Luxury and Adventure at Sea: Exploring NCL Joy and The Haven
- Esther
- Nov 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9
This ship belongs to the Breakaway Plus Class. The Breakaway family actually has two classes, the Breakaway Class and the Breakaway Plus Class. The Breakaway and Getaway are sister ships, but the Breakaway Plus Class is a larger evolution of that design. The ships in the Breakaway Plus Class are the Escape, Joy, Bliss, and Encore. They are similar in style to the original Breakaway ships, just bigger and more advanced.
Facts
Breakaway Class
146.000 GT
Passengers 4000
Restaurants 27
Breakaway Plus Class
168.000 GT
Passengers 4200
Restaurants 28
The Haven on the NCL Joy
The Haven is located on Deck 17 and features around 80 suites in various sizes.
What does the Norwegian Joy offer for Haven guests?
A private lounge and bar area with panoramic views
Spacious suites with large balconies, including two-bedroom villas that are perfect for families
Concierge and Butler service
A private courtyard with a swimming pool and a retractable glass roof
A private sundeck with a small pool
An exclusive restaurant reserved for Haven guests
Highlights on the NCL Joy
Race Track (Go-Kart Track)
The Norwegian Joy features a two-level racetrack on the top deck, where guests can drive electric go-karts while sailing at sea.
It’s a fun and unique activity for families, teens, or anyone who enjoys a bit of excitement.
Galaxy Pavilion / Virtual Reality & Games
The Galaxy Pavilion is a large virtual reality zone filled with immersive rides, video simulators, and interactive games.
It’s great for all ages, especially younger or tech-savvy guests looking for something different.
Aqua Park & Waterslides
On the Norwegian Joy, you’ll find an exciting Aqua Park featuring several waterslides, including the Ocean Loop, which extends over the side of the ship—and the Aqua Racer. There are also relaxing areas with spa-style pools for guests who prefer a more peaceful experience.
The Waterfront & Outdoor Promenade
The ship also features The Waterfront a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and a scenic walkway overlooking the sea.
It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, enjoying sunset views, or simply unwinding in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurants and bars
The Norwegian Joy offers an impressive selection of 28 dining venues, ranging from casual eateries to specialty restaurants. Guests can enjoy cuisine from around the world, including Japanese, Italian, steakhouse favorites, and a luxurious buffet.
There are also 14 bars and lounges throughout the ship, from lively rooftop bars to elegant cocktail lounges with stunning sea views.
Solo cruisers
The Norwegian Joy features around 70 solo cabins designed for guests traveling alone. However, unlike some other Norwegian Cruise Line ships, the Joy does not have a dedicated solo lounge.
My experience
I’ve sailed on both the Breakaway Class (Getaway) and the Breakaway Plus Class (Escape) several times, staying in The Haven. It’s always been a relaxing and luxurious experience. We love to experience the ship-in-a-ship concept specially when our kids where smaller. Lots of activities and some nice and relaxing place for us as parents. On the seadays you have a place to escape too.
I personally didn’t enjoy the indoor pool area as much, the retractable roof seemed to stay closed most of the time, even in warmer weather. With small children we weren’t allowed on the Haven sundeck, so we spent our summer vacation in air‑conditioned indoor space many times. I can imagine that in cooler climates like Alaska, the indoor pool becomes a definite plus.
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