Name Jewel Operators Norwegian Cruise Line Succeeded by Norwegian Epic | Builders Meyer Werft Preceded by Libra class Built (2004-2007) | |
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The Jewel class is a class of cruise ships operated by the Norwegian Cruise Line and was built by Meyer Werft of Germany. The Jewel class became NCL's largest ships, until the construction of Norwegian Epic, at 153,000-GT, in 2009 at STX Europe in St. Nazaire, which is also owned by NCL. The lead ship, Norwegian Jewel was delivered in August 2005 and the last vessel, the Norwegian Gem was delivered in October 2007; however the second ship of the class Norwegian Jade (originally built as Pride of Hawaii) was originally intended for NCL America. After sailing for the line in 2 years (2006–2008), Pride of Hawaii proved to be unsuccessful. In 2008, NCL decided to transfer Pride of Hawaii to their fleet. After receiving her current NCL livery, she was renamed Norwegian Jade and sailed for NCL in 2008.
Contents
Overview
The Jewel-class are the second largest ships in the NCL fleet, being preceded by the near-identical Dawn-class, and is surpassed by the 153,000-GT Norwegian Epic. These ships have Panamax dimensions, enabling them to cross the Panama Canal locks. They will be exceeded in size by the forthcoming Breakaway class (146,600 GT).
These ships are the second batch of ships to have hull art, reflecting the name of each ship. They also carry the Freestyle cruising concept of NCL, allowing passengers to dine anytime and wearing formal attire is unnecessary.
History
Norwegian Jewel and Pride of Hawaii were the first being ordered, but another two ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem followed in 2004.
The Pride of Hawaii, was the second of the four Jewel-class ships ordered by NCL to become an additional ship for NCL America. As the Pride of Hawaii proved unsuccessful in NCL America's fleet, it was decided that she will be transferred to NCL in 2008 and was renamed Norwegian Jade.
The ships are designed to carry the Freestyle cruising concept of NCL and are 294 metres (964.57 ft) long and 32.2 metres (105.64 ft) wide, having 1,188 cabins, of which 70% is outside, with a capacity for 2,669 passengers.
Concept and Construction
The Jewel-class was ordered in September 2003, with an option for two vessels. Later, the option was extended to four vessels. Jewel-class ships have Panamax dimensions, Azipod propulsors and tonnage values of 93,500 GT. The keel of the lead vessel, Norwegian Jewel was laid on 4 June 2004 and was delivered on 4 August 2005; the keel of second vessel, Norwegian Jade (former Pride of Hawaii) was laid on 8 February 2005 and was delivered on 19 April 2006; the third vessel's keel, Norwegian Pearl was laid on 4 October 2005 and was delivered on 28 November 2006; the last vessel's keel, Norwegian Gem was laid on 17 June 2006 and was delivered on 1 October 2007.