Breakaway Plus class · Norwegian · In service since 2017
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy is a Breakaway Plus class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 2017. At about 167,725 gross tons, it carries roughly 3,900 guests and ranks #3 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 167,725 gross tons
- 3,900 guests
- 1,094 ft long
Photo: Arno Redenius, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Breakaway Plus class
- Entered service
- 2017 (9 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 167,725
- Guests
- 3,900
- Length
- 1,094 ft (333.5 m)
- Beam (width)
- 136 ft (41.4 m)
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9703796
About Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy entered service in 2017 for the Chinese market and was refitted for North American cruisers in 2019, when it moved to US-based itineraries. The ship has a two-level race track, the Galaxy Pavilion virtual-reality arcade, open-air laser tag and a glass-walled Observation Lounge at the bow, much like its later sisters. The Waterfront promenade on Deck 8 offers outdoor seating with ocean views, and The Haven has a private pool and lounge for suite guests. Joy has sailed a mix of Alaska, Caribbean and other North American itineraries since its refit.
Best for: Families and thrill-seekers who want Breakaway Plus features on a ship that is often easier to book than Bliss or Encore.
Norwegian Joy highlights
- Two-level go-kart race track
- Galaxy Pavilion with virtual-reality games
- Observation Lounge at the bow
- Open-air laser tag
- The Haven suite complex with private pool
How Norwegian Joy compares in size
- Norwegian Encore168,800
- Norwegian Bliss168,028
- Norwegian Joy167,725
- Norwegian Escape165,157
- Norwegian Luna156,300
- Norwegian Epic155,873
- Norwegian Aqua154,140
- Norwegian Getaway145,655
- Norwegian Breakaway145,655
- Norwegian Viva143,535
- Norwegian Prima143,535
- Norwegian Jade93,558
- Norwegian Pearl93,530
- Norwegian Gem93,530
- Norwegian Jewel93,502
- Norwegian Dawn92,250
- Norwegian Star91,740
- Pride of America80,439
- Norwegian Sun78,309
- Norwegian Spirit75,904
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Breakaway Plus class sister ships
Sailing with Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) built its identity on Freestyle Cruising: no fixed dinner times, no formal nights and a long list of restaurants you choose from each evening. Its big, modern ships add go-kart tracks, Broadway-style shows and The Haven, a private suite enclave. It suits independent-minded couples, groups and families who like flexibility, less so budget purists who dislike add-on charges.
Read our full Norwegian guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Norwegian Joy FAQs
How big is Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy measures about 167,725 gross tons and is about 1,094 feet (334 m) long. That makes it #3 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #36 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Joy carry?
About 3,900 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Norwegian Joy built?
Norwegian Joy entered service in 2017 and was built by Meyer Werft.
What class of ship is Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy belongs to Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class, alongside Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Joy good for families?
Splash Academy offers free supervised programs for kids 3 to 12, grouped by age, while Entourage gives teens 13 to 17 their own space and activities. Guppies sessions invite parents with babies and toddlers to join in. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Norwegian Joy offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Norwegian official site.