivate students in the right direction. This is not a job or career; in my mind, this is my passion. I make students feel welcome in the classroom and I truly connect with them. If they know I "see" them for who they are, they will succeed. My classroom is full of movie, music and sport posters of all genders and races. The classroom community I build throughout the year makes all students from all walks of life comfortable and happy to be here. This philosophy makes them want to learn. In my opinion, a teacher won't get anywhere with a student if no connection pursues."

Teacher Cruise Discount FAQs

• Legal residents of Canada or the 50 United States (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico)

NCL partners with ID.me , our trusted third-party verification service, which uses private and secure data sources to confirm the accuracy of the information you provide. The verification process typically takes five minutes or less. Once your credentials are verified, you will begin seeing your discounted rates on NCL.com at checkout when logged in. The discounted rate displayed at checkout is reflective of 5% off the cruise fare portion of any cruise.

To learn more about the offers and benefits of ID.me, or for company information, please visit www.ID.me

After validating for the NCL Teacher Cruise Discount, you save 5% off the cruise fare portion of any cruise. Participants will also receive $50 Onboard Credit to spend on a spa service, speciality dining, casinos and more. To make it even sweeter, this discount is in addition to Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion which includes unlimited open bar, free speciality dining, free excursions*, free airfare^ and more.

* Receive $50 USD Discount Per Shore Excursion ^ Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. View for full terms and conditions

You must validate for the discount prior to booking to receive the discount.

• 5. Why do I need a My NCL account to receive my discount? You will need a My NCL account so we can link your teacher discount to your account. This will allow you to see your discounted prices when logged in to NCL.com and/or allow your travel agent to see your discounted prices.
• Visit www.ncl.com/teachers
• Login to your My NCL account and/or register to create one
• Follow the prompts to verify with ID.me which will pop up in a separate window.
• After you complete the ID.me registration and verification process, you will be returned to NCL.com to begin shopping for your next cruise holiday. If you are logged in to your My NCL account, the prices displayed will be inclusive of your 5% off.
• 7. Will my discount apply to all members of my group? The 5% cruise fare discount will apply to the verified teacher's entire stateroom. The discount is limited to one stateroom per verified teacher per sailing.
• 8. Can my spouse use my discount if I'm not travelling with them? No, your spouse is only eligible for the discounted rates if also a verified teacher via ID.me .
• 9. Can I provide my discount to non-eligible friends? No, the discount is only for eligible members. ID.me's identity platform can detect fraudulent use across accounts and reserves the right to revoke access/membership from anyone abusing the terms of usage.
• 10. What should I do if I have issues enroling? Visit https://help.id.me/hc/en-us for assistance with the registration process and/or to get additional information on the documents required for verification.
• 11. Can I book through my travel agent and still receive the discount? Absolutely. All you have to do is visit www.ncl.com/teachers to enrol in the discount. Then provide your travel agent with your My NCL/Latitudes number. The discount is tied to your account.
• 12. Do I have to verify with ID.me every time I want to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line? You only have to validate with ID.me once. Your eligibility will be permanently associated with your My NCL account.

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Norwegian cruise line celebrates teacher appreciation week with debut of new teacher cruise discount and fifth anniversary of its 'giving joy' campaign.

- The Company's new Teacher Cruise Discount provides a year-round offer to the educator community –

- Norwegian's Giving Joy ®  contest is awarding 20 teachers with a free vacation to experience the all-new Norwegian Aqua™ in 2025 -

- To learn more about the all-new Teacher Cruise Discount, visit  www.ncl.com/teachers ; and to nominate an educator to win a free vacation go to  www.nclgivingjoy.com  -

MIAMI , May 6, 2024 /CNW/ -- Today,  Norwegian Cruise Line  (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is honoring Teacher Appreciation Week ( May 6 – 10, 2024) with the launch of its all-new  Teacher Cruise Discount , offering educators and staff across the U.S. and Canada an exclusive year-round cruise fare discount and onboard credit; as well as celebrating the return of its  Norwegian's Giving Joy ®  recognition program for its fifth year of awarding teachers with a free vacation.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9239152-norwegian-cruise-line-2024-giving-joy-contest/

