Cruising the Norwegian Joy Review

Planning to cruise on the Norwegian Joy soon? We sailed on this ship for a 7-day Bermuda itinerary and are excited to share our Norwegian Joy review.

This cruise had been on our radar for a while. We originally booked it in 2021 to celebrate a milestone birthday, but like many plans during the pandemic, it was canceled—twice. Finally, making it to Bermuda felt like a long-overdue dream come true.

Bermuda has always been a destination we wanted to visit, and the idea of sailing out of New York City, with the iconic skyline and Statue of Liberty as our send-off, sealed the deal. How we never took a cruise out of NYC when we lived there remains a mystery—but better late than never.

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This Norwegian Joy review was written, and the cruise vacation was enjoyed in June 2022.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

The Norwegian Joy, a relatively new ship that debuted in 2017, was initially designed for the Asian market. After a year, it was redeployed to the U.S. and refurbished to cater to Western cruisers, adding features like a pool. As the sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, Joy was intended for Alaskan voyages but now sails to Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Unlike our last experience on the Norwegian Epic—which left us unimpressed—this cruise on Norwegian Joy was a delight. We skipped the Norfolk, VA, stop but absolutely fell in love with Bermuda. Returning on a Norwegian cruise ship felt like reconnecting with an old favorite.

In this Norwegian Joy review, we’ll share our ship experience and photos, from embarkation at the Manhattan cruise terminal to the sail away, restaurants, entertainment, and more. Along the way, we’ve included helpful tips, menus from select restaurants, and freestyle dailies to help you plan your cruise.

Update: News of Drydock The Norweigan Joy is set to go into drydock from January 6 to February 13, 2024. As part of the upgrade, the ship will feature a new Thermal Spa, replacing the current Galaxy Pavilion to make space for it. Additionally, more balcony cabins will be added by removing a section of the Observation Lounge. The Laser Tag will be removed to make room for an expanded Vibe area.

Norwegian Joy Review

Embarkation at the New York Cruise Terminal

Update: As of November 14, 2022, Bermuda is no longer requiring an approved travel authorization or a negative Covid test.

While Bermuda no longer requests a travel authorization or a negative COVID test before embarkation, we continue to share our trip experience during our cruise in June 2022.

Luggage Handling

When we arrived at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the first step was handling our luggage. A porter collected our bags, which already had the cruise tags securely attached. From there, we took an elevator to the second floor, where check-in began. It was a smooth start to what turned out to be a lengthy embarkation process.

Lines and Wait Times

Be patient during embarkation, as the process can take 1–2 hours to get through all the steps. For this Bermuda cruise, there were three lines to navigate:

1. Security
   This was the first checkpoint where we needed to show our passports. They verified our identification before sending us through the standard security screening.
2. Document Verification
   After security, we moved to the document verification line. Here, we needed to present our Bermuda Travel Authorization, negative COVID-19 test results, and vaccination documents. Once everything was verified, we received a green dot sticker on our passports and a group number to proceed to the next step.
3. Check-In
   The final line was for check-in. Since we had completed online check-in, we joined the e-documents line, but there wasn’t a noticeable difference in wait time compared to other lines. At this stage, we received our stateroom keys (cruise cards) and were ready to board.

Muster Drill

Right after you board the ship, you’ll be directed to your muster station to sign in. The staff will ask if you watched the muster drill video sent via email before the cruise. Once you’ve signed in, you’re free to go about your day—there’s no need to return later in the afternoon like in the past.

Before the ship sets sail, additional instructions will be announced over the PA system so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

If you skipped the email video, don’t worry—you won’t miss it. The moment you turn on the TV in your stateroom, the video will start playing, and you won’t be able to change the channel until it’s finished.

Reservations

After you’ve checked in at your muster station, it’s time to secure your plans for dining and entertainment onboard.

You can usually make dining reservations for most specialty restaurants up to 90 days before your cruise. However, if you haven’t done so or need to make changes, take care of it immediately after muster. This is also the time to book your shows, which are available for reservation.

