Norwegian Jade and Gem Cruise Ships Get New Spas and Sun Decks
Norwegian Cruise Line has completed upgrades on Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, adding adults-only outdoor areas and redesigned spa facilities. Both ships now have Vibe Beach Club on deck 14, while their Mandara Spa thermal suites have been expanded with new facilities and more lounges. Norwegian Jade has also gained a licensed Starbucks store, bringing several features already available elsewhere in the NCL fleet.
Where the Upgraded Ships Are Sailing
- Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ships: Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem
- Status: Upgrades completed and now available
- Norwegian Jade, summer 2026: Seven-day Alaska sailings departing Vancouver and Whittier
- Norwegian Gem, summer 2026: Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages departing Rome and Venice (Ravenna)
- Late 2026: Norwegian Jade returns to Asia; Norwegian Gem sails from Tampa to the Caribbean and Bahamas
The thermal suites now contain three times as many heated tile loungers, along with updated steam rooms, saunas and reception areas. New shared additions include a charcoal sauna, ice room, salt room, IV lounge and Four-Senses loungers. Norwegian Jade also has experiential showers and a plunge pool, while Norwegian Gem offers an upgraded hot tub and thalassotherapy pool with massage jets and bubble loungers.
The upgraded ships are already serving contrasting itineraries. Norwegian Jade’s Alaska programme reaches the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and glacier regions. Norwegian Gem visits Mediterranean cities and islands, including Cannes, Livorno for Florence and Pisa, Split, Dubrovnik and ports in Greece. Later in 2026, Jade moves to Asia, while Gem begins Caribbean and Bahamas sailings departing Tampa.
The changes matter most during sea days, when spa capacity and quiet outdoor seating can shape the onboard experience. The refits are not identical, so travellers should compare each ship before booking, especially if a plunge pool, thalassotherapy area or Starbucks is important. The itinerary still decides where the holiday goes, but these additions may decide which vessel feels better between port calls.