Photos from www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Norwegian Joy, the first ship custom-built by Norwegian Cruise Line for the Chinese cruise market was christened in Shanghai on Tuesday. The 167,725-ton vessel can accommodate 3,883 passengers and boasts an on board go-kart track and a laser quest. Because nothing enhances the feeling of firing a laser like being at sea...
Tailored for Chinese travelers - we aren't exactly sure what that means, WeChat pay? below-deck bike sharing? Nautical Taobao? - the mega ship has 100 luxury concierge class cabins, a retail area stocking 50 high-end brands for duty free shopping, dedicated karaoke booths and a large casino complete with private gambling rooms. It's basically like IAPM decided to open a new mall in the middle of the ocean.
Norwegian Joy was officially christened right here in Shanghai. The ceremony was presided over by actor/singer-songwriter Wang Lee Hom, with many cruise line executives, travel partners, Chinese government officials and distinguished guests in attendance.
On the hull of the ship there is a phoenix designed by renowned Chinese artist Tan Ping. Paying homage to said phoenix, the ceremony began with a performance by dancer and choreographer Wang Yabin. The mythical bird is said to represent beauty and good luck in the Chinese culture, while among the wizarding community, their tears are known to have healing properties. 'Fascinating creatures, phoenixes' - Albus Dumbledore, 2002.
In traditional maritime-style, the ship was christened by having a bottle smashed against its hull - in this instance, an oversized bottle of Veuve Cliquot (what else?). This tradition, which we are unofficially dubbing 'the wasting of the booze', is performed to bring good luck to all who board the ship.
Tuesday's christening marked the end of Norwegian Joy's month-long inaugural tour where she (fun fact: all ships are female, as are most trucks) has been showcased through events at various ports in Asia.
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