While we understand the convenience of reserved seating, we miss the flexibility of showing up early to grab a seat for a show, especially for comedy performances. Thankfully, comedy shows don’t typically require reservations, so you might still enjoy some spontaneity there.

Norwegian Joy Review Stateroom Cabin # 9900 Review

We stayed in a mid-ship balcony, stateroom cabin #9900, on the Norwegian Joy, and it exceeded our expectations. The cabin felt roomy, clean, and comfortable, with plenty of space for two people. One of the highlights was the availability of 2 USB ports on each side of the bed and 3 US electrical outlets, meaning we didn’t need to bring a power strip for this trip.

The angled balcony was a first for us, and we were pleasantly surprised. It was larger and more spacious than standard balconies we’ve had on other NCL ships, and we didn’t experience any issues with its layout. The bathroom was another standout feature, with a corner glass-enclosed shower (no shower curtain!) and plenty of functionality for our needs.

The only downside was the bed—it was hard as a rock for my taste. However, my husband had no complaints and slept great, so this may depend on your preference.

In this Cabin, You’ll Find:

• 2 USB ports on each side of the bed
• 3 US electrical outlets
• Hair dryer
• Safe
• Plenty of closet and shelving space for two people on a week-long cruise
• Sofa
• Angled, roomy balcony
• Corner glass-enclosed shower
• One sink
• Toilet

This cabin is located on the 9th floor, closer to the ship’s forward section and near the elevators and stairs. While we usually avoid cabins near elevators due to potential noise, this location was surprisingly quiet. There are several cabins between #9900 and the lobby entrance, which likely helped reduce noise.

Being on the 9th floor also made it convenient to take the stairs to decks 9, 7, and 6, where most of the restaurants, bars, theaters, casino, and atrium are located.

We would definitely book this cabin again and recommend it for its location, size, and comfort. However, if you’re concerned about the angled balcony, this might not be the right choice for you.

In the past, we booked mini-suites (now called Club Balcony Suites) for their double sinks and larger showers. While those have more of a Deluxe Balcony feel than a true suite, they were a nice upgrade. That said, this balcony cabin was just right for our needs on this trip and provided a comfortable, clean, and enjoyable space.

Sail Away from New York City

The sail away from New York City is one of our favorite cruise experiences to date, and we hope to repeat it in the future. Watching the New York City skyline come into full view on a clear day is a magical experience. You’ll pass iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty and sail under the Verrazano Bridge, making it a sail away you won’t soon forget.

We decided to skip the lively sailaway party on the pool deck in favor of a quieter experience on the Waterfront, located on deck 8. From the port side of the Waterfront, we enjoyed stunning views of the New York City skyline, including the World Trade Center. Crossing over to the starboard side gave us a close-up look at the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past. The aft section of deck 8 also provided an incredible panoramic view perfect for this memorable moment.

If you prefer to stay indoors, the Observation Area on deck 15 is another great spot to take in the sights. However, you’ll want to arrive early to secure a good seat.

The incredible views during sail away are just one of the many reasons we love cruising from New York City. From the skyline to the landmarks along the way, it’s an unforgettable way to start a journey.

Norwegian Joy Restaurants and Dining

The Norwegian Joy offers a range of dining options. Your cruise fare includes three main dining rooms, a pub, and a buffet. Eight specialty dining restaurants are available for an additional charge.

The Buffet

The buffet on the Norwegian Joy was a mix of hits and misses for us. We mainly went there for breakfast, lunch, and the occasional late-night snack.

While the pizza used to be a dependable snack on Norwegian cruises, it was a disappointment on this sailing. The mozzarella tasted pasty and artificial, making it barely edible.

Fortunately, the Indian food at lunch was consistently amazing—some of the best we’ve had on any ship. We also appreciated the carving station when it was available, as the freshly carved meat was always worth adding to our plate. The Caribbean-themed lunch served on the last day in Bermuda was a standout meal.

Breakfast was exactly what you’d expect—consistent but nothing surprising. The fresh-made omelets were popular but be prepared for long lines. The fruit at the buffet was always sweet and delicious, and we made sure to grab some every morning.

