Norwegian Jade Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,043 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Ashley Kosciolek
Contributor

Launched in 2006, Norwegian Jade isn't Norwegian Cruise Line's newest vessel, but via the Norwegian Edge project, the cruise line has made it look and feel new throughout. Cabins have been refurbished; carpeting and furniture have been replaced; some existing restaurants have been moved (Moderno Churrascaria) or expanded (Cagney's), while new ones were added (O'Sheehan's); and the formerly garish orange, purple and pink color palette has largely been replaced with more subdued tones.

What first greets you at embarkation is the vessel's revamped atrium area on Deck 7. It sports modern furniture in subdued hues of black, tan and cream. The neutrality of it all is nicely offset by a funky custom chandelier, which hangs overhead and features color-changing lights.

Although Norwegian has a reputation for nickel-and-diming its customers, we found the number and cost of for-fee offerings comparable to those of other lines. There were also plenty of free options, the quality and variety of which were above average. To boot, service was some of the best we've had at sea, with crew seeming to genuinely enjoy their jobs.

Entertainment on Norwegian Jade is in a category all its own. Shows included a comedian, a magician, a country music medley and an absolutely phenomenal Cirque du Soleil-type performance that included acrobats, aerialists, dancing and magic.

Above all, despite its age, Norwegian Jade holds its own among some of the newer, larger, more flashy ships in the fleet.

Pros

Venues are spread evenly throughout the ship, limiting congestion

Cons

Standard cabins are a bit on the small side

Bottom Line

Recent refurbishments have the ship looking and feeling like new

About

Passengers: 2402
Crew: 1100
Passenger to Crew: 2.18:1
Launched: 2006
Shore Excursions: 960

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Meals in two main dining rooms and at Jasmine Garden, O'Sheehan's bar and grill and the Garden Cafe buffet; 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 service fees of $15 per person, per day for those in standard staterooms or $18 per person, per day, for anyone in The Haven, Concierge-level cabins and all suites

  • Drinks, except water, tea, coffee and select juices from the buffet

  • Gratuities of 20 percent on beverage, spa and salon purchases

  • Room service fee of $9.95 (waived for suites and continental breakfast orders)

  • Most specialty dining, on an a la carte basis, plus 20 percent service charge

  • Spa and salon services, plus access to the spa's Thermal Suite

  • Most fitness center classes

  • Select daily activities including bingo, alcohol tastings,bingo, and games 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

Fellow Passengers

The majority of passengers on Norwegian Jade's Europe-based itineraries are from the U.K. The rest are a mixture of people from Australia, France, Spain, North America, Mexico, Japan and Korea. The average age hovers around 55, with the largest number of passengers in the 55 to 70 range. During summer months, expect a sizable influx in families. Caribbean itineraries draw a younger, more American passenger base, including families.

Norwegian Jade Dress Code

Daytime: Norwegian Jade's dress code is relaxed, with many people adopting a casual style -- bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts and jeans -- during the day.

Evening: At night, passengers tend to dress smartly but comfortably, with most opting for slacks and blouses or collared shirts. Norwegian ships don't have formal nights, but each sailing offers at least one "Dress Up or Not Night," on which passengers can dress up if they want to. Few on our Caribbean sailing chose to do so; Europe voyages tend to be a bit dressier.

Not permitted: The only prohibitions are tank tops for men, flip-flops, baseball caps, visors, overly ripped-up jeans and swimwear. These are permitted in the Garden Cafe, though cover-ups or shirts and shorts must be worn over swimsuits and bare feet are not allowed.

For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Norwegian Cruise Line.

Find a Norwegian Jade Cruise from $199

Any Month

More about Norwegian Jade

Where does Norwegian Jade sail from?

Norwegian Jade departs from Tampa, Port Canaveral, Boston, Miami, Whittier, Vancouver, San Diego, Manhattan, and Galveston

How much does it cost to go on Norwegian Jade?

Cruises on Norwegian Jade start from $199 per person.

Is Norwegian Jade a good ship to cruise on?

Norwegian Jade won 4 awards over the years.
Norwegian Jade Cruiser Reviews

Stateroom issue

Recently went on a cruise on the Norwegian Jade recommended by friends. Over all the experience was good except for my stateroom (obstructed view).Read More
User Avatar
Harry R

many10+ Cruises

Age 72s

Fantastic voyage

My husband and I just got back from a 14 day Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Jade. We had a great time.Read More
User Avatar
Maggie99999

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 57s

Pros and Cons of NCL Jade

It was the first time we had sailed on the Jade and what we discovered, at least on this cruise, was that there simply is not enough seating almost anywhere on the Jade.Read More
User Avatar
Minnesota Rookie

few6-10 Cruises

Age 70s

Being sick on vacation sucks...but, not so much on NCL Jade!

Rachelle and Jade (yes, a person named Jade works on the ship named Jade...lol), were absolutely on top of her every need, coming up with innovative ways to accommodate her and provide the same level ofRead More
User Avatar
Jaded_Cruiser

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 53s

Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Norwegian Sky

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.