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ST. THOMAS — Norwegian Joy will make its inaugural call on the U.S. Virgin Islands on Friday, the West Indian Company has announced. The ship will berth at the WICO dock from 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WICO will host a Plaque Exchange Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. for the captain and crew, according to the release.
“Norwegian Joy was built specifically for the Chinese market, however, Norwegian recently announced that its overall strategy will include a shift from expansion in China,” Anthony A. Ottley, WICO president and CEO explained. “As a result, the ship is now deployed to the Caribbean.”
- Built: Meyer Werft shipyard, Papenberg, Germany
- Class: Breakaway Plus
- Cost: $700 million
- Capacity: 3,883 passengers
- Crew: 1,700
- Weight: 167,725 gross tons
- Length: 1,094 feet
- Decks: 20
- Speed: 25 knots maximum
The Norwegian Joy has an impressive and diverse service history. After her 2017 debut in China, she was retrofitted to appeal to the U.S. cruise guest, then transitioned to the Seattle/Alaska route. Sailings along the Mexican Riviera and through the Panama Canal via Los Angeles and Miami followed before her delayed Caribbean debut, according to the release.
The ship is the second of Norwegian Cruise Line’s four Breakaway Plus-class cruise ships designed to mimic small cities with multiple dining options, entertainment and activities. Built at a cost of $700 million by Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard, Norwegian Joy can accommodate 3,883 guests and 1,700 crew.
