Norwegian Jewel

The namesake of the Jewel class of cruise vessels, the Norwegian Jewel is a lovely vessel that's a favourite choice among cruisers of every age. It is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), along with its sisters Jade, Pearl and Gem.

It was built in Germany by the Meyer Werft shipbuilders and was launched in 2005. It made its first transatlantic crossing shortly thereafter and was christened in Miami by Donald Trump's wife, Melania - the vessel has even featured on the American version of The Apprentice.

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Like other Norwegian Cruises vessels, the hull of the Jewel is adorned with artwork that stretches along the front half of the vessel. In this case, the design features colourful swirls in vibrant jewel tones.

Itineraries vary, but the ship is generally based in North America and it regularly traverses the Panama Canal to get from one coast to another. Some of the most popular voyages are those which travel from New York to Florida and the Bahamas.

Meanwhile, the Pacific cruises include a number of destinations between Los Angeles and Alaska, including San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,846
Year entered service: 2005
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.9 feet
Length: 964.8 feet
Tonnage: 93,000
Crew: 1,000
Maximum speed: 25 knots
Number of passenger decks: 12
Number of lifts: 12
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 1,188

Food, cuisine and dining

There's a massive range of choice when it comes to places to eat on the Norwegian Jewel - and the majority of them are part of the NCL Freestyle Cruising programme, meaning that there's no extra fee to dine in them.

Azura is one of the two main dining rooms. It is a contemporary space with seating for 328 guests. Meal options are varied and the menu always includes a number of light choices. The other main restaurant is Tsar's Palace, which is lavishly decorated and offers a five-course dinner every night. It has room for 554 passengers.

A few of the eateries have a cover charge, but are well worth the extra price for their gastronomic delights and first-class service. For example, The Teppanyaki Room is an Asian restaurant where the food is prepared with theatrical flair right at your table.

Other dining options include:
• Blue Lagoon
• Cagney's Steakhouse
• Chin Chin
• Garden Cafe
• Le Bistro
• The Great Outdoors
• Sky High Bar & Grill
• Mama's Italian Kitchen
• Sushi and Sake Bar
• Tango's Palace

In addition, pizza is available 24 hours a day, as is the room service menu. Some of the bars also offer light snacks, while the Java Cafe serves delicious pastries with its hot drinks.

On-board entertainment and activities

Whatever your age or personal preferences, there's plenty to keep you busy on the Jewel. With 13 bars and public rooms, as well as a huge library, an art gallery a casino and a number of boutique shops - not to mention sun bathing, video games, game shows and quizzes - the hardest part will be deciding on what to do first.

One of the most popular options is to see a show in the Stardust Theatre. This two-storey venue has space for more than 1,000 guests and it plays host to vibrant cabaret acts and Las Vegas-style revues. Elsewhere on the vessel, you can also find live music and dancing throughout the day and night.

Kid's facilities are also expansive and younger cruisers will enjoy the Sapphire Kid's Pool and the Splashdown Kid's Club. There's also Club Underground - a hangout area specifically for teenagers.

Spas and fitness facilities

One of the best ways to relax on the Jewel is by spending some time in the Bora Bora Health Spa and Beauty Salon. This gorgeous venue offers a variety of treatment options that are sure to leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated - such as massages, facials and manicures.

Alternatively, you could unwind in one of the saunas or steam rooms. There's also a hydrotherapy pool, a whirlpool and a heated relaxation room.

If you prefer to relieve stress with exercise, then the Body Waves Fitness centre might be a better option. You could also go for a swim, run around the jogging track or take part in sports like basketball, volleyball or tennis. There's even shuffleboard and a golf driving range.

Cabins

If you're looking for comfortable and luxurious accommodation, then the Jewel won't disappoint. When the vessel was built, NCL decided to offer some more unusual cabin options to see if they would prove popular among passengers - and they did!

The ship is now home to some of the most spacious rooms at sea. For example, there are ten Courtyard Villas, which measure over 4,000 square feet and share private facilities like a pool, jacuzzi and gym.

Families and other groups that are travelling together may want to consider getting interconnecting rooms, which provide a bit of extra space. Meanwhile, those seeking low-cost cruise deals may want to check out the interior standard cabins.

No matter which option you select, you will enjoy a comfortable room with plenty of storage space, as well as a private bathroom, television and tea/coffee station.