Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Jewel will re-enter service on May 17, 2014, following a two-week dry dock where the ship received numerous enhancements as she readies for her much-anticipated arrival in Houston, Texas on Oct. 11, 2014, following the summer season in Alaska.
Norwegian Jewel is the first ship to be retrofitted with the O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (first introduced on Norwegian Epic and also on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway). In addition, the ship’s Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian-style steakhouse, was relocated to a more intimate setting on Deck 13 and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, was added adjacent to the new restaurant.
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Guests will also be able to enjoy cannoli and cupcakes from Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, that has been added in the Java Café. A number of additional guest area enhancements included: updates to the Casino and Photo Gallery, new carpets and flooring throughout guest areas, window replacements, upgrades in galley areas and updates to the pool deck. Norwegian’s innovative digital signage, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway, will also be added to the ship over the summer. The interactive touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key.
Technical modernizations also took place during the dry dock. The ship is being outfitted with Green Tech Marine Scrubbers, in order to reduce fuel emissions, overall energy consumption, and the company’s environmental footprint. In addition, the ship will receive an Azipod hydrodynamic upgrade and state-of-the-art silicone paint on the hull, in order to further improve fuel efficiency. Norwegian Jewel will also benefit from the installation of shore power connectivity. Additional significant technical and safety updates include: lifeboat and tender boat release systems upgrade; thrusters and stabilizer maintenance; and ballast and bilge piping replacement.
Starting May 17, 2014, Norwegian Jewel begins a series of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle through Sept. 13, 2014. Ports of call on this adventurous itinerary include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Following the Alaska cruise season, Norwegian Jewel repositions to Houston and begins sailing a series of Western Caribbean cruises on Oct. 11, 2014, with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Banana Coast, Honduras.
For more information, visit www.ncl.com.