Building upon NCL's history of supporting educators through its award-winning Giving Joy campaign, and on its fifth-year anniversary, the Company is extending its gratitude for the dedicated teacher community with a new year-round  Teacher Cruise Discount.  Now, all education professionals including active Classroom Teachers (PreK-12), Principals and Assistant Principals (PreK-12), School Employees (PreK-12) and College/University Professors, can enjoy a five percent discount off any NCL voyage from anywhere in the world, as well as a $50 onboard credit to enhance their cruise vacation. In addition, the discount is combinable with Norwegian's  Free at Sea  promotion, which provides guests with specialty dining, shore excursion credits, free airfare for the second guest and much more. To participate in the new  Teacher Cruise Discount , educators must be validated through  ID.me , a secure digital identity network that allows members of the education community to verify their identity once, and never have to re-verify their identity again across any organization where ID.me is accepted. Additional information about NCL's cruise discounts for teachers can be found at  www.ncl.com/teachers .

"We are proud of our history of thanking educators for their hard work and commitment to shaping the next generation of future leaders," said David J. Herrera , president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "To honor these education heroes for the long-lasting impressions they make inside and outside the classroom, we are excited to not only award 20 teachers on the fifth-year anniversary of Norwegian's Giving Joy program with a free vacation aboard the soon-to-debut Norwegian Aqua™, but to also extend the recognition to the broader educator community across the U.S. and Canada with our new  Teacher Cruise Discount . Travel is a powerful means of education, and we look forward to welcoming educators to join us on board to explore the world."

From May 6 to June 7, 2024 , Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign is open and accepting nominations for teachers making a difference in their classroom and communities. This year, the top 20 educators across the U.S. and Canada 1  that receive the most votes will be invited to attend an exclusive two-night inaugural event in Boston from April 4 to 6, 2025 , aboard Norwegian Aqua™ – NCL's newest ship from the Prima Plus Class – as she makes her U.S. debut. What's more, the top five Grand Prize winners will also have an opportunity to attend Norwegian Aqua's christening celebration followed by a three-night inaugural sailing from Miami from April 13 to 16, 2025 .

Since 2019, Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign has received nearly 60,000 teacher nominations; more than 1.8 million votes; awarded over 250 educators with a vacation of a lifetime; and donated upwards of $445,000 to teachers and their schools with the support from NCL's partners.

Now through June 7, 2024 , NCL is encouraging the public to nominate certified or accredited educators in the U.S. and Canada who have made an impact in their life and inspire students each and every day by visiting  www.nclgivingjoy.com .

Regarding NCL's Giving Joy campaign, Ryan Price 2023 Giving Joy winner and educator at Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy in Vacaville, CA said, "The best part of traveling is the opportunity to meet new people, which was one of the greatest rewards I received from Norwegian's Giving Joy contest. The donation my school received from Norwegian and their generous partners has allowed us to take our students on field trips that would not have been possible otherwise, and I can't wait to provide more learning experiences outside of the classroom for my students! There's only so much you can learn in a static, unchanging classroom; however, travel is constantly stimulating, engaging, and presenting the learner with something they've never experienced before. And now, with Norwegian's Teacher Cruise Discount, NCL is making it easier for teachers to explore the world."

To nominate an esteemed educator, to vote, and for the contest terms and conditions, please visit  www.nclgivingjoy.com/ .

Click  here  to download a variety of assets to help spread the word and help communities identify praiseworthy educators in their schools.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit  www.ncl.com  or call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or contact a travel professional.

For Norwegian Aqua's press kit and assets, click  here .

About Norwegian Cruise Line As the innovator in global cruise travel,  Norwegian Cruise Line  has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize . Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, and The Haven by Norwegian ® , the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit  www.ncl.com . For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit  www.nclhltd.com .

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/norwegian-cruise-line-celebrates-teacher-appreciation-week-with-debut-of-new-teacher-cruise-discount-and-fifth-anniversary-of-its-giving-joy-campaign-302137252.html

SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2024/06/c8272.html

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Norwegian cruise line celebrates teacher appreciation week with debut of new teacher cruise discount and fifth anniversary of its 'giving joy' campaign.

