Norwegian Jewel is set to make her inaugural debut in Alaska on May 19, 2012. This season marks the first time that Norwegian Cruise Line will have two Jewel-class ships sailing in Alaska. Norwegian Pearl, sister ship to Norwegian Jewel, will also be cruising in Alaska, giving guests the options to sail on one of two Jewel-class Freestyle Cruising ships enjoying all the amenities of these large, modern vessels while enjoying the beauty and wilderness of Alaska.

New Alaska reservations made through February 19, 2012, will receive a mini-suite for the price of a balcony; balcony staterooms for the price of an oceanview, and oceanview staterooms for the price of inside staterooms. Cruise deposits during this time for Alaska sailings are reduced by 50 percent. In addition, the line is offering same category upgrades and e-coupons worth up to $400 in on-board savings (for sailings taking place before December 31, 2012).

Norwegian Jewel’s weekly Sawyer Glacier cruises will depart on Saturdays from May 26, 2012 to September 8, 2012 with ports of call including: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Jewelwill also sail a seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 19, 2012 and a seven-day Sawyer Glacier from Seattle to Vancouver on September 15, 2012.

Aboard Norwegian Jewel, one of the most popular family activities is Nickelodeon programming. Activities include breakfast with the characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more. There are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Also offered in Alaska in 2012 is a new youth program that includes enhanced curriculum and creative themes, such as circus day, theater/technology/sports and port of call day. The new youth program will be offered on Norwegian Jewel for the Alaska season and on Norwegian Pearl beginning June 18, 2012.

The 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl will return to Seattle sailing weekly seven-day Glacier Bay cruises departing on Sundays from May 13, 2012 to September 9, 2012 with ports of call including: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Pearl will also sail a seven-day Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 6, 2012 and a Seattle to Vancouver cruise on September 16, 2012.

To take advantage of “Norwegian’s Take it to the Next Level” upgrade promotion in Alaska now through February 19, 2012, contact a travel professional. Additional information may be found at NCL’s website.

Source:  travel.usatoday.com