Extensive six-month season begins October 2023
16 voyages, 11 countries, 9 homeports, and an average of less than two sea-days per cruise
Two brand-new departure destinations: Philippines & South Korea
JOHANNESBURG (03 MAY 2023): Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 56-year history of breaking boundaries, is counting down to its much-awaited return to sailing in Asia after more than three years when the newly revitalised Norwegian Jewel makes her grand return to Tokyo on 19 October 2023.
“After more than three years, Asia is back in a big way!” said Kevin Bubolz, Vice President & Managing Director Continental Europe, Israel, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA). “We know our guests can’t wait to return to this incredible region and as a smaller ship, Norwegian Jewel is the perfect size to explore Asia’s lesser-known ports, while offering all the features we know local cruisers love, including the hit disco and burlesque show, ‘Velvet’.”
Norwegian Jewel’s extensive six-month Asia season will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia. With cruises ranging in length from 10-14 days, the season features a number of brand firsts: NCL’s first departures from Manila, Philippines and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, as well as six new ports of call:
- Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines
- Bintan Island, Indonesia
- Hualien, Taiwan
A focus on destination-immersion means guests will enjoy country-intensive cruises that uncover the wonders of trending destinations like Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia; open-jaw itineraries that allow cruisers to book-end their trip with land tours; together with fewer sea days, longer stays in port and more overnights. Boasting an average of less than two sea days per sailing, up to 13.5 hours in destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Osaka and Bali (Benoa) – Norwegian Jewel provides the ultimate way to explore vibrant Asia.
About Norwegian Jewel
With capacity for 2,376 guests, Norwegian Jewel boasts 13 bars and 15 dining options, including three Asian restaurants: Sushi, Teppanyaki and Chin Chin, where friendly wait-staff serve up freshly prepared noodles and wok-fried dishes. Guests can get active on the sports court for a game of basketball or indulge in wellness at Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, complete with Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room and sauna. Show-stopping entertainment includes Rock You Tonight, a high energy production showcasing music from rock icons Queen, Journey and The Who, as well as ‘Velvet,’ the critically acclaimed Australian musical that features disco classics like ‘Turn the Beat Around’ and ‘Boogie Wonderland’, fused with burlesque, cabaret and acrobatic circus elements.
The newly revitalised ship boasts completely refreshed accommodations, including staterooms, suites and bathrooms throughout, for the ultimate home away from home. And those with a taste for the finer things in life will fall in love with The Haven by Norwegian®. Located at the top of the ship, The Haven houses NCL’s most elevated suites and villas accommodating up to eight people, complete with concierge and 24-hour butler service, a private sundeck and pool exclusively for guests of The Haven.
Asia season highlights:
- An 11-day Asia: Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam cruise sails from Kuala Lampur (Port Klang) to Bangkok, Thailand including the idyllic tropical island of Langkawi, Malaysia and vibrant coastal cities such as Phuket, Thailand; Singapore; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Nah Trang, Vietnam and Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The cruise ends in a slice of Thailand’s paradise, Koh Samui. Departing 11 December 2023, fares start from R 35,600 per person in a balcony suite.
- An 11-day Asia: Singapore, Thailand & Indonesia cruise sails from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) to Bali (Benoa) via nine different destinations, including idyllic tropical islands such as Langkawi, Malaysia; Lombok, Indonesia and an overnight stay in Phuket, Thailand. Departing 27 January 2024, fares start from R 47,713 per person in a balcony suite.
- A 10-day Asia: Osaka, Jeju, Nagoya & Mt Fuji cruise will mark the brand’s first voyage from Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. Offering a Japanese country-intensive exploration during the stunning cherry blossom season, the cruise to Yokohama calls to 10 ports and features no sea days. Spending an extended overnight stay in Kyoto (Osaka), the cruise also includes calls to Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Nagoya and Hiroshima. Departing 21 March 2024, fares start from R71,000 per person in a balcony suite.
View Norwegian Jewel’s Asia itineraries here.
Please find high-res images here.
For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, please contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.
About Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
As the innovator in global cruise travel, NCL has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 56 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionised the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal holiday on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 18 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. NCL not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodation across the fleet, including solo-traveller staterooms, mini-suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the media centre and follow Norwegian Cruise line on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter and Snapchat @CruiseNorwegian.
Locally Issued By:
Kim Taylor, Big Ambitions
