Norwegian Jewel returns for third local season

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is celebrating the return of Norwegian Jewel ‘Down Under’, with the ship entering Sydney Harbour for her third Australasian sailing season over the weekend.

Having undergone a multi-million-dollar, bow-to-stern refurbishment in late 2018, Norwegian Jewel has officially commenced her 2019/2020 local cruising season that will see her explore stunning regional ports-of-call including Milford Sound, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Eden, Melbourne and Brisbane, to name but a few.

Norwegian Jewel recently underwent a revitalisation as part of NCL’s Norwegian Edge® fleet refurbishment program, reaffirming the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across its fleet.

Joined in regional waters by Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Spirit; set to undergo an over US$100 million refurbishment, the company’s most extensive bow-to-stern renovation to date, Norwegian Jewel will give both local and short haul AU/NZ fly-cruise travellers even greater access to NCL’s unrivalled freedom and flexibility, world-class dining, award-winning entertainment, immersive itineraries, extensive on-board activities and wide range of accommodation options.

“Local cruisers have really embraced Norwegian Jewel, and with thanks to our valued trade partners, bookings since her first Australasian season in 2017 have exceeded all expectations - one of the key reasons she has already been confirmed for a 2020/21 local sailing season. The additional deployment of the soon-to-be refurbished Norwegian Spirit to Asia further demonstrates NCL’s long-term commitment to providing next level experiences for local cruisers, while continuing to strengthen and elevate our presence in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director Norwegian Cruise Line APAC.

“The recent launch of our newest vessel, Norwegian Encore, the extensive refurbishment of Norwegian Spirit in early-2020, as well as the introduction of six new Leonardo class ships to our fleet from 2022 makes this a truly exciting time for the company both on a regional and international level,” added Mr. Angell.

Norwegian Jewel provides guests access to endless opportunities, with onboard amenities including 16 high quality dining options, ranging from Teppanyaki and sushi to French, Italian, Brazilian and pub classics, as well as a choice of 15 bars and nightclubs, boutique shopping, a library and video arcade. Outdoors, there are swimming pools, hot tubs, jogging tracks, a basketball and tennis court, as well as the Mandara Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

With NCL renowned for award-winning entertainment, Norwegian Jewel returns with two amazing shows for guests, ‘Rock You Tonight’, packed with 70s hits from the likes of Queen, Journey and The Who, and exclusive Australian hit musical ‘Velvet’, featuring disco classics, circus acrobatics and cabaret.

During her 2019/20 season, Norwegian Jewel will embark upon scenic Australia and New Zealand voyages, including a 14-day itinerary departing Sydney on 6 December, visiting Dunedin, Marlborough (Picton) and the Bay of Islands and a 14-Day itinerary departing Sydney on 20 December where she’ll be calling on Eden, Burnie and Auckland. February 2020 sees Norwegian Jewel heading to the South Pacific for some immersive itineraries before heading across to Alaska for the 2020 North America summer season.

For more information or to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com

Norwegian Encore now in the water

Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, has announced that its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore, successfully completed another major construction milestone, when she departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and sailed down the Ems River towards the North Sea.

On Monday, 30 Sept, 2019, Norwegian Encore began her conveyance to Eemshaven, Netherlands, with initial crew members on board already preparing to welcome her first guests this November. At 335 metres long, with a gross tonnage of almost 170,000 and a guest capacity of 3,998, the ship will be delivered to the cruise line on 30 Oct, 2019. She will be christened by Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson in Miami on 21 Nov, 2019 and will commence seven-day voyages to the Caribbean on 24 Nov, 2019.

“Today we celebrate a huge milestone for our history-making ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Now is when the anticipation truly begins to build. Our partners at Meyer Werft have collaborated with us to bring the industry-leading experiences from the successful Breakaway Plus class ships to Norwegian Encore, making her truly the best in class.”

