ncl cruise ship refurbishments

Norwegian Joy – Refurbished & Reviewed

We’re excited to board the newly refurbished Norwegian Joy cruise ship and we’re going to share everything that has been updated during the January/February 2024 refurbishment and dry dock.

Embarking from Southampton, UK after a few weeks in dry dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands , the ship was ready to receive the first guests sailing an 11-day transatlantic cruise to Miami (with no ports!). Unfortunately, we were informed that some spaces due for refitting and refurbishment weren’t quite finished, but we were able to get access to take some photos and a quick tour of new areas.

Key Points:

• Norwegian Joy underwent refurbishment in early 2024 with updates like a new Thermal Suite and additional staterooms.
• Dining options include restaurants like Taste & Savor (no charge), as well as specialty dining venues.
• The ship offers unique features like the Speedway (go-karts at sea) and a water park, but some activities come at an extra cost.
• The entertainment on the ship is underwhelming compared to past offerings, with shows like “Elements” receiving mixed reviews.
• A large variety of stateroom options are available on the ship, and the bathrooms are noted for their spaciousness and amenities.

A few interesting Facts about the Joy

The Norwegian Joy was initially built for the Asian cruising market but only lasted in Asia for a short while. NCL chose to relocate the cruise ship to the Caribbean and do a light cosmetic refresh in 2020 to bring the design more in line with what the American market would expect.

Because of the original intent of the ship, some features are unique such as the pool decks with large swaths of open space meant to accommodate more people (originally on a faux lawn-style setup). So the pools are strange (visually) in their arrangement, but nothing changes the enjoyment.

The capacity of the Norwegian Joy is about 4000 people after the new addition of some cabins on the 15th deck.

The ship is part of the Breakaway Plus class of ships which also includes the Norwegian Encore (Our favorite NCL Ship)

What’s changed on the NCL Joy

Unlike other refits of large ships, most of the ship is going to remain the same. There aren’t going to be any new restaurants or major changes to common areas or existing cabins. However, there are going to be additions and a few updates.

New Thermal Suite on Norwegian Joy

The most notable update is the removal of the Laser Tag pavilion and replacing it with a huge new thermal suite to bring the Joy in line with other newer ships that feature the beautiful thermal suite like Joy’s sister ship, the Norwegian Encore .

Larger Vibe Beach Club

The Joy now features a much larger Vibe adult-only area with added cabanas and more space to relax.

Additional Staterooms

One of the more surprising updates to the Norwegian Joy is the addition of cabins. This comes at the expense of the popular observation lounge. This has many guests talking about whether or not this will affect the feel and atmosphere of the much-beloved lounge.

Deck 15 on the Norwegian Joy before and after the ship refurbishment

You’ll notice on the after photos of the Observation Lounge on the Joy that the entire left side of the lounge was more relaxation space, where now it’s full of cabins.

NCL Joy Before Refurbishment

NCL Joy AFTER Refurbishment

Here’s the side of the lounge that’s been modified. You’ll see that most of it has been cut back with just some extra seating left behind.

The transformation of the Observation Lounge was well done visually, but cut back so much space it’s going to be interesting to see how crowded the lounge feels on a full sailing.

Other work done to the Joy during the refurbishment included new carpeting, new mattresses in the staterooms, and cleaning of all soft surfaces

The ship looked nearly new when we boarded with everything being freshly cleaned and/or replaced. It was nice to see a ship launched in 2017 maintained and cleaned up to the extent of looking nearly new again.

What To Expect on the NCL Joy

After spending 11 days on the ship immediately after the drydock and refurbishment, we were left feeling like the ship was just about the perfect size for most itineraries. With an abundant of outdoor space and so many venues for food and drink, the ship didn’t ever feel crowded. However, we were only sailing at about 65% capacity at the time.

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The Food on the Joy

Having spent nearly 60 days on Norwegian Cruise Line ships in the past year across many cruises, it was surprising to find that the food quality on the Joy was better than any in recent memory. It really feels like the food rose to the level of the pre-pandemic quality of NCL. While there were a few “misses” when it came to food, which is to be expected, the majority of the dining experiences were extremely good.

Included Restaurants on the Joy

The dining venues included with your fare are generous and quite good. Included restaurants are:

• The Manhattan Room (Main Dining Room at Dinner)
• Taste (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Savor (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• The Local (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night)
• Garden Cafe (Buffet – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• American Diner (which used to be an additional cost and is now included!)

