Ship Comparison
Norwegian Jewel vs Norwegian Jade
For a refined yet relaxed journey with diverse global itineraries, Norwegian Jade offers a touch more polish, while Norwegian Jewel shines with its classic, fun-filled approach.
The verdict
Choosing between Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade ultimately comes down to the subtle nuances in their refurbished offerings and the destinations they sail. Both Jewel-class ships, they share a foundation of comfortable, freestyle cruising. Norwegian Jewel, with its 2018 refresh, is a solid choice for those who appreciate a consistently casual and engaging atmosphere, offering a wealth of dining and entertainment that feels attractively modernized. Norwegian Jade, while a year younger and also recently refurbished, has a slightly more international flair on certain routes and a reputation for exceptionally attentive service. If a wider array of global itineraries and a slightly more polished aesthetic are priorities, Jade might edge out Jewel. However, for a dependable, fun-focused experience with a broad range of activities, Jewel remains a strong contender. Both ships deliver the core Norwegian experience well, making the decision often dependent on the specific voyage and cabin type that best suits your travel style.
Choose Norwegian Jewel if…
Travelers seeking a comfortable, fun, and laid-back cruise experience with plenty of varied activities and diverse dining options, serving as a great base for exploring ports.
Best for
- Families seeking a fun and casual cruise with dedicated kids' programs
- Couples looking for diverse dining and entertainment in a relaxed setting
- Travelers who appreciate a modernized ship without being overly large or flashy
- Guests interested in exploring destinations like the Mediterranean and Caribbean
Avoid if
- You prefer a truly quiet and secluded onboard experience, as public areas can be lively
- You're seeking cutting-edge attractions like rock walls or ropes courses
- You expect consistent gourmet quality across all dining venues
- You want to avoid any additional costs for specialty dining or premium experiences
Choose Norwegian Jade if…
Guests who value exceptional, friendly service and a modern, vibrant ship that offers a wide range of global itineraries and flexible dining, appealing to a diverse, international crowd.
Best for
- Guests who prioritize exceptional and attentive service from a friendly crew
- Families desiring interconnecting cabins and dedicated youth facilities
- Culinary adventurers eager to explore a wide array of international dining options
- Global wanderers interested in diverse itineraries from Alaska to Asia
Avoid if
- You require larger-than-average standard cabins with ample storage space
- You prefer an experience with minimal additional costs for activities and services
- You seek consistently quiet public areas for reading or low-key conversation
- You dislike a ship that can attract a lively, social crowd, especially in bars
Overall Vibe
Norwegian Jewel
The Norwegian Jewel, having been built in 2005 and refurbished in 2018, presents a comfortably modern and fun atmosphere. As the first of the Jewel-class, it offers a laid-back environment across its 14 decks, perfect for those who appreciate easygoing travel. Its recent refresh brought new life to public areas and cabins, ensuring a contemporary feel without losing its classic charm. The overall ambiance is one of comfortable familiarity, designed to be a versatile and enjoyable base for exploring various destinations.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade, launched in 2006 and recently refurbished, shares the intimate and relaxed essence of its Jewel-class sister. With a passenger capacity of 2,402 and a crew of 1,100, the ship maintains a friendly, attentive feel across its 14 decks. The revamp brought a modern, vibrant aesthetic, particularly noticeable in the atrium with its color-changing chandelier. It aims for a free-flowing, engaging environment where guests can enjoy a diverse range of options, making it feel fresh and relevant despite its age.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Norwegian Jewel
The atmosphere on Norwegian Jewel is consistently casual and inviting, perfect for guests seeking a relaxed, unpretentious cruise. Carrying 2,376 guests with a crew of 1,100, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio, fostering a friendly environment. Daily activities, from lighthearted poolside contests to interactive game shows, contribute to a lively yet laid-back crowd. It's a ship where guests can unwind and enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure to adhere to formal expectations, creating a fun-loving community vibe.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade cultivates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, supported by its 1,100 crew members attending to 2,402 guests, ensuring attentive service. Its recent refurbishments have enhanced its modern aesthetic, creating a vibrant feel throughout. The ship attracts a diverse, international demographic, particularly on its Europe-based itineraries, fostering a cosmopolitan crowd. While casual, Europe sailings can be a bit dressier. The emphasis is on a free-flowing, engaging environment where everyone can find their niche, from lively socializers to those seeking quiet corners.
Dining
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel offers a wealth of diverse dining, with 10 eateries providing a blend of included and specialty options. Complimentary choices include the elegant Tsar's Palace and Azura Main Dining Rooms, the expansive Garden Cafe buffet, and 24-hour pub fare at O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill. For an additional cost, guests can savor Premium Black Angus Beef at Cagney's Steakhouse, French classics at Le Bistro, Brazilian meats at Moderno Churrascaria, or Asian fusion at Chin Chin and Teppanyaki, offering a broad culinary journey.