Taking the brand’s exclusive, stand-out attractions to the next level, Norwegian Encore will feature the world’s longest race track at sea at 335 metres with four high-speed curves extending up to 3.9 metres over the side of the ship; the largest outdoor laser tag arena at nearly 930 square metres with the addition of augmented reality elements; and new immersive escape room and interactive theatre experiences in the 930-square-metre Galaxy Pavilion.

In addition to featuring many of the highly rated restaurants and lounges that have made the Breakaway Plus class one of the most innovative and successful in the company’s history, Norwegian Encore will debut a new elevated Italian dining experience, Onda by Scarpetta, in collaboration with LDV Hospitality. The Tony Award®-winning musical, “Kinky Boots” will headline the world-class entertainment on board, with returning guest favourites “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical” and the rocking Beatles cover band of The Cavern Club.

As part of a recent partnership with JUST Goods, Inc., Norwegian Encore will be the first ship in the Company to be plastic bottle free when she debuts. By 1 Jan, 2020 Norwegian Cruise Line will be the first major cruise line to eliminate plastic bottles across its entire fleet, a significant effort towards providing guests with more sustainable options at sea.

Launching this spring, Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning 24 Nov, 2019; Bermuda, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning 22 Apr, 2020; and voyages to the Western Caribbean from Miami beginning 12 Dec, 2020. In the autumn of 2021, she will make her USA West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle.

For more information or to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact a travel professional; call Norwegian in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com

Norwegian Jewel comes home after massive refurbishment

Norwegian Jewel’s Second Local Season Underlines Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ongoing Investment in and Commitment to the Asia-Pacific Region

Fresh from a multi-million-dollar, bow-to-stern refurbishment Norwegian Jewel has returned Down Under, arriving in Sydney over the weekend for the official commencement of her 2018/19 local cruising season.

Norwegian Jewel underwent refurbishment last month as part of the company’s Norwegian Edge® fleet refurbishment program, reaffirming the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across the fleet. Local and international guests alike will experience the spectacular transformation during Norwegian Jewel’s second Australia and New Zealand season, in which she will take in the beauty of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific before travelling back to Asia to embark upon several sailings in the region.

Norwegian Jewel’s entrance into the local market in 2017 has been a game changer for the Australasian cruise sector, due to the brand’s unrivalled freedom & flexibility, world-class dining, award-winning entertainment, immersive itineraries, extensive on-board activities and wide range of accommodation options - from solo studios to interconnecting rooms and balcony suites, to the exclusive The Haven by Norwegian®.

“Local cruisers have really embraced Norwegian Jewel, and with thanks to our valued trade partners, bookings since her first Australasian season have exceeded all expectations. 2018/19 will be Norwegian Jewel’s second local season – with a third already confirmed for 2019/2020 – reflecting Norwegian’s long-term commitment to strengthening our presence in Australasia,” Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“Norwegian Jewel’s return to local waters also enables us to showcase to local cruisers and the industry Norwegian’s commitment to the continued enhancement and elevation of its fleet as part of our Norwegian Edge® program. We’re delighted to be the first to be able to show off her re-designed staterooms, refurbished restaurants, bars and lounges and new-look public spaces to our expanding local market. The Australian hit ‘Velvet’ will also be making its debut at sea onboard Norwegian Jewel, with this headline show being another exciting first for our region,” continues Mr Odell. “Norwegian Cruise Line’s consistency of product offering across the entire fleet is unrivalled, making Norwegian Jewel a wonderful local showcase for our many international cruise offerings, including Hawaii and Europe.”

