Size matters when it comes to differentiating between a boat and a yacht, with boats generally ranging around 30 feet long and yachts being almost 160 plus feet in length. However, these sizes pale in comparison to cruise ships, especially the brand new Norwegian Joy.
The Norwegian Joy has recently been released by Norwegian Cruise Lines as a custom ship made especially for Chinese vacationers.
Right now, the 3,883-foot cruise ship is currently on its way to Shanghai, China from Bremenhaven, Germany after a nearly year-long construction. A first in the world of cruise ships, the Norwegian Joy has been built with only the Chinese market in mind.
The floating mecca boasts restaurants and lounges on board that serve only traditional Chinese fare, two tea houses, and a grassy area with trees instead of the main pool deck. There is also the first go-kart track at sea, a virtual reality games room, private karaoke rooms, and a Laser Battle course. Additionally, there will be expanded casino areas, private gambling rooms, and a shopping area with over 50 designer retailers.
Plus, the boat boasts 100 high-end passenger cabins and the boat itself is decorated with traditional Chinese characters.
The Norwegian Joy will only be available to Chinese vacationers, via Chinese travel agents. It will be docked in the Chinese port Tianjin, which is nearby to Beijing. Come June 23, the ship will be christened by Chinese pop star Leehom Wang and then opened for year-round business.
This custom made endeavor is just one small step for the cruise ship community as more and more brands have been expanding their efforts towards the growing Asian market. Norwegian follows Princess Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean, who have recently launched ships into the area.
The Norwegian Joy will serve as a blueprint model for its sister ship, the Norwegian Bliss, which is set to be released to Alaska in 2018.