Norwegian Joy Cruise Review: Stepping Outside My Royal Caribbean Comfort Zone

As a lifelong Royal Caribbean fan, I’ve spent countless days at sea aboard ships I know and love. But as a travel advisor, I believe it’s important to experience a variety of cruise lines firsthand, because the best way to match my clients with their perfect vacation is to live those experiences myself.

So, last week I stepped outside my comfort zone and set sail aboard Norwegian Joy. I went in curious and open-minded, ready to see how Norwegian compared. What I discovered was a blend of fun surprises, thoughtful touches, and a few areas that didn’t quite measure up to my usual Royal Caribbean expectations.

Here’s my honest take, straight from the sea!

The itinerary was one of the big draws—stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans! Rough seas from Hurricane Melissa made it too dangerous to tender, so we missed the private island stop.

Disappointing? Absolutely. But I was so impressed with how the crew handled it. By 8 a.m., a brand-new day-at-sea activity schedule appeared in the app, packed with options to keep guests entertained. That kind of organization and positivity in the face of change says a lot about Norwegian’s onboard team.

I was also intrigued by a few of the ship’s signature features, like the two-story go-kart track, freestyle dining, and modern entertainment lineup, all of which promised something new and different.

The embarkation process was, frankly, a little chaotic. We spent over an hour in a staging area before boarding, which set a rocky tone at first. But once onboard, my mood shifted—the ship was stunning. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the décor was sleek and contemporary.

We had the More at Sea package, which included 75 minutes of Wi-Fi each, a drinks package (about 10 drinks per day), a $50 shore excursion credit, and a specialty dining credit. One minor frustration: the Norwegian app required Wi-Fi minutes to access all features, which felt a bit limiting.

The Observation Lounge deserves special mention—it’s enormous, beautifully designed, and filled with cozy seating overlooking the ocean. It’s the kind of space you could lose an entire afternoon in, just watching the waves or reading a good book.

We stayed in a Club Balcony Suite, and I have to say—this was a highlight! The space felt airy, with lots of thoughtful storage, and it came with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine plus some sweet and savory treats.

But the real star was the bathroom:
🚿 Full-sized shower with six jets and a removable shower head
🪞 Deep trough-style sink with plenty of counter space
🧴 Roomy layout that felt luxurious for a cruise ship

The balcony was standard size with two chairs and a small table, perfect for morning coffee or sunset views. Overall, it felt very comparable to a Royal Caribbean balcony cabin, with perhaps a more spa-like bathroom experience.

Food is such a big part of any cruise, and I made it my mission to try as many venues as possible!

I dined at:
🍽️ The Manhattan Room – Elegant setting and delicious dinner portions
🍝 La Cucina – Cozy Italian specialty restaurant
🥞 The Local – Great spot for casual bites
🥗 Garden Café – The main buffet, lots of options
🍔 The American Diner – Don’t miss the milkshakes—YUM!
🥩 Savor – Another solid main dining option

I loved the freestyle dining concept, which lets guests eat when and where they please, no set dining times or assigned tables. It’s perfect for travelers who value flexibility.

Personally, though, I missed having the same waiter each night like on Royal Caribbean. There’s something special about being greeted by name and having your favorite drink waiting for you before you sit down.

Norwegian Joy shines when it comes to entertainment. The main stage shows, The Beatles Story, Elements, and The Broadway 80s Edition, were all fantastic, with top-tier talent and high energy.

On the activity side, the ship kept things lively:
🏎️ The multi-level go-kart track was incredible, truly a unique experience at sea.
💦 The waterslides were thrilling, especially the one that drops and then shoots you back up over the pool deck!
🏈 NFL fans were happy too, the big games played across screens on deck, in bars, and even in staterooms.

That said, I found the vibe leaned more adult-oriented than family-focused. There were kids’ areas, but they didn’t feel as central as they do on Royal Caribbean.

The pool area was well laid out with plenty of loungers and small side tables (a thoughtful touch), though the water was quite chilly. The Spice H2O adults-only retreat at the back of the ship was cozy but smaller than Royal Caribbean’s Solarium.

One thing I loved: the smoking areas, including in the casino, were enclosed, so the rest of the ship stayed fresh and smoke-free.

 

The crew aboard Norwegian Joy was wonderful, friendly, attentive, and always smiling. Our cabin steward, in particular, went above and beyond, making sure we had everything we needed before we ever had to ask. Their warm energy made a big difference throughout the trip.

✨ Pros:
• Friendly and attentive crew
• Excellent entertainment and unique onboard attractions
• Beautiful Observation Lounge
• Spacious, luxurious bathroom in the Club Balcony Suite

⚓ Cons:
• Embarkation process was disorganized
• Food variety could be improved across the main dining venues

If you prefer flexibility, adult-oriented entertainment, and modern amenities, Norwegian Joy is a great choice, especially for couples, friend groups, or first-time cruisers who want to dine and play on their own schedule.

If you love structured dining, family-oriented programming, and signature themed activities, you may still find yourself happiest on Royal Caribbean.

While my heart still belongs to Royal Caribbean, I’m truly glad I gave Norwegian Joy a try. Every cruise line has its strengths, and this experience reminded me why firsthand travel is such an essential part of what I do.

For clients who crave flexibility and fresh experiences at sea, Norwegian offers a fun and vibrant option. For me, it was an adventure that expanded my perspective, and that’s exactly what travel should do.

💫 Ready to plan your next cruise adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of island-hopping in the Caribbean, exploring Europe by sea, or trying a new cruise line like Norwegian, I’d love to help you craft the perfect voyage.

👉 Plan Your Cruise with Quinntopia Travel

Because every journey deserves to be as unforgettable as the destination.

Thank you,

Kelley