Norwegian Joy (previously known as Norwegian Bliss) is a cruise ship under construction for Norwegian Cruise Line. Built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, she will be homeported in Shanghai and Tianjin (Beijing). With the primary language onboard being Mandarin, Norwegian Joy has been designed purely for the Chinese market. But that doesn’t mean we can’t admire her many innovative and groundbreaking features!
Norwegian Joy: First, some stats
Norwegian Joy is the second cruise ship in NCL’s Breakaway Plus series, the first being Norwegian Escape (launched 2015). Norwegian Joy weighs 168,800 tonnes. She is 325.9 metres long with 20 decks in total. She will have a capacity of 3,900 guests, with 1,700 crew. Official handover from Meyer Werft to Norwegian Cruise Line is due to take place tomorrow (Thursday 27 April, 2017).
Norwegian Joy: Some highlights
Hull art
Norwegian Joy will have a highly colourful hull! NCL commissioned the renowned Chinese artist Tan Ping, to design the artwork. Please view this video to appreciate the sheer beauty of his work.
https://youtu.be/MPDCLxy6Ip4
Park
A peaceful open space park is on the top deck of Norwegian Joy. Here guests can relax on the chaise lounges, meditate, practice tai chi and yoga in the fresh air. There is also a soothing pool … a pure place of serenity.
Park (Copyright Norwegian Cruise Line)
Galaxy Pavilion
Of course after all that chilling out guests will be seeking some thrills – and for this they will head to the Galaxy Pavilion. Here they will find immersive virtual reality experiences, interactive video walls and thrilling simulator rides. One of these rides is the hover craft bumper cars! There are three interactive dark ride simulators with real-time 3D graphics, 360 degree surround sound and multi-sensory special effects.
Galaxy Pavilion (Copyright Norwegian Cruise Line)
There are also flight and racing car driving simulators. For those that like movies they can pilot a fighter and battle the forces of the dark side in a Star Wars battle pod. Gamers will be pleased with the six Xbox console stations within the Galaxy Pavilion too. For guests who like trying out advanced technology, there’s the state-of-the-art optic experiences by Oculus that includes building and then riding your very own personal roller coaster!
Race track
The ‘wow’ factor when designs were first released for Norwegian Joy was most definitely the two-deck competitive race track. This is the first ever electric kart racing track at sea. Guests can race family and friends (up to 10 can race at any time). Photos can be purchased of you crossing the finishing fine 🙂
Race Track (Copyright Norwegian Cruise Line)
And there’s more …
If the race track and hover craft bumper cars weren’t enough, Norwegian Joy also features two multi-storey waterslides. The Double Aqua Loop free fall slide includes two loops – one of which extends out over the side of the ship and the second is a see-through loop that stretches down to the deck below. The other waterslide, the Aqua Racer, allows riders to race side-by-side on inner tubes for more than 360 feet on their twisty route to the finish line.
Oh, and when you want to stay dry, there’s also an open-air laser tag course.
Norwegian Joy: Accommodation
There is a huge range of accommodation options on Norwegian Joy. She will feature The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ‘ship-within-a-ship’ luxury suite complex. The Haven offers true privacy and features personal butlers, a dedicated concierge, priority access to entertainment and specialty dining. It also includes use of an enclosed courtyard and an all-new Observation Deck that will feature 180 degree views, with gourmet canapés and premium drinks.
Norwegian Joy will also introduce a Concierge level of accommodation. These are larger balcony staterooms with luxury en-suite amenities and the service of a dedicated concierge. Guests here will also have use of an exclusive Concierge lounge, with private bar available throughout the day.
Families have been catered for very well on Norwegian Joy, with staterooms designed with families in mind, and a multitude of connecting staterooms for extended families travelling together.
Norwegian Joy, once handed over to Norwegian Cruise Line tomorrow, will start a direct journey to China where she will start her cruise schedule during the summer.
For more information on Norwegian Joy, or any other Norwegian Cruise Line ship, please visit www.ncl.com