Desserts didn’t disappoint, with soft-serve ice cream, hand-scooped ice cream, cakes, cookies, and pastries. Our favorites included the chocolate praline cake, coconut cheesecake, and Rocky Road ice cream.

For coffee lovers, Starbucks machines are conveniently located in the buffet area.

The Local

The Local, located near the atrium, offered a great spot to enjoy some pub-style food while watching trivia games or live music performances. With barstools, booths, and tables, there’s plenty of seating for everyone.

As the 24-hour pub onboard, the menu included staples like salads, wings, burgers, hot dogs, Reubens, nachos, pretzel balls, spinach dip, and other classic pub fare. While the food wasn’t exceptional, it was satisfying and paired perfectly with a cold beer.

We especially enjoyed the pretzel balls, nachos, and wings. The Caesar salad was good when the dressing wasn’t overdone, and the parmesan cheese wasn’t forgotten. For dessert, the carrot cake was a decent option.

A small arcade (separate from the Galaxy Pavilion) is tucked away in the corner of the Local, adding a bit of fun to the space.

Manhattan | Taste | Savor

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The Norwegian Joy has three main dining rooms, with Taste and Savor located across from each other on deck 6 and the Manhattan Room on deck 8. The Manhattan Room is the largest and, in our opinion, had the best service.

Dinner in the Manhattan Room during sunset was a highlight of our trip. If you want a table by the window to enjoy the view, arrive early or make an early reservation. Just keep in mind that the setting sun can be bright. If that bothers you, consider sitting farther from the windows. For those at the windows, it’s worth remembering that people choose those seats for the view, so asking for the shades to be lowered might spoil the experience for others.

All three dining rooms share the same galley, and we were impressed with the quality and taste of 98% of the dishes we ordered. Compared to our last Norwegian cruise, the food on the Joy was a pleasant surprise. Norwegian seems to have stepped up their game, and we hope this trend continues because food is important to us!

The menus offered a mix of always-available options, daily-changing appetizers, and featured entrees. During our week on the Joy, we tried and enjoyed a variety of dishes, with most meals exceeding our expectations.

Cagney’s Steakhouse

When we booked our cruise, we took advantage of the dining promo, which included two specialty dining reservations. We chose Cagney’s Steakhouse, one of Norwegian’s most popular specialty restaurants, for the first night of the cruise.

The food was good, though not as amazing as we remembered from our first visit years ago on the Norwegian Getaway. Our main entrees, including the ribeye and lamb chops, were enjoyable, and the 7-layer chocolate cake was a highlight of the meal.

Cagney’s Steakhouse Menu – Norwegian Joy

Le Bistro

Le Bistro easily stands out as one of the best restaurants on the Norwegian Joy. This French dining experience was so exceptional that we found ourselves reminiscing about it for days afterward.

Even if we hadn’t received the dining promo, we would happily pay out of pocket to eat here. It brought back memories of our first Le Bistro experience on the Norwegian Pearl, reaffirming that this is our favorite restaurant across Norwegian’s ships.

From start to finish, every bite was a delight. Since we had recently enjoyed escargot back home, we decided to start with the scallops, which were amazing. The French onion soup was one of the best we’ve ever had—cheesy, flavorful, and rich, with what tasted like bottles of wine or sherry poured into the pot. For mains, the filet mignon with foie gras was tender and cooked perfectly, while my husband thoroughly enjoyed his veal chop.

Dessert was the crowning touch. While the menu has changed since our last visit (no crème brûlée or tarte Tatin), the new options did not disappoint. We followed the waiter’s recommendations and ordered the Marquise au Chocolate and île Flottante. Both were phenomenal. If you love chocolate mousse, the Marquise is a must-try. For fans of crème brûlée, the île Flottante offers a similarly indulgent experience.

The cost of this meal would have been $147 without the Free at Sea specialty dining package we received as a perk. That said, it was so worth it that we wouldn’t hesitate to pay outright for this incredible meal. It is a deal compared to eating out at our favorite French bistro at home.