The Manhattan Dining room is only open for Dinner while Taste & Savor restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which helps distribute the crowds during popular dining times. The menu is the same in all 3 restaurants, it’s just a matter of what environment you want to dine in (or which side of the ship!)

During lunch and breakfast, bring your patience when choosing Savor & Taste . It can sometimes take a while to get your food.

Order Cagney’s In The Main Dining Room

You can now order a Cagney’s steak from the main dining room at dinner! So if you’re craving a bit of an elevated experience in the main dining room, for about $25 you can feast on a Filet Mignon.

The Local Bar & Grill on the Breakaway Plus Class ships replace the more pub-themed restaurant on other ships called O’sheehans – but they’re the same concept with bar bites, sandwiches, wings, and a late-night dining menu. The only real letdown of the Local is the chicken wings. They’ve changed the preparation method and they’re just not as good as they once were (I think this is fleet-wide as the same changes were on the Sun & Epic recently)

Many people don’t realize that the Local also serves breakfast making it a great alternative to the buffet.

When it came to the buffet (Garden Cafe), our only real issue was the food temperatures in some locations. Somehow everything was served steaming but was lukewarm, which defies most cooking science! Other than that, the selection was always good and the restaurant along with the serving areas was spotless.

The American Diner used to be an additional charge but starting February 2024, is included and has no extra charge. The menu largely replicates The Local but with outdoor dining space. Some people think the burgers are better, but they’re basically the same preparation in a different location on the ship.

Specialty Dining on the NCL JOY

Passengers who’ve sailed with Norwegian in the past will find the usual and expected up-charge specialty dining restaurants. Nearly all of them were exceptional, but it’s obvious portion sizes have changed, so some people who have visited a specialty dining restaurant on other Norwegian ships in the past may notice this. That said, there was always plenty of food!

The Specialty Dining / Premium Dining on the Norwegian Joy include:

The seafood forward menu is relatively simple but with well-prepared seafood options. For non-fish fans, you can also order a variety of steak items. On the Joy, there is a beautiful outdoor dining space that is in high demand during warmer weather cruises. Using a specialty dining package will allow an appetizer, main course, and dessert.

Cagney’s Steakhouse

A staple on all Norwegian ships, the steakhouse continues to deliver, albeit with slightly smaller portions. A specialty dining package will entitle you to An appetizer, main course, two sides and a dessert. See the Cagney’s menu

This French-inspired restaurant was probably the least inspiring meal on the Joy. It’s also hit-and-miss on other ships as well. While we used to really love this concept, it seems to have suffered the most from cost-cutting. If you have a dining package you can order an appetizer, main, and dessert, but it’s not really worth using that credit if you like the other options on the ship. It’s definitely not worth the ridiculous a la carte pricing! The outdoor dining is beautiful, however. See the Le Bistro menu . It’s worth noting that this is the last place to get Veuve Clicquot by the glass. So if you have the premium plus beverage package, and crave champagne, this is your only option.

TIP: On the NCL Joy, Le Bistro, and Cagney’s share a space separated by a lovely bar that rarely gets crowded!

Food Republic

The most overlooked specialty dining on the ship was Food Republic. Here you can order a variety of Asian-inspired dishes and a great selection of sushi rolls. What makes the restaurant even better is the view! A covered glass canopy overlooking the ocean makes the experience feel more elevated. What we love about this is while you can use a dining package that gets each person 4 items, the prices a la carte is not bad. So it’s one of those times I’d probably skip using the dining package and just go for a sushi roll or a light snacky type dinner. TIP : You’ll be presented with an ordering tablet / iPad. If you’re using the dining package, you don’t have to order all 8 items at once! Order as you go so your food doesn’t crowd the table and get cold.

This is the Italian specialty restaurant on the Joy and we found it more average than amazing. Having dined there twice on our 11-day voyage, once was great once was ‘meh’ … In general, I’d advise against ordering the pizza. It’s just not worth it for the price and quality, but the other dishes are quite good. It also has outdoor dining on the Joy. See the La Cucina menu

Q Texas Smokehouse

Oddly, this was one of our favorite specialty dining venues on the Joy, but the quantity of food is just TOO MUCH! If you’re a BBQ fan, it’s a must-try. It’s not quite good ole’ Texas BBQ, but it’s a close approximation. If you aren’t a fan of live music, dine earlier in the evening, as they have a stage that hosts music almost every night. See the Q Texas Smokehouse Menu

We usually skip the Teppanyaki restaurant on Norwegian. The price has just gotten ridiculous for what it is and with so many land-based restaurants with the same concept, it’s hard to justify. But it’s good! If you’re craving large portions of teppanyaki-style food and a side of “show cooking” it can be good fun, especially for groups. We skipped this on the Joy so we can’t speak to the quality of the food, but people we talked to who ate at the Teppanyaki restaurant loved it.

