Norwegian Jewel's Billion Dollar Send Off
November 01, 2005
Norwegian Cruise Lines' newest ship, the Norwegian Jewel will be christened on November 3rd at the Port of Miami by Melania Trump. Wife of billionaire Donald Trump, it seems very fitting that she was named the godmother of the $400 million Jewel, Norwegian Cruise Line's most luxurious ship built to date.
Norwegian Cruise Line wanted someone who epitomized style and sophistication---exactly what Norwegian Jewel was designed to represent. "Melania embodies the stunning beauty and refined style of Norwegian Jewel, as well as the distinctive spirit of NCL's unique Freestyle Cruising," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "Melania is so much of an icon today, and is the perfect Godmother for our newest, most innovative ship."
A big part of the ship's innovation---as well as the uniqueness of the entire Norwegian Cruise Lines brand---is Freestyle Cruising. Coined by Norwegian Cruise Line, the term Freestyle Cruising refers to the freedom a passenger has onboard an NCL vessel; open seat dining, several dinner times, a plethora of activities, and a wide range of atmospheres (casual through formal) make Freestyle Cruising what it is.
Still, while the ship's innovation is evident in the many features she offers the passengers who travel with her, it is also evident in her size. That's because the 93,500-ton Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel is the largest Panamax cruise ship ever built. A Panamax ship is one that is able to fit through the Panama Canal; with a beam of 106 feet, Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel has only a 2 foot clearance on either side of the canal when she moves through the locks. Kind of like pulling into a compact size parking space in an SUV.
Of course, Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel's innovative design and features can be seen in many other ways. For one, she features a brand new style of accommodations---10 Courtyard Villas and two Garden Villas. Passengers who reserve these accommodations are treated to more than just elegant surroundings and lots of space; there's a concierge lounge available to them and dedicated butlers and concierge offer service around the clock.
Passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel will also have 10 restaurants, 10 bars and lounges from which to choose, three swimming pools, a luxurious spa, and the split personalities of Bar Central---a champagne, whiskey, and beer bar all in one, but with unique characteristics.
After transitioning from New York to Miami, Norwegian Jewel will begin her regularly scheduled, seven-day cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean sailings stop in the ports of call of San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. John's, Antigua; St. Thomas, USVI and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island. Western Caribbean itineraries will call at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Roatan, Honduras.
These cruises will begin on November 4th, the day after Melania Trump swings the champagne bottle and officially sends off the Norwegian Jewel, and continue until April 23rd. From that point on, Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel will cruise to Europe, sailing on Mediterranean and Egypt and Greek Isles itineraries.
