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.

Starting today, as part of the line’s “Norwegians Take it to the Next Level” sales event, 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 Jewel will 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.

On Norwegian Jewel, families will delight in the exclusive 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.

Norwegian also recently announced the introduction of 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.

Both Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jewel offer guests the opportunity to sail Alaska in style in The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive and luxurious accommodations which include the largest suites at sea – the 5,000 square foot, three-bedroom Garden Villas. Guests can dine around the world with 14 dining options including French, Asian, American, and the line’s newest restaurant, Moderno Churasscaria, a Brazilian steakhouse. Families will also enjoy kid-friendly activities such as bowling and rock climbing on Norwegian Pearl.

For a day of family fun in Alaska, guests can board a catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing on the Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest shore excursion. The captain guides the boat through Auke Bay, giving guests the chance to see whales, sea lions, porpoises and seals. Another family-friendly excursion is a trip to Denver Glacier to meet professional mushers and their dogs. Children and adults alike will enjoy the thrilling helicopter ride over the glaciers to the dog camp. Once at the dog camp, guests will have the opportunity to drive the sled or just sit back and relax while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. For those who want to experience Alaska on rail, as well as at sea, the White Pass Scenic Railway is the perfect excursion. Guests will board the old-fashioned parlor car for a 40-mile round trip and travel through a panorama of wilderness.