Fun Water Slides on Norwegian Joy: All You Need to Know
DISCLOSURE: Stylish Cruising contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as affiliate programs with other companies. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
We cruised to the Mexican Riviera, and the water slides on Norwegian Joy were one of the highlights of our trip. They were fun, but I got stuck in the tube!
Although we’d sailed on the Joy a few months before to Alaska, we didn’t try out the water slides on that trip because, well, it was chilly, okay? But on this trip, the weather was warm and glorious. After sunning ourselves on the deck for a while on our first full day at sea, we decided to give the water slides a try.
Here’s a little more info about the slides on Norwegian Joy so you can decide for yourself whether to take the plunge (pun intended).
The Slides
Both water slides are enclosed in tubes, but each offers a completely different experience.
Aqua Racer is a raft ride where you choose a single-person inflatable raft or a double. You stand in shallow water at the start and position yourself on your raft, then are pushed off into the current. Before you know it, the tube turns and drops, and the ride is on! Part of the ride is almost pitch black, which is wild because you don’t know which way you’re going to turn next. So much fun!
Ocean Loops begins with you standing in an upright portion of the loop, crossing your arms over your chest. The floor drops out from beneath you, and you feel your heart in your throat! Before you can catch your breath, you’re twisting and looping and water is spraying in your face, and before you know it, the ride is done and you want to go again.
Where to Find the Slides on Norwegian Joy
On Norwegian Joy, the water slides are located on Deck 18. The Aqua Racer is on the port side and the Aqua Loops is across the deck on the starboard side.
The Rules
As with all rides, there are limitations and rules. Safety first.
- No running, jumping, or diving are permitted in the water slide area.
- No beverages, food, or glass are permitted.
- Children who are not toilet trained are not allowed on water slides.
- Guests must abide by all rules posted on signs in the water slide area.
Here are the height and weight requirements for Norwegian Joy’s water slides:
Aqua Racer
- Height requirements: Minimum 48″ tall.
- Weight requirements: No minimum weight; maximum weight not to exceed 300 pounds for both solo and double tube riders (and they will weigh you on a special scale that merely says you’re over or under the weight limit).
Ocean Loops
- Height requirements: Minimum 48″ tall.
- Weight requirements: Minimum weight 130 pounds; maximum weight 300 pounds.
Also, no glasses or goggles are allowed, which was a bummer for me since I’m legally blind without my glasses and couldn’t see much. Next time, though, I’ll be sure to wear my contacts.
Related Posts
How I Got Stuck
Unlike my husband, who sailed through the Aqua Loops like a pro, I got, um, stuck. You see, if you’re very lightweight (which didn’t apply to me), you don’t get enough inertia going to make it all the way through the final loop. Or if you’re wearing a full bathing suit rather than a bikini, like I was, the material creates friction that slows you down, and your body doesn’t have enough speed to sling itself through the last loop.
I found myself stuck inside the tube, water spraying in my face so I couldn’t see. I was gasping, not sure what to do, then surprised to find a hand reaching through an access door to help me out. So embarrassing.
Pro Tip: Either wear a two-piece bathing suit (if you’re a woman), or else take a dip in the pool to make sure you’re wet before going on the slide so there will be less friction. I’m trying that next time. As far as being too lightweight, maybe try slathering on a little sunscreen to make you nice and slippery? Either that or try again later in the cruise once you’ve packed on a few pounds.
A Bonus
One bonus to having to wait in line for the water slides on Norwegian Joy is the incredible view you have. You’re at the highest point on the entire ship, so the view is amazing! We were docking in Cabo San Lucas for an unscheduled stop that day, so I got a great view of the coastline. It was so gorgeous, I ran back for my phone to take this pic.
Are the Slides Fun?
Absolutely! I had so much fun on the water slides in the Norwegian Joy aqua park, even though I got stuck on one, and my husband had a great time too. They’re not just for kids.
If you’re wavering as to whether to try the slides on Norwegian Joy, don’t be scared. Life is short, so we need to go for the gusto every chance we get. Besides, travel is meant to be an adventure, so why not take a few chances? I got over my trepidation and had lots of fun, and so can you.
After enjoying the water slides on NCL Joy, why not check out the spa or one of its many restaurants?
Happy cruising!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Norwegian Cruise Line ships have water slides?
Norwegian’s newest ships have aqua parks with water slides. These include Viva, Prima, Encore, Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, and Epic.
LET’S BE SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Planning to book a cruise? We have some tips for you.
