By
Rebecca Gibson |
Chinese artist Tan Ping has designed the hull artwork for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-Plus class vessel Norwegian Joy.
Ping has created a design based on a phoenix, a mythical bird that is a ubiquitous motif in Chinese art and can be found throughout the centuries in paintings, silk brocades, architectural flourishes, and more.
"The Phoenix symbolises beauty and good luck in Chinese culture, and Norwegian Joy will bridge across the West and the East and bring Chinese people’s best wish to the world and everyone in her path,” said Ping. "This design is by far my largest artwork. Travelling worldwide on Norwegian Joy, I also expect that it will reach a far greater number of viewers than any of my previous works.”
The artwork features the two most regal Chinese colours, red and yellow, which signify joy and grandeur respectively. The design also includes hints of blue to represent the sea.
“Tan Ping’s ability to design concepts that easily blend traditional Chinese culture with moving and changing aspects of life is inspiring,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line China. “He has perfectly captured the feel of Norwegian Joy as a luxurious, technologically advanced ship while honouring traditional Chinese values. The hull art embodies the essence of the best of the East meshing perfectly with the best of the West.”
Currently under construction at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard in Germany and set to launch in summer 2017, Norwegian Joy is the first Norwegian ship that has been purpose-built for the Chinese market. She will homeport in Shanghai and Beijing.
The ship’s 3,850 guests will be accommodated in a range of mini-suite, balcony, family, ocean view and interior staterooms, many with virtual balconies. Connecting staterooms will cater for groups, while the new Concierge level will allow guests to benefit from larger balcony staterooms with en suite amenities and access to a dedicated concierge service, as well as an exclusive Concierge lounge, with a private bar and all-day refreshments. Norwegian Joy will also feature the exclusive ship-within-a-ship luxury complex, The Haven by Norwegian.
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 with duty-free shops and international brands; and two multi-storey waterslides. These will include the 360ft tandem Aqua Racer tubes and the high-speed Double Aqua Loop free fall slide, which has one loop extending over the side of the ship and another transparent loop stretching down to the deck below.
Guests will also be able to visit Norwegian Joy’s Galaxy Pavilion, which features six Xbox consoles, immersive virtual reality experiences, simulator rides and interactive video walls.