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Ship comparison

Norwegian Gem vs Norwegian Jade

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006. Norwegian Jade is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,402 passengers, in service since 2006.

Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a better-rated spa and gym, a lower starting fare or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Jade for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $339 (vs $769).

Choose Norwegian Jade if you want a more active cruise, more of a party or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Norwegian Gem for active (7.0 vs 4.0), party (8.0 vs 5.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Norwegian GemNorwegian Jade
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2006 2006
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2017 2017
Gross tonnage 93,530 93,558
Passengers 2,394 2,402
Crew 1,101 1,078
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.2 2.2
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 39.1 (better) 39.0
Decks 15 15
Length 965 ft 965 ft
Beam 32 ft 106 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 44 39
Upcoming sailings 89 79
Cruise lengths 4–19 nights 7–17 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $339 (better) $769

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Gem leads on 2 of the ten, Norwegian Jade on 6, with 2 level.

  • Active Norwegian Gem: 4.0 Norwegian Jade: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Gem: 3.0 Norwegian Jade: 5.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Gem: 4.0 Norwegian Jade: 4.0
  • Dining Norwegian Gem: 6.0 Norwegian Jade: 6.0
  • Entertainment Norwegian Gem: 6.6 Norwegian Jade: 8.0
  • Family friendly Norwegian Gem: 9.0 Norwegian Jade: 8.0
  • Party Norwegian Gem: 5.0 Norwegian Jade: 8.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Gem: 5.0 Norwegian Jade: 6.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Gem: 8.0 Norwegian Jade: 6.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Gem: 6.0 Norwegian Jade: 8.0

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Gem

While it's true that most cruise ships have a little something for everyone, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem takes that concept to a whole new level. Passengers can choose from activities such as rock climbing and shuffleboard or relax poolside or with a hot-stone massage.

Highlights

  • A variety of great dining options, including the hot air balloon-themed Bali Hai Bar & Grill
  • Comedy Variety in the Stardust Theater
  • Celebrity DJ spinning tunes at the Bliss Lounge

Sailing now

44 cruises on sale, from $339.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Jade

Sailing the Caribbean in winter and European waters in summer, the 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade from Norwegian Cruise Line offers a fun, laid-back way to explore the historic sites of Europe. Unlike many large ships, which repeat the same itinerary over and over, Jade features a varied selection of enriching cruises.

Highlights

  • Fitness Center features a full gym and aerobics/fitness classes daily.
  • If you love playing slots, you can gamble one cent up to $100.
  • Two huge 4,390-square-foot Garden Villas offer three separate bedrooms, private garden with hot tub and access to a private courtyard with pool.

Sailing now

39 cruises on sale, from $769.

Questions

Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jade?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jade?

Norwegian Jade is bigger at 93,558 gross tons, against 93,530 gross tons for Norwegian Gem. Norwegian Gem carries 2,394 passengers and Norwegian Jade carries 2,402.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jade?

Both made their maiden voyage in 2006.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 gross tons per passenger against 39.0 on Norwegian Jade. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

They are level, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers.

Which is better for families?

Norwegian Gem scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Norwegian Jade.

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