Norwegian Jewel

The 2005-built Norwegian Jewel cruise ship is the first of NCL’s Jewel-class liners, together with Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Pearl.

The vessel (IMO number 9304045) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311827000) and registered in Nassau.

History – construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). Founded in 1966, NCL is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is publicly traded (NASDAQ), listed on NYSE (NYC). NCLH’s major shareholders include Apollo Global Management (USA), Genting Group (Malaysia), and TPG Capital (USA). In 2017, NCL held a global cruise market share of 8.7% (passengers) and 8.4% (revenue). NCLH owns the brands NCL, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent.

The 2400-passenger Norwegian Jewel entered service in August 2005. Built at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, she was christened on November 3, 2005, during an official ceremony at PortMiami. Designed for Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Jewel accommodates 2400 guests and over 1000 crew. Highlights include her service speed, extensive dining options, and family-friendly accommodations. The ship offers numerous relaxation venues, lounges and bars, sports and fitness facilities, and staterooms designed with rich cherry-wood finishes.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Jewel staterooms (1188 total, across 35 categories) include 190 Suites, 360 Balcony, 243 Oceanview, and 411 Inside cabins. Most staterooms measure 140–160 ft² (13–15 m²). The largest accommodations are the 3-Bedroom The Haven Garden Villas (2320 ft² / 216 m², with a 1035 ft² / 96 m² terrace).

The ship has 15 decks, of which 12 are accessible to passengers and 7 contain cabins.

During the two-week 2018 drydock refurbishment, all staterooms received smart HDTVs and USB outlets, new carpeting, furniture, and artworks. The Haven complex underwent courtyard enhancements, and all villas and suites were refurnished with new finishes, tiles, drapes, carpets, artworks, and furniture. Additional cabanas were added to the Sun Deck. Two new Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites were introduced (max 4 guests; 1200 ft² / 112 m² suites; 565 ft² / 53 m² balconies with terrace whirlpool).

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

Dining venues onboard Norwegian Jewel include Cagney’s Steakhouse, Blue Lagoon, and the signature restaurant Le Bistro. Guests may also enjoy pasta at Mama’s Italian Kitchen or tapas at Tangos. The main restaurant, Tsar’s Palace, is inspired by the grandeur of St Petersburg, featuring gold ceilings, chandeliers, and ornate balustrades reminiscent of Fabergé designs.

An onboard electronic queuing system displays real-time restaurant availability through monitors placed throughout the ship. Color indicators (green to red) show how busy each venue is and provide estimated wait times for various party sizes.

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Jewel restaurants and food bars:

• Azura Restaurant (forward dining room; complimentary; Your Time dining)
• Le Bistro (French specialty; dinner only; reservations required; US$20 cover)
• Chin Chin (Asian restaurant; dinner only; complimentary since 2015)
• Sushi Bar (10-seat venue in Chin Chin; à la carte); Sake Bar (inside Chin Chin)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese Hibachi; reservations required; US$25; lunch and dinner; live cooking)
• Tsar’s Palace Restaurant (aft dining room; complimentary; Freestyle dining)
• O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill (sports bar; 24-hour American cuisine; complimentary)
• Blue Lagoon (fast-food buffet; complimentary)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (steak and seafood specialty; reservations required; US$30 cover; free Kids Menu)
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse; reservations required; US$20 cover; outdoor seating)
• La Cucina (Italian specialty; reservations required; US$15 cover; outdoor seating)
• Garden Café (complimentary buffet with multiple stations); Kid’s Café
• The Great Outdoors (outdoor complimentary buffet)
• Topsiders Bar & Grill (poolside; complimentary)

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Jewel’s Bora Bora Health Spa and Beauty Salon are operated by Mandara Spa, offering Eastern- and Western-style treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies. The sports deck supports basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Body Waves Fitness Center features modern equipment, a hydrotherapy pool, and fitness classes.

Younger guests enjoy the Splashdown Kids Club, which includes a themed pool and play areas. The ship has 7 Jacuzzis and 3 swimming pools (including the Sapphire Kid’s Pool). A 24-hour Internet Café is available. Entertainment offerings also include NCL’s FIREWORKS show, “Rock of Ages,” “Cirque Dreams,” and “Illusionarium.”

Additional amenities include complimentary 24-hour room service, supervised kids programming (“NCL Kids”), Internet/WiFi access, and self-service laundry. Weddings are permitted onboard (the ship features a chapel). NCL Jewel’s recommended gratuities are US$12 per person per day.

