Rooms to Avoid on the Norwegian Joy: Navigating Your Stay: Which Rooms Might Not Be Ideal

The Norwegian Joy, part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class, offers a wide variety of accommodations—from cozy interior cabins to luxurious suites. With over 2,000 staterooms, each with its own character, it’s important to choose a cabin that ensures the best cruise experience. Some cabins, however, may have drawbacks due to their location, layout, or proximity to high-traffic areas. Knowing which rooms to avoid can help you have a more restful and enjoyable stay on board.

1. Cabins Below Noisy Venues or High-Traffic Areas

Staterooms located directly beneath popular entertainment venues, nightclubs, fitness centers, or the pool deck can experience higher levels of noise, particularly in the evenings or early mornings. Deck plans reveal that decks just below the Garden Café (Deck 16), the pool deck, or the observation lounge can be susceptible to noise from foot traffic, live music, or moving furniture.

2. Forward Cabins

Rooms at the very front (forward) of the ship, especially on higher decks, may experience more motion from waves, which can be uncomfortable for those prone to seasickness. These cabins may also pick up noise from bow thrusters during docking or departure.

3. Cabins Near or Adjacent to Elevators and Stairs

Proximity to elevators or stairwells may be convenient, but these areas can draw significant foot traffic and noise. The constant flow of guests and elevator activity can disturb those seeking a quieter retreat.

4. Connecting Rooms (Unless Needed)

Some staterooms have interconnecting doors to accommodate families or groups. If you’re not traveling with an adjoining room, these doors (though closed and locked) can allow more noise to pass through from neighboring cabins than standard walls.

5. Obstructed View Balcony or Oceanview Cabins

Certain balcony or oceanview cabins may have partially or fully obstructed views due to lifeboats, structural pillars, or deck equipment. Double-check deck plans and diagrams when booking, as these can be disappointing for guests looking forward to unobstructed sea views.

As someone deeply invested in harmonious, functional spaces, I always recommend evaluating the overall layout, sightlines, and acoustic privacy of your cabin selection. Factors like proximity to communal spaces or major amenities can make sneaky impacts on your mid-voyage comfort. For those who want the highest control over their cabin experience, leveraging tools such as a room planner enables you to visualize space use and flow—even before you set foot aboard.

Tips 1:

Study the ship’s deck plans before booking to spot potentially noisy or obstructed areas. Seek out cabins sandwiched between stateroom decks—avoiding direct adjacency to public venues above or below. Finally, consider your own priorities: proximity to elevators may be preferable for mobility concerns but can be less restful for light sleepers.

FAQ

Q: Which rooms on the Norwegian Joy have obstructed views?

A: Some oceanview and balcony cabins, particularly those on decks adjacent to lifeboats or structural beams, feature partial or fully obstructed views. It’s wise to consult the deck plan or booking details before finalizing your cabin.

Q: Are lower or higher decks better for motion sickness on Norwegian Joy?

A: Lower decks near the ship’s center tend to feel the least amount of motion and are usually best for guests sensitive to seasickness.

Q: Are connecting rooms on Norwegian Joy noisy?

A: They can be, as the connecting doors may transmit more noise between rooms compared to standard walls. If you don’t need the feature, choose a standard, non-connecting cabin.

Q: Which cabins are considered the quietest on Norwegian Joy?

A: Cabins located midship, on decks sandwiched between other accommodation decks (not directly above or below public spaces), tend to be the quietest.

Q: Can I change my cabin if I’m unhappy once onboard?

A: Cabin changes are based on availability and are not guaranteed but may be possible if issues arise. Contact guest services as soon as possible for assistance.