“After more than three years, we’re counting down to our return to Asia cruising once again!” said Ben Angell, NCL VP and Managing Director, APAC. “We know our guests can’t wait to explore closer to home, and  as a smaller ship, Norwegian Jewel is the perfect size to explore Asia’s lesser-known ports while offering all the features we know local cruisers love, from showstopping musical acts and entertainment to a myriad of dining options that would delight any palette.”

Norwegian Jewel’s extensive six-month Asia season will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia. With cruises ranging in length from 10-14 days, the season features several brand firsts: NCL’s first departures from Manila, Philippines and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, as well as six new ports of call:

• Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines
• Bintan Island, Indonesia
• Hualien, Taiwan

A focus on destination immersion means guests will enjoy country-intensive cruises that uncover the wonders of trending destinations like Korea, Indonesia and Japan; open-jaw itineraries that allow cruisers to book-end their trip with land tours; together with fewer sea days, longer stays in port and more overnights. Boasting an average of less than two sea days per sailing, up to 13.5 hours in destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Osaka and Bali (Benoa) – Norwegian Jewel provides the ultimate way to explore diverse cultures closer to home.

About Norwegian Jewel

With a capacity for 2,376 guests, Norwegian Jewel boasts 13 bars and 15 dining options, including three Asian restaurants: Sushi, Teppanyaki and Chin Chin, where friendly wait staff serve up freshly prepared noodles and wok-fried dishes. Guests can get active on the sports court for a basketball game or indulge in wellness at Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, complete with Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room and sauna. Showstopping entertainment includes Rock You Tonight, a high-energy production showcasing music from rock icons Queen, Journey and The Who.

The newly revitalised ship boasts completely refreshed accommodations, including staterooms, suites and bathrooms throughout, for the ultimate home away from home. And those with a taste for the finer things in life will fall in love with The Haven by Norwegian®. Located at the top of the ship, The Haven houses NCL’s most elevated suites and villas accommodating up to eight people, complete with a concierge and 24-hour butler service, a private sundeck and a pool exclusively for guests of The Haven.

For a limited time, NCL is offering incredible savings of up to 35% across the season.

Asia season highlights:

• An 11-day Asia: Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam cruise from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia to Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand via nine destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Sihanoukville in Cambodia and Ko Samui in Thailand. Departing 11 December 2023, fares start from USD$1,366*.

• An 11-day Asia: Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya & Himeji cruise from Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan to Tokyo, Japan, with no sea days. 11 ports of call include Okinawa, Mt Fuji (Shimizu) and an overnight stay in Kyoto (Osaka). Departing 29 February 2024, fares start from USD$1,849.

• An 11-day Asia: Thailand, Vietnam & Malaysia cruise from Singapore to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) via Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia as well as Phuket and Ko Samui in Thailand. Departing 5 January 2024, fares start from USD$1,689.

View Norwegian Jewel’s Asia itineraries here.

For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com.

(Source: NCL)

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The Tony Award®-nominated musical narrates the story of Donna Summer’s prolific rise to fame, showing the Queen of Disco at three of the most pivotal stages of her career: Diva Donna, Disco Donna and Duckling Donna. The Brand has announced the cast who will take on the mantle of Donna Summer through her most memorable moments in life:

• Beloved “American Idol” season two finalist, Kimberly Locke, takes on her first theatre project at sea and will star in the breakout role of Diva Donna, playing Summer as she reaches the height of her career. Fans will be able to see the same charisma that got Locke to the final three contestants on her season of “American Idol” in this role. Locke is also well known for her work on television and Broadway, where she most recently performed in Kristin Chenoweth’s one-woman show, “For The Girls.”

• Taking on the role of Disco Donna is Valerie Curlingford, an extraordinary talent from the Netherlands. Curlingford will play Summer in her late teens and early twenties as she first finds success in the iconic 1970s disco era.

• Duckling Donna will show Summer as she grows up in Boston in the 1960s. The role will be played by D’Nasya Jordan, who most recently starred as Little Inez in “Hairspray.”

“It is an incredible honour to play Donna Summer along with a very talented cast in this highly-rated musical,” said Locke. “Donna Summer’s inspirational story and pioneering talent led the way for many of today’s brightest vocalists. She has left an immeasurable impact on music and culture, and I am excited to bring her story to guests worldwide aboard the beautiful Norwegian Prima.”

The show-stopping production will feature more than 20 of Summer’s mega-hits, including “Bad Girls,” “Last Dance,” and “Hot Stuff.” It will also give viewers a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind some of Summer’s most memorable songs. The 85-minute musical will be a first at sea, where the Prima Theatre itself transforms into a full disco, allowing guests to become part of the show and live out their on-stage dreams as they dance to Summer’s greatest melodies.

“The legendary Donna Summer is an inspiration to many, and we cast performers who would honour her and match the same level of star power and talent,” said Richard Ambrose, senior vice president of Entertainment and Cruise Programs for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We continue to bring Broadway-level entertainment and world-class talent to our fleet, and we are excited for guests to be able to watch a musical they actually get to be part of. The new Prima Theater allows for a truly exciting show, and we know guests will find themselves enthralled with Donna Summer’s moving life story and timeless music.”

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its unwavering commitment to bringing Broadway-caliber entertainment to the high seas, having previously debuted “Kinky Boots,” “Six,” “Jersey Boys,” “Footloose”, and more across its current 17-ship fleet, and this latest addition to the Company’s lineup is another first for the cruise industry.

“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” is just one of the captivating shows available aboard Norwegian Prima. Also sharing a residency at the Prima Theater will be “Noise Boys!” an original, award-winning beatboxing experience produced by Nic Doodson, creator of “Choir of Man,” NCL’s best-rated entertainment show currently residing on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape.

As part of the additional entertainment offerings on Norwegian Prima, the Brand will also debut live game show experiences that allow the audience to be part of the show and have an opportunity to win incredible grand prizes. These immersive productions take the Prima Theatre and Nightclub and transform it into a larger-than-life production set where guests can be participants in some of the world’s most iconic game shows, including “The Price is Right LIVE,” “Supermarket Sweep LIVE”, and “Press Your Luck LIVE.” The ship also features “Sensoria” — a Vegas-style nightclub party presenting a journey through Coachella, Woodstock and Burning Man, all in one. Plus, guests will be able to experience the first “Improv @ Sea” Comedy Club, the guest-popular “Syd Norman’s Pour House”, and so much more.

For more information about NCL’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.

Follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

(Your Stories: NCL)

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