Launched in 2005, Norwegian Jewel has regained its luster with an extensive refurbishment in late 2018. Upgraded areas include all cabins, suites, restaurants, cafes, the teen-only Entourage club, main pool and atrium. There are two new bars -- Bliss Ultra Lounge, offering dance music after dark, and The Pit Stop, a 1950s-themed bar with a view of the pool. Two Deluxe Owner’s Suites have also been added in The Haven.

The new look is decidely more modern to the point of being unrecognizable in some public areas. Some people may lament the loss of the water slide and fake palm trees around the pool, but the result is a more relaxing space, especially for adults. Add to that an always-casual, laid-back ambience and a wealth of dining venues, and Norwegian Jewel is a comfortable base from which to explore any port of call. The first of Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Jewel may lack many of the bells and whistles of its younger fleetmates (no rock wall, bowling alley or ropes course), but it's anything but boring. With dozens of daily activities, numerous lounges for live music and 10 eateries, the variety of choices is dazzling. You'll find it all, from cheesy poolside traditions (sexiest leg contest, anyone?) and interactive game shows (the Not So Newlywed Game never gets old) to breathtaking aerial acts and a logic-defying magician in the main theater. Our favorite spot to grab breakfast and lunch on the go was the large O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill. Spacious and bright, thanks to windows on both sides, it dishes up guilty pleasure pub grub like fish 'n' chips and chicken pot pies. A pleasant side effect of O'Sheehan's, open 24/7, is that it takes pressure off the main dining rooms, making the waits for dinner, which in the past could be up to an hour, much shorter. We never waited more than five minutes for a table, regardless of whether we showed up at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Although it's a big ship, there is plenty of nifty digital signage that not only lets passengers know what's going on onboard, but allows them to make dining reservations and buy shore excursions on the spot. See that Cagney's is filling up fast? No need to get up to the reservations desk. Just swipe your key card, choose your dining time and you're all set to go. Uncover the best deals with a Norwegian (NCL) expert Muffett Grubb Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 181 reviews Call Agent Barbara Lawrence Specialities : All Inclusive and Family Vacations 38 reviews Call Agent Danny Fisher Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 33 reviews Call Agent Heather Rosing Specialities : All Inclusive and Beach Vacations 19 reviews Call Agent Lori Hischke Specialities : River Cruises and Honeymoons 16 reviews Call Agent Bettie Kensmoe Specialities : All Inclusive and Adult Only 16 reviews Call Agent Jackie Taylor Specialities : All Inclusive and Family Vacations 15 reviews Call Agent Ruth Daniel Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 13 reviews Call Agent Emily Forsberg Specialities : Destination Weddings and Disney Vacations 11 reviews Call Agent Amy Stambaugh Specialities : River Cruises and National Parks 11 reviews Call Agent For more details about cabins, dining and things to do, see the separate sections of this review.

Inclusions Included with your cruise fare: Meals in two main dining rooms and at Chin Chin, O’Sheehan’s pub, the Garden Cafe buffet and Topsiders Grill; also Continental breakfast room service Main theater production shows and live music in various venues Most onboard activities, except as noted Use of the fitness center (excluding most classes and training sessions) Use of the sports deck Splash Academy kids club Not included with your cruise fare: Daily gratuities ($15.50 per person, per day for anyone in a standard stateroom; $18.50 per person, per day, for people in The Haven, Concierge-level cabins and all suites) Drinks, excluding water, tea, coffee and select juices from the buffet Gratuities of 20 percent on beverage, spa, salon and specialty dining purchases Room service fee of $9.95 (waived for suites and continental breakfast orders) Most specialty dining Spa and salon services, as well as entry to the spa's thermal suite Most fitness center classes Select daily activities including alcohol tastings, bingo, and gameshows like Deal or No Deal After-hours kids supervision programs at the Splash Academy Shore excursions Internet access and packages Photos taken by shipboard photographers, artwork from the art gallery