Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Jade

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Norwegian Spirit vs Norwegian Jade

    The Norwegian Spirit offers a revitalized, intimate adult escape, while the Norwegian Jade provides a vibrant, family-friendly journey with global itineraries.

    The verdict

    Both Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade, despite their differing ages, benefit from significant refurbishments that keep them feeling fresh and relevant. Spirit, with its extensive 2020 overhaul, leans into an adult-focused, sophisticated experience, offering exceptional value through its high-quality dining and attentive service on unique, longer voyages. Jade, a larger vessel, excels as a mainstream option with its diverse entertainment, family programs, and a wide array of dining, appealing to a broader, international audience seeking varied destinations. Your ideal choice hinges on whether you prioritize an intimate, adult-centric cruise or a bustling, family-inclusive adventure.

    Choose Norwegian Spirit if…

    Travelers seeking an adult-oriented, intimate cruise experience with a focus on high-quality dining and relaxed ambiance, particularly those interested in longer, eclectic itineraries without extensive children's facilities.

    Best for

    • Adults seeking a relaxed and intimate cruise experience
    • Couples looking for sophisticated dining and nightlife options
    • Travelers who appreciate extensive refurbishments and modern decor
    • Guests interested in longer, destination-focused itineraries

    Avoid if

    • Families traveling with young children or teens needing dedicated kids' facilities
    • Guests seeking a mega-ship experience with numerous high-thrill attractions
    • Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium dining options incur additional costs
    • Those who prefer a bustling, non-stop party atmosphere throughout the day

    Choose Norwegian Jade if…

    Families and guests who appreciate a wide range of dining and entertainment options, including dedicated kids' clubs, alongside a vibrant social atmosphere and diverse global itineraries.

    Best for

    • Families with children and teens due to dedicated kids' clubs and arcade
    • Guests desiring diverse dining options, both complimentary and specialty
    • Travelers interested in a wide range of global itineraries
    • Cruisers who appreciate excellent service and a vibrant, engaging atmosphere

    Avoid if

    • Guests seeking a truly quiet and serene cruise experience, as some areas can be noisy
    • Those who prefer larger standard cabins, as some are noted to be smaller than average
    • Travelers on a strict budget, as many activities and specialty dining options incur extra fees
    • Individuals preferring an exclusively adult-oriented environment without children onboard

    Overall Vibe

    Norwegian Spirit

    The Norwegian Spirit, originally built in 1998, received a substantial bow-to-stern refurbishment in 2020, transforming it into a vessel that feels far newer than its age suggests. As a small-to-mid-size traditional oceangoing ship, it offers a more intimate atmosphere, carrying 2,032 passengers across 14 decks. This ship now caters specifically to adult travelers, prioritizing a relaxed and convivial environment over a 'theme park at sea' experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance and a focus on destination immersion.

    Norwegian Jade

    The Norwegian Jade, launched in 2006, retains the welcoming feel of a mainstream cruise ship, having undergone recent refurbishments that keep its decor modern and vibrant. Accommodating 2,402 passengers, it is a slightly larger vessel with a distinct energy that appeals to a diverse demographic. The ship strikes a balance between lively activities and serene spaces, offering a comprehensive cruise experience that blends traditional comforts with contemporary amenities, making it a versatile choice for a broad spectrum of cruisers.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit cultivates a distinctly adult-oriented atmosphere, fostering a convivial and fun environment tailored for couples and guests on longer, eclectic itineraries. With a passenger capacity of 2,032 and a dedicated crew of 975, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to its attentive service. The vibe here is less about high-octane thrills and more about relaxed socializing, enjoying the journey, and connecting with fellow travelers in a more intimate setting, making it a happy and welcoming experience.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade offers a relaxed, friendly, and attentive atmosphere, thanks to its 2,402-passenger capacity and a crew of 1,100, who are noted for being genuinely happy. The ship's recent refurbishments have imbued it with a modern, vibrant feel that encourages a free-flowing and engaging environment. You'll find a diverse mix of guests onboard, particularly an international crowd on European voyages, contributing to a lively yet approachable ambiance suitable for families and individuals alike looking for a dynamic cruising experience.

    Dining

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit boasts 14 restaurants with an impressive and varied food quality across the board. Complimentary options include the elegant Windows and more intimate Taste main dining rooms, the versatile Garden Café buffet, and casual fare at The Local pub, alongside Silk for Pan-Asian dishes and the Bier Garten Grill for poolside eats. For a fee, guests can indulge in upscale Italian at Onda by Scarpetta (USD $40), classic French at Le Bistro (USD $60), premium steaks at Cagney's Steakhouse (USD $60), or interactive Japanese at Teppanyaki (USD $60). Sushi and the Atrium Cafe also offer à la carte choices.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade offers a diverse culinary landscape with over 16 dining options. Complimentary venues include the elegant Grand Pacific and vibrant Alizar main dining rooms, the extensive Garden Cafe buffet, and the popular 24-hour O'Sheehan's Irish pub. Guests can also enjoy Asian dishes at Jasmine Garden and casual bites at The Great Outdoors and Topsiders Grill. Specialty dining, available for an additional cost, features Brazilian churrascaria at Moderno (USD $50), Japanese hibachi at Teppanyaki (USD $60), upscale French at Le Bistro (USD $60), Italian at La Cucina (USD $40), and the beloved Cagney's Steakhouse (USD $60). Sushi is also available à la carte.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Norwegian Spirit

