Today, Norwegian Cruise Line officially took delivery of its newest pride and Norwegian Joy from the Meyer Werft shipyard at a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany.
Over the last day and a half, a select group of international media (yours truly included) have been privileged to preview the ship customized for the China market.
It has already made quite a lasting first impression.
The Joy is essentially a sister-ship to the 2015-launched Norwegian Escape, but it is truly so much more. The Escape was the first Breakaway Plus-class ship as a larger evolution of the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway that came before.
The Joy is similarly sized but as a striking revolution since its predecessor. The best things remain, and lots of other things have changed for the better.
The most obvious exterior modifications are the removal of the former ropes course, sports court and mini golf area for a spectacular double-decker go-kart racetrack-a first at sea. The lost elements are not lamented because this is one attraction, as we personally experienced, that is everything it promises to be.
Even its normal speed mode (one of three different skill levels that can be set on the karts) exceeded expectations with a thrill and challenge unlike anything ever seen before on a cruise ship.
This is not merely a simulator, but the real deal. Uphill and downhill climbs, as well as hairpin turns add to the excitement as a speed boost button (available once per lap) and nine others to race against build up even more internal adrenaline.
(I'm also very proud to say I came out on top as the winner of the inaugural media race onboard, representing TravelPulse in victory!)
[READMORE]READ MORE: How Is Norwegian Cruise Line Putting a Go-Kart Track on a Ship?[/READMORE]
The ship's new Galaxy Pavilion is another new activity venue filled with all sorts of additional attractions. The most physical are circular bumper cars in a central corral that can spin 360-degrees while jockeying back-and-forward into light collision courses. Surrounding them are an assortment of realistic race car emulators, Star Wars Battle Pods, roller coaster simulators and even three multi-dimensional dark ride rooms with ultra-wide 3-D screens, motion-base seating and other special effects.
It really is a very fun assortment that is repeatable thanks to its multiple variations and programs.
Outside, there's additionally a Laser Battle course for daytime and nighttime play. We just got a glimpse at the outside of the facility mostly, but the sci-fi-themed production design is already impressive.
As for waterslides, the previous pair of free-fall body tubes has been replaced with a longer figure-eight that features two uphill sections in a single course-a large portion of which is cantilevered off the side of the ship. While the ship is under final construction, this is one feature that was still being tested. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to try it for ourselves because I would've been first in line otherwise. It looks like a blast.
Actually, the greatest single thing about the Norwegian Joy is the incredible attention to detail and its layout in particular.
For example, by swapping the location of the spa and the buffet, a greater effort has been made to craft a stunning multi-level set of observation lounges at the front of the ship. The best views are no longer reserved for a thermal suite but now for concierge and Haven guests.
Plus, the Garden Cafe has great forward vistas, a la Norwegian Epic too. Bravo!
The bulk of the remaining changes are really geared towards Chinese sensibilities, especially more family accommodations and dining, as well as enlarged casino and retail spaces. Entertainment is also a bit more abstract and less narrative to avoid any language barriers, but even there the quality has been dramatically improved.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Award-Winning Entertainment Line-Up [/READMORE]
A sampling of "Paradis" showcased a perfectly chosen electro-swing soundtrack brought to life by a super-talented cast and great new staging technology.
In other words, this is corporate cousin Regent Seven Seas Cruises influencing Norwegian Cruise Line in remarkable fashion.
The Joy's overall level of refinement will most certainly not be lost in translation should it carry over to the the next Norwegian Bliss intended for the North American market.
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