Everything.. Norwegian JOY! Delivery spring 2017

[kikki21]

Just read the article on World of Cruising - so it will all depend on which way she travels to China! And she's still being built by Meyer so there's a good chance that the ship with no name formerly known as Bliss might just have some European short cruises first!

 

Here's keeping it all crossed & now the name speculation begins!

[motleyfan]

I would love if it was a Florida port

[motleyfan]

Anybody hear anything about WHERE the Bliss may be home ported? I have heard Port Canaveral, China, & Miami....

 

Big Al

 

I don't care which port it is as long as it is Florida lol

[FreestyleNovice]

Are you referring to the former Bliss of the third or fourth BA+ that may be named Bliss?

[big al]

I don't care which port it is as long as it is Florida lol

 

We now know ( sadly) that the Bliss will be in China...maybe Breakaway 3 or 4 in 2018 & 2019..

 

Big Al

[motleyfan]

We now know ( sadly) that the Bliss will be in China...maybe Breakaway 3 or 4 in 2018 & 2019..

 

Big Al

 

I have a feeling it won't be there very long, kind of like when they took the epic away from Florida

[LrgPizza]

I have a feeling it won't be there very long, kind of like when they took the epic away from Florida

It's being designed specifically for China. Signs, menus, etc will be in Chinese. This isn't a ship being built to cater to westerners in China. It's being built to cater to the Chinese. For that reason, it will probably last longer than you think. Epic was built to serve Westerners, so much easier to move around.

[FreestyleNovice]

Motley, Chinese upper- and middle class are the largest, fastest growing and most spending guests on the planet any cruise line can wish for.

[CruisinHarvey]

I have a feeling it won't be there very long, kind of like when they took the epic away from Florida

 

I don't think that will happen here. As OP said, this ship is being specifically for the Chinese market.

 

Also, they're still looking for home for the Epic. The design and cabins are unusual enough they're having a hard time finding it's niche. That's why they only built one of them.

[barnacle_boy]

I don't think that will happen here. As OP said, this ship is being specifically for the Chinese market.

 

Also, they're still looking for home for the Epic. The design and cabins are unusual enough they're having a hard time finding it's niche. That's why they only built one of them.

 

There was a contractual dispute between NCL and STX France that eventually led to the cancellation of the second ship. Project F3, which would eventually become Epic, initially comprised two ships. There was definitely some concern on the part of NCL's new management about whether such a ship could be successful, which led to the numerous changes that prompted the dispute, but it was decided long before Epic entered service that she would not have a sister.

Edited October 13, 2015 by barnacle_boy

[SeaShark]

It's being designed specifically for China. Signs, menus, etc will be in Chinese. This isn't a ship being built to cater to westerners in China. It's being built to cater to the Chinese. For that reason, it will probably last longer than you think. Epic was built to serve Westerners, so much easier to move around.

Wow...I missed that. Where did you read that the signs, menus, etc would be in Chinese?

[barnacle_boy]

Wow...I missed that. Where did you read that the signs, menus, etc would be in Chinese?

 

Many of the ships that have been redeployed for long-term China operations have received Chinese signage and revised menus. This would be the bare minimum for a ship that's aimed at the Chinese market. In other words, expect this and many other changes.

[LrgPizza]

Wow...I missed that. Where did you read that the signs, menus, etc would be in Chinese?

I didn't. It's a logical assumption (that obviously could be wrong, but probably is not), based on previous press releases and statements made by NCL about ships they will have in the Chinese market. They specifically stated there will be ships there specifically designed for Chinese passengers, and separate ships there specifically for westerners who choose to cruise China. This ship (supposedly) will be specifically for Chinese passengers. They wouldn't put these things in English any more than they'd put them in Chinese in a ship designed for Miami.

 

So maybe not, but more likely than not. Consider it an educated guess. Not everything is for Americans.

[SeaShark]

I didn't. It's a logical assumption (that obviously could be wrong, but probably is not), based on previous press releases and statements made by NCL about ships they will have in the Chinese market. They specifically stated there will be ships there specifically designed for Chinese passengers, and separate ships there specifically for westerners who choose to cruise China. This ship (supposedly) will be specifically for Chinese passengers. They wouldn't put these things in English any more than they'd put them in Chinese in a ship designed for Miami.

 

So maybe not, but more likely than not. Consider it an educated guess. Not everything is for Americans.

No...of course not. There are many ships sailing in Europe...catering to their European customers, with signs in English...as opposed to the language(s) of those guests.

