Norwegian Gem is a Jewel class cruise ship of Norwegian Cruise Line. She is the final cruise ship of the Jewel class and was built by the German shipyard, Meyer Werft.

History

The Norwegian Gem was the newest cruise ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet until the debut of Norwegian Epic June 2010. Construction began on 7 June 2006 at the Meyer Werft Shipyard of Papenburg, Germany. She was delivered to Norwegian on 1 October 2007. Norwegian promoted the launch of this ship via her own website, "Gem It Girl", which in addition to providing details about the ship, also prompted previous customers' of Norwegian to submit an entry to be chosen as her godmother.

On October 29, 2011, Norwegian Gem rescued five people from the 39-foot sailboat Sanctuary which had lost power and was floating in extreme weather conditions in the Atlantic.

Vessel class

Norwegian Gem is the fourth of Norwegian's Jewel-class. She was preceded by Norwegian Jewel in 2005, and both Norwegian Jade (originally Pride of Hawaii) and Norwegian Pearl in 2006. Each ship has different amenities, but has a similar exterior and interior design.

Norwegian Gem has a similar exterior appearance to Norwegian's Dawn-class ships; Norwegian Star, which entered service in 2001, and Norwegian Dawn, which entered service in 2002. The interior design and amenities, however, are significantly different and merit Norwegian Gem a Jewel-class designation.

Areas of operation

Norwegian Gem has undertaken regional cruises from ports in North America and Europe.