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Ship comparison

Norwegian Jewel vs Norwegian Star

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Jewel is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,376 passengers, in service since 2005. Norwegian Star is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,348 passengers, in service since 2001.

Choose Norwegian Jewel if you want more adventure and nature, a lower starting fare or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Star for adventure & nature (8.0 vs 4.0) and active (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $299 (vs $479).

Norwegian Star does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian JewelNorwegian Star
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2005 (better) 2001
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2018 2018
Gross tonnage 93,502 91,740
Passengers 2,376 2,348
Crew 1,100 1,065
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.2 2.2
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 39.4 (better) 39.1
Decks 15 15
Length 965 ft 935 ft
Beam 105 ft 105 ft
Speed 29 mph 28 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 (better) 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 42 57
Upcoming sailings 53 65
Cruise lengths 4 to 17 nights 6 to 16 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $299 (better) $479

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Jewel leads on 4 of the ten, Norwegian Star on 0, with 6 level.

  • Active Norwegian Jewel: 7.0 Norwegian Star: 6.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Jewel: 8.0 Norwegian Star: 4.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Jewel: 7.0 Norwegian Star: 7.0
  • Dining Norwegian Jewel: 6.0 Norwegian Star: 6.0
  • Entertainment Norwegian Jewel: 8.0 Norwegian Star: 8.0
  • Family friendly Norwegian Jewel: 8.0 Norwegian Star: 7.0
  • Party Norwegian Jewel: 8.0 Norwegian Star: 8.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Jewel: 7.0 Norwegian Star: 6.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Jewel: 8.0 Norwegian Star: 8.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Jewel: 7.0 Norwegian Star: 7.0

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Star

The ship where Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising mantra all began, Norwegian Star has been at sea since 2001, offering a large variety in dining options, lounges from the popular to the secluded, and a childcare program that is top notch.

Highlights

  • Bring your own chopsticks and enjoy Asian cuisine, from sushi to hibachi to Thai and Chinese
  • Extensive childcare services on board make cruiseing with the wee ones a cinch
  • Celebrate like the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald character at Gatsby's Champagne Bar

Sailing now

57 cruises on sale, from $479.

Questions

Norwegian Jewel or Norwegian Star?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Jewel or Norwegian Star?

Norwegian Jewel is bigger at 93,502 gross tons, against 91,740 gross tons for Norwegian Star. Norwegian Jewel carries 2,376 passengers and Norwegian Star carries 2,348.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Jewel or Norwegian Star?

Norwegian Jewel is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2005 against 2001 for Norwegian Star.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Jewel, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 39.1 on Norwegian Star. 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 Jewel scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Star.

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