 

Catering to the market is as simple as offering specific goods in the shops (the Chinese love high-end brand-specific shopping), enlarging the casino, rethinking the cuisine, and offering relevant activities in the day to day programming (as opposed to say "quest").

 

You assume that the Chinese speak and understand only one language...

not "logical" given the amount of business they done with Western companies for many, many years.

 

 

Perhaps in the future things would be easier if guesses weren't presented as facts? We already have too much misinformation on these boards created by guesses, assumptions, and opinions.

[LrgPizza]

No...of course not. There are many ships sailing in Europe...catering to their European customers, with signs in English...as opposed to the language(s) of those guests.

 

Catering to the market is as simple as offering specific goods in the shops (the Chinese love high-end brand-specific shopping), enlarging the casino, rethinking the cuisine, and offering relevant activities in the day to day programming (as opposed to say "quest").

 

You assume that the Chinese speak and understand only one language...

not "logical" given the amount of business they done with Western companies for many, many years.

 

Perhaps in the future things would be easier if guesses weren't presented as facts? We already have too much misinformation on these boards created by guesses, assumptions, and opinions.

You assume things I didn't infer. I guarantee you I have more knowledge of Chinese than you can even know, for reasons that are not your business, since you know nothing about me, my culture, or my background.

 

Or just read Barnacle Boy's reply. He, obviously, knows more than either of us on this subject. :)

Edited October 13, 2015 by LrgPizza

[SeaShark]

Or just read Barnacle Boy's reply. He, obviously, knows more than either of us on this subject. :)

Much more likely that his "answer" is simply his own personal guess, assumption, and opinion not backed by verifiable fact.

 

Look at the Norwegian Spirit. As she was designed for the Asian market, she has no staterooms ending in 4. Do you think RCCL actually renumbered all of the staterooms on Quantum of the Seas?

[Cruzn Bills Fan]

Gene Sloan USA Today cruise editor says it will no longer be named Bliss. It will now have a Chinese name.

[FreestyleNovice]

I too feel, think, suspect, expect, might think that she will be very very Chinese.

 

The press release, with some highlights for your convenience.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Its Entry to the China Cruise Market

World's Leading Large Ship Cruise Line Will Homeport Purpose-Built Breakaway Plus Class Ship in China; Sales Offices opened in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai to Support International Expansion

Shanghai, China - Oct 12, 2015 ---

Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce the first purpose-built ship customized for the China market in 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NCLH) CEO Frank Del Rio announced today during the CruiseWorld China summit in Shanghai. Currently under construction, 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.

 

"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."

 

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 onboard; all on their own time schedule.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line is widely recognized as the leading innovator in the cruise industry. Not only will Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship offer the highest-level of purpose-built customization, 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 guest in mind. The level of customization 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, accommodations, dining and entertainment will be shared in the coming months.

 

To better support the company's expansion efforts in China, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has opened offices in Beijing (Guomao CBD) and Hong Kong (Quarry Bay) and today opens its 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 which span the upper end of the contemporary, premium, and luxury cruise categories and relevant to each segment and each stage in the Chinese consumer life cycle.

 

"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," said Del Rio. "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."

 

The new ship will be delivered in Spring 2017. 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.

 

For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit http://www.goncl.cn or http://www.ncl.com.

 

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NCLH) is a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise lines spanning market segments from contemporary to luxury under the NCL, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. These brands operate a young fleet of 21 ships with approximately 40,000 lower berths visiting more than 420 destinations worldwide. The Company's brands will introduce six more ships through 2019.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line is the most innovative brand in cruise travel with a 50-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising, which revolutionized the industry by giving guests the freedom and flexibility of a resort style vacation at sea. With unparalleled entertainment and dining choices, the concept is perfect for China's younger cruising demographic.

 

For Chinese guests who are looking for a luxury vacation experience on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, The Haven is an exclusive key-card access only enclave with the line's most well-appointed and spacious accommodations and personalized service, including a private concierge and butler. NCL's award-winning fleet also offers a rich stateroom mix, from studios to private suite complexes that are particularly well-suited to China's multi-generational family vacations.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line delivers world-class experiences to its guests in an array of destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. New cruise itineraries are further proof of the company's international expansion. In fall 2016, NCL will cruise to China for the first time since 2002, with the recently renovated Norwegian Star sailing to the region for several unique routes appealing to the brand's loyal guests who wish to explore new parts of the world. Ports of call include Sanya and Hong Kong.

