Norwegian Jewel Debuts in Houston

Norwegian Cruise Line returned to the Port of Houston for the first time in more than seven years with the arrival of Norwegian Jewel on Saturday, October 11 at the Bayport Cruise Terminal. This inaugural call marked the beginning of the 2014 Fall Cruise Season for the Port of Houston Authority, where the Houston Ship Channel is celebrating its 100th year.  The 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel, featuring Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising with 16 dining options; 13 bars and lounges; exclusive Nickelodeon programming and activities; and the largest suites at sea – the almost 5,000 sq. ft. Garden Villas – began sailing the first of 27 Western Caribbean cruises through April 11, 2015.

During a ceremony onboard, Norwegian Jewel’s Captain Kenneth Harstrom tipped his new cowboy hat to the great state of Texas, as he welcomed officials from the Port of Houston Commission including Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria.

“We are excited about the impact Norwegian Jewel will bring to the City of Pasadena and the greater Houston region. According to an independent research firm, just one sailing season will create nearly 100 jobs and $50 million economic impact locally,” said Chairman Longoria.

On her inaugural voyage from Houston, Norwegian Jewel will also be the first large cruise ship to call in the Western Caribbean’s newest cruise port of Banana Coast, the deep-water Bay of Trujillo, Honduras, on October 15. Other port calls include Cozumel, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize.

The ship recently underwent an extensive refurbishment and was the first in Norwegian’s fleet to be retrofitted with the popular O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, a casual pub eatery. In addition, the ship’s Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian-style steakhouse, was relocated to a more intimate setting on Deck 13 and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, was added adjacent to the new restaurant.

While onboard, guests can also enjoy delicious cannoli and cupcakes from Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, which have been added in the Java Café. Norwegian’s innovative digital signage were also added to the ship, the touch screen signs allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key.

Norwegian Jewel offers guests the opportunity to sail in style in The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive and luxurious accommodations that include the largest suites at sea – the 5,000 square foot, three-bedroom Garden Villas. Guests can dine around the world with 16 dining options including French, Asian, American and more. Norwegian Jewel also features three swimming pools; six hot tubs; a contemporary spa and fitness center; sports deck with basketball, volleyball and tennis court; the Jewel Club casino; and spectacular stage shows like Le Cirque Bijou and Band on the Run in the ship’s Stardust Theatre.

Onboard Norwegian Jewel, families will delight in the exclusive Nickelodeon programming. Activities include the Pajama Jam breakfast with the characters, where kids – and kids at heart – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters; and other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.