Norwegian Jewel makes inaugural visit
Ocho Rios, November 15, 2005
This Thursday, Ocho Rios will roll out its biggest red carpet yet, when Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Jewel makes its inaugural visit to the resort town. With a US$400 million price tag, the 93,502-ton Norwegian Jewel is the largest Panamax cruise ship ever built. Ships classified as Panamax are of the maximum dimensions that will fit through the locks of the Panama Canal.
Touted as the newest standard for cruising, the Norwegian Jewel boasts a luxurious suite complex along with 10 restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, three swimming pools and a state-of-the-art spa. The ship features 10 Courtyard Villas—which along with the ship's two Garden Villas—are described as the most innovative suite complex at sea. The Norwegian Jewel is the first ship in the industry to offer this exclusive class of accommodation.
"Obviously the grandeur of the Norwegian Jewel , makes this a very important call for Ocho Rios and for Jamaica," said William Tatham, Vice President for Cruise and Marina Operations at the Port Authority of Jamaica. "As we refine our responsiveness to the transformation of the cruise industry it is necessary that we are able to seamlessly host ships the size of the Norwegian Jewel. Furthermore, the range of activities available to cruise passengers in Ocho Rios, makes the town and its environs a great fit for the ship's itinerary."
With a guest capacity is 2,376 and crew capacity of 1,154, the Norwegian Jewel was commissioned into service this past summer.
The ship visits Ocho Rios as part of a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise, which starts and ends in Miami, Florida and includes stops in Honduras, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. This itinerary is scheduled to be in place on a fortnight cycle through to April, 2006.
