Hull art revealed for China-bound Norwegian Joy


Norwegian Joy’s Hull Artwork by Tan Ping

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Joy, a new ship bound for China next year, will feature a large red phoenix on its hull, the latest in a series of hull paintings for Norwegian ships.

Chinese artist Tan Ping is responsible for the design, which will also include waves and other stylized nautical motifs.

“The Phoenix symbolizes beauty and good luck in Chinese culture, and Norwegian Joy will bridge across the West and the East and bring Chinese people’s best wish to the world and everyone in her path,” said Tan Ping, a painter, print maker and educator.

Joy, the first Norwegian ship to be custom-built for the Chinese market, is scheduled to begin sailing from Beijing and Shanghai next summer.

Norwegian Dawn debuts after extensive refit

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn sailed into her seasonal homeport of Boston, Massachusetts on 17 June following a month-long drydock.

Norwegian Dream, which was renovated as part of the US$400 million The Norwegian Edge programme, now has two new restaurants, three new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in all public spaces, and refurbished staterooms and suites.

“As with each of the ship refurbishments in the Norwegian Edge programme, this was not your average drydock,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and COO. “Norwegian Dawn was brought down to the steel in many spaces and rebuilt to evoke the look and feel of the newest Norwegian ships, allowing guests sailing on her to enjoy all of the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian offers, along with a more premium experience from bow to stern.”

Norwegian Dawn debuts after extensive refit

New dining venues include Mexican restaurant Los Lobos Cantina, which will open on 1 July, and the popular O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill. Now, guests can also visit bars such as Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Bliss Lounge (formerly Spinnakers Lounge) and The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar to enable guests to enjoy tastings and educational events. This venue was previously the Pearly King Pub.

Existing complimentary dining venues, such as The Venetian, Aqua, Bamboo Asian Restaurant and the Garden Café, have all been revamped with new flooring, wall coverings, furniture, artwork, signage and decorative lighting.

Similar upgrades where completed in the ship’s speciality restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria, which has been moved to Deck 13 adjacent to Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Le Bistro and La Cucina have also switched places, while Teppanyaki restaurant has been doubled in size to add to more tables and a divider between Bamboo and Teppanyaki.

The ship’s existing bars and lounges – such as Gatsby’s Champagne Bar and the Cigar Bar – have also been fitted with new flooring, furniture, decorative lighting, artwork and more. All staterooms received updated carpets, bedding, drapery, artwork, flat screen TVs and furniture. The two Garden Villas were completely remodeled with new flooring, inside and outside furniture, ceilings, lighting, bedding, décor and 42-inch flat screen TVs.

Other highlights include refreshed décor in the public spaces, elevators, toilets, the library and the Atrium – which also features an additional seating area – while the upgraded shopping area has been renamed Tradewinds. Tides, which sells jewellery, was added to the Atrium. The Photo Gallery also features individual digital monitors and larger photo display panels, while the Dawn Casino and Entourage teen space and video arcade were refurbished. The Stardust Theater has reupholstered and recushioned seats, and will offer performances of Band on the Run, Showdown and Elements.

Meanwhile, the pool deck has new decking, white awnings, exterior showers, pool loungers, and a fresh look to all exterior corridors. In addition, the Bimini Bar overlooking the main pool deck was redesigned, the Pulse Fitness Center now offers Techno Gym equipment, and the Mandara Spa has updated treatment rooms and a new barber shop, nail salon, spa pool and eight heated loungers.

Norwegian Dawn will sail from Boston to Bermuda each week until the end of October, spending three nights in port. In the winter, the ship will sail from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean, calling at Norwegian’s private island Harvest Caye, as well as Belize.

Six Things Experienced Cruisers Would Never Do on a Norwegian Cruise

Experienced cruisers are well prepared. From what to pack, to where to go, to what to do, these guests have traveling down to a fine art. Here are six things you would never catch a seasoned cruiser doing!

1. CALL A NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE VESSEL A “BOAT”

Boats in Italy

Though both ship and boat seem to be an interchangeable term among guests, seasoned cruisers know that calling these majestic beauties a “boat” is just not right. Due to factors like size and where and how the vessel operates, rightfully classifies our ships as… well ships.

2. NEGLECTING TO REVIEW NAUTICAL TERMS

Compass and Map

No matter how you cruise, there will come a time when you lose your sense of direction. If this isn’t disorienting enough, try being told “aft, forward, starboard, and port.” Experienced cruisers know to brush up on their nautical terms before setting sail. When your captain announces, “complimentary lobster tails, Deck 15 Aft” you won’t want to miss a beat.

3. FAILING TO SCHEDULE AHEAD

Shore Excursion Desk

There are two ways guests can go about their cruise, plan it out or play it by ear. Although both are fine options, you will never find an experienced cruiser with a checklist leaving it up to chance. These folks know what they want and they know that their wish list activities fill up fast. Whether it’s a specialty dining venue, a Broadway show, or a shore excursion, it pays to be proactive and book ahead of time!

4. QUESTION THE CAPTAIN

Bridge

Experienced cruisers are flexible with their travel plans. At any time the Captain can change a port of call due to things like inclement weather. Remember, the Captain has your best interest at heart if he has to reroute you to another destination.

5. PROP THE STATEROOM AND BALCONY DOOR OPEN

Balcony

Just like a draft can be created in your home, the same can be done onboard a cruise ship. Anyone who has ever stayed in a balcony room or a suite knows to be careful having the stateroom and balcony door open at the same time. With the ship reaching speeds of up to 26 knots (approximately 30 mph!), the right gust of wind could blow your valuables right out the door.

6. AVOID THE “WASHY WASHY” CREW

Garden Cafe

After a long day at the pool, there’s nothing better than heading over to the buffet for a cool drink and a bite to eat. “WASHY WASHY, HAPPY HAPPY, SMILEY SMILEY” the crew will echo as they greet you at the entrance, cleaning down your hands. Experienced cruisers embrace the “Washy Washy” crew, because they know the importance of cleanliness on a ship