Leehom will serve as godfather to Norwegian's first China-bound ship in summer 2017
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Mandopop artist Wang Leehom is to serve as the godfather to Norwegian Cruises Line’s new 3,850-passenger Norwegian Joy (Xǐ Yuè Hào) when she debuts in summer 2017.
Dubbed the ‘King of Chinese Pop’, Leehom is a Chinese-American singer songwriter, music producer, actor and film director. He will become the first Chinese godfather of any cruise ship and will break the traditional bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull during her naming ceremony next year.
“As a Chinese star with a high international profile, connecting East and West through his music and movies, Leehom is the perfect godfather for Norwegian Joy, a ship custom designed for our Chinese guests that also brings the best of the East and West together,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Norwegian’s parent company. “We are thrilled to be working with him as a partner to introduce the Norwegian Cruise Line ‘First Class at Sea’ cruising experience to China next summer.”
Following the christening, Leehom will act as a brand ambassador for Norwegian in China.
“I'm honoured to have the opportunity to share the cruising lifestyle with Chinese guests as godfather of Norwegian Joy,” said Leehom. “Cruising is an exciting way of experiencing travel and leisure that I'm thrilled to be sharing with China.”
Currently under construction at Meyer Werft’s Papenberg yard in Germany, Norwegian Joy is Norwegian’s first ship purpose-built for the Chinese market and will homeport in Shanghai and Beijing (Tianjin).
The ship’s 3,900 guests will be accommodated in a range of mini-suite, balcony, family, ocean view and interior staterooms, many with virtual balconies. An accommodation highlight will be the exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex, The Haven by Norwegian. The facility comprises 74 suites, a private restaurant, an enclosed courtyard, a dedicated concierge and a new Observation Deck offering 180-degree views, gourmet canapés and premium beverages. Other perks include a personalised butler service and priority access to entertainment and speciality dining venues.
Onboard entertainment will include an open-air laser tag course; a top-deck park with a pool and chaise lounges; Norwegian’s largest boutique shopping venue; two multi-storey waterslides; and Galaxy Pavilion, which features six Xbox consoles, immersive virtual reality experiences, simulator rides and interactive video walls.
In addition, Norwegian Joy will provide Mandarin, Cantonese and Continental dining options, as well as bow-to-stern wifi connectivity.