Last week, I had the privilege of sailing on the Norwegian Jade, my second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel Class. Built in 2006, the Jade has been sailing for nearly two decades, but it’s far from obsolete.
It’s always interesting to experience how older ships compare to the newer, flashier models in Norwegian’s fleet. While there’s a lot to love about the Norwegian Jade, there are also a few areas where the ship’s age is starting to show.
Here’s a breakdown of what I loved—and what I didn’t—about this cruise experience.
#1 - Exceptional Entertainment and Shows
One of the highlights of the Norwegian Jade is its top-notch entertainment. Despite being an older ship with fewer bells and whistles compared to the newer vessels in the fleet, Norwegian Jade delivers high-quality shows that rival anything I’ve seen on larger, more modern ships. I was impressed with the variety and professionalism of the performances. During our seven-night cruise, we made a point to attend every show in the main theater, and I’m glad we did. Each one was unique, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining.
The standout show for me was Elements, a Norwegian Cruise Line signature production. This visually stunning performance blends acrobatics, magic, and dance, creating a captivating display that had the entire audience mesmerized. It’s the kind of show that feels bigger than the ship itself, with a level of talent and spectacle you’d expect from a much larger production.
The other shows were equally impressive in their own ways. Blazing Boots is a country music revue featuring great vocals, high-energy dancing, and a fun, lighthearted atmosphere. While country music isn’t usually my go-to genre, I found myself tapping along to the beat and enjoying the infectious energy of the performers. Dala Illusions is a magic show that blends comedy and illusions, and The Midnight Sky, performed by Duo Forte, was a breathtaking acrobatic act that left the audience gasping at the performers’ strength and grace.
Live music was also a big part of the Norwegian Jade experience. From the solo guitarist in the atrium to the lively bands in the bars and lounges, there was always something going on.
The music was varied, too—everything from jazz and blues to rock and pop was played, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was clear that Norwegian had put a lot of thought into creating a robust entertainment schedule, and it paid off. We never found ourselves bored or at a loss for things to do in the evenings.
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#2 - Aging Staterooms
While Norwegian Jade has been well-maintained, the age of the ship is most noticeable in the staterooms. Having sailed on the Norwegian Jewel—a sister ship that has undergone more recent refurbishments—just a few months ago, the contrast was immediately apparent. Norwegian Jade’s staterooms, though comfortable, are showing their age. The décor is a bit dated, and some areas of the room, like the furniture and carpeting, could use an update.
That being said, our stateroom was still perfectly functional and comfortable. We had a standard inside stateroom, which offered a decent amount of space for two people, along with plenty of storage. The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, and I particularly appreciated the larger-than-average shower, which had a glass door instead of a clingy shower curtain—a small detail that made a big difference in comfort.
The bed was also very comfortable, and we had no trouble sleeping, even on nights when the seas were a bit rough. Additionally, the beds in the interior staterooms can be configured in two different ways, as either a single queen-sized bed or split into two twin-sized beds.
The room’s age didn’t detract from the overall experience, but it did leave me hoping that Norwegian will schedule a refurbishment for the Norwegian Jade in the near future. With some fresh carpeting, updated furniture, and perhaps a more modern color scheme, the staterooms could easily match the newer ships in the fleet.
Read: Is Norwegian Cruise Line good? 10 surprising reasons NCL is worth it
#3 - The Great Outdoors
One of my favorite features of the Norwegian Jade—and something that sets it apart from newer ships—is the Great Outdoors dining area.
Located at the aft of the ship, this outdoor seating area is part of the buffet and offers stunning views of the ocean. Whether sailing away from a port or just enjoying a sea day, there’s something magical about sitting outside, enjoying a meal with the breeze in your hair and the waves in the background.
I especially loved having breakfast here. There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a hot cup of coffee, watching the ship pull into a new destination. The Great Outdoors was also a great spot for a late afternoon snack after a day ashore. The buffet staff even set out trays of freshly baked cookies in different flavors every day, which became a fun treat to look forward to.
This specific outdoor dining space is something that newer Norwegian ships, like the Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore, don’t offer in the same way.
On those ships, the focus is more on indoor dining and indoor spaces, which is great for colder-weather cruises but can feel a bit limiting in warmer climates. On Norwegian Jade, the Great Outdoors gives you that classic cruise experience of dining alfresco while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
#4 - Oversized Photography Shops
While Norwegian Jade does a lot of things right, one area where I felt the ship could improve is the amount of space dedicated to the photography shops. Understandably, professional cruise photos are a popular souvenir for many passengers, but the amount of real estate these shops occupy feels excessive, especially on a ship that doesn’t have as much space to spare as newer vessels.
