After almost four years, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – the innovator in global cruise travel – will make its long-awaited return to Asian waters with the much-loved Norwegian Jewel. Debuting in Tokyo in October 2023, followed by Singapore in November 2023 and featuring 14 immersive and port-rich voyages to choose from, now is the time for agents to encourage clients to start considering their 2023 holiday of a lifetime.
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Uncover the Jewels of Asia with NCL
As travel rebounds, it’s clear that Asian travellers’ preferences are changing. A 2022 survey by Skyscanner revealed that travellers are increasing their travel budgets, and a further 48% of those bigger spenders are seeking extended getaways.
When Norwegian Jewel sets sail in Asian waters, she will offer longer, more immersive itineraries to suit these changes in travel preferences. Her extensive Asia deployment includes a diverse range of 14 sailings, embarking from destinations such as Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea and Singapore.
Ranging from 11 to 14-days in length, many of these brand-new itineraries feature very few or no sea days at all, meaning that travellers will have the time to truly immerse themselves in each destination’s diverse culture, vibrant food scene and local attractions.
Immersive Experience On-Shore
As a smaller ship with a capacity for 2,376 guests, Norwegian Jewel is specifically designed to access smaller ports, bringing travellers to places otherwise not accessible by larger ships and ensuring clients return home with memories to last a lifetime.
On-shore, guests can visit temples in Thailand, picturesque rice paddies in Vietnam or beautiful beaches in Bali, as well as enjoy nature’s wonders in four brand-new ports of call for NCL; Boracay, Puerto Princesa and Salomague in the Philippines and Hualien in Taiwan.
An extensive range of NCL shore excursions will introduce travellers to Asia’s wonders, including immersive experiences like ‘Aboriginal Homelands’ in Hualien, Taiwan, where guests interact with the Amis aboriginal people and learn about their culture, and have a chance to discover traditional tribal life in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia during the ‘Tribal Cultures’ shore excursion.
For those who wish to travel deeper, NCL’s new Go Local series is designed to offer an authentic insight into local life by opening homes, businesses and cultural centres. For example, ‘Taipei Through the Eyes of a Local’ allows travellers to join a local for a bicycle ride along the river, a meal in a lively cook shop and a chance to browse the local market for fresh produce.
A Whole New World of Entertainment
Back onboard Norwegian Jewel, travellers are not only treated to the comforts of their stunning stateroom, but they will also find themselves spoilt for choice with the variety of exciting activities, entertainment and dining offered.
The vessel has an impressive range of modern facilities and activities on offer, like a sports court for friendly games of basketball or tennis; Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite complete with Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room and sauna; as well as showstopping entertainment such as Rock You Tonight, a full-scale production featuring iconic tracks from Queen, Journey and The Who.
The ship is also home to 15 dining options, including fine French elegance at Le Bistro, mouth-watering steaks at NCL’s signature steakhouse, Cagney’s and entertaining Teppanyaki for sizzling Asian dishes cooked right at the table.
And with 15 bars and lounges, guests will love seeking out their favourite spot to enjoy a cocktail at sunset, then dance the night away at Bliss Ultra Lounge – one for the night owls.
Served by a ship crew of 1,069 staff, guests can leave their troubles on land and enjoy the amenities of a fuss-free voyage, visiting multiple destinations while unpacking just once and allowing someone else to take care of all the cooking and cleaning.
For more information about NCL’s award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 800 901 951 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.
