Norwegian Cruise Line has begun construction of Norwegian Joy, its first ship designed exclusively for Chinese travelers.
A keel-laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, marked the official start of construction. During the event, the first of 80 blocks that will make up the 168,800-gross-ton vessel was lifted into a Meyer building facility.
The 3,900-passenger cruise ship will take about 12 months to build and is slated for delivery in summer 2017.
The ship will include a racetrack with go-cart-like cars, laser tag, bumper cars, Oculus Rift virtual reality, car racing simulators and two multistory water slides.
The Double Aqua Loop slide includes one loop that extends out over the edge of the ship and a second see-through loop that stretches to the deck below, Norwegian said.
The tandem Aqua Racer slide will enable two people to race side by side on inner tubes for more than 360 feet.
Norwegian Joy also will have variety of luxury stores and a suite complex offering personal butler and dedicated concierge service, a private restaurant and 74 suites.
A new Concierge Level accommodation category will debut on this ship. It will have larger balcony staterooms with concierge service and an exclusive lounge with private bar.
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For travelers looking for a quiet spaces, Norwegian Joy’s top deck will offer a partly covered open green space with pool and chaise lounges.
Norwegian, based in Miami, said the ship will fuse a western cruise vacation with the preferences that Chinese travelers expect.
Norwegian is one of several cruise ships betting on the growing Chinese market.
For example, Royal Caribbean International took delivery last week of a ship to be based at Tianjin, China. Last year, Carnival Corp & PLC announced a joint venture with the China State Shipbuilding Corp. and China Investment Corp., a move aimed at launching the first multiship Chinese cruise line.
Some experts say China could become the largest cruise market in the world.
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