Norwegian Cruise Line and Sydney Harbour have begun a very exclusive, passionate relationship, filled with romantic gestures, flowers and candlelit dinners.

Well not exactly, but Norwegian’s Jewel ship has arrived in Sydney Harbour for her inaugural Australia and New Zealand season.

The arrival marks the first time a Norwegian Cruise Line ship has chosen a local homeport for a full cruising season.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) recently announced that Norwegian Jewel will return to Australian waters in 2018/19 – fresh from a multi-million-dollar bow-to-stern refurbishment – for a series of homeported sailings, further demonstrating the cruise company’s long-term plans for the local region.

Norwegian Jewel’s arrival is set to be a game changer for the Australian cruising industry with her unique cruising concept, world-class dining options, award-winning entertainment, immersive destination experiences, diverse onboard activities and the widest range of accommodation options to suit every need, taste and budget.

“We are thrilled to welcome Norwegian Jewel to Sydney for her highly anticipated inaugural Australia and New Zealand season,” said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Norwegian Jewel’s arrival breaks the mould when it comes to freedom and flexibility, ushering in a new style of cruising with no set dining times, no pre-assigned seating and no dress codes, giving Australian travellers the unique opportunity to create bespoke cruise holiday experiences any way they want.”

“The way Australian cruisers and our trade partners have embraced Norwegian Jewel’s inaugural season has exceeded our expectations, with the current booking season already close to capacity before it has even started – testament to the strong support we’ve received from our travel partners.

“Norwegian Jewel’s 2018/19 season is now on sale, and early booking activity indicates it is set to be another ground-breaking one,” he added.

Norwegian Jewel is set to delight cruisers of all ages with accommodation for families, solo cruisers and those seeking the exclusivity of Norwegian Cruise Line’s private enclave – The Haven by Norwegian® featuring the most luxurious accommodation on board with a 24-hour butler, dedicated concierge service and a private sundeck.

From interconnecting rooms to balcony suites and villas offering spectacular coastal views, Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for providing the widest choice of accommodation options at sea.

The ship boasts 16 impressive dining venues, and 15 bars and lounges including champagne, sake, mojito, whiskey and cabaret, as well as a poolside bar for afternoon cocktails at sea.

Guests keen to explore the raft of dining possibilities on board can indulge in Brazilian steakhouse Moderno, sizzling specials at Teppanyaki Room, authentic American fare at the ever-popular Cagney’s Steakhouse, Tuscan country flavours at La Cucina, and sushi and sake at Chin Chin Asian.

Featuring never-ending excitement with an expansive repertoire of entertainment, guests on board Norwegian Jewel can treat themselves to Australia’s very own electrifying Burn the Floor that sets the stage on fire with the hottest dance performance at sea, indulge in an enchanting evening with a magic or comedy show, or mesmerising acrobatics by Le Cirque Bijou.

Late night revellers can join in the fun of the White Hot Party and dance the night away in their best white attire, or groove to 70’s disco tunes at Club Band on the Run.

During her November 2017 to February 2018 time in local waters, Norwegian Jewel will embark on a total of nine sailings commencing with a five-day sampler to Tasmania, visiting Burnie and Hobart before returning to Sydney.

Other season highlights include a nine-day voyage calling at regional gems such as Eden, Kangaroo Island and Burnie, departing 14 December 2017, and a series of ten to 16-day Australia & New Zealand itineraries visiting destinations including Milford Sound and the Bay of Islands.

Following her inaugural Australian and New Zealand season, Norwegian Jewel will travel to Asia, and then on to Alaska for the Northern Hemisphere summer before making her way back to Australia and New Zealand next year.

The 2018/2019 homeported sailings are now on sale and offer a number of new itineraries, taking in destinations such as Cairns, Hobart, Milford Sound, and Tauranga, as well as sailings to the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and a transpacific voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo (Yokohama).

Last refurbished in 2014 to exacting standards, Norwegian Jewel can host up to 2,376 guests, with personalised attention from 1,069 professional crew.