The photo shop near the duty-free stores on Deck 7 is large, and there’s another photography section near the Library and Game Room on Deck 12. These areas take up a significant portion of prime indoor space that could potentially be used for something more beneficial to passengers—perhaps more seating, an additional bar, or even another specialty dining venue.
With cruise lines increasingly moving toward digital photo galleries and self-service kiosks, it seems like Norwegian could streamline the photo process, making it more convenient for guests and freeing up valuable space onboard.
On newer ships, I’ve seen more compact and efficient photo setups, which seem to work just as well—if not better—than the traditional photo galleries found on older ships.
Read: 16 hidden cruise ship extra charges you should know about
#5 - Impeccably Maintained Ship
Despite its age, Norwegian Jade is incredibly well-maintained. Norwegian Cruise Line has clearly invested in keeping the ship in tip-top shape, and it shows.
Every day, we saw crew members painting, polishing, and cleaning, ensuring the ship looked as fresh as possible. I was impressed by the attention to detail—whether it was the sparkling-clean windows or the well-kept pool deck, the ship’s cleanliness and upkeep were top-notch.
It’s a testament to Norwegian’s commitment to maintaining its fleet, even as newer ships are introduced. While Norwegian Jade may not have all the modern features of Norwegian Encore or Norwegian Viva, it’s clear that Norwegian takes pride in keeping even its older ships in excellent condition. This made for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise, with no signs of neglect or wear and tear.
#6 - Limited Buffet Variety
While the food in the Garden Café buffet was generally good, the variety left something to be desired, especially when compared to the larger, newer ships in the fleet.
The buffet on Norwegian Jade is smaller, with many of the food stations repeating the same items, which made the selection feel repetitive by the end of the week. That being said, the quality of the food was still solid.
There were always plenty of options, from freshly made omelets at breakfast to pasta stations at lunch and dinner. The dessert selection was also decent, with a rotating selection of cakes, cookies, and soft-serve ice cream. It’s just that the variety didn’t quite live up to what I’ve come to expect from Norwegian’s larger ships, where the buffets seem to offer a wider range of international cuisines and more unique options.
#7 - Plethora of Complimentary Dining
One of the perks of sailing on the Norwegian Jade is the number of complimentary dining options available. In addition to the Garden Café buffet, there are two main dining rooms—Alizar and The Grand Pacific—along with O’Sheehan’s Irish Pub and Jasmine Asian Restaurant.
O’Sheehan’s was a particular favorite, offering classic pub fare in a casual setting. It’s open 24 hours, which makes it a great option for a late-night snack or a leisurely lunch. The Reuben Sandwich was one of my go-to orders, and it never disappointed me.
Jasmine Asian Restaurant was another highlight. This complimentary dining venue serves a mix of Chinese and Japanese dishes, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots for dinner. The Honey and Red Bean Triangles with Green Tea Ice Cream were a unique and delicious dessert that I ordered more than once. I appreciated that Norwegian offers a variety of complimentary dining options that cater to different tastes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone without having to pay extra.
#8 - Reservations for Complimentary And Specialty Dining
While Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept is one of the things I love most about the line, it did present some challenges on this cruise. With the ship sailing at nearly full capacity, it was sometimes difficult to get a table at popular complimentary dining venues, particularly the Jasmine Asian Restaurant. One evening, we arrived right when the restaurant opened at 5:30pm, only to be told that the next available table wouldn’t be until 9:30 pm—a four-hour wait!
Thankfully, we were able to get reservations for another night, but it was a good reminder that even with Freestyle Cruising, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially if you’re sailing on a full cruise. This applies not just to specialty dining but also to the more popular complimentary venues like Jasmine. If you don’t want to wait hours for a table, a little bit of planning can go a long way.
This also applies to specialty dining onboard. The specialty dining restaurants often fill up very quickly. For this reason, I highly recommend making reservations either in the NCL app or through Guest Services during your first day onboard Norwegian Jade.
#9 - Unique Itineraries
One of the reasons we chose the Norwegian Jade for this particular cruise was the itinerary. The ship’s late summer roundtrip cruise from Boston to Atlantic Canada was a perfect fit for us, offering a mix of interesting ports and beautiful scenery. Having only explored the western side of Canada before, I was excited to visit the East Coast and see what it had to offer.
The ports of call—Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Corner Brook, Newfoundland—were all new to me, and each one had its own unique charm.
Halifax was a bustling city with a rich maritime history, while Sydney offered a more laid-back, small-town vibe. Charlottetown was picturesque and quaint, and Corner Brook’s rugged landscapes and natural beauty were a highlight of the trip.
