NCL adds karting and hover craft bumper cars to its new Chinese ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the flagship features of its new China-bound ship, Norwegian Joy, including karting, virtual reality experiences, and bumper cars.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the new ship will be tailored specifically for the Chinese cruise market. It will include superior accommodation, international luxury shopping boutiques, a technology-driven interactive Galaxy Pavilion, and a serene open space at the top of the ship for relaxation.

Inside The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship-within-a-ship complex, will be a new Observation Deck featuring 180 degree views – the same as the ship’s officers experience from the Bridge – with gourmet canapés and premium beverages available.

The 3,900-passenger ship will feature a new accommodation category termed the Concierge level. Guests staying in the larger balcony Concierge staterooms will benefit from a dedicated concierge to make arrangements on-board, from entertainment to dining. These cabins will also include access to the exclusive Concierge lounge, which will have a private bar and refreshments available throughout the day.

Many of the interior staterooms will be fitted with virtual balconies.

On the top deck a two-tier racetrack will be home to the first ever go-karts at sea.

An open-air laser tag course will also be added.

Two multi-story waterslides will be installed. The high-speed Double Aqua Loop free fall slide will include one loop that extends out over the side of the ship and a second see-through loop that stretches down to the deck below. The tandem Aqua Racer slide will allow guests to race side-by-side on inner tubes.

The top deck will also be home to a tranquil open space park, where guests can enjoy a partially covered serene setting designed for relaxation, boasting greenery, a soothing pool and chaise lounges.

The Galaxy Pavilion will be fitted with state-of-the-art technology to deliver immersive virtual reality experiences, thrilling simulator rides and interactive video walls. The space will house hover craft bumper cars as well as a single-seat race car simulator.

Three interactive dark ride simulators provide guests with a captivating experience featuring real-time 3D graphics, 360-degree surround sound and multi-sensory special effects, while flight and car simulators will let guests take flight or take to the road for an adrenaline-filled experience. Star Wars® battle pods video games and six Xbox® console stations will also be available.

Virtual reality headsets from Oculus will immerse guests in a 360-degree world as they ride a virtual roller coaster, soar over mountains, or walk on-top of a ten-storey building.

Norwegian Joy will feature the largest upscale shopping venue in Norwegian Cruise line’s fleet, complete with everything from duty-free shops to high-end international brands.

The ship will also be equipped with the fastest Wi-Fi connectivity in the fleet.

Norwegian Joy 喜悦号 (Xǐ Yuè Hào) will home-port in Shanghai and Tianjin (Beijing) in summer 2017.

(Image credits to Norwegian Cruise Line)