Norwegian Jewel Returns to the Port of Houston

Norwegian Cruise Line returned to the Port of Houston for the first time in more than seven years with the arrival of Norwegian Jewel on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Bayport Cruise Terminal. This inaugural call marked the beginning of the 2014 Fall Cruise Season for the Port of Houston Authority, where the Houston Ship Channel is celebrating its 100th year. The 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel began sailing the first of 27 Western Caribbean cruises through April 11, 2015.

On her inaugural voyage from Houston, Norwegian Jewel will also be the first large cruise ship to call in the Western Caribbean’s newest cruise port of Banana Coast, the deep-water Bay of Trujillo, Honduras, on Oct. 15. Other port calls include Cozumel, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize.

The ship recently underwent a refurbishment and was the first in Norwegian’s fleet to be retrofitted with O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, a casual pub eatery. In addition, the ship’s Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian-style steakhouse, was relocated to Deck 13 and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, was added adjacent to the new restaurant.

While onboard, guests can enjoy cannoli and cupcakes from Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, which have been added in the Java Café. Norwegian’s digital signage were also added to the ship, the touch screen signs allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key.

Norwegian Jewel offers The Haven, accommodations that include the largest suites at sea – the 5,000 square foot, three-bedroom Garden Villas. Guests can dine around the world with 16 dining options including French, Asian, American and more. Norwegian Jewel also has three swimming pools; six hot tubs; a contemporary spa and fitness center; sports deck with basketball, volleyball and tennis court; the Jewel Club casino; and stage shows such as Le Cirque Bijou and Band on the Run in the ship’s Stardust Theatre.

Onboard Norwegian Jewel, families will have access to exclusive Nickelodeon programming. Activities include the Pajama Jam breakfast with the characters, where kids can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters; and other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

For more information, visit www.ncl.com.