Le Bistro Menu – Norwegian Joy (1)
Le Bistro Menu – Norwegian Joy (2)

Service on Norwegian Joy

The service on the Norwegian Joy was fantastic. Everywhere we went, the staff was kind, helpful, and attentive. At the restaurants, managers made it a point to visit our table every night to ensure we were enjoying our meals and had everything we needed.

Our room steward was especially wonderful—attentive, friendly, and always making sure our cabin was in perfect condition. We made sure to tip him well at the end of our stay.

It’s worth noting that the ship was only at 50% capacity during our sailing, which may have contributed to the exceptional service. The smaller guest load seemed to create a more personalized experience throughout the cruise.

We’d love to hear about your experience with the service on the Norwegian Joy! Was the ship at full capacity during your sailing, or did you notice similar personalized attention?

Read more: Tipping Guidelines for Your Cruise

Norwegian Joy Activities and Entertainment

The Norwegian Joy offers various activities and entertainment to keep guests busy throughout the cruise. Whether you’re sunbathing, sliding down water slides, or enjoying trivia and games, there’s something for everyone. You can choose to participate as much or as little as you like.

Some activities, like rock wall climbing, laser tag, and the game pavilion, weren’t on our itinerary, but they’re available for guests to enjoy. Reservations are recommended for shows, but standby lines are available 15 minutes before the show begins.

Shoutout to the band Azúcar and the onboard DJ for their fantastic music throughout the trip!

Pool Deck and Aqua Park

The Norwegian Joy features three pools: one for adults, one for kids, and a private pool in the Haven Courtyard for Haven guests. While the ship was only at 50% capacity during our sailing, the pool deck still felt packed, especially on sea days. We can’t imagine what it would be like at full capacity, as there simply isn’t enough pool space for the number of guests onboard.

The pool area is lively, with music and activities throughout the day. Kids often monopolized the hot tubs more than the pool itself, so for a quieter, adults-only experience, we recommend heading to Spice H2O for its hot tubs. If you’re looking for a calm retreat away from the action, the Waterfront or Observation Deck are good alternatives.

The Aqua Park adds a fun adrenaline rush to the pool deck. It features two big water slides: Aqua Racer and Ocean Loops. The Ocean Loops, with its section hanging over the ocean, is the scarier option and perfect for thrill-seekers. A smaller slide is also available in the kids’ aqua park. Lines for the slides were consistently short when they were open, making them a great addition to a day by the pool.

Go-Karts

Cost: $15 per person | Reservations Required

The go-kart track is a unique experience on Norwegian Joy. While not as fast as land-based go-karts, they’re still a fun activity to try at least once. You get nine laps, and safety controls ensure an enjoyable ride.

Casino

Located on deck 7, the Norwegian Joy’s casino features a mix of slots and table games, along with a high rollers room. One great feature is the separate enclosed smoking area, which keeps the air clean for non-smokers—a welcome change we hope to see on all NCL ships.

The casino also serves late-night snacks starting at 10:30 pm, which we found better than the buffet options. While we didn’t win big, we spent many evenings enjoying the lively atmosphere.

The Beatles Story

Update: This show is no longer part of the Norwegian Joy entertainment lineup.

When available, this Beatles tribute show was a highlight, with performances in the Joy Theater and the Cavern Club. The theater offered plenty of seating, while the Cavern Club provided a more intimate setting—though it’s best to arrive early as seating is limited.

Footloose

Update: As of October 28, 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line has discontinued the “Footloose” production aboard the Norwegian Joy.

During our cruise, we were excited to see the Broadway-style show “Footloose,” especially as fans of the original movie. However, the performance did not meet our expectations. The show felt prolonged, lasting nearly two hours, and lacked the dynamic energy we anticipated. The concluding dance scene, in particular, was underwhelming, leaving us somewhat disappointed.

Elements

Cost: Free | Reservations Needed

Elements was an enjoyable show, though we felt it was a bit overdone with the dancing. If they had focused more on the magic show and acrobatic scenes, we think it would have been even better. Still, it was a much more entertaining experience compared to Footloose.