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Jewel lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults:

• Stardust Theatre (1042 seats; Broadway-style shows; two performances nightly). Two new shows launched in 2018: “Rock You Tonight” (1970s hits) and the ship-exclusive “Velvet” (disco classics, circus acrobatics, cabaret).
• Bar City complex (Maltings Beer & Whisky Bar; Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar; Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar); Corona Cigar Bar; Topsiders Bar; Star Bar; Sugarcane Mojito
• Spinnaker Lounge (394 seats; floor-to-ceiling windows; nightclub/disco); Java Café
• Bliss Ultra Lounge (replaced FYZZ Cabaret Lounge; late-night live entertainment; intimate seating)
• The Pit Stop (replaced Sky High Bar & Grill; 1950s USA-themed bar with retro décor)
• Crystal Atrium (two-deck midship hub with LED screen, dance area, live entertainment)
• Atrium Café & Bar (specialty tea and coffee). During the 2018 refit, the Atrium received a new chandelier, flooring, and updated lobby areas (Shore Excursion and Reception desks, seating, HDTV).
• Café (24-hour); Art Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop
• LifeStyles Room; Library
• Card Room; Jewel Club Casino
• Galleria Boutiques (duty-free shops); Port O’Call (gift shop)
• Bora Bora Spa Complex (Thermal Suite, Snow Room, Salt Room, Medi Spa, Smile Spa, treatment rooms, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop); Body Waves Fitness Center; Sapphire Pools; Kid’s Pool
• Splashdown Kids Club; Club Underground Teen Lounge & Disco; Video Arcade
• The Haven Courtyard (Villas-guests only; fitness and spa facilities including Steam Room and Gym)
• Rock Climbing Wall; sports court; jogging track; golf nets; shuffleboard; giant chess

Itineraries

Norwegian Jewel’s itinerary program evolved from 7-day Caribbean voyages (from Houston TX) to deployments in Australia–Asia and Alaska. In 2017–2018, the ship was relocated for her inaugural Australian season, homeported in Sydney NSW.

In winter 2018–2019, she again homeported in Sydney, offering 7- to 19-day Australia and New Zealand itineraries. In summer 2019, Jewel joined Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss in Alaska, operating 7-day one-way voyages between Vancouver BC and Seward AK. In 2019–2020, Jewel returned for a third Australian season and introduced new itineraries from Auckland NZ.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Norwegian Jewel was paused for service for three years (March 2020–2022). She resumed operations on March 20th as NCL’s first ship offering Caribbean and Panama Canal roundtrips from Panama City (Fuerte Amador; Pacific side) and from Colon (Caribbean side).

For the 2023–2024 winter season (October–March), 12 Asian voyages (10–12 days) and one 16-day Transpacific repositioning cruise (Seattle to Tokyo) were scheduled. The 2023–2024 Asia program included 16 itineraries visiting 11 countries, departing from 9 homeports (Laem Chabang/Bangkok, Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Keelung/Taipei, Benoa/Bali, and Japan’s Tokyo and Yokohama), plus Jewel’s maiden call to Incheon/Seoul.

During winter 2025–2026 (Nov 23–Apr 16), Norwegian Jewel is deployed in the Caribbean, homeported in Miami.

In 2026 (Apr 16–Oct 17), she operates 7- to 9-day Bermuda itineraries from PhilaPort/Philadelphia, visiting King’s Wharf/Royal Naval Dockyard with overnight stays. After the summer Bermuda season, she offers 10- to 11-day Canada & New England cruises, alternating embarkation between Philadelphia and Quebec City.

Jewel is the first of the Jewel-class NCL ships. Her sisters in the fleet are Gem, Jade, and Pearl. The ship was christened on November 3, 2005, at PortMiami. Her godmother is Melania Trump (Slovenian, born Apr 26, 1970), wife of the real estate magnate (multibillionaire and future US President) Donald Trump. Mr Trump subsequently required a 30-second TV commercial reviewing the new NCL ship to air during an episode of “The Apprentice” (reality game series).

The Inaugural Cruise (Maiden Voyage) was on August 10, 2005 (Mediterranean/Europe), with the Caribbean Inaugural on November 4, 2005, from PortMiami.

NCL Jewel, like her fleet mate Pearl, also became a TV commercial feature. The ship appeared in a 30-second promotional segment during NBC’s “The Apprentice,” hosted by Mr Trump.