Azura main dining room (supplied)

Guests aboard Norwegian Jewel can truly ‘feel free’, with no set dining times, no pre-assigned seating and no strict dress codes. Onboard amenities include 16 high quality dining options, unrivalled for a ship of her size, ranging from Teppanyaki and sushi to French, Italian, Brazilian and pub classics, as well as a choice of 15 bars and nightclubs, boutique shopping, a library and video arcade. Outdoors, there are swimming pools, hot tubs, jogging tracks, a basketball and tennis court, as well as the Mandara Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

With Norwegian renowned for award-winning entertainment, Norwegian Jewel returns with two new Broadway-quality shows for guests, ‘Rock You Tonight’, packed with 70s hits from the likes of Queen, Journey and The Who, and exclusive Australian hit musical ‘Velvet’, featuring disco classics, circus acrobatics and cabaret. The refurbished ship also boasts two new venues - The Pit Stop, an All-American vintage-inspired bar; and late-night hotspot, Bliss Ultra Lounge.

During her 2018/19 season, Norwegian Jewel will embark upon scenic Australia and New Zealand voyages, including a 16-day itinerary departing Sydney on December 20, visiting Eden, Burnie, Akaroa Napier, Tauranga and Auckland. In January, Norwegian Jewel will set sail on a 13-day Australia and South Pacific voyage where she’ll visit some of the most beautiful ports in the world including Isle of Pines, Lifou and Airlie Beach. February 2019 sees Norwegian Jewel heading to Southeast Asia, and in March she will depart Singapore on a 12-day adventure exploring exotic ports including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi en route to Hong Kong.

For more information or to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact a travel professional; call Norwegian in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com

Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian's newest ship debuts in Europe before commencing her inaugural tour around the U.S. and her official christening ceremony in Seattle, Washington

Bernard Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft, Captain Karl Staffan Bengtsson, Andy Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the 168,028-gross-tonne Norwegian Bliss, from Meyer Werft during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany, marking the conclusion of an 18-month building period. In attendance were executives from Norwegian Cruise Line, including Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer, Harry Sommer, executive vice president of international business development, Robin Lindsay, executive vice president of vessel operations for the 16-ship fleet, representatives from Meyer Werft including Bernard and Tim Meyer, managing partners of the German-based shipyard, and the ship's captain and hotel director. Before cruising to Southampton, England to begin her transatlantic journey on April 21, Norwegian Bliss will showcase all she has to offer to her first guests during a two-day European inaugural preview cruise hosted by Andy Stuart and Harry Sommer.

NCL Norwegian Jewel local season brochure featuring Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently released its 2018/19 Norwegian Jewel local season brochure, featuring an array of Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific cruises departing from 17 September 2018 – 4 March 2019. Norwegian Jewel will be returning to our waters for her second local season fresh from a multi-million-dollar bow-to-stern refurbishment as part of the Norwegian Edge™ revitalisation program.

Taking in stunning native destinations such as Cairns, Hobart, Milford Sounds and Tauranga, cruisers can also explore breathtaking sailings to Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and a once in a lifetime Trans-Pacific voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo. New itineraries include a 19-day sailing from Singapore to Sydney; a seven-day sailing soaking up the sights of Tasmania and a 13-day sailing of South Pacific must-sees including ports across New Caledonia and Queensland, returning via Cairns, Airlie Beach and Cairns.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit www.ncl.com

Norwegian Cruise Line's Christmas Cruising Getaway

Hit the High Seas on the Spectacular Norwegian Jewel for a 2017 Christmas Cruising Getaway with Extended ‘Free At Sea’ Offer until 5 February 2017

Swap hosting at home for festivities afloat during the holiday season aboard the iconic Norwegian Jewel – the cruise ship with all-age appeal – set to homeport in Australia during the 2017 Christmas season. Families keen to sample the joys of Christmas cruising can take advantage of Norwegian Cruise Line’s special “Free at Sea” offer representing outstanding value. The offer has been extended for all bookings made before 5 February 2017.

“Rather than spending Christmas tied to the kitchen, cleaning out the guest room, or packing and unpacking on long-haul trips, we’re inviting people to reinvent the holidays and spend it sightseeing, swimming, sipping cocktails, enjoying sumptuous meals and spending quality time with their nearest and dearest aboard Norwegian Jewel during her inaugural season down under,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Australia Managing Director, Steve Odell.

