Racing fans rejoice: When Norwegian Cruise Line launches its first China-based ship, Norwegian Joy, this summer, it will have the first go-kart track at sea onboard.
The two-level race track — created in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches — will be located on the top deck, where up to 10 drivers can race to the finish line in electric go-karts. Until now, the closest you could get to taking a spin on a cruise ship were the bumper cars on Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships or the Formula One race car simulators on MSC Divina.
There is one catch: if you want to take a ride, you’ll have to head to Shanghai or Tianjin, where the 3,850-passenger ship is based and where it’s marketed specifically to Chinese passengers. (You should also start brushing up on your Chinese: Mandarin is the primary language on board).
There will be a fee for the track, but Haven and Concierge-level passengers will have complimentary rides — one of the perks of booking a higher category stateroom.
Norwegian has already announced that the ship will have open-air laser tag onboard, and these are the newest offerings from the line, which is already home to ropes courses, bowling alleys, and two-story twisting water slides.