If there is one thing the Asian tourism market is missing, it is a cruise fully catered towards Asian consumers. That’s set to change as Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest and most innovative ship, makes its debut appearance in Asia. The cruise ship is designed specially for Chinese travellers seeking an upscale resort-style holiday with world-class entertainment, fine dining options from all around the world, and duty-free luxury shopping.
The fourth largest cruise ship in the world, Norwegian Joy is a 167,725-tonne (167,725,000-kg) Breakaway Class vessel that was engineered at Weyer Werft in Germany. The ship, which will be based in Shanghai and Tianjin, is so massive it can accommodate up to 3,883 guests.
“The launch of the Norwegian Joy cruise ship reiterates our strong commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, and is designed to be appealing to Asian guests,’ said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) — which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas brands.
Guests will have a variety of food options to choose from, with the cruise ship offering what is possibly the most extensive range of restaurants ever offered on any of its kind. Norwegian Joy’s 28 food and beverage outlets range from the elegant Manhattan Room, which offers a selection of Chinese cuisine complemented by Western-style classics such as steaks and seafood, Le Bistro (which offers sophisticated French cuisine), as well as Cagney’s Steakhouse which features premium cuts such as filet mignon and bone-in rib eye, alongside sides of asparagus with hollandaise sauce and truffle fries.
Entertainment options include a two-level competitive racetrack (the first-ever at sea), an open-air laser tag course, thrilling simulator rides, interactive video walls, hovercraft bumper cars, a state-of-the-art racing simulator, two multi-storey waterslides, and a theatre enhanced with new projection technology.
If you’re in the mood to pamper yourself, Norwegian Joy also features the cruise line’s largest upscale shopping district well-stocked with a variety of luxury international brands. You can find everything from skincare products by Sisley and Clarins, to gadgets from tech companies such as Leica and Canon.
Our favourite section is hidden away on the top deck of the ship. The Haven by Norwegian is a VIP-only area that comes with its own private facilities and the most luxurious and spacious accommodation. Its suites feature a multitude of interconnecting rooms, as well as an array of mini-suite, balcony, ocean view and interior staterooms.
The Haven also includes an all-new Haven Observation Lounge boasting 180-degree views — perfect for scenic trips. With its own personal concierges and 24-hour butler service throughout a guest’s entire stay, The Haven is truly luxury living at sea.
Norwegian Joy will commence operations from end June 2017, and will offer year-round short itineraries that range from three to six days — ideal for guests looking for a quick getaway. Recommended itineraries include a four-day Shanghai to Tianjin trip from 22 to 26 August, and a six-day round-trip to Shanghai.
(All photos credited to: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Dewi Nurjuwita
Senior Writer
Dewi Nurjuwita is a travel and design writer who can be found exploring the streets of foreign cities with passport in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
