The $400 million, 91,000-ton megaliner Norwegian Star (formerly slated for Star Cruises ) was a prototype for future NCL ships. In 2001, she joined the Norwegian Sun for the first-ever dual cruise-ship christening in Miami. Her name, Norwegian Star, was meant to signify the link between NCL and its owners, Star Cruises. Her sister ship, Norwegian Dawn, was delivered in December 2002. The third ship, Norwegian Jewel, made her debut in Europe in August before arriving in the United States in September 2005; and to mark its 40th anniversary, NCL launched its most innovative ships to date, Norwegian Pearl in December 2006 and Norwegian Gem in October 2007.
Built at the maximum size to pass through the Panama Canal, these ships are NCL’s largest and fastest ships to date. They have been fitted with pod drives, which greatly improve maneuverability. While all the ships are meant to be similar, each has introduced new features that
subsequent sister ships have enhanced or expanded. The trendsetting Star was the first to have NCL’s trademark of decorative artwork splashed along her hull —a burst of colorful stars and streamers in green, red, yellow, purple, and aqua running from bow to midship. The design is meant to evoke the longtime cruise tradition of passengers throwing streamers from the bow of the ship as the vessel pulls away from the dock to embark on its voyage. Other Jewel-class ships have similar artwork; for example, the Norwegian Gem will come with colorful gems tumbling down her sides. Yet, none has taken its innovative role quite
as far as the new Norwegian Pearl, which is loaded with wow! For starters, it has cruising’s first bowling alley, NCL’s first climbing wall, a full tennis court, Chihuly sculpture in the Crystal Atrium, buffet “action stations” for à la minute food preparation, new “romance” suites, three spa treatment rooms for couples, and sexy, wide lounging beds in quiet corners around the ship.
Unofficial Guide © 2009
.jpg_thumb.jpg "Santorini sunset")