Bars on the Norwegian Joy

The NCL Joy has almost too many bars! I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. Not that it’s bad, but it’s hard to choose where to go for a drink sometimes!

The bars on the Joy include:

• The Observation Lounge – a great space for relaxing and for viewing out the front of the ship. (even though it’s reduced in size now)
• Skyline Bar – a great option within the Casino when all of the other bars are busy. It’s almost never full.
• Mixx Bar – this bar sits between Taste & Savor restaurants and is a good meeting spot pre-dinner.
• Spice H20- in the rear of the ship with a view over the all adult area & hot tubs
• Waves – The typical pool bar on the ship
• Maltings Whiskey Bar – a lovely space with lounge chairs and sofas. It’s also a place where gatherings take place like Friends of Dorothy, etc.
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar – This bar is of course where you can find mojitos, but also where live music is performed nearly all day long. There’s also a great outdoor seating area.
• Cavern Club – open only in the evenings and tends to get very crowded. Live music and performances every night.
• The Cellars wine bar – One of our favorite spots. It sits opposite La Cucina and is a great spot for people-watching while having some good wine. Unfortunately the selection doesn’t seem as good as it does on other ships with the Cellars wine bar.
• District Brew House – a great beer pub with abundant seating. It’s one of our favorite concepts on the ship with a ton of unique beer on tap and by the bottle. Don’t miss their unique cocktails.
• The Local – I really want to love this bar, but it’s just not very interesting. It’s more of a service bar for the Local restaurant. On other ships, this space is usually quite fun, but it’s boring on the Joy
• The Lobby / Atrium Bar – which is hugely popular all day long and gives a front row seat to the ridiculous games they do in the atrium.

There are also a couple of bars exclusive to the Haven guests as well.

are some tips & information about the bars on the Norwegian Joy

For more unique drinks and cocktails not on the menu, go to the A-List bar inside of Cagneys & Le Bistro. They’re more than happy to try to make unique cocktails. That bar also has mixers not found anywhere else on the ship (for example Fever Tree tonic).

The most social bar on the ship to meet people is either Mixx or the A-List bar. These are the best places for solo travelers to meet up.

The fastest place to get a drink when the restaurants are busy at dinner is the Mixx bar. Tired of waiting a long time for a glass of wine at dinner, just walk up to the bar and order it yourself.

For mid-day snacks, head to the observation lounge for a drink and a quick bite. Many passengers don’t realize that the Observation lounge also does “tea time” where there are sandwiches and pastries to have with your cocktails.

Assuming staff actively restrict the Spice H20 area, it’s a great place for an all-adult vibe while having a drink at the bar.

The Entertainment on the Norwegian Joy

Quite possibly the biggest disappointment of the NCL Joy is the entertainment. By now, most people know that Norwegian Cruise Line has pulled most of the big Broadway-style shows off of their ships. Unfortunately, the replacement entertainment is just underwhelming.

Sure, it’s fine… it’s something to do. But NCL Used to be known for really amazing entertainment at sea.

This is the biggest budget cut the cruise line has implemented and originally I didn’t feel like it was going to be a big deal, but it really does alter the enjoyment or at least the vibe of the cruise. In the past, there was always some excitement among passengers for the big shows, and now it’s nothing but a bunch of grumblings of disappointment.

On the Joy, their premier show is an in-house produced stage performance called “Elements”. Simply put, it’s a bunch of stage dancing around the theme of various elements (Fire, Ice, Water, etc). The performers do their job beautifully but the theme and the purpose of the show just fall flat. Some passengers love it, some don’t. I know for sure though, that it’s no replacement for the large production shows that NCL was always known for.

In addition, there are other performances that are underwhelming as well.

On the upside, live musing throughout the ship is generally really good though repetitive.

The “Social” on the Joy is a universal space where sometimes there is comedy, sometimes it transforms into a nightclub, and sometimes it’s a place for Art Auctions. So there’s usually something going on for entertainment inside of the Social.

