The world's leading cruise line commissions a renowned Chinese artist to design the hull of the Norwegian Joy, its new top-class ship, designed especially for Chinese guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has commissioned renowned Chinese artist Tan Ping to design the artwork that will adorn the hull of Norwegian Joy, its upcoming flagship ship. Scheduled for launch in summer 2017, with homeports in Shanghai and Beijing, Norwegian Joy will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s first ship designed specifically for the Chinese market, ensuring guests enjoy “first-class onboard” experiences, beginning with its VIP accommodations. Tan Ping’s distinctive artwork will underscore Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to providing an unparalleled cruise experience for Chinese guests.
Painter, illustrator, and educator, Tan Ping straddles the worlds of art and design. His abstract paintings and copperplate engravings are part of the collections of museums such as the National Art Museum of China; the Portland Art Museum in the USA; the Ludwig Museum in Germany; and the Shanghai Art Museum. Tan Ping also has the distinction of having led and directed the design team at the Central Academy of Fine Arts that created the visual and landscape design for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Their theme for the Norwegian Joy is the Phoenix, an iconic mythical bird once believed to reign over all other birds in the world. It is a ubiquitous motif in Chinese art and can be found throughout the centuries in paintings, silk brocades, architectural details, and other artistic creations.
“The Phoenix symbolizes beauty and good fortune in Chinese culture, and the Norwegian Joy will bridge the gap between East and West, carrying the best wishes of the Chinese people to the world and to everyone it encounters,” said Tan Ping.
Tan's modernist design is simple yet elegant, with flowing lines conveying both forward motion and majestic balance. The color palette is dominated by reds and yellows, traditionally the two most regal colors in China. Red represents joy, a perfect match for a ship whose name means "joy" in English. Yellow represents grandeur, the feeling a vessel of this size evokes in those who behold it. The design also incorporates touches of blue, representing the sea. These three colors are also primary colors, the starting point for all other colors in the visible light spectrum. Through this subtle reference, Tan conveys the sense of an auspicious beginning for an unforgettable journey.
“We are deeply honored to be working with Professor Tan Ping,” said David Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line China. “Tan Ping’s ability to design concepts that seamlessly blend traditional Chinese culture with the dynamics of modern life is truly inspiring. He has perfectly captured the vision of the Norwegian Joy as a luxurious and technologically advanced ship that also respects traditional Chinese values. The paintings on the hull embody the essence of the best of the East, perfectly complementing the best of the West.”.
The Norwegian Joy will bring to life the artistic vision of the Phoenix, transferred to a medium of enormous scale on the hull of this unique ship. “This design is by far my greatest work,” says Tan. “By traveling the world on the Norwegian Joy, I also hope it will reach a wider audience than any of my previous works.”.
Tan Ping's stunning hull artwork promises to be the finishing touch on one of the most ambitious ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. The Norwegian Joy will accommodate 3,850 guests in luxurious suites within the exclusive Haven by Norwegian® resort, where they'll feel like they're on a separate ship within the ship; in a new category of staterooms with concierge service; in a wide range of mini-suites; or in balcony staterooms, both outside and inside, many of the latter featuring virtual balconies. Multiple options to suit every need. Dining will feature the finest Chinese and continental cuisine. When it's time for onboard entertainment, Norwegian Joy guests will have plenty to choose from: state-of-the-art virtual reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, the world's first two-level racetrack on a ship, an outdoor park, two multi-story water slides, and abundant duty-free shopping.