Norwegian Jade
On Norwegian Jade, guests can choose from over 16 extraordinary dining options, embracing the Freestyle dining concept for flexibility. Included venues feature the sophisticated Grand Pacific and Alizar Main Dining Rooms, the versatile Garden Cafe, and the popular 24-hour O'Sheehan's. Specialty restaurants, available at an additional cost, include Moderno Churrascaria with ocean views, the vibrant Teppanyaki, classic French at Le Bistro, and Italian favorites at La Cucina, ensuring a rich and varied culinary landscape for every palate.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Norwegian Jewel
Entertainment on Norwegian Jewel offers a dazzling variety, catering to diverse tastes. The Stardust Theatre hosts spectacular main shows featuring breathtaking aerial acts and magician performances, alongside productions like "Motor City Moves" and "Rock You Tonight." For nightlife, guests can dance at Bliss Ultra Lounge, sip mojitos at Sugarcane, or enjoy martinis at Shakers. Daytime brings interactive game shows such as "Deal or No Deal" and "Wheel of Fortune," ensuring a lively and engaging experience throughout the cruise.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade provides diverse entertainment from day to night. The Stardust Theatre showcases Broadway and Vegas-style productions like "FUSIÓN" and "Blazing Boots," blending dance, vocals, and acrobatics. Nightlife thrives at Bliss Ultra Lounge for dancing, or in the trifecta of bars: Tankards, Shakers, and Magnum's, plus the Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Daily activities include various trivia sessions, dance classes, and game shows like "Battle of the Sexes," ensuring a vibrant and engaging social scene for all.
Cabins & Suites
Norwegian Jewel
All 1,190 cabins and suites on Norwegian Jewel received a refurbishment in 2018, featuring new televisions, furniture, and USB outlets, creating a modern and comfortable retreat. Standard cabins offer convertible queen beds and sufficient closet space, with bathrooms perfectly sized for one. For elevated luxury, The Haven provides a "ship-within-a-ship" experience with key card access, butler/concierge service, and private courtyard amenities. Options range from Haven Courtyard Penthouses to expansive 4,891 sq ft Garden Villas with private sun decks and whirlpools.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade's refurbished staterooms boast modern cream, gray, and teal decor, new flat-screen TVs, and bedside USB outlets. While standard cabins are noted as generally smaller than the industry average with limited storage, they offer fantastic shower pressure. Suites, including Romance Suites and Penthouse Suites, provide enhanced amenities like Bulgari toiletries and larger balconies. The Haven offers exclusive access to a private courtyard, pool, hot tub, and Balinese beds, along with Personalized butler and concierge services for an indulgent experience.
Service & Onboard Style
Norwegian Jewel
The onboard style of Norwegian Jewel is one of comfortable elegance, enhanced by its 2018 refurbishment that modernized public areas and cabins. The crew of 1,100 contributes to a laid-back, yet efficient service experience, reflecting the ship's overall relaxed vibe. Digital signage across the ship offers a convenient, Personalized way for guests to manage activities and reservations. The ship's design blends classic cruise aesthetics with contemporary touches, fostering an inviting environment where guests feel at ease.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade stands out for its exceptional service, with crew members often described as genuinely happy and attentive. The ship's onboard style benefits from recent refurbishments, particularly the revamped atrium with its eye-catching, color-changing chandelier, contributing to a vibrant and modern ambiance. The Freestyle dining concept, supported by efficient service, allows for flexible and unhurried meal times. Evenly spread venues help limit congestion, ensuring a smooth flow and relaxed experience throughout the journey.
Best Itineraries
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel offers a diverse range of itineraries, making it a flexible choice for various travel desires. Guests can explore the historic charm of the Mediterranean, the scenic beauty of Northern Europe, the sunny shores of the Caribbean, or the picturesque landscapes of Canada & New England. Its comfortable size and relaxed ambiance make it an excellent vessel for destination-focused travelers who appreciate a solid home base while immersing themselves in different cultures and sights.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade is a true global wanderer, boasting an impressive array of itineraries across the globe. Travelers can embark on adventures to the wild beauty of Alaska, the exotic wonders of Asia, the colorful coasts of Mexico, or the legendary Panama Canal. It also sails to scenic Pacific Coast destinations and vibrant South America. This extensive reach makes it ideal for explorers keen on diverse cultural experiences and varied geographical landscapes, attracting a notably international passenger demographic.
What reviewers say
Norwegian Jewel
4/5Norwegian Jewel offers a comfortable and fun cruising experience, thanks to its attractive refurbishment and a wide array of dining and entertainment options. It serves as an excellent base for exploring various ports of call, appealing to those who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere.
Norwegian Jade
4/5Despite its age, Norwegian Jade holds its own among newer, flashier ships, thanks to recent refurbishments that make it look and feel like new. The ship offers excellent service and a good balance of complimentary and for-fee options.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jade
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Ship Guide
Norwegian Jewel: Comfortable, Refurbished Cruise Fun
Discover a fun cruising experience with attractive refurbishments and diverse dining and entertainment onboard.
Ship Guide
Norwegian Jade Offers Refurbished Comfort at Sea
Discover a refreshed classic with excellent service and a balance of included and specialty experiences.
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B