Unfortunately, the Norwegian Joy lacks a Bliss Lounge or any other dedicated space as a night venue / club.

The staterooms & cabins on the Norwegian Joy

There’s every type of cabin you’d expect on a modern ship tucked away on the Joy including solo cabins, balcony cabins, suites, interior staterooms, penthouses, oceanview staterooms, and more.

We chose a standard mid-ship balcony stateroom and didn’t regret it a bit! (though we did bid for penthouses and Haven suites without success)

The staterooms on the Norwegian Joy are modern and comfortable without feeling “cold” and without feeling too much like a cruise ship cabin. The rooms feel timeless with the design and colors, so the ship should age well in the longer term and not feel dated.

Everything in the stateroom is as expected with all of the amenities found on NCL ships including a safe, flat screen TV, hair dryer, mini fridge with a few paid items, USB ports on both sides of the bed, and ample storage for a week or more of clothes.

The pleasant surprise is the bathrooms! The bathrooms on the Norwegian Joy are spacious with a glass shower (thank goodness there is no shower curtain!) and plenty of storage for toiletries.

There wasn’t anything in the cabin that was missing which would have made me feel like we should have upgraded to a larger stateroom. The rooms are pleasant, comfortable, and well-designed.

Things to do on the Norwegian Joy

There are a surprising number of things to do on the NCL Joy, however, be prepared that many activities cost extra, which is a real turn-off for some passengers.

The pools on the NCL Joy

The Joy has an unusual setup on the main pool deck, mostly due to the fact that it was originally designed for the Asian cruising market with less emphasis on pools than other spaces. That’s not to say the pools aren’t usable, they’re just a bit strange in their location.

There are the two main Lido deck pools and that’s about it unless you have access to the Haven.

On other ships where Spice H20 usually has a pool, it’s absent on the Joy and Spice H20 only has a large (very large) and fun hot tub (if you can wrap your brain around being in a hot tub with 20+ strangers)

For people who love the pool scene on cruise ships, the Joy is a bit of a bust.

Norwegian Joy Hot Tubs

Unlike other ships of its size, the Joy has very few hot tubs. There are only 2 on the main pool deck, one in the Vibe beach club, a huge 20+ person hot tub in Spice H20, and a very small hot tub in the newly added Thermal Suite. The Haven guests have access to their own wet area with a separate hot tub as well.

The water slide and water park on the Joy

The huge water slide, as I affectionately call the “toilet” – is one of the first giant slides at sea for Norwegian. Climbing up several flights of stairs, you’re greeted by an attendant that promptly instructs you what not to do and throws you down the chute. It’s good fun and surprisingly it’s one of the free activities on the ship!

At the end of the slide, you’ll find the water park which is a nice little splash area for kids. It’s not large, but big enough to give little ones something to do for a while.

The Speedway (go karts at sea)

This feature on the ship is quite puzzling. A race track at sea . The concept started on the NCL Joy and has since been adopted across the Breakaway Plus class ships including the Joy, Bliss and Encore as well as the Prima & Viva. I never quite understood this concept but some people love it. It seems enough people love the speedway on Norwegian that they keep putting them on their ships!

I just find it odd, because I rarely see it being used on the itineraries I’ve sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line. Maybe it’s the cost? Maybe it’s the demographics of the particular ship at the time.

How much is the Norwegian Speedway?

Like many things on Norwegian ships, the race track isn’t included in the cruise fare. Rides are $15 each . For an extra $5, you can have the track to yourself for three laps and drive at faster speeds. For $199, you can buy unlimited rides for your cruise.

For the overachievers on a cruise, the Norwegian Joy has a gym that, for the size of the ship, is surprisingly small. However, the facility is clean and well equipped but does get crowded. So if you’re inclined to work off those endless desserts and cocktails, the gym on the Joy is sufficient.

Starlink Internet installed on the Norwegian Joy

The Joy recently had Starlink added and while I’ve been on plenty of ships with Starlink, the speed results on the Joy were pretty bad. I’m hoping it’s because they were working out the kinks of a newly installed system. Since the basic browsing was almost unusable, I chose not to opt for the streaming version of the service to avoid disappointment 🙂 – Though I did get unlimited for 11 days.

Tip : If you’re considering unlimited internet on Norwegian Cruise Line, wait a few days into your cruise and the price drops drastically. If you have the Free at Sea minutes you can use to get by for a couple of days, upgrade on the 3rd day (of a longer cruise) and you’ll save quite a bit.

