The ship is the first to be purpose-built for the Chinese market and will debut in summer 2017
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s new cruise ship, which is the first to have been purpose-built for the Chinese market, is to be named Norwegian Joy (Xǐ Yuè Hào in Chinese).
The name, which will be officially bestowed upon the newbuild when she launches in China in 2017, promises that guests will ‘Experience Paradise on the Sea’.
“After closely studying the Chinese cruise market for several years, we wanted to be clear about what we will deliver to our guests on this spectacular vessel,” said Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “Norwegian Joy will provide the same sense of freedom and flexibility found on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, but with resort-style vacation experiences and amenities designed specifically with the Chinese guest in mind.”
Designed to accommodate 3,900 guests, the new Breakaway Plus-class vessel will feature accommodation, duty-free luxury shopping venues and first-at-sea onboard experiences that cater specifically to the preferences of Chinese travellers. Guests will also be able to enjoy world-class entertainment and Mandarin, Cantonese and Continental dining options. Additional details, including the ship’s homeport, will be shared in the coming months.
“Chinese guests will discover an unmatched quality of service, cuisine, entertainment and retail experience onboard Norwegian Joy that is simply not available in the China market today,” said Senior Vice President and Managing Director of China, David Herrera. “With Norwegian Joy, we will unquestionably offer our Chinese guests a superior product and introduce a new standard of innovation and excellence into what will soon be the world’s second largest cruise market.”
Norwegian has also revealed that it will market itself as Nuò Wéi Zhēn (Promising, Exclusive and Authentic) in the mainland China market.
To better support the company’s expansion efforts in China, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has opened offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. The offices will support all three brands in the company’s portfolio – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.