Jewel shines anew with stem-to-stern refit
If you’re looking for a cruise Down Under later this year, you might want to check out what Norwegian Cruise Line (cruise. center/norwegian) has planned for its popular Norwegian Jewel ahead of the ship’s season of cruises in Australia and Asia.
Following two weeks in dry dock in Singapore, the ship — which entered service in 2005 — will emerge on Dec. 1 in Sydney with a host of new features and updates to its public areas, staterooms and suites, as well as on-board venues.
Norwegian says this stem-to-stern refit (the largest such project for the company in 2018) touched each of the ship’s 1,188 staterooms, which were upgraded with new TVS and USB power outlets, along with new carpeting, artwork and furniture.
Suites in The Haven, Norwegian’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, received updates to the common courtyard deck space, along with additional private cabanas on the sun deck and new tile, drapes, art and furniture for all suites and lavish villas.
Two new Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites were also added, spanning nearly 1,200 square feet
(111 square metres) apiece and featuring oversized 567-squarefoot (52-square-metre) balconies that include two private Jacuzzi tubs. It’s the kind of space that used to be reserved for only the ultra-wealthy, and gives cruisers on Norwegian Jewel more choices than ever when it comes to accommodations.
“Norwegian Jewel’s complete renovation showcases our dedication to providing guests with quality experiences across the fleet and around the world,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Not only are we revealing updated designs and accommodations throughout the ship, but guests will also enjoy new venues and three incredibly exciting shows, one of which premieres for the first time on Norwegian Jewel.”
What makes this refit so noteworthy is how extensive it is. It is something guests will notice straight away, thanks to a refit
of the ship’s two-storey atrium. It has been revitalized with a custom-designed chandelier, updated flooring, brand-new reception and shore excursions areas and new seating options.
Norwegian also updated nearly every dining, bar and lounge venue. And it added two new venues, The Pit Stop and Bliss Ultra Lounge, replacing the Sky High Bar and FYZZ Cabaret Lounge. First up is Pit Stop, which offers a sort of 1950s Americana bar fitted with the requisite vintage licence plates, gas station signage and memorabilia.
Bliss Ultra Lounge, on the other hand, is strictly modern, offering cocktails and entertainment in a new setting that mirrors the look of Norwegian’s newest vessels like the Norwegian Bliss.
Finally, two new shows will debut aboard Norwegian Jewel — Rock You Tonight and Velvet, the latter of which will be exclusive to the ship. Rock You Tonight will bring music from bands of the 1970s, including Queen, Journey and The Who. The Australian hit musical Velvet, on the other hand, will combine disco music, circus acrobatics, cabaret and burlesque elements.
Norwegian Jewel’s winter 201819 itineraries will run from seven to 19 days, with a range of cruises departing from the snow-free confines of Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore.
If you don’t want to travel all the way to Australia or Southeast Asia to experience the “brand new” Norwegian Jewel, fear not: the ship will reposition to Alaska in the spring of 2019.