Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce the first purpose-built ship customised for the China market in 2017. Currently under construction, the new ship is designed specifically for the China market with accommodation, cuisine and on-board experiences that cater to the unique holiday preferences of Chinese guests.
Frank Del Rio, chief executive, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said, “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. 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 unrivalled level of customization for the Chinese consumer. It will perfectly suit what modern Chinese travellers value from an upscale cruise experience.”
The new ship will be the second of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class and features the line’s unique style of cruising known as freestyle cruising. Aboard NCL ships, Chinese guests will indulge in a resort-style vacation experience, with the freedom and flexibility to joyfully spend time doing whatever they wish, from enjoying world-class entertainment to fine Mandarin, Cantonese and Continental dining; from duty-free luxury shopping to participating in any number of incredible first-at-sea activities on-board; all on their own time schedule.
Not only will Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship offer the highest-level of purpose-built customisation, it will clearly be the most innovative ship ever built exclusively for the China market. With a capacity of 4,200 guests, this new Breakaway Plus-class vessel will provide the same sense of freedom and flexibility found on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, but with experiences and amenities designed specifically with Chinese guests in mind.
The level of customisation will go beyond the physical design of the ship. Working with partners in China and local experts on the subtleties of Chinese culture, Chinese guests who sail on this new ship will be provided with an unmatched quality-level for service, cuisine, entertainment and overall experience that is simply not available in the China market today.
Additional details, including the ship’s name, homeport, accommodation, dining and entertainment will be shared in the coming months.
Del Rio added, “Our China offices house a dedicated leadership team uniquely focused on ensuring the success of our local travel agent partners, which is crucial to the success of our expansion in what will soon be the world’s second largest cruise market. These offices will provide sales and marketing support to our travel partners whose customers not only wish to sail on our new China-based ship, but also on any of the incredible voyages around the world offered across our portfolio of brands.”