    On Norwegian Spirit, entertainment centers around the Stardust Theatre, showcasing production shows like 'Blazing Boots' and 'FUSIÓN,' along with guest vocalists and comedians. The Social Comedy & Nightclub is a new addition offering stand-up, karaoke, and DJ nights, even featuring 'Sail & Sustain' cocktails. Guests can try their luck at the Spirit Casino, enjoy live music and dancing at Spinnaker Lounge, or find quieter spots at Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar, the Humidor Cigar Lounge, or Henry's Pub for a traditional English pub experience.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade provides a lively array of entertainment, highlighted by Broadway and Vegas-style shows in the Stardust Theatre, including 'FUSIÓN' and 'Blazing Boots.' The Bliss Ultra Lounge offers a vibrant clubbing scene, while the Jade Casino & Bar provides gaming excitement. The Spinnaker Lounge serves as a versatile venue for game shows, trivia, live music, and the iconic White Hot Party. Other options include the Java Cafe, Mixers Martini & Cocktail Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Tankards Beer & Whiskey Bar, and a dedicated Cigar Lounge. The ship also features an Arcade for all ages.

    Cabins & Suites

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit's 1,016 cabins, from insides to Owner's Suites, were completely refurbished in 2020. They now feature modern decor in elegant tones, practical USB ports, nightlights, and refitted bathrooms with glass doors. All standard cabins offer two beds convertible to a queen, with some accommodating up to four. Suites, including Owner's, Deluxe Penthouse, and Penthouse categories on Decks 9 and 10, provide generous space, larger balconies, and enhanced amenities like butler and concierge service, with exclusive breakfast and lunch access at Cagney's.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade offers a range of accommodations, from standard inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins to expansive Haven suites. While standard cabins are noted as generally smaller, they feature modern cream, gray, and teal decor, new flat-screen TVs, and partitioned bathrooms with good water pressure. The ship distinguishes itself with The Haven, an exclusive suite complex featuring Courtyard Penthouses, 2-Bedroom Family Villas, and 3-Bedroom Garden Villas, which include private courtyard access, a pool, hot tub, and personalized butler and concierge services, offering a heightened level of luxury and privacy.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit's onboard style, post-2020 refurbishment, is elegantly contemporary, marked by modern fixtures and a sophisticated palette of cream, chocolate, silver, and grey. The ship's smaller size and adult-oriented focus contribute to a notably high quality of service, with a crew dedicated to delivering a welcoming and happy cruise experience. The attention to detail in both the revamped interiors and the personalized guest interactions fosters a sense of laid-back luxury and genuine care, allowing guests to truly relax and feel pampered.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade offers a vibrant and refreshed onboard style, a direct result of its recent refurbishments, which brought modern decor and an inviting atmosphere. Service on the Jade is consistently excellent, delivered by genuinely happy crew members who contribute to a friendly and attentive environment. The Freestyle dining concept underpins a flexible and relaxed approach to the cruise experience, complemented by evenly spread venues that prevent overcrowding, ensuring a comfortable and engaging journey for all passengers.

    Best Itineraries

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit is particularly well-suited for longer, eclectic itineraries, inviting guests to 'follow the sun instead of a timetable.' While specific regions are not detailed beyond mention of sailing 'Down Under' (Australia), its adult-centric refurbishment makes it ideal for destination-rich voyages where the focus is on exploring diverse ports and enjoying extended periods at sea without the distraction of extensive family programming, appealing to seasoned cruisers seeking unique routes and a more mature onboard experience.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade is a global wanderer, offering an impressive array of itineraries that span sun-soaked Caribbean cruises, the wild beauty of Alaska, the exotic wonders of Asia, colorful coasts of Mexico, scenic Pacific Coast sailings, the legendary Panama Canal, and vibrant South America. This diverse range, coupled with its international passenger demographic particularly on European voyages, makes it an excellent choice for travelers eager for broad cultural immersion and varied destination experiences, appealing to those who enjoy exploring the world from a comfortable and well-appointed base.

    What reviewers say

    Norwegian Spirit

    4.5/5

    Norwegian Spirit, despite being an older and smaller ship, has been completely revitalized with a massive 2020 refurbishment, offering excellent value for its high-quality food, service, and eclectic itineraries. It proves that good things can indeed come in small packages, delivering a welcoming and happy cruise experience.

    Norwegian Jade

    4/5

    Despite 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

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    Norwegian Spirit

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    Norwegian Jade

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