The Norwegian Joy: Final Verdict

The NCL Joy is a meticulously clean ship and benefits from several refreshes over the past couple of years. The ship feels almost brand new in all areas and the cabins are really comfortable. But would we choose the Joy again?

It depends.

The ship is fine, and the food is good, but if I had a choice of nearly any other ship doing the same itinerary, I’d probably pass on the Joy. I much prefer the Encore, the Joy’s prettier sister and the other ships in the NCL Fleet just feel a bit more refined.

I can’t put my finger on what it is with the Joy that just feels off. I keep going back to the fact it was built for a different market in Asia which perhaps shows in some of the layout and design choices. Not that it’s bad, it’s just weird in some ways.

You can’t really go wrong on the Norwegian Joy for the right price. But I certainly wouldn’t pay a premium for an itinerary with other options on this ship.

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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• Cruise News

Norwegian Joy returns to service following extensive renovation [PHOTOS]

Andrea Santillan

• March 5, 2024

The 2017-built Norwegian Joy returns to service after a three-week dry dock.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) refurbished cruise ship now boasts new spa amenities, including a spacious Thermal Suite and more staterooms.

Bigger and Better Mandara Spa and Salon

After undergoing refurbishments from January 22 to February 12, 2024, Norwegian Joy is back with the biggest Thermal Suite among the Breakaway-Plus class cruise ships.

It also offers a new sauna, steam room, ice room, and four senses loungers through its Mandara Spa and Salon.

Renovated Suites

The vessel’s ship-within-a-ship area, called The Haven, now has three bedroom and 3.5 bathroom suites, new furniture in its master bedrooms and outdoor balconies, completely renovated living rooms, and dining areas with views of The Haven Horizon Lounge.

More Spacious Vibe Beach Club

Meanwhile, the Vibe Beach Club has been expanded and occupies Deck 20’s former laser tag arena. Guests can now enjoy private cabanas and a layout patterned after Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore’s versions of the beach club venue.

NCL President David J. Herrera announced that the changes were made according to passenger preferences. He said, “Our guests have asked for these enhancements to Norwegian Joy, and we delivered. We strive to evolve the onboard experience based on our guests’ wants and needs, and this is another example of how we put them first in our decision-making.”

Norwegian Joy’s Other Amenities

Aside from these upgrades, guests can look forward to Norwegian Joy’s 16 restaurants , 21 bars and lounges, and a wide selection of entertainment options. Passengers will enjoy the mini-golf course and the Norwegian Joy Speedway race track. There are also onboard shows like Elements and Deal or No Deal.

In January 2023, NCL canceled a month’s worth of sailings to make room for Norwegian Joy’s renovations. It emerged from the Rotterdam dry dock last February 11 and left for an 11-day cruise from Southampton, UK to Miami. 

This is the ship’s second major upgrade after being transferred from Asia to the US market in 2019.

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New 2024 Drydock Report Out Now

• January 9, 2024

The new 2024 Drydocking and Refurbishment Report by Cruise Industry News is out now, with more drydock days predicted in 2024 than ever before for the cruise industry.

The report provides a comprehensive 120-page overview of the market, including a 2024-2025-2026 drydocking schedule, interviews with key executives, and case studies of recent refits. It also includes information on how cruise ship drydocks work, as well as data and analysis to help suppliers plan their bids and forecast for the future.

The report is available for purchase as a PDF download, and an Excel addendum is also available. The addendum provides an Excel/XLS file of all drydockings by ship, from 2012 to 2026, organized by operator, ship, and capacity.

The 2024 Drydocking and Refurbishment Report is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cruise ship refit business. It provides comprehensive data, analysis, and insights that can help suppliers plan their bids and forecast for the future.

This 120-page PDF dives deep into the $3 billion annual market, offering:

• Futuristic Forecast: A projected refit calendar stretching through 2026, unveiling the ships getting a fresh look and new experiences for passengers.
• In-Depth Analysis: More than 100 pages of exclusive data and expert insights, dissecting market trends and future horizons.
• Direct Line to the Experts: Interviews with key players from cruise lines, suppliers, and shipyards, revealing the secrets behind these colossal transformations.
• Comprehensive: A deep dive into the world of cruise ship repair, refurbishment, and upgrades, including the meticulous planning that goes into every drydock.

