Stellar cullinary line-up planned for China’s first custom built cruise ship

SHANGHAI, China – One word best sums up the culinary offerings that will be available to guests on board the luxurious brand new cruise ship Norwegian Joy when she starts sailing in June 2017: everything!

From Chinese hot pot, to sophisticated French haute cuisine, the freshest Japanese sushi to highest quality American steaks and burgers, Norwegian Joy promises no less than 28 different food and beverage outlets on board – the widest array of dining experiences yet on any new ship that has been purpose built for China.

Every aspect of Norwegian’s new Breakaway-Plus Class vessel, which will start sailing from Shanghai on June 28, 2017, promises to be a ‘First Class at Sea’ experience, and central to this – of course – is the culinary program.

Unlike other cruise lines, Norwegian offers guests the flexibility to dine when they want, where they want, from a wide range of restaurants. Only Norwegian offers the flexibility of Freestyle dining, which means no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating. And with so many purpose built restaurants from bow to stern, guests can enjoy more dining options than days of their cruise, whenever they like.

Norwegian Joy guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of complimentary dining options, while a host of additional premium dining experiences are also available at nominal extra cost.

Among the inclusive options is the Garden Cafe, which will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here, guests can enjoy unlimited visits to a sumptuous buffet of international favorites. The diverse spread will feature classics of Chinese and Western cuisine as well as lively stations preparing dishes à-la-minute.

For a traditional dining experience Norwegian Joy’s elegant Manhattan Room will offer a vast selection of Chinese cuisine complemented by Western-style classics such as steaks and seafood.

The aptly named Savor and Taste restaurants will also serve a wide array of Chinese cuisine, from traditional to forward-thinking Chinese fusion cuisine with pronounced Korean and Japanese accents.
Among the premium offerings, Food Republic allows diners to take a culinary tour of the world without even entering a single port of call. An eclectic menu will draw inspiration from the flavors of Japan, and even such far-flung destinations as Peru. Here, guests can indulge in an extensive sushi selection and enjoy creative fusion dishes, like Food Republic’s signature hamachi taquitos.

Teppanyaki offers an authentic taste of East Asia. Here, guests can marvel at a Japanese hibachi cooking performance at their table. Diners also have the option of preparing their own meal with a selection of meats and fresh vegetables at Hot Pot restaurant Sakura & Hibiscus or Korean barbecue table. For fresh hand-pulled Chinese noodles and exquisitely crafted dim sum, there is the Noodle Bar.

The American dining options range from a sophisticated steakhouse to a classic and casual diner. Guests on Norwegian Joy will be able to experience both offerings onboard. Cagney’s Steakhouse will feature premium cuts, like tender filet mignon and succulent bone-in rib eyes, as well as other classic chops, like rack of lamb. All of which can be enjoyed with classic steakhouse sides, like asparagus with hollandaise sauce or truffled French fries. Meanwhile, American Diner promises the best in American comfort, from meatloaf and potpies, to burgers and fried chicken.

The azure Pacific waves that carry Norwegian Joy from port to port will no doubt induce in passengers’ craving for fresh fish, which can be satisfied at Neptune’s. This seafood specialty restaurant will feature a stunning buffet of fresh seafood, both chilled and raw, on ice. Guests can enjoy an expertly prepared catch from Neptune’s a la carte menu, too.

Italian and French are among the best cuisines that Europe has to offer, and Norwegian Joy will allow guests to indulge. La Cucina will specialize in a mix of contemporary Italian pastas and handmade gnocchi, along with meat and seafood dishes, while Le Bistro will serve the most refined French cuisine on the high seas.

For those with a sweet tooth, The Bake Shop is certain to quell those cravings. This boutique bakery will offer a tantalizing variety of handmade baked goods, like cupcakes, macarons, chocolate pralines, and Japanese mocha sweets, to name a few.

Finally, for liquid refreshments, Norwegian Joy will be flush with options. Venues like The Grand Tea Room will serve high-end loose leaf teas from China along with elegant snacks and high tea-style finger foods to savor on a leisurely afternoon.

Oenophiles on board can quench their thirst at La Cave. French for “The Cellar”, La Cave is Norwegian Joy’s source for fine wines and spirits. Guests can enjoy a glass of world-class wine or whiskey at the bar and, if they taste anything they like, they can make a retail purchase to take home with them after the cruise. After a leisurely drink or two, they may wish to retire to Humidor, Norwegian Joy’s exclusive cigar lounge to relax in style.

And for guests who wish to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, options abound, from martinis and manhattans at Mixx Bar, pre-dinner drinks at Prime Meridian, refreshing frozen poolside cocktails at Spice H20, and specialty coffees and teas at Atrium Bar.