 

Oceania Cruises is the market leader in the upper-premium cruise segment. It offers guests gourmet culinary experiences, elegant and spacious accommodations, a casual dress environment and personalized service. Oceania's five ships offer destination-oriented cruise vacations to more than 330 ports around the globe. Itineraries to China have been sailed by Oceania Cruises for decades. Oceania Insignia and Oceania Nautica will visit Sanya, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, and Tianjin in 2016.

 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the market leader in the luxury cruise segment and operates three award-winning, all-suite ships. The line's fares include all-suite accommodations, round-trip air*, highly personalized service, acclaimed cuisine, fine wines and spirits, sightseeing excursions in every port, gratuities, and a pre-cruise luxury hotel package and complimentary Wi-Fi for those guests staying in concierge and higher suites. Three award-winning, all-suite vessels, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Navigator, are among the most spacious at sea and visit nearly 350 destinations around the globe. In July 2016, the line will introduce the most luxurious ship ever built with the 750-guest Seven Seas Explorer.

*In select markets

 

# # #

 

Seashark; NCL even adjusted the bottom small print, well what are the odds that with all the highlighted things the signage and menu's on board won't be in Chinese?

If you've read the press release closely you wouldn't compare NCL's ship with RCCL's small modifications? Be honest. :)

[barnacle_boy]

Much more likely that his "answer" is simply his own personal guess, assumption, and opinion not backed by verifiable fact.

 

Look at the Norwegian Spirit. As she was designed for the Asian market, she has no staterooms ending in 4. Do you think RCCL actually renumbered all of the staterooms on Quantum of the Seas?

 

This is not a guess. My response is based upon verifiable fact. Ships built for Asia, and even those repurposed for long-term Asia deployment, have signage in Chinese. That does not mean that they are exclusively in Chinese.

 

Since you mentioned these ships, I'll use them as examples to prove my case. The signage on Norwegian Spirit (ex-SuperStar Leo) and SuperStar Virgo, which were both built for Star Cruises and the Asian market, are clearly a combination of Chinese, English, and sometimes even Japanese.

 

Norwegian Spirit signage leftover from her SuperStar Leo days. Many of these locator signs have been replaced, but this particular one on the exterior promenade remains.

 

Menu from SuperStar Virgo.

[SeaShark]

This is not a guess. My response is based upon verifiable fact. Ships built for Asia, and even those repurposed for long-term Asia deployment, have signage in Chinese. That does not mean that they are exclusively in Chinese.

 

Since you mentioned these ships, I'll use them as examples to prove my case. The signage on Norwegian Spirit (ex-SuperStar Leo) and SuperStar Virgo, which were both built for Star Cruises and the Asian market, are clearly a combination of Chinese, English, and sometimes even Japanese.

 

Norwegian Spirit signage leftover from her SuperStar Leo days. Many of these locator signs have been replaced, but this particular one on the exterior promenade remains.

 

Menu from SuperStar Virgo.

 

Your confusion seems to stem from not understanding the post I was responding to when you jumped in.

 

The poster stated that all signs, menus, etc would be in Chinese (and later admitted that this was simply an assumption and not an announced fact). This is quite a bit different than signs that also contain translations.

 

The discussion you jumped in on was amicably resolved. Besides, the entire point of the discussion had nothing to do with Chinese signs, but was centered on not stating opinions and guesses as though they were verified fact. Totally different topic, fwiw. Perhaps you should let it go now, yes?

[FreestyleNovice]

Eyeing the new render:

 

[FreestyleNovice]

(Factual disclaimer: I will be using the names we are used to until the Chinese names will be announced)

 

Different Haven balcony setup. Totally different balcony setup for the penthouses(?) on the lower level with more balcony space? Might take up the Haven courtyard space?

 

No oceanview underneath the middle of the bridge.

 

Top sundeck/Vibe area seems to be the same, including the side hot tubs.

[FreestyleNovice]

 

Black edited space and gap in railing. Some adventurous feature?

 

Note the side hot tub on the walk around deck above the pool deck.

 

No "hips" (underneath the Norwegian Cruise Line sign) for the Garden Buffet as Escape has.

 

No second row of picture windows for the Private Room at Taste (underneath the second set of life boats).

 

Inward life boats as noticed by Barnacle.

[FreestyleNovice]

Found the extra large pic here btw.

[LrgPizza]

 

Note the side hot tub on the walk around deck above the pool deck.

 

So it looks like she will have 6 instead of Escape's 4. Maybe this means people will actually have a shot at getting in one at some point on their cruise. LOL