Detailed Overview of Norwegian Joy's 2024 Dry Dock Refurbishments - New Thermal Suite, Larger Vibe Beach Club & More Staterooms
Norwegian Joy in Dry Dock 2018 © donovanrs28 CruiseCritic
In January 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, Norwegian Joy, is slated for extensive dry dock refurbishments. These changes will be implemented from February 13, 2024, onwards and include significant upgrades to both public areas and accommodations onboard, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Public Area Changes
The Norwegian Joy's public spaces will undergo several impactful adjustments and additions.
Norwegian Joy Thermal Suite Renderings © Norwegian Cruise Line
Replacement of Galaxy Pavilion with a Thermal Suite
The existing Galaxy Pavilion will make way for a brand new Thermal Suite. This innovative wellness space will provide a range of thermal experiences for passengers, aiming to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation opportunities onboard. The Galaxy Pavilion is currently located at the aft of the ship so this will be perfect location offering expansive views of the wake, as well as the scenic vistas of the world. This change will somewhat match the same layout of the Norwegian Bliss, the sister ship of Norwegian Joy.
Guests will have access to an elevated onboard spa experience with a brand-new Thermal Suite, soon-to-be the largest of the Breakaway-Plus class ships. Designed with NCL guest feedback in mind, the debuting Spa Thermal Suite will boast a more centralized layout with an unparalleled arrival experience featuring elegant sculptures and an entrance corridor encompassed with waterfalls. A separate lounge area will feature three times as many of the popular hot tile loungers, and guests will be able to enjoy easy access to relaxing and reinvigorating experiences including a sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room. Additional innovative offerings include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, an increasingly popular rejuvenating treatment delivering essential nutrients to the body; four-senses loungers for the ultimate sensory experience for deep relaxation; and Kneipp haptic foot therapy, which massages feet as guests walk across the pebbled moving stream that alternates between hot and cold foot baths. The all-new Thermal Suite will replace the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s virtual-reality complex.
Norwegian Encore Vibe Beach © Norwegian Cruise Line
Replacement of Laser Tag with Vibe Beach Club Expansion
The Vibe Beach Club is undergoing an expansion, involving the replacement of the current Laser Tag area. The expansion will result in a larger open-air space, broadening the opportunities for guests to relax and socialize while enjoying the scenic ocean views. This will make the Vibe Beach Club a two story venue, similar to the Norwegian Encore.
Norwegian Bliss Humidor © Norwegian Cruise Line
Introduction of Enclosed Smoking Area
A new enclosed smoking area will be introduced on Deck 8. This addition is aimed at striking a balance between guests who smoke and those who don't, ensuring everyone's comfort during their cruise journey. Our best guess on the location of this would be near the Humidor Cigar Lounge.
Updates to Accommodations
The Norwegian Joy will also see significant changes to its accommodation offerings.
Norwegian Joy Haven Premier Owners Suite Renderings & Layout © Norwegian Cruise Line
Update of Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites
The current Category H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suites will be updated and re-categorized into The Haven Premier Owner's Suites with Large Balcony. The two suites will include three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; a fully renovated living room, master bedroom and outdoor balcony furniture; as well as a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge.
^ Deck 15 - Current
^ Deck 15 - After Additional Rooms Added
Revamped Observation Lounge for Additional Balcony Cabins
There will be an addition of 24 BA category Balcony Cabins, replacing the port side of the Observation Lounge. This increases the number of cabins offering stunning sea views, catering to a wider array of guests who wish to enjoy ocean vistas from the comfort of their rooms. This is a drastic change that will remove a large portion of public guest space.
Norwegian Encore Spa Club Balcony Suite © Norwegian Cruise Line
Introduction of Spa Category
In a move towards prioritizing wellness, a new Spa Category will be introduced. As part of this upgrade, 28 BA Category Balcony Cabins will be re-categorized as B9 Category Spa Balcony Cabins, and 12 MA Category Club Balcony Suites will be re-categorized as M9 Spa Club Balcony Suite cabins. These cabins will offer enhanced spa-like amenities for a more wellness-oriented stay onboard. These rooms will include access to the brand new thermal suite, and should be relatively close offering easy access to the spa.
In conclusion, the 2024 dry dock refurbishment of Norwegian Joy reflects a commitment to improve guest satisfaction and enhance onboard experiences. Both the public areas and accommodations will see significant upgrades, aiming to meet diverse passenger needs and expectations.
Norwegian Joy will resume sailings post dry dock on Feb. 13, 2024, when she embarks on an 11-Day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, United Kingdom to Miami. In March 2024, the ship will cruise seven-day round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to Bermuda from New York for summer 2024.
