Although the Norwegian Joy originally was built specifically for the Asian market, it was announced earlier this year that the ship would be repositioned to join sister ship Bliss in doing sailings to Alaska. The move will take place late in the spring of 2019, after Joy undergoes a massive $50 million refurb that will make her a virtual twin to Bliss.
Because Alaska sailings are seasonal, after Joy spends the summer sailing out of Seattle, she’ll reposition yet again, this time to Los Angeles. From there, she will specialize in runs to the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal.
All About The Norwegian Joy
The second ship built by Norwegian Cruise Line for their Breakaway-Plus class, Joy was followed by Bliss, which had been purpose-built for Alaska. And by the time Joy joins her sister ship in Seattle, she’ll have been outfitted with many of the same features which have proven so popular… including the two Observation Lounges which provide incredible views of the stunning Alaska vistas. Why two Observation Lounges? One is set aside for the exclusive use of guests of The Haven, Norwegian’s high-end ship-within-a-ship class of staterooms.
READ MORE: Details On The Norwegian Joy Refurb
Otherwise, the biggest changes on board Joy will be designed to make the ship more suitable to the American consumer. For example, the Serenity Park which sat atop the ship will be replaced by more space for loungers as well as a stage for entertainers. And while a separate casino had been incorporated into The Haven, that will be replaced with a library during the makeover. A third, VIP casino — which was on a separate deck from the main gambling area — is being replaced by an entertainment venue. And while it hasn’t yet been revealed what that venue will be, smart money is on the Social Club. Introduced on Bliss, this space has been used on that ship to house both the Silent Disco Dance Party and a prohibition era-set show called Happy Hour.
Not surprisingly, a tea room — popular during the ship’s overseas sailings — will morph into The Local (which is a rebranded version of the complimentary venue most Norwegian fans still refer to as O’Sheehan’s). Elsewhere, a seafood restaurant called Neptunes will be transitioned into the upscale Mexican eatery Los Lobos.
If you recall all the excited coverage the first go-kart track at sea received, then you’ll know that Joy was the ship which introduced the concept. It proved popular enough that when the time came to plop a track atop Bliss, the track was expanded… and a fee was added (including special day- and week-long passes).
Norwegian Joy Itineraries
Alaska: After undergoing the extensive refurbishment, the ship will do 7-day sailings from Seattle, Washington, calling to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Point, and Icy Strait Point.
Mexico: Once she has finished her Alaska sailings for the season, Joy will head to Los Angeles where she will sail to the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal.
While Norwegian Joy‘s refurb is still months away — and her repositioning even further — bookings are currently available.
