|
HISTORY
Norwegian Gem was the newest vessel in Norwegian Cruise Line's
fleet until the debut of Norwegian Epic in June 2010.
Construction began on 7 June 2006 at the Meyer Werft Shipyard of
Papenburg, Germany. She was delivered to NCL on 1 October 2007.
NCL promoted the launch of this ship via her own website, "Gem
It Girl", which in addition to providing details about the ship,
also prompted previous customers' of NCL to submit an entry to
be chosen as her godmother.
As with the rest of NCL's fleet, Norwegian Gem utilizes the
"Freestyle" cruising concept, which allows guest to dine in any
number of restaurants, in casual attire, at times of their own
choosing.
The Norwegian Gem also is one of the three cruises that has the
Nickelodeon program. The Norwegian Jewel and Epic also have the
same program.
Vessel class
Norwegian Gem is the fourth of NCL's Jewel-class. She was
preceded by Norwegian Jewel in 2005, and both Norwegian Jade
(originally Pride of Hawaii) and Norwegian Pearl in 2006. Each
ship has unique amenities, but has a similar exterior and
interior design.
Norwegian Gem has a similar exterior appearance to NCL's
Dawn-class ships; Norwegian Star, which entered service in 2001,
and Norwegian Dawn, which entered service in 2002. The interior
design and amenities, however, are significantly different and
merit Norwegian Gem a Jewel-class designation.
Current and future cruises
Norwegian Gem spent her initial season at her home port in
Manhattan, sailing a variety of cruises to the Bahamas, Florida,
and the Southern Caribbean. For Summer 2008 the ship was based
in Barcelona, Spain operating 7-night cruises to various
Mediterranean destinations. During winter 2009, the vessel was
doing a series of 7-day Bahamas/Florida cruises, and then
consecutive 1-night cruises. From April 2011 to October 2011,
the ship will begin sailing on Sundays on a 7-day cruise from
New York City to Bermuda service to replace the slightly smaller
Norwegian Dawn. The Norwegian Gem will do 9 Day Eastern
Caribbean cruise & a few 10 Day Canada/New England cruise to
Quebec in New York. Beginning in 2012, the Norwegian Star will
replace her Bermuda sailings. |