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Norwegian Joy to be refurbished in 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line plans to include a new Thermal Suite spa and redesigned accommodation

Norwegian Cruise Line

By Laura Hyde | 24 July 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is to add a new Thermal Suite, redesign and extend The Haven by Norwegian ship-within-a-ship complex, and make other upgrades onboard Norwegian Joy when it is refurbished in early 2024.

Norwegian Joy, which was built by Meyer Werft in 2017 and is part of the Breakaway Plus class, will undergo renovations in dry dock between 22 January and 12 February 2024.

During the refurbishment, NCL will add a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, which has been designed with guest feedback in mind and will have a centralised layout. The separate lounge area will feature three times more hot tile loungers and guests will be able to enjoy a sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room. The suite will also offer a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, which delivers nutrients to the body, as well as a pebbled moving stream which provides Kneipp haptic foot therapy as guests walk between alternating hot and cold foot baths. The Thermal Suite will replace the ship’s virtual reality complex, Galaxy Pavilion.

In addition, NCL will redesign the onboard accommodation areas to create 24 new balcony staterooms, as well as 40 extra spa balcony staterooms with direct access to the Mandara Spa and the Thermal Suite. Due to unprecedented guest demand, Norwegian Joy’s the Premier Owner’s Suites in The Haven by Norwegian will be extended to feature three bedrooms.

The adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be expanded to give the space a similar layout as on newer ships Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, with new private luxe cabanas. It will take over Norwegian Joy’s existing Laser Tag arena on Deck 20.

“Delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is what we strive to do,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We have listened to our guests and have taken action. With this revitalisation we are adding some of the most beloved spaces and offerings across our ships to enhance the guest experience aboard Norwegian Joy. Guests will have a greater variety of staterooms to choose from and a world-class, full-service spa to spend their days at sea fully immersed in relaxation.”

Following the dry dock, Norwegian Joy will begin seven-day roundtrip Caribbean voyages from Miami, Florida. The ship will then sail to Bermuda from New York for summer 2024.

Tags: News     Building & Refurbishment     Cruise line

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Norwegian Joy to Undergo Extensive Refurb

Norwegian Cruise Line is planning for an extensive refurbishment of Norwegian Joy in January 2024. Additions to the ship will include a spa thermal suite – replacing the ship's Galaxy Pavilion VR arcade, new balcony cabins, expanded Vibe Beach Club – replacing the Laser Tag arena, and upgraded The Haven, among other changes.

"We have listened to our guests and have taken action," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "With this revitalization we are adding some of the most beloved spaces and offerings across our ships to enhance the guest experience aboard Norwegian Joy. Guests will have a greater variety of staterooms to choose from and a world class, full-service spa to spend their days at sea fully immersed in relaxation."

New Cabins The redesign of the ship will include repurposing a portion of the Observation Lounge to create 24 new balcony staterooms, as well as recategorizing 40 new spa balcony staterooms, which will include direct access to the Mandara Spa and the premiering thermal suite.

Additionally, responding to demand, the Premier Owner's Suites with Large Balcony in The Haven will be expanded to three bedrooms. The two suites will include three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a fully renovated living room, new separate dining room, and outdoor balcony furniture.

Thermal Suite The all new thermal suite, which will be the largest of the Breakaway-Plus class ships, will replace the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship's virtual reality complex. Designed with guest feedback in mind, the thermal suite will boast a more centralized layout with saunas, ice room, and an aromatic steam room, and an attractive entrance corridor encompassed with waterfalls.

A separate lounge area will feature three times as many of the popular hot tile lounger.

Additional offerings include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, which the line says is an "increasingly popular rejuvenating treatment delivering essential nutrients to the body"; four senses loungers that provide 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.

Vibe Beach Club Expansion The nearly always sold-out adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be expanded, taking over the existing Laser Tag arena on Deck 20. The space will have a similar layout to the Vibe Beach Club found on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, with new private luxe cabanas.

Norwegian Joy will be in dry dock for the refurbishment for three weeks, from January 22 to February 12, 2024. The ship will resume sailing on February 13 with an 11-day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton to Miami. In March, the ship will start a season of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami, before sailing to Bermuda from New York for summer of 2024.

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Austin joined Explora Journeys in Nov. 2020 as the brand's chief sales officer. 

Celestyal is offering seven National Geographic Day Tours available across Greece and Croatia.

Suppliers from across the travel industry are expressing their gratitude to the trade. 