The itinerary struck a nice balance between port days and sea days, giving us plenty of time to relax onboard while also providing opportunities to explore some beautiful destinations. If you’re looking for an itinerary that’s a bit off the beaten path, I’d highly recommend this cruise.
#10 - Packed Theater Shows
While the entertainment on Norwegian Jade was excellent, the theater shows were often packed, making it challenging to find good seats unless you arrived early.
On busier nights, especially for the more popular shows like Elements and The Midnight Sky, you needed to get to the theater at least 20 minutes before showtime to secure a decent seat. If you arrived any later, you risked ending up in the back or off to the side, where the view wasn’t as good.
Norwegian does offer two showtimes each night, which helps spread out the crowd a bit, but even the second show often filled up quickly. It’s a minor inconvenience, but if you want to ensure a good seat, it’s worth showing up early.
#11 - Friendly and Professional Crew
The crew on Norwegian Jade was fantastic. Every crew member we interacted with was friendly, professional, and went out of their way to make our experience enjoyable.
From the waitstaff in the dining rooms to our cabin steward, everyone we encountered was welcoming and eager to help. It’s clear that Norwegian takes pride in its crew, and their dedication to providing excellent service was evident throughout the cruise.
One of the highlights was the crew appreciation show on the last night. This fun and lighthearted performance is a great way for the crew to connect with passengers, and it’s always a treat to see the people who work behind the scenes get a chance to shine.
#12 - A Compact but Relaxing Thermal Spa
I decided to treat myself to a Thermal Suite pass at the Mandara Spa during my cruise, and while the spa isn’t as large or luxurious as those on newer ships, it ended up being a pleasant surprise. The thermal suite features heated loungers, a steam room, a sauna, a small hydrotherapy pool, and a cold plunge pool.
While it doesn’t have the same expansive layout as the newer ships, it was never overly crowded, especially in the ladies-only area, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect retreat on sea days.
One nice touch was the ladies-only area, which provided an extra layer of privacy and relaxation. I found myself spending a lot of time in the thermal suite, enjoying the quiet and peaceful environment. It may not be the most lavish spa at sea, but it’s a worthwhile indulgence if you’re looking for some relaxation.
#13 - Outstanding Specialty Dining
We dined at two specialty restaurants on this cruise—Moderno Churrascaria and Cagney’s Steakhouse—and both were exceptional. Moderno is a Brazilian steakhouse where the meats are served table-side, and we enjoyed a delicious variety of cuts, from filet mignon to lamb. The salad bar at Moderno is also impressive, with a wide array of fresh options to complement the meal.
Cagney’s Steakhouse is a Norwegian Cruise Line staple, and it did not disappoint. The steaks were cooked to perfection, and the sides, like the truffle fries and mashed potatoes, were delicious. If you’re looking for a special night out, I’d highly recommend both of these venues.
One great perk of being part of Norwegian’s Platinum loyalty rewards program is that we received two free specialty dinners for two guests on our seven-night cruise. This was a fantastic value, and it made our dining experiences at Moderno and Cagney’s even more enjoyable.
#14 - Lengthy Disembarkation Lines
While our overall experience on Norwegian Jade was excellent, the disembarkation process at Boston Cruise Port was a bit slow and cumbersome.
Unlike some ports where passengers can simply walk off the ship, Boston requires a face-to-face passport check with port authorities, which led to long lines and a bit of frustration.
We woke up early to disembark with the first group of passengers, but even then, the process took nearly an hour. It wasn’t the smoothest disembarkation I’ve experienced, and it’s something to be aware of if you’re sailing out of Boston. Be prepared for potential delays and plan accordingly, especially if you have an early flight or other travel arrangements.
#15 - Spacious Pool Deck
One thing I loved about Norwegian Jade was its spacious pool deck.
While many newer ships have more elaborate pool areas with water slides and themed attractions, Norwegian Jade offers a more traditional layout with two pools and four hot tubs. The deck never felt overly crowded, and there were plenty of lounge chairs available, even on sea days.
We spent several afternoons by the pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean views. It’s a simple setup, but it’s effective, and it was one of the more relaxing aspects of the cruise. If you’re looking for a classic pool experience without the bells and whistles, Norwegian Jade delivers.
Though the Norwegian Jade may be approaching 20 years old, it still has plenty to offer
From unique itineraries to exceptional entertainment and a welcoming crew, the ship provided a fantastic 7-night sailing. While the ship shows its age in places, Norwegian’s commitment to maintaining its vessels shines through.
If you’re seeking a more intimate cruise experience on a ship with charm and character, the Norwegian Jade won’t disappoint. It's a great option for cruisers looking for a solid experience on a well-loved ship
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
