New ship conveyed down River Ems and will begin journey to China homeport on 27 April
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s first custom-designed ship for the Chinese cruise market has departed Meyer Werft’s shipyard and will undergo sea trials later this month.
The 168,800gt Norwegian Joy departed Meyer Werft’s Papenburg shipyard in Germany at around 9pm local time on 26 March and began her conveyance down the River Ems.
Aided by the yard’s captain and River Ems pilots, the ship’s navigation team reversed the vessel out of the shipyard’s locks, through the sea lock in Papenburg and down the river. Norwegian Joy reached the port of Eemshaven, Netherlands in the evening on 27 March. Here, the ship took on additional provisions and crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for sea trials later this month.
“We are thrilled Norwegian Joy has officially begun her journey to China,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China. “As the first custom-built ship for the Chinese cruise market, she will offer a first-class at sea experience for our guests and we cannot wait to officially welcome her to the fleet this June.”
Following her official delivery on 27 April, Norwegian Joy will 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.
Norwegian Joy 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.
As Norwegian’s second Breakaway-Plus class ship, Norwegian Joy will accommodate 3,900 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.