Royal Caribbean cruise ships will not be returning to Labadee any time soon. 

For three days only, Virgin is opening its status match program to members of airline and hotel loyalty programs.

The all-star lineup was led by "Ted Lasso" star and Sun Princess godmother Hannah Waddingham. 

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Norwegian Sun Undergoes Bow-to-Stern Enhancements

Norwegian Sun is one of the latest cruise ships to undergo enhancements as part of The Norwegian Edge ® program. Built in 2001, the ship underwent a three-week bow-to-stern renovation in Victoria, BC. She now features refreshed staterooms and public spaces, with three new venues including Los Lobos Cantina, Bliss Ultra Lounge, and Spinnaker Lounge. Just ahead, see what’s new onboard Norwegian Sun .

Serving traditional Mexican fare, Los Lobos Cantina is new to Norwegian Sun. Located on Deck 12, guests who have cruised Norwegian Dawn will recognize the popular casual Mexican restaurant which offers a modern take on traditional favorites like guacamole prepared tableside, al pastor tacos, enchiladas de mole, and handcrafted margaritas.

Enjoy a complete makeover of two main dining spaces, Four Seasons & Seven Seas Dining Rooms, including new furniture and décor.

Guests who love Norwegian's Teppanyaki will have even more room to enjoy a fun and delicious meal. This dining area now has double the capacity!

Enjoy updated décor at guest favorites Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina, and Le Bistro for specialty dining.

BARS & LOUNGES

Grab a cocktail or dance the night away on Deck 6 at the NEW Bliss Ultra Lounge. Formerly Dazzles, this new bar and nightclub lets guests begin and end their evenings in a contemporary space. Enhancements include an updated look with new plush seating, cocktail tables, bar stools, chandeliers, wall sconces, wall coverings, ornamental ceilings and a wooden dance floor.

Located on Deck 12, the NEW Spinnaker Lounge offer guests another nightlife option onboard Norwegian Sun that's perfect for a nightcap. The new lounge replaces the Observation Lounge and showcases a fresh design with a natural color palette reminiscent of blue, beige and tan. New to the venue are leather chairs, carpet, chandeliers, wall coverings and a stone top bar.

This fan favorite Sports Bar has a sophisticated new look which includes new furniture and décor. Grab a bite and toast your favorite team in this wonderfully refreshed spot.

PUBLIC SPACES

Make a splash at the pool area, where you’ll find beautiful Bolidt teak flooring around the main pool and whirlpools.

Fortune favors the bold at the updated Sun Casino with new game tables and a fully refreshed space Lady Luck would approve of.

Relax and rejuvenate and the newly refreshed Mandara Spa. The modern new look and luxe details will have you feeling like a star in no time.

ACCOMMODATION

Leave your worries at home and relax in your cruise cabin. All 968 staterooms have been upgraded with smart televisions and USB ports as well as new carpet, artwork, and select furniture. The newly revitalized accommodations pay tribute to the beauty of the surrounding ocean with a palette of cool blue hues and silver and turquoise accents. The adorning abstract art within the staterooms and suites are the ideal complement to the new and modern feel. Additionally, all balconies have been outfitted with Future Teak.

Norwegian Sun cruises to The Caribbean , The Bahamas & Florida , South America , and the Panama Canal .

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Norwegian Cruise Line announces major refurbishment for Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy is due to undergo her second major refit and refurbishment since she entered service in 2017, with an overhaul scheduled for January 22nd to February 12th, 2024.

The ship’s time in drydock will be spent upgrading the ship’s spa, observation lounge, adults-only beach club, and many of her state room categories, according to Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Joy, which was the first in the cruise line’s Breakaway series, featuring go-karts up top and a huge ocean boulevard-style promenade deck, will resume sailing on February 13th, 2024, crossing the Atlantic from Southampton to Miami for a season in the Caribbean.

Norwegian Joy go-kart track

“Delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is what we strive to do,” said David J. Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line. “We have listened to our guests and have taken action.”

“With this revitalisation, we are adding some of the most beloved spaces and offerings across our ships to enhance the guest experience aboard Norwegian Joy,” he added. “Guests will have a greater variety of staterooms to choose from and a world-class, full-service spa to spend their days at sea fully immersed in relaxation.”

Enhancements will include a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, an expanded Vibe Beach Club, new staterooms, refreshed bedrooms and more.

The elevated Spa Thermal Suite will feature a more centralized layout with elegant sculptures and an entrance corridor with waterfalls. There will be a separate lounge area with many more hot tile loungers.

