Norwegian Jewel Review

Cabin Choices:  The 1,188 cabins range from small 138-square-foot inside rooms to 4,891-square-foot 3-Bedroom Garden Villas in The Haven. This includes approximately 140 interconnecting cabins, which are ideal for families, and a variety of Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony staterooms designed for single travelers.

Staying Active: In addition to late-night revelry, Norwegian Jewel has a full cardio- and strength-training fitness center (with sea views), along with a bevy of calorie-burning classes. On deck, you'll also find a jogging track as well as sports courts for volleyball, basketball, and tennis.

A Full Plate of Dining Options: There are seven complimentary dining venues onboard, including two main dining rooms and Chin Chin for Asian specialties. Whether you're in the mood for steak at Cagney's or hibachi at Teppanyaki, Italian at La Cucina, or Brazilian at Moderno, there's a different specialty restaurant to suit your taste practically every night of your cruise.

Entertainment Extravaganzas: Acrobats, singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and musicians of every genre fill a rousing roster. Passengers can get in on the act, too, with trivia contests, games (Deal or No Deal, bingo), sports tournaments, karaoke, and salsa dancing classes.

Nightlife: No matter your beverage preference, you’ll find the perfect place to toast. The ship has 13 bars and lounges, ranging from Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar to Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar, to Maltings Beer & Whisky Bar.

The Haven: Cruisers who book this high-level suite category have the most private accommodations tucked away at the top of the ship, plus perks including access to their own private sun deck and 24-hour butler and concierge service.

Couples & Families: While Norwegian Jewel’s Asia itineraries are better suited to adults, Alaska, and Caribbean sailings have family appeal, and all ages are accommodated at the well-run Splash Academy youth center (ages six months to 12 years). Plus, there's the Entourage Teens Club (13 to 17 years) that features gaming consoles, a hangout spot, and a juice bar. There's also a video arcade. 

First-Timers: The ship's manageable size makes it good for cruise newbies who want to test the waters without the overwhelming passenger count and activity choices of some larger vessels.

Pacific Coast Cruisers: It's not a far drive for West Coasters to set sail on the ship's Pacific itineraries, which head to the Mexican Riviera and Alaska, or down the coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles.

You'll Face Many Decisions: From specialty restaurants to spa treatments, classes, and shore excursions, you'll find lots of choices on this ship, as long as you don't mind the potential surcharges. That said, some passengers might feel dismayed their vacation involves so much effort orchestrating what to do, when, and where.

It's Missing the Line's Best Features: Norwegian's newer ships not only have more exciting activities, such as the action-packed sports complex and aqua park on Breakaway-Class ships and the go-kart raceways on Breakaway-Plus and Prima-Class ships, but also Broadway-caliber shows, including “Donna: The Donna Summer Musical,” “Beetlejuice The Musical,” and “The Choir of Man.”