Refit Review: Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel has completed a major refit and refurbishment that saw all her public rooms and staterooms updated or redesigned, while new production shows and enhanced spaces for the Haven suites has been added.

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Norwegian Jewel was built in 2005, at 295m (965-feet) she is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s mid-sized cruise liners, and her two-week refurbishment in Sydney, Australia will bring her up-to-date with newer ships in the fleet.

Following her refit, Norwegian Jewel will spend her winter 2018 and spring 2019 seasons cruising seven to 19-night cruises from Sydney, Hong Kong, and Singapore, before joining Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy in Alaska for the summer.

Here are all the changed made aboard Norwegian Jewel during her refit:

There aren’t any new dining areas aboard Norwegian Jewel following the refit, but all her restaurants and cafes have been updated or redesigned.

Throughout the ship, décor and soft furnishings have been given a makeover with new furniture, carpeting or tile flooring, painted walls, and lighting. In all her public spaces, Norwegian Jewel feels like a brand-new ship.

The Pit Stop

Norwegian Jewel did get two new bars. The first is the 50s-style American bar The Pit Stop, which is reminiscent of Dubai’s Last Exit roadside cafes with its vintage-style license plates, classic car parts, and old gas station signage as part of the decor.

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The Pit Stop replaces Sky High Bar on Deck 13, so it offers great views of the pool. In addition to the new themed décor, this area has also received more outdoor seating for guests who want to gaze over the ship with a drink in hand.

Bliss Ultra Lounge

Bliss Ultra Lounge is the second new bar aboard Norwegian Jewel. It’s a chic, modern night club with an illuminated bar and huge dance floor. Bliss Ultra Lounge replaces FYZZ Cabaret Lounge on Deck 7. Controversially, there are no longer any karaoke rooms in this space, which may not go over well with some passengers.

Entourage

The teens hangout area on Norwegian Jewel has been redesigned and reimagined as Entourage (it was previously called Club Underground). Catering to cruise passengers between 13 and 17 years old, Entourage contains all new furniture, artwork, and entertainment features. Kids can come here to experience engaging activities, challenges, and games throughout the cruise.

The Haven

Two new Deluxe Owner’s Suites have been added in The Haven. These two staterooms come with large balconies overlooking the ship’s bow. Each suite accommodates four guests and at 1,197 square feet they’re truly huge (and that’s not counting the 567-square-foot balcony!).

The Atrium

The Atrium is the first impression most passengers get of any ship, as it’s the main boarding area, and it’s the social heart of the ship. So it makes sense that this space received one of the most comprehensive makeovers during the refit.

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All the décor is new, including an eye-catching chandelier that is the centerpiece of the space. Beneath it, relaxed banquette seating and a new large TV screen has been added. Everything in this section of the ship was modeled off Norwegian Jade, so you might see some familiar sections if you’ve cruised that ship recently.

Main Pool

While The Atrium is the most important indoor space on any cruise ship, the pool area is its outdoor counterpart, and aboard Norwegian Jewel the main pool has been entirely transformed.

New teak or prefab tiling has been added area and the whirlpools and main swim areas, providing greater grip for wet feet, and at night the new light fixtures bring this area to life as the main outdoor spot for enjoying a coffee or sunset beverage courtesy of the pool bar.

In another potentially controversial move, the waterslides were removed, which makes this space more relaxed and open, but may not be well-received by young families.

Casino

Norwegian Jewels casino has been redesigned with a sleek, modern vibe. There are a number of games to keep passengers occupied, from craps and blackjack to roulette.

New production shows

Following her refurbishment, Norwegian Jewel will feature two new production shows, as well as a Cirque-style show exclusive to the ship.

Velvet – Velvet is the newest entertainment offering on Norwegian Jewel, replacing the old theater show Band on the Run. Velvet takes on the disco era, showcasing hits such as “Turn the Beat Around,” “Enough Is Enough,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” Cabaret, circus, and burlesque combine in this Broadway-style production.

Rock You Tonight – This high-energy production combines an athletic explosion of dance with music from rock icons like Queen, Journey, and The Who.

Le Cirque Bijou – Exclusive to Norwegian Jewel, “Le Cirque Bijou” provides a mesmerizing journey of artistic and high-flying acrobatic performances for some of the most amazing entertainment at sea.

Following her refit, Norwegian Jewel has itineraries headed to Southeast Asia in the fall of 2018 and winter of 2019; Alaska in the summer of 2019; Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, South Pacific, and Australia and New Zealand in the fall and winter of 2019-2020; and Alaska again in summer 2020.