Celebrating Norwegian Joy's Keel Laying

Blessing the Coin

Norwegian Cruise Line 诺唯真 and executives at MEYER WERFT, celebrated the keel laying ceremony this week in Papenburg, Germany for Norwegian Joy 喜悦号 (Xǐ Yuè Hào), Norwegian’s first ever ship styled exclusively for Chinese guests. During the ceremony, the first of 80 blocks that will comprise the 168,800 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building hall, officially marking the start of the ship’s assembly. Cruise line executives were present in the hall and laid the traditional “lucky coin,” before the first block, weighing 680 tons, was placed by a massive crane.

A special commemorative coin featuring the ship was created to celebrate the day’s activities. In a ceremony (pictured above) held at the XingTian Temple at Fang Ta Park in Shanghai on March 31, 2016, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China executives gathered for a traditional prayer and pledge ceremony to the Chinese Goddess of the sea, Mazu 媽祖, to bring blessings to the coins, the ship and all of the guests who sail on her. The same coin was then placed under the block during the ceremony.

“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the Keel Laying for Norwegian Joy today with our partners at MEYER WERFT,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and Chief Operating Officer Andy Stuart. “Norwegian Joy is yet another evolution for Norwegian Cruise Line and we know the outstanding work of the teams at MEYER WERFT will truly make her a first class vessel.”

Home porting in Shanghai & Tianjin (Beijing), Norwegian Joy was designed by the team at NCL to provide First Class at Sea experiences specifically for the Chinese traveler, with onboard amenities that cater to the unique vacation desires of Chinese guests. Built at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany, the ship features German precision engineering to the highest possible standard, all while offering superior customization for the culture and preferences of Chinese guests along with the exciting and innovative features found on Norwegian’s most recent vessels.

Set to launch in summer 2017, Norwegian Joy’s experiences include a multitude of VIP accommodations, from exclusive suite complex The Haven by Norwegian®, an all-new Concierge category and the most family-friendly stateroom options in the fleet; along with a technology-driven interactive Galaxy Pavilion outfitted with bumper cars, Oculus Rift virtual reality; car racing simulators and much more. The ship’s top decks will feature the only race track at sea and laser tag, along with two waterslides and a serene open space for relaxation and renewal. Norwegian Joy will also offer international luxury shopping boutiques with renowned global luxury brands, in fashion, jewelry and electronics.

Photo Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line