Some of the largest and most upbeat cruise ships in the world can be found at Norwegian Cruise Lines. Now commonly referred to as “cruise resorts,” these massive ships include everything from top-tier entertainment to kid-friendly venues and more (in some cases, water parks and high-ropes courses). In addition to the standard fare, there is a selection of specialty restaurants that provide a taste of something different.
The Norwegian Jade’s comprehensive refurbishment and refit means it is the first Norwegian ship to be homeported in Southampton since 2008. What exactly is she like?
The Ship
The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade returned to port in early May after a multi-million-pound, bow-to-stern, top-to-bottom renovation.
Aside from The Haven, all of the staterooms have been updated and now have plenty of natural light and seem contemporary.
You’ll find Norwegian’s The Haven tucked away towards the ship’s bow. Guests of these suites can enjoy complete seclusion while enjoying the hidden pool, lounge, and restaurant.
There is a fresh, cool aesthetic in the common spaces that combines modern minimalism with Art Deco.
Restaurants
The Grand Pacific, one of eight cost-free restaurants, takes the cake with its cozy wood paneling and oversized, brightly colored murals that recall Jade’s time spent traveling to Hawaii.
Jasmine Garden, a restaurant serving Chinese food with Thai and Japanese influences, has remodeled and now offers its meals at no cost. There is a buffet (The Great Outdoors), a 1950s restaurant, poolside service, and the 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill.
Cagney’s, which has been renovated into a chic city-style steakhouse, and Moderno Churrascaria, a stylish South American-style barbecue, are also available for an additional fee.
The Cruises
The destination of the Norwegian Jade is Norway. On August 9, you can take the conventional 10-day Norwegian Fjords cruise, and on August 19, you can take the epic 15-day Norway, Iceland, and UK adventure, which combines the fjords with Iceland (a night in Reykjavik), the Orkneys, the Shetlands, and even Newcastle.
From September 3rd, you can spend eight days exploring Oslo, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, and Hamburg. Start with a two-day cruise to Hamburg (June 2, from £149), where Jade will spend a few days before embarking on a 12-night cruise to Norway and the North Cape.
The Clincher
This season, Norwegian’s cruises are all-inclusive (or Premium All-inclusive, as Norwegian calls it), which is estimated to add £600 in value to each passenger. That’s because it includes premium alcoholic beverages (before, a Premium Drinks Package would cost roughly £60 per day, plus 18% service charge on everything you ordered), as well as bottled water, a common expensive add-on on cruises, and specialty coffees. Additional costs such as the service fee of 18% and daily tips (about £10 per day per person) are also included.
For the first time, you have to pay what you estimate the value to be. Unless you want to go on excursions, which is a whole other story.
