On November 1, 2017, in Xin Hong International Apartments, Daning Subdistrict, Jing’an District, Shanghai, a unique community event caught the attention of local residents. Hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line and co-organized by Travel + Leisure magazine and the Community Morning Post, the “True Me Holiday Joyful Dance at Sea” maritime square dance competition was officially launched here. This community-based “Maritime Square Dance Competition” recruitment campaign will host 10 community events across Shanghai over the course of a month, taking place in various district neighborhoods, including resident committees such as “Xin Hong International Apartments RC, Hankou RC, New Lake Pearl City RC, Langao Xinyuan RC, Da’an Jinyuan RC, Jin’an RC, Sihu Huayu RC, Dongcheng No.1 RC, Hongnan Residential Area RC, and Changzhong RC.” The theme of this event is novel, using the “maritime square dance competition” recruitment approach to engage with Shanghai’s mid- to high-end communities. In addition to offering cost-effective cruise travel products to residents, it also enriches the spiritual lives of middle-aged and elderly community members. Each event features performances by local community dance teams that wow the audience. All attendees receive exquisite souvenir gifts prepared by the organizers.
Each event includes presentations by experienced product managers from Norwegian Cruise Line, who showcase the exciting experiences available on Norwegian cruises. Onboard Norwegian Joy, guests are not bound by fixed dining times or formal dress codes, and can choose from a wide variety of entertainment options, including up to 28 dining choices, award-winning entertainment shows, and attentive guest services. Highlights include a double-deck go-kart track, a water park, fantastical stage productions, a high-tech entertainment center, and a massive 900-square-meter shopping mall—perfect for family trips. After the community recruitment activities, the preliminary rounds will be held on December 6 at the Liangcheng Subdistrict Community Activity Center, where four winning teams will be selected. Each winning team will receive a 10,000 RMB onboard credit from Norwegian Cruise Line. These four teams will then compete during a 7-day cruise departing from Shanghai to Japan (Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima) on December 25 to determine the champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up. The prizes for this competition are generous, with cash awards for the champion team. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes interested individuals or dance groups to register for the competition and book their cruises via the official 400 hotline.
The highlight of the event was the community square dance performances: dance teams from various neighborhoods served as performance guests at each event, showcasing their signature routines to the accompaniment of melodious music. Their synchronized rhythms and graceful movements won unanimous praise from the audience. Square dancing has become a popular pastime among Shanghai’s middle-aged and elderly residents, promoting not only physical health and enthusiasm for exercise but also emphasizing artistic beauty and a rich, healthy spiritual life. The “Maritime Square Dance” competition on Norwegian Joy adds even more fun and excitement to the cruise experience for senior travelers, earning widespread acclaim from local participants. The highly cost-effective promotional packages also led to enthusiastic sign-ups, creating a lively scene.
About Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy set sail in the summer of 2017 as the first innovative luxury cruise ship specifically designed for the Chinese market by Norwegian Cruise Line. As part of the new Breakaway Plus class, the ship has a gross tonnage of 167,725 tons, accommodates 3,850 passengers at double occupancy, with a maximum capacity of 4,930, and features 1,925 luxurious cabins. Norwegian Joy is designed to deliver a “first-class at sea” experience, offering onboard amenities tailored to the unique vacation preferences of Chinese guests. The ship provides a diverse range of VIP accommodation options, including the all-inclusive The Haven enclave, which features exclusive, upscale “ship-within-a-ship” luxury suites and private butler service. By offering freedom and openness at sea, along with a wealth of entertainment options and 28 dining experiences, Norwegian Cruise Line aims to meet the needs of China’s younger generation of cruise enthusiasts. The cruise line invites travelers to experience a “freestyle” cruise vacation.