Asia–Australia itineraries 2017–2018

For the winter 2017–2018 season, NCL Jewel was redeployed from California to Asia–Australia. The new itinerary program offered departures from Australia and Singapore (starting November 2017). The deployment was announced in June 2016. During her inaugural Australian season, the ship was homeported in Sydney NSW.

• All early Australian bookings (by August 31, 2016) received complimentary all-inclusive packages covering beverages and discounted family fares.
• The 39-day repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Sydney via Hawaii (October 3, 2017) was priced from AUD 7417 per person (inside cabin, double occupancy).
• The 40-day repositioning cruise from Sydney to Tokyo (February 20, 2018) was priced from AUD 5973 per person (inside cabin, double occupancy).
• The shortest itinerary of the season was a 5-day roundtrip from Sydney to Tasmania (Hobart and Burnie), departing November 12, 2017, priced from AUD 1147 per person.
• NCL’s Australian program included seven roundtrips from Sydney (5-day Tasmania, plus a 9-day South Pacific Islands itinerary) and ten 16-day Australia–New Zealand itineraries (Nov 2017 through Feb 2018). This was followed by an 18-day repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore (February 20, 2018).
• In Asia, itineraries included ports in Vietnam, Japan, China (including Hong Kong), Singapore, and South Korea.

NCL Jewel refurbishments review

Drydock 2025

The ship’s most recent drydocking took place in 2025 (September 25–October 15) at Chantier Naval de Marseille.

The three-week project included general maintenance and classification works, safety inspections, technical overhauls, hotel upgrades, hull cleaning and repainting.

Drydock 2018

During the two-week 2018 drydocking (October 22–November 5) in Singapore, all 1188 staterooms received new HDTVs and USB outlets, as well as new carpeting, furniture, and artworks.

• The Haven complex received courtyard upgrades, and all villas and suites were updated with new finishes, tiles, drapes, carpets, artworks, and furniture. Additional cabanas were added to the Sun Deck. Two new Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites were introduced (max capacity 4 passengers; suite size 1200 ft2 / 112 m2; balcony size 565 ft2 / 53 m2, with terrace whirlpool).
• The Atrium received a custom chandelier, new flooring, and refurbished lobby areas (Shore Excursion and Reception desks, new banquette seating, large HDTV).
• All dining and beverage menus were updated.
• Two bar lounges were replaced: Bliss Ultra Lounge (replacing FYZZ Lounge) and The Pit Stop (replacing Sky High Bar). The Pit Stop (Deck 13) is a 1950s-themed American bar decorated with gas station signage, vintage license plates, and classic car elements. Bliss Ultra Lounge (Deck 7) offers intimate seating and late-night entertainment.
• Two new theatre productions were introduced: “Rock You Tonight” (1970s rock hits) and the ship-exclusive “Velvet” (disco classics with circus acrobatics and cabaret elements).

Drydock 2018 was part of NCL’s USD 400-million “Norwegian Edge” fleetwide upgrade program. Each drydock costs approximately USD 35–40 million.

Drydock 2014

The 2014 drydock (May 3–17) introduced extensive deck plan and interior upgrades, including:

• renovation of all Penthouse Suites and updates to Horizon Lounge, Spinnaker Lounge, Casino, and Photo Gallery
• new custom-made furnishings
• (Deck 8) addition of “O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill” (complimentary fast-food venue)
• (Deck 13) relocation of Moderno Churrascaria (steakhouse) and addition of Sugarcane Mojito Bar
• (Deck 7) Carlo’s Bake Shop added within Java Café
• (Decks 11 and 12) new furniture in relaxation areas
• updated wall coverings, lighting, carpeting, and flooring throughout public areas
• replacement of windows, upgraded galley areas, and updates to Pool Deck 12
• installation of digital signage (interactive touchscreens enabling passengers to order items, get directions, and make dining or shore excursion reservations using their keycard)

Technical enhancements included:

• Azipod upgrade, stabilizer maintenance, and shore-power connectivity
• installation of new exhaust gas scrubbers to reduce emissions and energy consumption
• safety updates, including upgraded lifeboat/tender release systems and ballast/bilge piping replacement

The hull was repainted with a silicone-based coating to improve fuel efficiency.

The scrubber system (exhaust gas cleaning technology) reduces the equivalent of approximately 1500 tons of SO₂. NCL was the first cruise company to retrofit vessels in service with hybrid scrubbers. The new in-line scrubbers (five per vessel) are lightweight and capable of operating in dry mode as well as in open-loop and closed-loop configurations.