Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce what the company calls ”the first purpose-built ship customized for the China market” in 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ CEO Frank Del Rio revealed Monday during the CruiseWorld China summit in Shanghai.
Currently under construction, Norwegian Cruise Line says that the new ship is designed “specifically for the China market with accommodations, cuisine and onboard experiences that cater to the unique vacation preferences of Chinese guests.”
The new ship will be the second of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class, with a capacity to accommodate 4,200 guests. It will be delivered in spring 2017. Additional details, including the ship’s name, homeport, accommodations, dining and entertainment will be shared in the coming months.
Norwegian will take delivery of the line’s first Breakaway Plus class ship, Norwegian Escape, next week on October 22. Two additional ships in this class are on order for delivery in 2018 and 2019.
“Our new purpose-built ship for China will have characteristics that are authentic to Norwegian Cruise Line and yet distinctively Chinese in all of its sensibility,” said Del Rio.
“With this new ship, Norwegian will unquestionably offer our Chinese guests a superior product and introduce a new standard of innovation and excellence into the marketplace, with an unrivaled level of customization for the Chinese consumer. It will perfectly suit what modern Chinese travelers value from an upscale cruise experience.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has already opened offices in Beijing and Hong Kong, and has today added a Shanghai office in Xintiandi. These China-based offices support all three brands in the company’s portfolio – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.