US-based cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will soon unveil its new Breakaway-Plus class vessel Norwegian Joy, with its hull featuring a Chinese art motif, the phoenix.

Set to debut in summer 2017, with home porting in Shanghai and Beijing, Norwegian Joy will be Norwegian Cruise Line's first ship that is purpose-built for the Chinese market.

"The Phoenix symbolizes beauty and good luck in Chinese culture and, Norwegian Joy will bridge across the West and the East and bring Chinese people's best wish to the world and everyone in her path," said Tan Ping, Chinese artist who will design the artwork of the vessel's hull.

The Norwegian Joy will be able to accommodate 3,850 guests.