Norwegian to Resume Sailing in Asia with Refurbished Jewel

(02/05/23)  Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will resume sailing in Asia after a three-year hiatus when the newly revitalised Norwegian Jewel makes her grand return to Tokyo on 19 October, followed by Singapore on 11 November 2023.

Norwegian Jewel’s extensive six-month Asia season will offer 16 itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia.

With cruises ranging in length from 10-14 days, the season features a number of brand firsts: NCL’s first departures from Manila, Philippines and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea as well as six new ports of call:

Luxury at sea! Master Suite of a 3-bedroom Haven Garden Villa Suite on NCL Jewel

- Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines;

- Bintan Island, Indonesia; and

- Hualien, Taiwan.

“After more than three years, we’re counting down to our return to Asia cruising once again!” said Ben Angell, NCL VP and Managing Director, APAC. “We know our guests can’t wait to explore closer to home and as a smaller ship, Norwegian Jewel is the perfect size to explore Asia’s lesser-known ports, while offering all the features we know local cruisers love, from show stopping musical acts and entertainment to a myriad of dining options that would delight any palette.”

A focus on destination-immersion means that guests will have fewer sea days, longer stays in port and more overnights. Boasting an average of less than two sea days per sailing, up to 13.5 hours in destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Osaka and Bali (Benoa).

With capacity for 2,376 guests, Norwegian Jewel features 13 bars and 15 dining options, including three Asian restaurants: Sushi, Teppanyaki and Chin Chin, where friendly wait-staff serve up freshly prepared noodles and wok-fried dishes.

Guests can get active on the sports court for a game of basketball or indulge in wellness at Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, complete with Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room and sauna.

Show-stopping entertainment includes Rock You Tonight, a high energy production showcasing music from rock icons Queen, Journey and The Who.

The newly revitalised ship boasts completely refreshed accommodation, including staterooms, suites and bathrooms throughout.

The ultimate luxury can be found in The Haven which is located at the top of the ship and houses NCL’s most elevated suites (pictured above) and villas accommodating up to eight people, complete with concierge and 24-hour butler service, a private sundeck and pool exclusively for guests of The Haven.

Asia season highlights include:

- 11-day Asia: Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam cruise from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia to Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand via nine destinations, including Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in Vietnam, Sihanoukville in Cambodia and Koh Samui in Thailand. Departing 11 December 2023, fares start from US$1,366.

- 11-day Asia: Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya and Himeji cruise from Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan to Tokyo, Japan with no sea days. 11 ports of call include Okinawa, Mt Fuji (Shimizu) and an overnight stay in Kyoto (Osaka). Departing 29 February 2024, fares start from US$1,849.

- 11-day Asia: Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia cruise from Singapore to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) via Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia as well as Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand. Departing 5 January 2024, fares start from US$1,689.

Headlines: