The Norwegian Joy was just christened in China so I thought it might be interesting to take a look at Norwegian Cruise Lines first purpose built ship for the Chinese market.
Shes a slightly modified Breakaway-plus class vessel which closely resembles the Norwegian Escape (the Escape herself is a modified ‘plus’ version of the Breakaway class). The Joy will best resemble the Norwegian Bliss when she’s launched next year. The general layout remains the same, and you can explore her on our deckplans page, however they changed up some of the venues from the previous ships to make it more appealing to her intended demographics.
Probably the most popular venue onboard, and certainly one of the most photographed, is the first go-kart race track at sea. This is where the ropes course is on her sisters.
An interesting modification done was the removal of the main pool and in its place is a large park.
Chinese cruises are big into their duty free shopping. The ship definitely has a lot of top name designers in her stores such as Cartier, Bvlgari and Versace.
Another regional trait for cruising is the feeling of exclusivity and the desire for a lot of high end accommodations. On board the Joy in addition to the Haven, there’s another category of cabins onboard that comes with exclusive access. The Concierge Class of cabins come with their own gorgeous exclusive Concierge Lounge.
NCL’s popular Haven class is also onboard and has been expanded. The haven lounge has been largely expanded into a gorgeous observation lounge. The Bliss is already confirmed to have this as well.
Obligatory atrium shot.
Obligatorily elevator lobby shot. An interesting note is the use of reds and golds throughout. Red is symbolic of prosperity and gold is considered the most beautiful color.
Norwegian Joy,April 22 Eemshaven Netherlands. Very nice Cruise Ship 😉✌️ pic.twitter.com/aTTuJYBeYj
— den Lille Fakse (@DaniW1204) April 23, 2017
And lastly a cruise ship can’t be tailored for cruising in the Pacific without enlarging the casino. On the Joy it takes it’s normal position on this class of vessel(second level of the atrium) but extends much further aft and occupies the space where the tradewinds shops are onboard the Escape. The stores have been relocated one deck above overlooking the casino at the top of the atrium.
Sadly I doubt I’ll ever get a change to go onboard her as I don’t see her leaving the Chinese market anytime soon.