7 Things You Didn't Know About Norwegian's Race Tracks

As sister ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy proudly offer the same expansive Observation Lounge and many other twin features, including a waterfront promenade lined with bars, lounges, and dining options. In fact, there was one majorly fun difference Norwegian Joy could boast over its sibling ship — it sported the first ever race track at sea.

Now, the Norwegian Bliss sports one of the longest race tracks at sea. Talk about friendly competition. These tracks give you two more reasons to book your next cruise vacation with Norwegian. Which race track will you choose first: Norwegian Joy or Norwegian Bliss?

Before you decide, let's take a look at a few things you should know about a few of Norwegian Cruise Line's race tracks at sea.

1. They Were Inspired by the CEO's Grandkids

Norwegian Cruise Line is always at the forefront of innovation at sea. When it came time to build Norwegian Bliss, Frank del Rio, the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO, asked his grandchildren for their ideas. According to del Rio, "I just said, 'Why don't you come up with a list of ideas you'd like to see on the next cruise ship?' The next morning, they came up with the idea of a race track on board.” So, many thanks to his grandkids!

2. They are the First of their Kind at Sea

The unique concept of having a race track on board a cruise ship is the first of its kind. No other cruise ship can boast this thrilling experience on the top deck. Which means you’ll have an experience like no other out at sea when you cruise Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy.

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3. The Race Tracks Are Actually Competitive

That's right. Both of the race tracks onboard Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss offer an authentic racing experience — complete with race car engine sounds piped in through speakers located in the car's headrest. The tracks even feature a viewing platform for spectators, a covered pit lane, floodlights, and a timing system as you race for that checkered flag.

4. You Can Go Impressively Fast

The innovative race cars, sporting four speeds for novice to advanced drivers, will reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour as you navigate the track's many corners. As an added bonus, during every lap — which lasts approximately eight minutes — drivers can use a special "turbo boost" feature for that little extra jump in acceleration.

5. It's an Electrically Charged Experience

Even though your experience as a race track car driver will include those authentic race car sounds of revving engines and gearing down as you're coming into a corner, no one else will hear them — except for your fellow drivers. That's because both are eco-friendly electric-car Race Tracks so as not to disturb non-racing enthusiasts, of course.

6. It's Like Racing — but with Ocean Views

Located outdoors on Deck 19, these challenging two-level race tracks also come with amazing ocean views. When you decelerate around the corner at the stern of Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy, you'll be on the upper level of the track, where your driving skills will be rewarded with unimpeded ocean views. How many racers can say they've experienced the same?

7. Norwegian Bliss Offers Two Customized Cars by Alex Vega

Known for customizing vehicles — sometimes for professional athletes and celebrities — under the brand name Avorza, Alex Vega will no doubt be recognized by fans around the world. Their popular show, The Auto Firm with Alex Vega, was asked to bring its tricked-out ideas to build two race cars for Norwegian Bliss. In fact, there's a whole episode of the TV show detailing the entire process. About six months later and with input from the grandkids once again, Vega and his team completed two customized Avorza race cars, which you can now drive onboard Norwegian Bliss.

After testing out his custom-built race cars onboard Norwegian Bliss firsthand, here's what Alex Vega said about Norwegian Bliss: “All these wonderful things are in one place: You have great restaurants, great food, clubs, comedy, a casino - you name it, it's there; especially the race track. Seeing my Avorza race cars lighting up that race track at night - that was the icing on the cake. This was a wonderful experience. I'm very grateful to Frank and his wonderful team at Norwegian Cruise Line for this experience.”

Grab your fellow amateur racing enthusiasts and challenge them to some excitement at sea.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on October 16, 2018. It has been updated for relevant content and itineraries.