“With decorations, Christmas carols and seasonally-inspired menus on board, our festive season cruises will look and feel like Christmas, but without the fuss,” explained Mr Odell.

“Our unique style of freestyle cruising is all about flexibility and extensive choice, which means that friends and family of all ages will find a dining, pampering, fitness, entertainment and accommodation option to suit on board Norwegian Jewel, making multi-generational travel simple, enjoyable and smooth sailing,” Mr Odell added, “especially with itineraries in local waters.”

Norwegian Jewel’s 13-day Christmas and New Year roundtrip sailing from Sydney to New Zealand visits Melbourne, Burnie, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay of Islands departing 23 December 2017.



“Free at Sea” entitles guests to enjoy up to five complimentary offers including free beverage packages, specialty dining packages, 250 minutes of Wi-Fi, reduced friends and family rate and shore excursion credit, depending on the accommodation booked. Guests booking ocean view, balcony or mini-suites will enjoy two free offers, while those staying in a suite or The Haven will be treated to all five – worth up to US$2,800 added value.

Multi-Generational Christmas Vacations: Celebrating the festive season on board Jewel

Packed with activities for all ages, Norwegian Jewel can host up to 2,376 guests (and 1,069 crew) and boasts eight complimentary restaurants, six specialty dining venues with a la carte and set-menu options, as well as a bake shop, 24/7 pizza delivery service, myriad specialty bars and lounges, and the requisite poolside bar for lazy at-sea afternoon cocktails.

Renowned for her remarkable repertoire of entertainment at sea, Norwegian Jewel’s Australian guests will be treated to cirque, magic and comedy performances, as well as Australia’s own stunning ballroom extravaganza Burn the Floor, setting the ship’s stage alight during its inaugural local season.



Fitness fans, kids and young adults will enjoy the on-board outdoor court action hosting basketball, dodgeball, tennis and volleyball. Kids will adore the aqua park, Sapphire pools and age-specific kids’ clubs, while gym enthusiasts can choose from a range of classes, including Zumba and yoga. For family members looking to unwind and be pampered, the Mandara Spa and Spa Thermal Suite offer a full range of indulgent treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate passengers.

Guests will find the largest range of staterooms at sea aboard Norwegian Jewel, with options ranging from cost-effective inside staterooms to balcony staterooms, which will allow guests to enjoy superb views and private outdoor areas. Interconnecting rooms and multiple-bedroom suites are also available for families looking to stay together.

Australian families in the market for a truly indulgent experience – or seasonal celebration - will adore Norwegian Jewel’s ultra-exclusive ‘The Haven’, home to the line’s most exclusive suites and villas, with a private courtyard, spa, pool and deck area, as well as dedicated concierge services.

To book a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian’s local hotline, Australia: 1300 255 200, New Zealand: 0800 969 283, email resoffice@ncl.com or visit www.ncl.com.au

Norwegian Cruise Line specials

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FEATURED PROMOTIONS:

Ø  Norwegian Getaway Sailings: Receive $100 onboard credit per stateroom, through July 26, 2013.

Ø  Upgrade and Go: Receive free Balcony upgrades and up to $350 OBC when you book a select cruise, through July 26, 2013.

Ø  Air Credits: Receive up to $1,000 in airfare credits on select sailings.

Ø  The Haven and Suites: Receive up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom for the Haven and Suites fleet-wide for reservations booked nine months or greater prior to sailing, through December 31, 2013.

