Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a series of new enhancements aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, giving passengers more ways to relax, enjoy adults-only spaces and personalize their time at sea.
The updates center on two areas that can make a noticeable difference during a cruise: the Thermal Suites in Mandara Spa and Salon and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club. Both ships have also received additional amenities, including a new Starbucks location aboard Norwegian Jade.
For cruisers considering either ship, the changes bring several guest-favorite experiences to Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem while giving each ship some individual additions of its own.
Thermal Suites Get a Major Upgrade
The Thermal Suites aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem have been redesigned with guest feedback in mind. One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of three times as many hot tile loungers, along with a more centralized layout and upgraded reception area.
The refreshed spaces also feature updated steam rooms and saunas and several new relaxation and wellness experiences.
- The Charcoal Sauna uses a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer and is designed around warming and relaxation.
- The Ice Room provides cold air intended to invigorate the respiratory tract.
- The Salt Room is designed to promote relaxation and support skin health.
- The IV Lounge offers treatments intended to quickly deliver essential nutrients to the body.
- Four-Senses Loungers are designed to provide a sensory-focused relaxation experience.
These additions give spa-focused travelers more options for alternating between warming, cooling and relaxation experiences during their cruise.
Norwegian Jade Adds Experiential Showers and a Plunge Pool
Norwegian Jade receives several additional Thermal Suite features of its own. New Experiential Showers combine multiple water jets with lighting effects, while a new Plunge Pool provides a brief cold-water immersion experience.
NCL says the plunge pool is intended to support muscle recovery, circulation and a refreshed feeling after guests use the other thermal experiences.
Norwegian Gem takes a different approach with an updated hot tub and Thalassotherapy pool. The pool uses massage jets, bubble loungers and countercurrents as part of the ship’s relaxation experience.
Vibe Beach Club Comes to Both Ships
Another significant addition aboard both Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem is the adults-only Vibe Beach Club. NCL has repurposed the existing Deck 14 sundeck to create an exclusive outdoor space where guests can relax away from the main pool areas.
The Vibe Beach Club features expansive ocean views, a private full-service bar, an additional hot tub and more than 50 premium lounge chairs. Seven new private cabanas are also available for guests looking for a more secluded place to spend time outdoors.
For travelers who value quiet time on a cruise, the adults-only space adds another option beyond the ships’ other public areas. The combination of premium seating, cabanas, a private bar and ocean views is designed specifically around relaxing at sea.
Norwegian Jade Gets a Starbucks
Norwegian Jade is also adding a licensed Starbucks store. NCL says the location gives guests access to the brand’s hot and cold handcrafted beverages, seasonal blends and sweet and savory food items.
The addition follows NCL’s broader rollout of Starbucks across its fleet and private destinations, according to the cruise line.
Where Norwegian Jade Is Sailing in 2026
The enhancements arrive as Norwegian Jade continues a series of Alaska cruises through late summer 2026. The ship offers seven-day sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier near Anchorage, Alaska.
These itineraries include scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and glacier regions, along with visits to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point in Alaska.
Later in 2026, Norwegian Jade is scheduled to return to Asia for what NCL describes as immersive, bucket-list voyages.
Norwegian Gem Heads to Europe and the Caribbean
Norwegian Gem is spending part of 2026 exploring Europe, with Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages departing from Rome’s Civitavecchia or Venice’s Ravenna in Italy.
Depending on the itinerary, guests can visit ports including Cannes in France; Florence and Pisa through Livorno in Italy; Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia; and islands throughout Greece.
As 2026 progresses toward its later months, Norwegian Gem will transition to Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Tampa, Florida.
More Choices for Cruisers on Both Ships
The updates aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem are focused heavily on experiences that give passengers more choices once they are onboard. The expanded Thermal Suites offer additional ways to relax, while Vibe Beach Club provides an adults-only outdoor retreat on both ships.
At the same time, each ship has received enhancements tailored to its existing offerings. Norwegian Jade adds Experiential Showers, a Plunge Pool and Starbucks, while Norwegian Gem receives an updated hot tub and Thalassotherapy pool.
For travelers already considering Norwegian Jade or Norwegian Gem, the refreshed spaces add another factor to consider when choosing between the ships and their upcoming itineraries. Whether the priority is Alaska scenery, Mediterranean ports, Caribbean sunshine or simply finding a quieter place to unwind at sea, NCL says these updates are intended to give guests more ways to shape their cruise experience.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line
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