Zooming Around A Race Track on a Norwegian Cruise Ship
In the early days of cruising, having a 10-foot water slide or hot tub was a big deal. Today, the cruise lines have upped their game, adding new and innovative features to their ships like roller coasters, mini-golf, water parks, and climbing walls. In 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line shook up the industry and introduced a race track on their new ship, the Norwegian Joy.
The Evolution of the Race Tracks on Norwegian Ships
The Norwegian Joy Speedway allowed passengers to hop in a go-kart and zoom around a two-level, 11,500-foot race track hundreds of feet above sea level. The Speedway could handle ten electric go-karts that zoomed around the track at up to 40 mph. A similar race track was also installed on Joy’s sister ship, the Norwegian Bliss. Then, when they introduced Norwegian Encore, they improved upon that design, extending the raceway and adding four sections that extend off the side of the ship.
When Norwegian debuted the Prima Class of ships, they further refined the track, making it three-levels and wider so guests can pass each other while racing around the track.
What Are the Race Cars Like?
Having ten gas-powered go-karts noisily making their way around the track would kill the peace and quiet for other passengers. To get around that, Norwegian went with electric cars. Norwegian added speakers in the headrest that blast engine sounds to make sure riders still felt that “authentic” race car feel. The cars can be one or two-seaters (or tandem cars). There are mixed accounts as to the top speeds, but it’s reported they max out at between 30 and 40 MPH. The cars have a turbo button that is supposed to give a boost of speed, but they don’t always work.
The Norwegian Race Track Experience
The race track is popular, there might be a wait or you may need to make a reservation (it depends on the ship / sailings). Arrive at your scheduled time, but give yourself some buffer time before you schedule other events. Between completing waivers and waiting your turn, it might be another 30 minutes before you’re actually racing.
When you first arrive at the Speedway, you’ll sign a waiver and wait until they’re ready for you. Then you’ll receive a head sock that you’ll wear under your race car helmet (leave your own hats back in the room). Next, you’ll watch a safety video before making your way to the boarding area/pit row. Riders then get into their cars in a single file line and slowly start making their way up a hill and around the track. For the first lap or two, the go-karts have speed governors on so you can get a feel for the track and driving around it. Then they turn off the limits, and you can zoom around at full speed. A race session lasts between 8 – 10 minutes, and you usually can get in about ten laps.
While this is a race, you’re not going to have a red, yellow, green start light like you might expect in an actual race (or MarioKart, which is my closest race car experience). Instead of racing head-to-head, a computer will keep track of your progress and give you a lap time. Then you can compare lap times with your friends and family to see who’s best. There will also be a scoreboard keeping track of the best times of the day and the cruise.
What Are the Requirements to Go On the Norwegian Speedways?
You don’t want to wait in line or make a reservation and not be allowed to race. Make sure you wear closed-toe shoes, or you will be turned away. Also, leave your bags somewhere else; there are no nearby lockers to store your belongings, and bags are not allowed in the car. Also, don’t forget your room key; you’ll need it so they can identify you.
To drive alone, the minimum height is 55″ and the maximum is 82″. There is also a maximum weight of 300 pounds. All riders will be weighed before getting on.
There are no age limits, although the recommended minimum age is 10 according to Norwegian. On some ships, smaller riders can go in a two-seater with adults.
How Much Does the Race Track Cost on a Norwegian Ship?
If you want to do one single run, the cost is $15. There’s also the $199.95 unlimited weekly pass which gives unlimited rides for the entire cruise.
For real race enthusiasts, the Speedway may have special sessions called “Speedway You and the Track.” During this event, you can do 3 full laps (or 4 minutes) with the track entirely to yourself for $30.
When Does the Race Track Run?
Check your cruise schedule to see the hours each day. When the ship is at sea, it’s usually open from 9 am to midnight. While Norwegian used to require advance reservations for the race track, many ships now offer mostly walk-ups.
My Experience on Norwegian’s Race Tracks
I’ve had the chance to try Norwegian’s go-kart race tracks on both the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva. The track layouts on both ships are identical—each features three levels of high-speed twists and turns, plus wider lanes that allow you to pass slower drivers.
When I boarded the Prima, I reserved my race time using a kiosk right away. After a short wait, I headed up to the entrance, signed a waiver, and got weighed in. (Be aware: the number can be visible to anyone nearby, which may be uncomfortable for some.) A quick safety briefing followed, then I slipped on a helmet and strapped into the kart. The first lap was speed-limited, but once that regulator switched off, the car had some serious pickup—easily hitting around 40 mph. It’s a fantastic rush, especially since you’re zooming around the top decks with the ocean in the background. It’s funny how much faster 40 mph feels on a cruise ship’s racetrack compared to driving at the same speed on the highway at home.
Then, on a 10-day Mediterranean sailing with friends, we tried the track again. Since I was already familiar with the layout from my previous cruise, I thought I’d have a good advantage—but thankfully, I didn’t place any bets. I ended up coming in fifth. During that session, one of my friends’ karts got stuck in “slow mode” initially, so for his first few laps, he was crawling along at half speed. The crew eventually fixed it, but by then, his chances of winning were shot. (He considered asking for another ride to get his money’s worth, but ultimately decided against it.) On these Prima-class ships, there’s an Observation Deck where spectators can supposedly shoot a laser at your car to give you a boost of speed, but my friends said it wasn’t working during our run.
I’m not usually a big go-kart fan, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed these rides. For me, the go-kart tracks aren’t the primary reason I’d book a ship, but if there’s one onboard, it’s a must-try at least once per cruise. Nothing beats barreling down a straightaway, ocean breeze in your face, and suddenly remembering you’re on a cruise ship. I still wish they were included in the cruise fare, but at $15 for about eight minutes, it’s comparable to Carnival’s Bolt roller coaster (which only lasted 90 seconds) and still cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s Crown’s Edge on the Icon of the Seas, which costs $50+ for about 90 seconds.
Which Cruise Ships Have a Race Track?
Cruise ship race tracks are currently exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line. You can experience it for yourself on the following ships:
CruiseSpotlight is an Amazon Associate. We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods.