FEATURED SAILINGS:

Ø  Norwegian Epic: $599 Best Available Inside/person: September 29, 2013; Seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain with ports of call including Naples, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Provence (Marseille), France; Palma, Majorca, Spain

Ø  Norwegian Spirit: $779 Best Available Inside/person: August 3, 2013; 12-night Classic Mediterranean cruise from Venice, Italy with ports of call including Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Naples, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Provence (Toulon), France; Barcelona, Spain

Ø  Norwegian Breakaway: $599 Best Available Inside/person: September 15, 2013; Seven-night Bermuda cruise from New York, with port of call in Kings Wharf, Bermuda

Ø  Norwegian Sky: $199 Best Available Inside/person: July 22, 3013; Four-night Bahamas cruise from Miami with ports of call including Grand Bahama Island; Nassau, Bahamas; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Ø  Norwegian Sun: $249 Best Available Inside/person: July 22, 2013: Seven-night Sawyer Glacier cruise from Whittier (Southbound), with ports of call including Hubbard Glacier; Icy Strait Point; Juneau; Sawyer Glacier; Skagway; Ketchikan; Cruising the Inside Passage; Vancouver, Canada

Ø  Norwegian Jade: $599 Best Available Inside/person: December 7, 2013: 11-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, with ports of call including Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Provence (Toulon), France; Barcelona, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy; Carthage, Tunisia; Palermo, Sicily; Naples, Italy 

ADDITIONAL HOT DEALS:

Alaska

Ø  Norwegian Sun: $249 Best Available Inside/person: July 22, 29, 2013; August 5, 12 2013; Seven-night Alaska cruise from Whittier to Vancouver, Canada

Ø  Norwegian Jewel: $499 Best Available Inside/person: July 27, 2013; August 3, 24, 2013; Seven-night Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle

Ø  Norwegian Pearl: $529 Best Available Inside/person: July 28, 2013; August 4, 18, 2013; Seven-night Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle

Bahamas & Florida

Ø  Norwegian Sky: $249 Best Available Inside/person: July 26, 2013; August 2, 9, 2013; Three-night Bahamas cruise roundtrip from Miami 

Bermuda

Ø  Norwegian Dawn: $629 Best Available Inside/person: July 26, 2013; August 2, 9, 2013; Seven-night Bermuda cruise roundtrip from Boston

Ø  Norwegian Breakaway: $599 Best Available Inside/person: July 28, 2013; August 11, 18, 2013; September 15, 22, 29, 2013; Seven-night Bermuda cruise from New York 

Caribbean

Ø  Norwegian Pearl: $329 Best Available Inside/person: November 5, 2013;  Seven-night Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami 

Europe

Ø  Norwegian Star: $799 Best Available Inside/person: August 5, 14, 2013; Nine-night Europe – Baltic cruise roundtrip from Copenhagen, Denmark 

Hawaii

Ø  Pride of America: $1,149 Best Available Inside/person: July 27, 2013; August 17, 24, 31, 2013; Seven-day Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Honolulu

The deals are available on select departures and do not include government taxes and fees.  They can be booked by contacting a travel agent or Norwegian reservations at (866) 234-0292.

Sail Coast to Coast aboard Norwegian Jewel with ecruising.travel

Cruise specialist ecruising.travel has a new 37-night cruise itinerary for 2013 which takes in Alaska, North America and the Panama Canal on the Norwegian Jewel from Seattle to New Orleans, with discounted prices of up to 50 per cent for last minute bookings before 30 June 2013.

Departing on September 12, you will have a two-day stay in Seattle at the Fairmont Olympic hotel before boarding  the Norwegian Jewel  for a 29-night cruise through Alaska, Canada, California, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama Canal and Colombia with the final destination of New Orleans, Louisiana, for three nights at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The itinerary finishes with three nights in Las Vegas to try your hand at the tables or take in a show before flying back to Australia.

Now priced from $6169 (was $14,469) per person twin share, from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Adelaide from $6419 and Perth from $6669 , the package includes return economy airfares, 29 nights cruise accommodation with all meals, entertainment, on board gratuities, two nights hotel accommodation at the Fairmont Olympic in Seattle, three nights hotel accommodation at each the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel and the Las Vegas Hotel and transfers.

For a full list of inclusions and reservations, visit www.ecruising.travel   or call 1300 369 848