New Ship for Norwegian Cruise Line to go on First Cruises straight away

Eemshaven/Papenburg, 04.08.2005 - On 4th August 2005 MEYER WERFT handed over the 93,500-gt cruise ship Norwegian Jewel to the cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line (Miami, USA) in the Dutch port of Eemshaven. The handover took place one day ahead of the contractual date. As early as on 5th August, passengers who have booked their cruises will get onboard, and the ship will set sail for two mini cruises to Amsterdam and Dover. The naming ceremony will take place in New York on 14th September. The cruise which follows next will be to the Mediterranean, starting from Dover on 10th August.

Built in a period as short as 22 months, the Norwegian Jewel is the first cruise ship out of a series of four new vessels which MEYER WERFT in Papenburg is building for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). All told, she is already the fifth vessel built for the Star Cruises/NCL group.

The Norwegian Jewel is the hitherto biggest Panmax ship worldwide. She has the highest number of cabins (1,188), and at a maximum speed of 25.6 knots, she is extremely fast compared to other ships of this size. On top of that she is the biggest passenger vessel that has ever been built in Germany. The ship combines high-end event gastronomy as part of the "freestyle cruising concept" by NCL with a luxurious outfitting and a state-of-the-art technical level. Next to the new design, this new cruise liner presents a multitude of special features and comfort. Almost 70 % of the cabins are outside cabins, and most of them have their own balconies. Over and above this, NCL's 1,100 crew offer the passenger service of an outstanding kind.

The diesel-electric pod propulsion system, interactive communication systems as well sophisticated stage technology ensure safety and entertainment meeting the demands of the 21st century.

Norwegian Jewel - Main Particulars

Interior outfitting of cabins There are 1,188 passenger cabins on Norwegian Jewel, 405 of which are inside and 783 outside cabins. Various cabin categories are available, among them 44 suites and 132 mini suites. The two, 311-sqm "Garden Villas" exceed all cruise expectations so far. All cabins are fitted with their own bathrooms, colour TVs, telephones, safes, fridges, hair dryers, individual temperature control and Internet connections.

Freestyle cruising - entertainment on board

"Freestyle cruising" implies 10 different restaurants as well as 13 bars and lounges on board. It is completely up to the passenger which restaurant to choose, be it informal or elegant. Also in regard to leisure activities the passenger has plenty of options.

The passengers have their first rendezvous with the ocean liner at the reception in the "Atrium". The latest events and shows are presented on a big LED video screen.

The three-deck-high "Stardust Theatre" is located in the foreship, where good entertainment is offered in famous Broadway shows, musicals and plays.

Among the 10 restaurants offering various international specialties, the "Azura" (300 seats) and the "Tsar's Palace" (550 seats) count among the main places. Both restaurants are spacious, offer a lot of room and international cuisine. It is understood that there are also Asian, Italian and French restaurants on board as well as a self-service restaurant (Garden Cafe).

The fitness and beauty area offers the passengers plenty of wellness facilities. The "Spa" is perfectly equipped with fitness equipment, aerobic area, hydro pool, whirlpool, rasul, saunas and steam baths.

The "Spinnaker Lounge" is accommodated on the "roof" of the ship in the forward section. It has a touch of a conservatory, which serves as vantage point during the day and as dance club at night.