By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Joy has completed her first preview cruise from her new homeport in Shanghai, China.
Engineered by Meyer Werft in Germany specifically for Chinese guests, Norwegian Joy had previously made inaugural visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and the Chinese cities of Qingdao and Shenzhen.
“Norwegian Cruise Line is extremely proud to welcome the newest addition to our fleet, Norwegian Joy, to her homeport of Shanghai, China,” said David Herrera, president of NCLH China. “Norwegian Joy's arrival demonstrates our commitment to the Chinese cruise market. She was custom-built with Chinese cruise guests in mind.”
Norwegian Joy embarked on her four-day preview cruise from Shanghai on 10 June, taking more than 1,700 VIP members and guests of its new partner Alibaba Group (Alibaba), the world’s largest online and mobile commerce company. The guests visited the port of Kochi in Japan.
“It was our distinct pleasure to welcome Alibaba’s members and guests to enjoy a ‘First Class at Sea’ experience on Norwegian Joy during this preview cruise,” said Herrera. “The voyage marks the latest step in our recently announced partnership with Alibaba and supports one of its main objectives, which is to promote, develop and expand awareness and attraction of cruising among Chinese travellers.”
Norwegian Joy will be christened by godfather and ‘King of Chinese Pop’ Wang Leehom in Shanghai on 27 June, before starting her year-round cruises from the port on 28 June. The vessel will also sail a series of cruises from Tianjin, China between 26 August and 15 September.