Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to bring Norwegian Joy to the U.S. year-round for the very first time. The large ship will be based out of Seattle and sail cruises in Alaska along with voyages out of Los Angeles.
Norwegian Joy Coming to the U.S.
The announcement of Norwegian Joy sailing in Alaska is part of some updated cruise deployments and itineraries for upcoming seasons. Since entering service in June 2017 Norweigan Joy has been based in China and was purpose built for that market. For the first time, the Breakaway-Plus class vessel will be deployed in the United States where cruisers there can experience the ship.
Norwegian Joy Westcoast Cruises
The ship will reposition from Asia to Seattle in April 2019 and will replace Norwegian Pearl. The ship will offer 7-day cruises to Alaska including calls in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay, Icy Strait Point and Victoria in British Columbia.
Related: 3 Tips for Port of Seattle Cruise Terminals
It looks like the ship won’t be making a return to China and will be sailing year-round from the U.S. west coast. Norwegian Joy won’t just be sailing Alaska but also the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages out of Los Angeles in winter 2019/20.
Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said:
“Norwegian Cruise Line expanded the Alaska cruise experience as the first line to sail to the state from Seattle over 24 years ago.”
“I am extremely excited to further strengthen our presence in the region with the addition of Norwegian Joy, sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, the most successful ship in our 51-year history. With $50 million in enhancements including the addition of a Starbucks store as well as enhanced restaurant, bar and entertainment options, Norwegian Joy will be a welcome addition for guests looking to cruise on a world-class ship in one of the world’s most sought after destinations.”
Norwegian Joy Dry Dock
Before the ship begins her new year-round deployment on the U.S. west coast she will undergo a major $50 Million upgrade to bring her in line with sister ship Norwegian Bliss which is already sailing out of Seattle, Washington.
Included in the upgrades will be a new Starbucks store along with new restaurants and entertainment options. No doubt they will be taking out the Chinese dedicated features to make way for the new additions.
Also Read: Here are Reasons to Cruise on Norwegian Bliss
More Changes
To make way for Norwegian Joy on the U.S. west coast other NCL ships will be redeployed. Norwegian Pearl, Jewel, and Jade will expand offerings in Europe and Australasia in 2019. Norwegian Spirit will take over China duties from Norwegian Joy by cruising there seasonally from Summer 2020.
