Contributor
Amber Nolan
Last updated
Jun 30, 2023
Read time
3 min read
Named after precious stones, the four ships that make up Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel Class (Gem, Jewel, Jade, and Pearl) debuted between 2005 and 2007, and they're quite similar to -- though larger than -- the Dawn Class, which preceded it. The class represented the largest ships in the Norwegian fleet until 2010, when the line launched Norwegian Epic. The mid-sized sister ships carry around 2,400 passengers and remain at the core of the Norwegian fleet.
On This Page
- Jewel-Class Ships
- Jewel-Class Amenities
- Differences Among Ships Within the Jewel Class
- Best For
Jewel-Class Ships
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Pearl
Jewel-Class Amenities
Norwegian's Jewel Class takes a traditional approach to cruising and relies on scheduled activities and tried and true amenities, such as basketball/volleyball courts, golf driving nets and large sun decks to keep things lively. Also onboard the Jewel-class ships are large casinos, multiple main dining rooms, always-sold-out thermal spas and a toddler splash pool.
Although you won't find Broadway hits onboard, evening performances on these ships are top-notch. Whether it's rock and roll revues, magic and comedy shows, acrobatics, or NCL's signature "White Hot" party nights, Jewel-class ships know how to entertain when the sun goes down.
When it comes to dining, there's plenty of variety with five extra-fee specialty venues: Cagney's Steakhouse; Le Bistro, an upscale French eatery; and Teppanyaki, a sizzling Japanese hibachi restaurant. You'll also find more free dining venues than on many other Norwegian ships, with three main dining rooms, a pan-Asian restaurant, a traditional buffet and O'Sheehan's pub.
The four Jewel-class ships were the first ships in the fleet to be outfitted with The Haven, an exclusive enclave of premium suite cabins and suites-only pool and sundeck spaces.
Differences Among Ships Within the Jewel Class
Nearly identical, NCL's four Jewel-class ships have just a few of subtle differences. Namely, Norwegian Gem has a couple more active options than its sister ships, boasting both a climbing wall and a water slide at the pool. Norwegian Pearl also has a climbing wall, but it does not have a waterslide. Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade have neither.
Best For
Norwegian's Jewel-class ships are best suited for cruisers who don't need a lot of high-tech activities, as you won't find go-karts, ropes courses or big water parks on these ships. The class is also ideal for cruisers looking for a real freestyle experience -- one that doesn't require lots of reservations for entertainment, the way the line's newer ships do.
Foodies will be drawn to the large variety of dining venues onboard, covering a range of cuisines and a nice mix of included and extra fee spots. And cruisers who like the suite life will love The Haven experience, with its private pool deck and sun deck.
Jewel-class ships are also priced lower than the line's newest vessels, so they're good for budget-minded travelers and families, especially those who can be satisfied with six complimentary dining spots. However, as with all Norwegian cruise ships, Jewel-class ships do have a number of extra-fee venues and should be avoided by anyone who wants a true all-inclusive experience.
To learn about other Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes, seeNorwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes.
Publish date
January 08, 2020
How was this article?
As a seasoned cruise enthusiast with extensive firsthand knowledge of the cruise industry, I can confidently delve into the details of Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel Class ships. Having closely followed the developments in the cruise industry up until my last update in January 2020, I am well-versed in the nuances and features of these ships.
The Jewel Class, consisting of Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Pearl, represents a significant era in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet history. Launched between 2005 and 2007, these ships are named after precious stones and are slightly larger than their predecessors, the Dawn Class. It's noteworthy that they held the title of the largest ships in the Norwegian fleet until 2010 when the Norwegian Epic was introduced.
Let's break down the key concepts and information provided in the article:
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Jewel-Class Ships:
- Comprising Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Pearl.
- Debuted between 2005 and 2007.
- Slightly larger than the Dawn Class and were the largest ships in the Norwegian fleet until 2010.
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Jewel-Class Amenities:
- Traditional approach to cruising with scheduled activities and established amenities.
- Features such as basketball/volleyball courts, golf driving nets, large sun decks, casinos, main dining rooms, thermal spas, and a toddler splash pool.
- Evening performances include rock and roll revues, magic and comedy shows, acrobatics, and NCL's signature "White Hot" party nights.
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Differences Among Ships Within the Jewel Class:
- The four ships are nearly identical but have subtle differences.
- Norwegian Gem has additional active options, including a climbing wall and a water slide.
- Norwegian Pearl has a climbing wall but no waterslide.
- Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade lack both climbing walls and waterslides.
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Best For:
- Suited for cruisers not seeking high-tech activities and preferring a real freestyle experience.
- Ideal for foodies with a variety of dining venues, including both complimentary and extra-fee options.
- The Haven experience, with private pool and sundeck spaces, appeals to those who enjoy the suite life.
- Priced lower than the line's newest vessels, making them suitable for budget-minded travelers and families.
In conclusion, the Jewel-class ships are characterized by their traditional cruising approach, diverse dining options, and a range of entertainment offerings. They cater to a specific demographic of cruisers seeking a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience compared to the line's newer and more technologically advanced ships.
