The year 2005 will be marked in the history of Norwegian Cruise Lines as a year with no less then two new ship introductions. Earlier this year Pride of America left Bremerhaven, Germany for a long positioning voyage to Honolulu, her year-round home. Being built specifically for the Hawaiian inter-island service, American-flagged and American-staffed Pride of America is the first newly built vessel to enter service from Honolulu in decades. But only weeks after the introduction of Pride of America, NCL officials had to rush back to Germany to take delivery of the 93,502 ton Norwegian Jewel, built by well-respected Meyer Werft in Papenburg.

With a gross tonnage of 93,502, Norwegian Jewel is the largest cruise ship ever built capable of transiting the Panama Canal. She is also very fast, reaching a maximum speed of 25,6 knots during her sea trials. On August 4th, 2005, one day early, the shipyard officially delivered Norwegian Jewel to Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship was put to use right away and welcomed her first paying passengers the next day as she sailed from Eemshaven, Netherlands to Dover and Amsterdam, where Norwegian Jewel was welcomed as the largest cruise ship to ever call at the port..  

Photographing every public room on board during the short cruise from Eemshaven was special Ship Parade reporter Kees van Garderen. And defying fierce rain showers along the North Sea Canal on August 7th, Ilona Lafleur captured the exterior of the ship as she majestically made her way from Amsterdam to the sea. Thanks to these two roving reporters Ship Parade is proud to present an exclusive look at NCL's new bold & beautiful Norwegian Jewel.