JEWEL SHINES ANEW WITH STEM-TO-STERN REFIT
Renovated Norwegian ship ready to set sail for snow-free winter voyages
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 whole host of new features and updates to its public areas, staterooms and suites, as well as on-board venues.
Norwegian says this stemto-stern refit (the largest such project for the company in 2018) touched every one of the ship’s 1,188 staterooms, which were upgraded with new televisions 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 certainly gives cruisers on Norwegian Jewel more choices than ever when it comes to accommodations, from economical inside staterooms to these top-of-the-line wonders.
“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 premières 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 as they embark Norwegian Jewel, thanks to a dramatic refit of the ship’s two-storey atrium. It has been entirely revitalized with a brandnew look that revolves around a custom-designed chandelier, along with updated flooring, brand-new reception and shore excursions areas, and new seating options.
Norwegian also took the time to update nearly every dining, bar and lounge venue. And it added two brand-new venues, The Pit Stop and Bliss Ultra Lounge, replacing the old 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 classic memorabilia from the heyday of America’s automotive industry.
Bliss Ultra Lounge, on the other hand, is strictly modern; a latenight lounge offering cocktails and entertainment in an entirely new setting that mirrors the look and feel found aboard Norwegian’s newest vessels like the trendsetting 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 about music from some of the most well-known 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 to create a unique performance at sea.
Norwegian Jewel’s winter 201819 itineraries will run from seven to 19 days, with a wide range of cruises departing from the warm, 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.
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