Cruiseable Plan my cruise

Ship comparison

Norwegian Gem vs Norwegian Jewel

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2007. Norwegian Jewel is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,376 passengers, in service since 2005.

Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Jewel for family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose Norwegian Jewel if you want more adventure and nature, a more active cruise or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Gem for adventure & nature (8.0 vs 3.0), active (7.0 vs 4.0) and cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian GemNorwegian Jewel
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 (better) 2005
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2017 2018 (better)
Gross tonnage 93,530 93,502
Passengers 2,394 2,376
Crew 1,101 1,100
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.2 2.2
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 39.1 39.4 (better)
Decks 15 15
Length 965 ft 965 ft
Beam 106 ft 105 ft
Speed 26 mph 29 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 40 42
Upcoming sailings 82 53
Cruise lengths 4 to 19 nights 4 to 17 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $309 $299 (better)

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 1 of the ten, Norwegian Jewel on 7, with 2 level.

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

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

40 cruises on sale, from $309.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Jewel

Since its launch, Norwegian Jewel — namesake of Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel Class cruise ships — has proved to be a gem of a vessel. In addition to offering some of the largest suites at sea, there are staterooms to accommodate every style.

Highlights

  • Start crooning, scatting and belting out those favorite tunes in three private karaoke rooms in the FYZZ Carbaret Lounge & Bar.
  • Whatever your passion or poison enjoy a full sake bar, a whiskey bar or champagne bar and toast to good times!
  • You must check out Club Underground with a NYC subway theme with full 1980's style graffiti... it's for teens but you may enjoy the scene!
  • 24/7 made to order hot delivered pizza!

Sailing now

42 cruises on sale, from $299.

Questions

Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jewel?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jewel?

Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 93,502 gross tons for Norwegian Jewel. Norwegian Gem carries 2,394 passengers and Norwegian Jewel carries 2,376.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Jewel?

Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2005 for Norwegian Jewel.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Jewel, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 39.1 on Norwegian Gem. 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 Jewel.

Still deciding?

Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing

Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel or a ship that suits you better.

Plan my cruise

Compare different ships