The Norwegian Jade, built in 2006, is among Norwegian Cruise Line’s older vessels. With nearly two decades under its belt, the ship recently underwent a refurbishment in 2022, modernizing much of the vessel for future sailings. But what about the staterooms? How do they measure up after all these years?
I embarked on a 7-night voyage aboard Norwegian Jade and stayed in the most affordable option onboard—a standard inside stateroom. Here's an in-depth look at the experience and what you can expect from the cheapest cabin on one of Norwegian’s veteran ships.
The Bedroom Experience
For cruisers traveling on a budget, inside staterooms or interior cabins are often the go-to choice. These rooms tend to be the most economical option onboard, even though they are on the smaller side.
Despite their size, I personally find them to be quite cozy, in a good way. There’s a certain charm in the simplicity—minimal distractions, cozy lighting, and a sense of quietness that bigger, more luxurious cabins sometimes lack.
One unique aspect of cruising with Norwegian is that if two guests sharing a room have different last names, the beds are automatically separated into two smaller ones upon embarkation. This worked perfectly for my friend Allie and me during our stay!
However, if you're traveling with a partner, you can always request a queen-sized configuration, ensuring flexibility based on your travel companion.
Each bed is flanked by a small bedside table, and there's a USB outlet along with a small reading light above. However, the Jade’s age does show in some aspects—like the fact that not all the outlets in our room worked perfectly. Even so, the beds themselves were incredibly comfortable, ensuring we slept well throughout the cruise.
There’s nothing quite like sinking into a cozy bed after a long day of shore excursions or enjoying the ship’s endless activities.
Read: Norwegian Jade exposed
Storage and Amenities
(Many standard interior cabins also have the option for a bunk bed to accommodate a third passenger)
Beyond the sleeping area, the stateroom includes a television, a small shelf beneath it, and a modest desk area complete with additional outlets, a hairdryer, a large mirror, and a cushioned ottoman.
While the room might not be lavishly appointed, it’s well designed for functionality, ensuring guests can make the most of the limited space available.
Surprisingly, despite the room’s compact size, we found plenty of space to get ready each morning.
Whether it was for breakfast and a day exploring off the ship or preparing for a night out at dinner and the onboard shows, the stateroom was always easy to navigate. For couples or friends, this setup works perfectly, offering just enough space for both parties to comfortably get ready without feeling cramped.
The inside staterooms offer ample storage, with a large closet containing multiple hangers, a small safe for valuables and passports, shelves, and several pull-out drawers. For a week-long sailing, the space was more than sufficient for the two of us to stow away our belongings neatly.
This is ideal if you like to unpack right away—there’s something reassuring about having everything organized and put away, making the space feel more like your own personal retreat and home at sea.
If you're worried about bulky luggage taking up too much space, rest assured there's plenty of room under the bed to store large suitcases.
This feature is a real lifesaver, especially if you've packed heavily for a week-long cruise. Having that extra bit of floor space under the bed can make the room feel larger and more organized.
Our stateroom, in addition to being located on deck 4, was also located midship. This meant that we experienced very minimal rocking, and we were very close to where passengers embarked and disembarked during port visits. This made getting off the ship during port days very easy, and access to our room was quick once we were back onboard.
Plus, it was the lowest deck I've ever stayed on during a cruise. I found that being located deeper within the ship means you’re far removed from any external noise, such as pool deck activities, which some may find disruptive in other cabin categories on higher decks.
Additional amenities include a small refrigerator, a tray, and several stemless wine glasses. All of this makes the room feel both functional and inviting. Though small, these inside staterooms are surprisingly comfortable and a great option for budget-conscious cruisers who still want to enjoy the full cruise experience.
The Bathroom
The bathroom in our inside stateroom was a bit dated compared to the bathrooms on Norwegian’s newer ships, like the Viva or Bliss. However, it was more than functional for our needs. While the décor may not be cutting-edge, it’s practical, clean, and easy to navigate.
One feature I appreciated was the generously sized shower with a sliding door. Older ships sometimes have smaller showers with clingy curtains, but Norwegian Jade offered a spacious shower experience by cruise ship standards.
A large shower can be a welcome surprise on an older ship like this, especially for those who appreciate a bit more elbow room.
The only downside? The toilet’s positioning was a bit awkward for taller guests like us, as it was placed unusually close to the wall.
Let’s just say we had to sit sideways when using the facilities. This quirky aspect of the bathroom wasn’t a major issue, but it’s worth noting for taller passengers. Still, the bathroom had decent counter space, several shelves, and included two drinking glasses.
The shelves were perfect for organizing toiletries, and the counter space made getting ready in the mornings or winding down in the evenings efficient and hassle-free. While it may not have been the most modern setup, it was practical and worked well during our trip.
Near the bathroom door, guests will also find a small thermostat to control the temperature of the stateroom, as well as several small hooks in order to hang coats and other clothing if necessary.
I was pleasantly surprised by how peaceful the stateroom remained throughout the cruise. Even during busy sea days or late-night events, the room felt like a tranquil escape. This added layer of calm made the stateroom feel more like a personal sanctuary, perfect for recharging between onboard and ashore adventures.
What’s Included in the Price?
So, what does a $2,000 inside stateroom on the Norwegian Jade actually cover?
Aside from the stateroom itself, passengers in the most affordable cabins are entitled to all the complimentary dining venues and entertainment options onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line does an excellent job of ensuring that no matter which cabin category you book, you still have access to a wide range of amenities.
This means you can indulge in meals at the ship’s main dining rooms, catch incredible theater performances, and take advantage of many onboard activities, all while sticking to a budget.
Whether you're watching a Broadway-style show or enjoying a casual dinner in one of the complimentary dining venues, there’s no shortage of entertainment on Norwegian ships.
For budget-conscious travelers, the fact that the inside stateroom fare grants access to nearly all of the ship’s key offerings makes it an appealing choice. Sure, you won’t have the luxury of a balcony or suite, but when you consider the value, it’s hard to beat the experience you get for the price.
Read: Cruise ship cabins: Everything you need to know
Additionally, our $2,000 cruise package included roundtrip airfare for two people from Florida to Boston—a fantastic perk that we booked directly through Norwegian Cruise Line. Securing a 7-night cruise and roundtrip airfare for two at this price point felt like a real steal, especially considering how much a similar trip would normally cost.
This package offered incredible value, combining both the cruise experience and travel to and from the port. I highly recommend keeping an eye on Norwegian’s website for deals like this. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often score exceptional offers that make a cruise vacation even more affordable.
Read: Everything we ate onboard the Norwegian Jade
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in the inside stateroom aboard the Norwegian Jade
Yes, the ship is nearly 20 years old, and some parts of the stateroom show their age. But overall, the most affordable stateroom option on this veteran ship remains a comfortable and functional home at sea for budget-conscious travelers.
Personally, I enjoy booking inside staterooms. Despite being economical, they offer many of the same amenities as the more luxurious cabins, making them a practical choice for exploring new destinations.
Plus, there's something about the cozy, quiet darkness of an inside cabin that guarantees a great night’s sleep. For me, it’s a small but enjoyable way to experience the excitement of cruise travel without breaking the bank.
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
