Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line’s first custom-designed ship for the Chinese cruise market, began its journey to its home port of Shanghai, China this week, as its departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

The ship embarked on its approximately 14-hour long conveyance along the Ems River on Sunday, March 26th, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) said.

Measuring 333 metres in length and 41 metres in width, the ship is the second in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class and the first that was purpose-built for China.

The 168,800–gross-ton Norwegian Joy departed Meyer Werft at approximately 9:00 pm local time, making a narrow passage in reverse through the shipyard’s locks, passing the structure with just 1.2 meters separating the ship from the “bumpers” installed along the locks.

After passing through the sea lock in Papenburg, Norwegian Joy continued along the river, stern first. Due to the strong propulsion in the aft section of the vessel, travelling stern first helps with maneuverability, which is a key component when navigating the vessel through such narrow passages, NCL explained.

Upon arrival in the Dutch port of Eemshaven, Norwegian Joy will take on additional provisions and further crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for sea trials later this month.

Following her delivery on 27 April, Norwegian Joy sets sail for China, where it will debut this summer.