Norwegian Cruise Line’s first ship designed specifically for the Chinese market has emerged from the shipyard in Germany.
The 168,800-tonne Norwegian Joy has been under construction since September 2015, but sailed out of the dock early on Saturday morning, complete with hull artwork designed by Chinese artist Tan Ping.
The 3,850 passenger vessel is the second ship in the line’s Breakaway Plus Class. It will now move into the final phase of construction ahead of its delivery on 27 April 2017. Norwegian Joy will enter service this summer, homeporting in Shanghai and Tianjin.
“We are thrilled that Norwegian Joy is now one step closer to delivery and one step closer to delivering on our promise to create a ‘First Class at Sea’ experience for our Chinese guests,” said David J. Herrera, Norwegian’s president for China.
Once complete, Norwegian Joy will include a range of facilities designed for the needs of the Chinese market, including a two-level go-karting track, an open-air laser tag course, a large video game arcade including dodgem cars, two multi-story waterslides, an outdoor park, the line’s largest upscale shopping area, themed F&B outlets and wellness facilities.
There is also a special VIP area called ‘The Haven by Norwegian’, which features suite accommodation, a private observation deck and concierge services.
The first Breakaway Plus Class ship, Norwegian Escape, launched in 2015. And a third, Norwegian Bliss, is due to enter service in 2018.
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