Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line’s first custom-designed ship for the Chinese cruise market, began her journey to her homeport of Shanghai, China, earlier.

She departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, for her approximately 14-hour long conveyance along the Ems River.
Norwegian Joy’s river conveyance marks another key milestone in the ship’s highly anticipated delivery.

Measuring 1,094 feet long and 136 feet wide, the ship is the second in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class and the first that was purpose-built for China.

“We are thrilled Norwegian Joy has officially begun her journey to China,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China.

“As the first custom-built ship for the Chinese cruise market, she will offer a First Class at Sea experience for our guests and we cannot wait to officially welcome her to the fleet this June.”

The 168,800–gross-ton Norwegian Joy departed Meter Werft at approximately 21:00 local time, making a narrow passage in reverse through the shipyard’s locks, passing the structure with just 1.2 meters separating the ship from the bumpers installed along the locks.

The ship’s navigation team, led by experienced yard captains and River Ems pilots, included several navigation officers in charge of overseeing the bow manoeuvres and others overseeing the movement of the stern.

Several local authorities and other partners were also involved in supporting this precise manoeuvre.

After passing through the sea lock in Papenburg, Norwegian Joy continued along the river, stern first.

Due to the strong propulsion in the aft section of the vessel, travelling stern first helps with manoeuvrability, which is a key component when navigating the vessel through such narrow passages.

Before reaching her final destination in Eemshaven, Netherlands in the evening,  Norwegian Joy passed through additional narrow passages including a railway Bridge in Weener; Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

Upon arrival in the Dutch port of Eemshaven, Norwegian Joy will take on additional provisions and further crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for sea trials later this month.

Following her delivery on April 27th, Norwegian Joy sets sail for China, where she will be showcased through a grand inaugural port tour featuring one-day events at the ports of Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, as well as VIP partner cruises from Norwegian Joy’s home-ports of Shanghai and Tianjin.

The spectacular inaugural celebration on June 27th in Shanghai will include an exclusive concert led by her Godfather, iconic Mandopop artist Wang Leehom, and an overnight cruise for honoured guests.