Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Norwegian Joy will undergo enhancements in January 2024 to to elevate the onboard guest experience with popular offerings. Norwegian Joy sailings will start sailing again on February 13, 2024, when she embarks on an 11-Day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, United Kingdom to Miami. In March 2024, Joy will cruise seven-day round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to Bermuda from New York for summer 2024.

Before taking on the new itineraries, Norwegian Joy will be introducing a new Thermal Suite, expanded Vibe Beach Club, new staterooms, redesigned Three-Bedroom The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites and more!

Here are seven things you didn't know about Norwegian Joy, one of Norwegian’s most stunning cruise ships in the fleet.

1. It is a Sister Ship to Norwegian Bliss

Built in 2017, Norwegian Joy has a guest capacity of 3,802 passengers and offers several decks full of amazing shops, restaurants, and entertainment just waiting for you to enjoy. Sound familiar? That's because Norwegian Joy is a sister ship of the spectacular Norwegian Bliss. It sports those same fantastic Observation Lounges with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy sitting areas, and amazing views of wherever you'll be cruising. Staying true to its eastern beginnings, the vibrant hull art on Norwegian Joy is the work of Chinese artist Tan Ping. It features a mythical red phoenix and vivid ocean waves. 

2. It Has an Onboard Race Track

On Deck 19, Norwegian Joy offers one of the coolest features at sea — an actual race track. Seriously. The first ever of its kind at sea, this thrilling two-level race track offers an exhilarating combination of hairpin turns, a covered pit lane, and a viewing platform, as well as floodlights and a timing system as you head for that checkered flag. When you zoom around the double-height track in your electrically-powered race car, you'll even be rewarded with amazing ocean views. The track hugs the stern of Norwegian Joy.

3. New Spa Staterooms & Thermal Suite

In February 2024, Norwegian Joy will feature new spa balcony staterooms, which will include direct access to the Mandara Spa and the introduces the Thermal Suite.

Unwind into a more joyous spa experience with Joy’s new, Thermal Suite – an exclusive, adults-only complex dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. The serene space includes classics like a Salt Room, Ice Room, Steam Room, Saunas and more; as well as numerous heated loungers, a breathtaking foyer with commissioned sculptures, and the latest in spa technologies

4. It Features an Outdoor Promenade, The Waterfront

Designed to connect you with the ocean, the walkable promenade known as The Waterfront offers an enticing combination of restaurants, bars, and fresh ocean air as you meander around its quarter-mile length at your leisure. It can be a refreshing way to start your morning or a romantic end to a fun-filled day of adventures as you sip a hand-crafted cocktail while soaking up the sunset. Stop and savor decadent cuisine with ocean-side dining available at La Cucina, where the lobster fettuccine is to-die-for, or relax in the Humidor Cigar Lounge.

5. Vibe Beach Club is Expanding

The ever-popular, and nearly always sold-out, exclusive adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be expanded in February 2024. The space will boast a similar layout to the Vibe Beach Club found on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, with new private luxe cabanas.

6. It Has an Exclusive Retreat Called The Haven

Norwegian Joy is home to Norwegian Cruise Line's most luxurious and spacious accommodations, known as The Haven. Besides suites and villas of up to 1,458 square feet, this serene, exclusive retreat offers even more pampering amenities, such as 24-hour certified butler service, private pool access, and an incredible two-story observation area, Horizon Lounge, along with a sundeck, a hot tub, and an upscale restaurant. As an added bonus, guests of The Haven are able to skip the queues and be personally escorted on and off Norwegian Joy at ports of call, embarkation, and debarkation. The Haven is basically heaven at sea.

In February 2024, we’re expanding the Premier Owner’s Suites in The Haven to offer the first three-bedroom stateroom ever on this ship!

7. It Has a Wide Array of Dining Options

What's not to love about three main dining choices? The Manhattan Room, Savor Restaurant, and Taste Restaurant offer delicious cuisine, including Chef's Signature Dishes with paired wine recommendations. The Garden Café offers buffet-style dining, while The Local serves up traditional pub food. 

Specialty Dining choices include amazingly delicious barbecue at Q, entertaining Teppanyaki dining, and mouthwatering picks at Cagney's Steakhouse. Food Republic and Le Bistro showcase foods from around the world, while La Cucina serves up the flavors of Tuscany. Follow up with a premium coffee at Starbucks®.

Are you eager to learn more about the top things to do on Norwegian Joy and other ships in Norwegian's fleet? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the fantastic cruise deals and offers.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on August 28, 2018. It has been updated to show related content and itineraries.