Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL’s) Norwegian Jewel sailed into Sydney Harbour last week, showing off its multi-million-dollar, bow-to-stern refurbishment – before sailing down to the southern NSW port of Eden and becoming the first cruise ship to bring visitors to the community since the region’s devastating bushfires.
The ship is conducting its third Australasian sailing season, having undergone a complete refurbishment in late 2018.
Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, Ben Angell, said NCL was predominantly a fly-cruise operator in this market, and Norwegian Jewel offered itineraries that appealed to guests from around the world, including Australia.
“We are listening to our guests to find what they want,” he said. Clientele origin was split between North America, Europe and Australia on a roughly equal basis.
“Local cruisers have really embraced Norwegian Jewel, with bookings since her first Australasian season in 2017 having exceeded all expectations – one of the key reasons she has already been confirmed for a 2020/21 local sailing season,” Angell said.
Angell said NCL prided itself on the quality of its entertainment and was confident in its claim “that we have the best entertainment at sea”. Norwegian Jewel currently presents two shows for guests, ‘Rock You Tonight’, packed with 70s hits from the likes of Queen, Journey and The Who, and exclusive Australian hit musical ‘Velvet’, featuring disco classics, circus acrobatics and cabaret.
Norwegian Jewel at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal. (Photo: Peter Needham)
The three-deck, art nouveau Stardust Theatre theatre is capacious and beautifully appointed.
Angell said the striking artwork on the ship’s hull acted as a “memorable visual hook”.
At Eden, Norwegian Jewel was greeted by emergency services volunteers, the local community and members of the tourism industry. The vessel became the first cruise ship to bring visitors to the community since the region’s devastating bushfires, underlining the message that the NSW South Coast is open for business, with the tourism industry taking its first steps on the road to recovery.
Some 2000 guests will visit Eden and its surrounding areas on a series of tours and shore excursions, with Angell on-ground to meet and thank local emergency service volunteers for their efforts and welcome Norwegian Jewel’s guests keen to support the NSW South Coast tourism economy.
Norwegian Jewel at Eden. Left to right: NSW Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres; Norwegian Jewel Captain, Giorgio Voussolinos; Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Kristy McBain; Local wildlife mascot; CEO and Director, Port Authority of NSW – Phillip Holliday; Port Authority of NSW Cruise Development Manager – Natalie Godward; CLIA, Communications Director, Jon Murrie; Norwegian Cruise Line, Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, Ben Angell; Tourism Transport Forum CEO, Margy Osmond. (Photo credit: DoubleTake Photographics).
“It is important to convey the message to the world that Australia is ready to welcome visitors. The cruise industry has become a key contributor to this region’s tourism economy in recent years, and we’ve no doubt that locals are eager to welcome visitors to eat, drink, shop and explore Eden and its surrounds,” Angell said.
“Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to supporting regional ports and local businesses, highlighted by our parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ recent $250,000 donation to support the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.”
Norwegian Jewel in Sydney Harbour. (Photo: NCL)
Norwegian Jewel recently underwent a revitalisation as part of NCL’s Norwegian Edge fleet refurbishment program, reaffirming the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across its fleet.
Joined in regional waters by Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Spirit (set to undergo a total refurbishment at a cost of over USD 100 million, the company’s most extensive bow-to-stern renovation to date) Norwegian Jewel is giving both local and short haul AU/NZ fly-cruise travellers access to NCL’s unrivalled freedom and flexibility, world-class dining, award-winning entertainment, immersive itineraries, extensive on-board activities and wide range of accommodation options.
Three-deck, art nouveau Stardust Theatre. (Photo: Peter Needham)
The additional deployment of the soon-to-be refurbished Norwegian Spirit to Asia further demonstrates NCL’s long-term commitment to providing next level experiences for local cruisers, while continuing to strengthen and elevate our presence in the Asia Pacific region.
“The recent launch of our newest vessel, Norwegian Encore, the extensive refurbishment of Norwegian Spirit in early-2020, as well as the introduction of six new Leonardo class ships to our fleet from 2022 makes this a truly exciting time for the company both on a regional and international level,” Angell added.
Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, Ben Angell, aboard Norwegian Jewel last week. (Photo: Peter Needham)
Norwegian Jewel provides guests access to endless opportunities, with onboard amenities including 16 high quality dining options, ranging from Teppanyaki and sushi to French, Italian, Brazilian and pub classics, as well as a choice of 15 bars and nightclubs, boutique shopping, a library and video arcade. Outdoors, there are swimming pools, hot tubs, jogging tracks, a basketball and tennis court, as well as the Mandara Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Norwegian Jewel began its 2019/20 season with scenic Australia and New Zealand voyages, visiting regional ports-of-call including Milford Sound, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Eden, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Next month, February 2020, will see the ship heading to the South Pacific for some immersive itineraries before heading across to Alaska for the 2020 North America summer season.
Written by Peter Needham
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