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Java Cafe in The Crystal Atrium
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Norwegian Jewel
November 3, 2005
Christening Preview
by Linda Coffman
A GEM of a Ship—Norwegian Jewel (part 2)
Public Areas
Norwegian Jewel sparkles like precious stones and, as her Godmother Melania Trump said, “At 93,502 gross tons, she is by far the largest, most luxurious Jewel I have ever seen and is absolutely stunning.” Even so, the intimate size and nature of many public rooms belie her size. It is easy to forget there are over 2,375 other guests on board! I must say Mrs. Trump has excellent taste in glittering objects and Norwegian Jewel is no exception.
The Crystal Atrium is the gentle hub of activity. Surrounded by flowing drapery, guests enjoy specialty coffee at the Java Café, shop in the boutiques, and discuss tour options with the Shore Excursion staff while background music fills the air. A second, and smaller atrium is surrounded by Chin Chin on deck seven, while a deck below, Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar, Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar, and Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar comprise "Bar Central'—a new concept introduced by NCL. The three distinctive areas flow nicely one into the next and are anchored by generous seating, a piano-bar atmosphere, and the adjacent Corona Cigar Club (for cigar aficionados). Bar Central also serves as a pre-dinner gathering spot for the nearby Azura Restaurant and Le Bistro French Restaurant.
Other places to freestyle the nights away should appeal to a wide array of tastes... the rollicking FYZZ Lounge & Bar (a high-powered disco with three private karaoke rooms), the stylish Star Bar (our choice for a nightcap accompanied by piano melodies), and the Spinnaker Lounge for cabaret entertainment and dancing. Tempting "lady luck" in the Jewel Club Casino is another popular pastime.
Designed in the manner of a European opera house with sparkling crystal chandeliers, and plush seat coverings, the Stardust Theater is one of the most beautiful at sea. Theater style seating offers sightlines that are good throughout, with the exception of the last row of the top balcony. It's a grand setting for the lavish production shows presented on its proscenium stage.
Finally, there are meeting rooms, a nicely appointed library, card room, reading room, small chapel, and a Bridge Viewing Room—a treat for children and adults alike who relish the opportunity to check out the navigational bridge and "back seat drive" the ship.
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Bora Bora Spa
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For Active Lifestyles
Wow! It isn't often that I'm as impressed as much as I was by the Bora Bora Health Spa & Salon. Styled in a South Pacific motif and staffed by the acclaimed Mandara Spa, it boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences, including couples treatment rooms and a rasul room-for-two, but that's the ordinary part. What's extraordinary are the facilities. Separate areas for men and women feature a sauna (with an ocean view!), steam room, whirlpool, Japanese cold plunge bath, and a vichy shower. For sheer serenity, there is a unisex relaxation area with huge hydrotherapy pool and six heated thermal chaises. And... access to this blissful personal pampering is a bargain at $15 per person, per day, or $60 per person for the entire cruise.
Norwegian Jewel's 24-hour fitness center boasts state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of classes taught by certified instructors. If they slow down long enough, joggers are sure to admire the unique wall murals while doing their laps on the wide Promenade Deck. For sun worshipers, the Sapphire Pool has ample deck chairs. Even the sports court has plenty of seating for an audience.
The Norwegian Jewel Experience
From Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar sophistication to the rattan casual of the Sky High Bar, Norwegian Jewel's Freestyle Cruising should satisfy the tastes of even the most discriminating passenger. Whether you choose to do it all, or nothing at all, there's a little something to tempt everyone. When you're not ashore exploring the ports of call, if scheduled activities don't appeal to you, there's always your private balcony, a quiet corner to read a book from the library, or a deck chair from which to contemplate the sea.
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| Sapphire Pool |
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Kiddy Pool
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Parents can relax while their children are entertained with fun and educational activities in the "Kid's Crew" Program at the Splashdown Kids Club. Their own special menus are designed to suit even the finickiest junior passengers. Parents can join in the fun at the whirlpool alongside the kiddy pool where tykes whiz down their own waterslide.
Teens can hang out at Club Underground, the teen disco, or in a video arcade with 35 of the latest machines.
Families have the flexibility to dine together at their own table or mom and dad can indulge in a "Night Out" while their youngsters are having a pillow fight at a pajama party. Teenagers, always difficult to please, can opt to participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options or simply "do their own thing" with new-found pals.
What You WILL Find:
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Abundant choices
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Tasty meals, creatively presented
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Service by an attentive staff
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Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages
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Freestyle Cruising lifestyle & enrichment programs, including personal finance seminars, cooking, mountain biking and computer classes, and genealogy discussions
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Well stocked duty free shops in a 7,000 square foot "galleria" setting
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A chapel for weddings, marriage renewal of vows ceremonies, and religious celebrations
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Numerous connecting staterooms and suites for families
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Huge, well-equipped areas for children and teens, including Splashdown Kid's Club and their own Sapphire Kid's Pool with water slide and adjacent whirlpool where parents can join the fun
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An adult-free Underground Teen's Club
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Duvets on supremely comfortable beds
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Children under two sail at no charge with two or more paying guests
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Concierge and butler service for suite guests
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The very best entertainment afloat, presented by the Jean Ann Ryan Company and guest performers
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Theme evenings
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A self-service laundry
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Service charges are automatically added to all accounts
What You WON'T Find:
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Structured dress codes
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Rigid dining schedules
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Boredom
Fast Stats
A Carefree Style Permeates Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel sails weekly summer Caribbean cruises from Miami in spring and winter months and offers European itineraries during summer seasons.
