Chen Xiaochun

654789759@qq.com

NORWEGIAN Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line’s first ship custom-designed for the Chinese cruise market, made an appearance yesterday at Prince Bay Cruise Homeport, in the second stop of her grand inaugural port tour featuring one-day events at ports in Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, as well as VIP partner cruises from Norwegian Joy’s homeports of Shanghai and Tianjin.

Representatives from the Shenzhen Municipal Government, port authorities, as well as travel agencies and media from South China were invited to the showcase tour to experience the Norwegian Joy’s facilities and services.

The ship’s christening ceremony will be held June 27, led by her Godfather, iconic Mandopop artist Wang Leehom. The spectacular inaugural celebration in Shanghai will include an exclusive concert and overnight cruise for honored guests.

“Shenzhen is always a special place for me because I remember when this port was first being built and I have some great images taken from my old phone of what China, and Shenzhen specifically, is able to do. Shenzhen has been built in just a few years,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China.

Herrera later explained that the ship was custom-built for the Chinese cruise market, “not just because of the racetrack or because of the VIP accommodation ‘The Haven by Norwegian®’ but because everything we did was focused on making sure that the Chinese family, the multi-generational travelers, can experience joy together. We call it ‘the connection of joy.’”

“On May 9 which was China Tourism Day, the Shenzhen Municipal Government launched a series of events called Shenzhen Cruise Travel Carnival, and the showcase tour of the Norwegian Joy today in Shenzhen has no doubt added a spice to the carnival,” said Wu Wei, general manager of Shenzhen CMSK International Cruise Homeport.

Wu said that in recent years, as the demand for ocean leisure and travel from Chinese citizens grows, China is on the way to becoming the largest emerging cruise travel market in the world and South China, with Shenzhen as its center, has huge potential for the cruise travel industry. Wu added that the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will also strengthen the market position of Shenzhen in this area.

Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, Norwegian Joy is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first purpose-built ship customized for the Chinese cruise market. The ship can accommodate up to 3,883 guests with luxurious suites and offers engaging and innovative activities, such as an open-air laser tag course, thrilling simulator rides and two multi-story waterslides.