Norwegian Cruise Line is counting down the days until the much-anticipated return of the freshly rejuvenated Norwegian Jewel to Asia after over three years, on 19 October and 11 November 2023.

“We’re counting down the days until our return to Asia cruising after more than three years!” stated Ben Angell, NCL VP and Managing Director, APAC. “We know our guests can’t wait to explore closer to home, 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, from show-stopping musical acts and entertainment to a variety of dining options to delight any palate.”

Norwegian Jewel’s six-month Asia season will include 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan, Taipei (Keelung) in Taiwan, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) in Thailand, Bali (Benoa) in Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) in Malaysia.

The season featured a variety of brand firsts, with voyages ranging in duration from 10 to 14 days: NCL’s first voyages from Manila, Philippines, and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, together with six new ports of call:

Manila, Boracay, Palawan, and Salomague in the Philippines

Bintan Island in Indonesia

Hualien in Taiwan

A focus on destination immersion means that guests will enjoy country-intensive cruises that explore the wonders of popular destinations such as Korea, Indonesia, and Japan; open-jaw itineraries that allow cruisers to bookend their trip with land tours; and fewer sea days, longer stays in port, and more overnights. Norwegian Jewel offers the ultimate way to explore diverse cultures closer to home, with an average of less than two sea days per sailing, up to 13.5 hours in destinations such as 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).

The Norwegian Jewel has a capacity of 2,376 guests with 13 bars and 15 dining options, including three Asian restaurants: Sushi, Teppanyaki, and Chin Chin, where friendly wait staff serve freshly made noodles and delicious wok-fried dishes.

Guests may get active on the basketball court or relax at the Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, which features a Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room, and sauna. Rock You Tonight, a high-energy show including songs by rock titans Queen, Journey, and The Who is one example of great entertainment.

The freshly rejuvenated ship features updated amenities throughout, including staterooms, suites, and bathrooms, for the perfect home away from home. Those who appreciate the finer things in life will like The Haven by Norwegian®.

The Haven, located at the top of the ship, features NCL’s most elevated suites and villas for up to eight people, complete with concierge and 24-hour butler service and a private sundeck and pool reserved exclusively for The Haven guests.

Highlights of the Asia season:

An 11-day Asia: Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam cruise from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia, to Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand, calling at nine ports along the way, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and Ko Samui, Thailand. Departure date: 11 December 2023.

An 11-day Asia: Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya, and Himeji cruise from Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, to Tokyo, Japan, with no sea days. Okinawa, Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), and an overnight stay in Kyoto (Osaka) are among the 11 ports of call. Departing on 29 February 2024.

An 11-day Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia cruise from Singapore to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) through Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, as well as Phuket and Ko Samui in Thailand. Departure date: 5 January 2024.

For a limited time, NCL offers great discounts of up to 35% across the season.