Norwegian Joy

Guests will be able to relax in the sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room. New treatments will include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, rejuvenating treatment for the body; four-senses loungers; and Kneipp haptic foot therapy.

Part of the Observation Lounge will be converted into 24 new balcony staterooms, while 40 existing staterooms will be recategorised as spa balcony staterooms.

Additionally, Premier Owner’s Suites in the Haven luxury enclave will be expanded to three-bedroom accommodations, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be expanded to include new private luxe cabanas.

This is the second major refit for the six-year-old vessel. Her first was a $50 million upgrade in 2019 that saw the introduction of the musical production Footloose onboard.

Cruise ships legally require a technical refit every 3 to 5 years, but cruise lines usually take the opportunity for upgrades during these refits as well, especially for new ships that have been subject to guest feedback.

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Tagged as: Norwegian Cruise Line , Norwegian Joy , refit and refurbishment

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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Norwegian Spirit Massive $100 Million Refurbishment Complete

Norwegian Spirit recently emerged from a 43-day refurbishment in Marseille, France. When the ship arrived at Civitavecchia, Italy, there were 14 new venues, new and updated staterooms, revitalized public areas and of course, beautiful new hull art.

Norwegian Spirit Refurbishment Details and a New Homeport  

Last week from Civitavecchia, Norwegian Spirit set out on a series of longer cruises lasting 17, 20 and 28-days. These extended voyages are visiting three continents and ports that include Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Cape Town, South Africa. On April 9, 2020, Norwegian Spirit will cruise to Athens (Piraeus), Greece, the ship’s new homeport.

Norwegian Spirit offers a summer and fall season of seven-day voyages to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Israel, through Nov. 8, 2020. Ports on this fabulous itinerary will stay in port well past the usual 5PM departure time. Ports with extended time include Rhodes, Mykonos; Santorini and Corfu, Greece; Kusadasi and Istanbul, Turkey; Ashdod and Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus. There will also be two new ports of call for the Norwegian Cruise Line – Patmos and Volos, Greece.

READ MORE: How to pack for a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise

What’s new on Norwegian Spirit

This refurbishment project was the most extensive bow-to-stern revitalization of any ship ever in Norwegian’ s fleet. Here’s a list of major enhancements on Norwegian Spirit :

• an expanded Mandara Spa with a new thermal suite and relaxation area
• a larger Pulse Fitness Center
• Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea – the second Norwegian ship with this dining option
• More complimentary dining venues
• Taste, a second main dining room   
• The Local Bar and Grill – 24-hour bar and restaurant, known as O’Sheehan’s on older Norwegian ships
• Garden Café lido buffet
• Great Outdoors Bar
• Waves Pool Bar
• Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge
• Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Adults-only day-into-night lounge with hot tubs, Spice H2O

In keeping with a smaller carbon footprint, Norwegian Spirit has eliminated single-use plastic beverage bottles. Last Jan. 1, 2020, Norwegian Cruise Line became the first major cruise line to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles across its entire fleet.

The revitalized Norwegian Spirit further strengthens the Company’s presence in Europe, where the cruise line will position a total of seven ships in 2020: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Jade.

Related articles on Cruise Maven

• What to Do on a Port Day in Corfu, Greece
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s New 2020-2021 Itineraries
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pay-for-Perks Program Explained

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P&O Cruises' Britannia sets sail after extensive refurbishment

P&O Cruises UK 's flagship Britannia left from Southampton on April 21st following an extensive multimillion drydock refurbishment .

The company recently announced that Britannia will be featured in its travel agent ship visit schedule, offering 3 opportunities for visits.

Completed earlier this month, the refurb prepares the vessel for its upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration cruise on June 6, 2025.

The upgrades encompass various areas of the ship, including public spaces, all staterooms, as well as an extension of the loyalty desk and cruise sales area. Additionally, enhancements have been made to the Market Cafe, and a substantial investment has been allocated for crew areas. The children's splash area has been revamped with interactive water features. Furthermore, the capacity of the Sunset Bar has been increased with extra seating, incorporating design elements from P&O UK's newest ships ( Iona and Arvia ).

Paul Ludlow (the company's President and CEO) said Britannia was their flagship, and with her 10th anniversary celebration cruise next summer they knew the importance of ensuring the vessel looked "its absolute best to deliver an elevated experience" for their new and loyal guests.

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.