Line's first China-bound trip will now make her way from Germany to her Shanghai homeport
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Werft officially delivered Norwegian Joy to owners Norwegian Cruise Line on 27 April 2017.
Built at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard in Germany, Norwegian Joy was conveyed down the River Ems on 26 March and stocked up on provisions and crew members in Eemshaven, Netherlands before undergoing her sea trials in the North Sea. The newbuild was then handed over during an onboard ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany.
“With Norwegian Joy, we have completed a highly sophisticated ship with a lot of technologically challenging features,” said Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft. “Thanks to a dedicated team consisting of Norwegian Cruise Line, yard, classification society and suppliers, we have accomplished our goal of delivering a great ship on time, while meeting high quality expectations.”
Prior to the delivery, executives from Norwegian’s offices in China gathered for a traditional blessing from Mazu, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, at the Mazu Temple in Shanghai. During the visit, temple representatives presented Norwegian with a ceramic statue of Mazu, which has now been placed onboard Norwegian Joy.
“As Norwegian Cruise Line continues our global growth, Norwegian Joy’s delivery marks a momentous occasion in our company’s history, signifying our official entry into the Chinese cruise market,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO at Norwegian. “We are very grateful for the outstanding team at Meyer Werft, along with our operations teams and more than 1,800 crew members, whom once again have delivered an exceptional vessel.”
Norwegian Joy is the cruise line’s 15th ship, the second Breakaway Plus vessel and the first that has been custom-designed for the Asian market. The 167,725gt vessel can accommodate 3,883 guests in a range of mini-suite, balcony, family, ocean view and interior staterooms, many with virtual balconies. An accommodation highlight will be the exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex, The Haven by Norwegian. The facility comprises 74 suites, a private restaurant, an enclosed courtyard, a dedicated concierge and a new Observation Deck offering 180-degree views, gourmet canapés and premium beverages. Other perks include a personalised butler service and priority access to entertainment and speciality dining venues.
Onboard entertainment will include an open-air laser tag course; a top-deck park with a pool and chaise lounges; Norwegian’s largest boutique shopping venue; two multi-storey waterslides; and Galaxy Pavilion, which features six Xbox consoles, immersive virtual reality experiences, simulator rides and interactive video walls.
In addition, Norwegian Joy will provide Mandarin, Cantonese and Continental dining options, as well as bow-to-stern wifi connectivity.
“With this incredible ship, we have taken Norwegian’s signature onboard experience and expanded and customised it with exciting features, services and amenities that combine the best of the East and the West,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China. “We are honoured to deliver this spectacular ship to our Chinese guests and we can’t wait to see Norwegian Joy come to life when she welcomes her first guests upon her arrival in China this June.”
Norwegian Joy has now set sail for her new homeport in Shanghai, China. Upon arrival, the vessel will be showcased via an inaugural port tour featuring one-day events at the ports of Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, as well as VIP partner cruises from homeports of Shanghai and Tianjin.
The ship will be officially inaugurated on 27 June in Shanghai, which will feature a concert headlined by her godfather, Mandopop artist Wang Leehom. Guests will also be invited for an overnight cruise following the ceremony.