We attended a late showing of Elements earlier in the week, but on the last night of the cruise, the show was canceled due to illness. As a replacement, we got a special showing of The Beatles: Abbey Road, which turned out to be a fun and unexpected treat.

Levity Comedy Group

Cost: Free | Reservations Sometimes Needed

The comedy lineup featured Andy Beningo and Larry Omaha. Andy’s sets stood out with their family-friendly humor that didn’t rely on being mean for laughs. We saw him perform at the Social Club and later at the 18+ show, and he had us laughing both times.

Spa on Norwegian Joy

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On this cruise, we didn’t treat ourselves to any spa services, but it’s worth noting a few details about the spa on the Norwegian Joy. The spa was relatively small when we sailed, featuring a waiting area, a barber shop, a hair styling section, and a few pedicure chairs.

At the time of our sailing, the ship did not have a thermal spa. However, a thermal spa has since been added, offering more amenities and an upgraded spa experience for future cruisers.

Observations on Norwegian Joy

• The Norwegian Joy is a beautiful, sleek, and modern ship that caters to all ages and offers a great mix of modern amenities and style.
• The staff was exceptional, always friendly, and hardworking in maintaining the ship and providing excellent service.
• The Waterfront (Deck 8) and the Observation Area (Deck 15) were some of the best spaces on the ship for quiet time and great views.
• Afternoon snacks are served daily in the Observation Area, adding a nice touch to your day.
• Starbucks is available onboard but is not included in the Free at Sea Premium Beverage Package; it’s included in the Premium Plus Package. You can find it at the buffet, Observation Area, and atrium, and you can collect rewards but pay with your stateroom card. We had lattes, which cost us $17 but were much better than Starbucks on land.
• Pool towels are no longer provided in the staterooms; when leaving the ship for port days, you sign them out.
• On Day 4, the $29 laundry bag special is available, which you leave out for your cabin steward by Day 5.
• Hand-washing stations are outside the buffet, and Purell stands are placed throughout the ship and outside dining areas. The “washy-washy” staff at the buffet entrance is always cheerful and reminds you to wash your hands.
• Spice H20, the adults-only area, hosts a themed party every night. On sea days, it’s always packed with sunbathers, creating a lively atmosphere.
• We celebrated a birthday on board and let them know when booking. They left a card in our stateroom, which we handed to the Maître d’. The waiter brought a cake and sang “Happy Birthday”—it was a nice touch, and the cake was surprisingly delicious.
• There were no more towel animals, which was a bit disappointing since they were a small but special touch that used to bring an extra smile during our cruise vacation.

Read more: Different Between Cruise and All-Inclusive Resorts

FAQ on Norwegian Joy

Is the Norwegian Joy a new ship?

The Norwegian Joy debuted in 2017 and underwent refurbishments in 2018 and early 2024. The latest enhancements include a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa, an expanded Vibe Beach Club, and redesigned three-bedroom Haven Premier Owner’s Suites. While not brand new, these updates position it among Norwegian Cruise Line’s more modern vessels.

Why was the Norwegian Joy refurbished?

The Norwegian Joy was initially designed for the Asian market. After a year, it was redeployed to the Western market and underwent a significant refurbishment. Changes included adding features like a pool, a go-kart track and updated dining and entertainment options to better suit Western guests’ preferences.

Where to Stay Near Manhattan Cruise Terminal

We stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott on 58th Street, just down the block from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, for our pre-cruise night in NYC.

This hotel is an excellent choice if you’re only in the city for a night or two. Its location is convenient for both the terminal and nearby attractions. In just a 10-minute walk, we reached Times Square, and with a bit more strolling, we visited Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Columbus Circle, and more.

The hotel itself was clean and modern, with friendly staff. Breakfast was included, and while it was nothing extraordinary, it offered coffee, eggs, and pastries—enough to get us going before embarkation.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Cruising the Norwegian Breakaway
• Cruising the Norwegian Encore
• Cruising the Norwegian Pearl Review
• Cruising the Norwegian Epic Review
• Cruising Norwegian Getaway and Staying in the Haven