- The Company's new Teacher Cruise Discount provides a year-round offer to the educator community –

- Norwegian's Giving Joy ® contest is awarding 20 teachers with a free vacation to experience the all-new Norwegian Aqua™ in 2025 -

- To learn more about the all-new Teacher Cruise Discount, visit www.ncl.com/teachers ; and to nominate an educator to win a free vacation go to www.nclgivingjoy.com -

MIAMI , May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is honoring Teacher Appreciation Week ( May 6 – 10, 2024) with the launch of its all-new Teacher Cruise Discount , offering educators and staff across the U.S. and Canada an exclusive year-round cruise fare discount and onboard credit; as well as celebrating the return of its Norwegian's Giving Joy ® recognition program for its fifth year of awarding teachers with a free vacation.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9239152-norwegian-cruise-line-2024-giving-joy-contest/

Building upon NCL's history of supporting educators through its award-winning Giving Joy campaign, and on its fifth-year anniversary, the Company is extending its gratitude for the dedicated teacher community with a new year-round Teacher Cruise Discount. Now, all education professionals including active Classroom Teachers (PreK-12), Principals and Assistant Principals (PreK-12), School Employees (PreK-12) and College/University Professors, can enjoy a five percent discount off any NCL voyage from anywhere in the world, as well as a $50 onboard credit to enhance their cruise vacation. In addition, the discount is combinable with Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion, which provides guests with specialty dining, shore excursion credits, free airfare for the second guest and much more. To participate in the new Teacher Cruise Discount , educators must be validated through ID.me , a secure digital identity network that allows members of the education community to verify their identity once, and never have to re-verify their identity again across any organization where ID.me is accepted. Additional information about NCL's cruise discounts for teachers can be found at www.ncl.com/teachers .

"We are proud of our history of thanking educators for their hard work and commitment to shaping the next generation of future leaders," said David J. Herrera , president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "To honor these education heroes for the long-lasting impressions they make inside and outside the classroom, we are excited to not only award 20 teachers on the fifth-year anniversary of Norwegian's Giving Joy program with a free vacation aboard the soon-to-debut Norwegian Aqua™, but to also extend the recognition to the broader educator community across the U.S. and Canada with our new Teacher Cruise Discount . Travel is a powerful means of education, and we look forward to welcoming educators to join us on board to explore the world."

From May 6 to June 7, 2024 , Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign is open and accepting nominations for teachers making a difference in their classroom and communities. This year, the top 20 educators across the U.S. and Canada 1 that receive the most votes will be invited to attend an exclusive two-night inaugural event in Boston from April 4 to 6, 2025 , aboard Norwegian Aqua™ – NCL's newest ship from the Prima Plus Class – as she makes her U.S. debut. What's more, the top five Grand Prize winners will also have an opportunity to attend Norwegian Aqua's christening celebration followed by a three-night inaugural sailing from Miami from April 13 to 16, 2025 .

Since 2019, Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign has received nearly 60,000 teacher nominations; more than 1.8 million votes; awarded over 250 educators with a vacation of a lifetime; and donated upwards of $445,000 to teachers and their schools with the support from NCL's partners.

Now through June 7, 2024 , NCL is encouraging the public to nominate certified or accredited educators in the U.S. and Canada who have made an impact in their life and inspire students each and every day by visiting www.nclgivingjoy.com .

Regarding NCL's Giving Joy campaign, Ryan Price 2023 Giving Joy winner and educator at Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy in Vacaville, CA said, "The best part of traveling is the opportunity to meet new people, which was one of the greatest rewards I received from Norwegian's Giving Joy contest. The donation my school received from Norwegian and their generous partners has allowed us to take our students on field trips that would not have been possible otherwise, and I can't wait to provide more learning experiences outside of the classroom for my students! There's only so much you can learn in a static, unchanging classroom; however, travel is constantly stimulating, engaging, and presenting the learner with something they've never experienced before. And now, with Norwegian's Teacher Cruise Discount, NCL is making it easier for teachers to explore the world."

To nominate an esteemed educator, to vote, and for the contest terms and conditions, please visit www.nclgivingjoy.com/ .

Click here to download a variety of assets to help spread the word and help communities identify praiseworthy educators in their schools.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.ncl.com or call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or contact a travel professional.

For Norwegian Aqua's press kit and assets, click here .

About Norwegian Cruise Line As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize . Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, and The Haven by Norwegian ® , the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com . For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com .

SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line

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