Norwegian Cruise Line·Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy - Panama Canal & Central America

4.2(1,124 reviews)
via U.S. News & Cruise Critic · Jun 2026
|15 Nights|6 Ports|8 Sea Days

Experience one of the world's greatest engineering marvels as you transit the Panama Canal, with stops in the vibrant colonial city of Cartagena and the lush rainforests of Costa Rica.

Adventure SeekersHistory BuffsBucket List

Price Range

$

Budget

DepartureMiami, FL
Dress CodeFreestyle
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Norwegian Cruise Line before booking.

Ship Details — Norwegian Joy

View full Norwegian Joy details

Year Built

2017

Tonnage

167,725 GT

Passengers

3,804

Crew

1,821

Decks

20

Class

Breakaway Plus

Itinerary & Route Map

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Onboard Amenities

Go-Kart Track
Laser Tag
Galaxy Pavilion VR
Observation Lounge
Casino
Spa
Kids Club
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
Fitness Center
Waterfront Promenade
Broadway Shows
Go-Kart Race Track
Laser Tag Arena
Mandara Spa
Aqua Park Water Slides
The Haven Suites
Two-level go-kart racetrack
Two aqua parks with waterslides
Forward Observation Lounge
The Haven (private enclave with indoor pool, expanded owner's suites)
Two-level Vibe Beach Club (expanded in 2024 refurbishment)
Mandara Spa with fleet-largest Thermal Suite (added 2024)
Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality arcade
Mini Golf
Joy Theater (Broadway-style shows)
Cagney's Steakhouse
Le Bistro
Food Republic
Teppanyaki
Kids and teens clubs
Multiple Pools & Hot Tubs
Seven specialty restaurants

Cruise Highlights

Panama Canal transit through Gatun Locks
Cartagena's walled Old Town
Rainforest excursion from Puerto Limón
Sunset dining on The Waterfront

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Norwegian Joy

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Norwegian Joy sailing. Based on 1,300 discussions.

Norwegian Joy is a 2017 Breakaway-Plus mega-ship with an unusual backstory: it was originally built and outfitted for the Chinese cruise market, then pulled to North America in 2018 and refurbished to mirror its sister ship, Norwegian Bliss. A second major refurbishment in early 2024 modernized it further, adding cabins, expanding the Vibe Beach Club to two levels and installing what reviewers call the best Thermal Suite at sea. The result is a ship that looks nearly new and carries the familiar Breakaway-Plus thrills, but with a slightly quirky heritage layout.

What People Love

  • The 2024 refurbishment left the ship looking nearly new, with fresh furnishings and a generally well-maintained feel for a 2017-built vessel
  • The new Thermal Suite added in 2024 is widely called the best at sea, surpassing even NCL's newer Prima and Viva
  • The expanded two-level Vibe Beach Club is a standout adults-only retreat that many reviewers say is worth paying for every time

Common Complaints

  • The 2024 refurbishment added 24 cabins, increasing passenger load to over 4,300 on some sailings and worsening crowding
  • Reviewers report the ship feels crowded at pools, restaurants and elevators, with only two elevator banks instead of three
  • Food draws heavy criticism in recent member reviews, with the buffet and main dining rooms called bland, repetitive and sometimes cold
See the full Norwegian Joy ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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