Picking the Best Cabins on the Norwegian Jewel

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Norwegian Jewel's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Norwegian Jewel? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Norwegian Jewel? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Norwegian Jewel?

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Norwegian Jewel Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins on the Norwegian Jewel are on Decks 9, 10, and 14.

Cabins to be wary of on the Norwegian Jewel are on Deck 5.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Norwegian Jewel

Deck 4

Most of the cabins on the Norwegian Jewel's Deck 4 have cabins above them -- this means that they are typically more quiet compared to cabins beneath public venues. However, be advised that this is the lowest passenger deck on the Norwegian Jewel, so these cabins are above the ship's engines.

• Forward on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Jewel, Ocean View Porthole Staterooms 4500, 4502, and 4504 and Interior Staterooms 4501, 4503, and 4505 are underneath the most aft portion of the stage. Noise could be a concern in any of these cabins during rehearsals and performances.
• Except for the most forward exterior and interior staterooms (4500- 4505), the rest of the staterooms on this deck have cabins above, and are consequently going to be more quiet.
• Aft, interior cabin 4604 is twice the size of other inside staterooms on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Jewel.

Deck 5

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 5 is right beneath several major public areas on the Norwegian Jewel, including the casino and the smaller main dining room. This could mean some noise issues for some cabins. 

• Forward on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Jewel, Oceanview Staterooms 5000 and 5500 are closest to the stage area, but have been arranged so that conference areas, and not the theater are directly above. There are likely no major issues with noise, and the cabins are also a bit oddly shaped and more spacious than average.
• Port side, Family Ocean View Stateroom 5520 and Ocean View Stateroom 5522 are beneath public bathrooms. Noise -such as hearing water rush through pipes- has been reported by guests in similarly located cabins.
• On Deck 5, exterior cabins 5526- 5546 port side and 5026- 5046 starboard are under the casino. Interior Staterooms in that area, 5527- 5543, 5039, and 5041, will likely be most affected. Noise issues from this area can occur after hours when many travelers are in their cabins on the Norwegian Jewel. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Port side, 5548- 5582 are beneath Le Bistro. Noise while this venue is open and when staff are cleaning could be a concern in any of these staterooms.
• Starboard, Ocean View Staterooms 5048- 5082 and Interior Staterooms 5049- 5071 and 5081 are beneath public venues that include bars and staff areas. Noise could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Ocean View Staterooms 5584- 5590 port side and 5086- 5096 starboard are beneath the Azura main dining room. Noise when this venue is open and when staff are cleaning could be of concern in these cabins.
• Least recommended accommodations on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Jewel are Ocean View Staterooms 5592- 5610 port side and 5098- 5110 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 5599- 5609 and 5099- 5107. These staterooms are beneath the ship's galley, which is busy from early in the morning until late at night. Noise from the galley could be problematic in any of these staterooms.
• Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Jewel are on Deck 5. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided, you will find more quiet cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 8

Along this entire deck, be aware that a main drag of the Norwegian Jewel is right beneath your cabin. Most of the public venues on Deck 7 are not going to present appreciable noise issues. However, there is a popular karaoke bar beneath a section of cabins, and staterooms most forward may have some noise concerns from the theater below.

• Forward on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Jewel, exterior staterooms 8508- 8536 port side and 8008- 8036 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 8517- 8537 and 8017- 8029 are above the theater. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be of concern in any of these cabins, but the inside staterooms will be most affected.
• Another concern is mid ship, and will affect inside cabins more than exteriors. Obstructed view staterooms 8550- 8564 port side and 8050- 8064 starboard, and inside cabins 8051- 8561 are over a popular bar and karaoke areas. This could be a late night noise concern. Light sleepers may want to locate a stateroom elsewhere, bring along earplugs, or invest in a wave machine. 
• The rest of the staterooms and suites on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Jewel are going to be more quiet than those just described!
• Aft on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Jewel, four Penthouse Suites (8630, 8632, 8132, 8130), each with at least 341 sq. ft. including balcony space, command the most beautiful (and least breezy) ocean view.
• Between the Penthouse Suites, two balcony staterooms (8634 and 8134) have that highly sought aft view of the ocean!

Deck 9

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

In addition to Penthouse Suites, Deck 9 of the Norwegian Jewel adds the luxurious Owners Suites! There are also several balcony staterooms and inside cabins from which to choose. Deck 9 has the added advantage of cabin decks above and beneath which filter out noise public areas can generate! If you're seeking an aft balcony stateroom, those on this deck are more spacious that the ones on Decks 8 and 11. Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Jewel are generally on Deck 9.

• Forward on the Norwegian Jewel, Owners' Suites 9504 and 9004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 9. (Each has at least 791 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.) However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!
• Located between these two Owners' Suites are Penthouse Suites 9502, 9500, 9000, and 9002; each has at least 341 sq. ft. of space including the balcony. Ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.
• Deck 9 of the Jewel features balcony staterooms port side (9506- 9668) and starboard (9006- 9168). According to guest reviews of balcony stateroom 9532, this cabin provides good, quiet space for three people.
• If you are looking for an inside cabin, this is an excellent deck. There are several located on Deck 9 of the Jewel, and those most forward (9505 & 9005) and most aft (9669 & 9169) are across the hall from the luxurious areas on this deck... so this is also where the best cabin stewards are assigned.
• Aft, there are four Penthouse Suites (9670, 9672, 9172, and 9170). Each has at least 341 sq. ft. including the balcony, and that majestic (less breezy) view of the ocean.
• Balcony staterooms 9674 and 9174 are located between the aft Penthouse Suites and have that highly sought view of the ocean!

Deck 10

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Norwegian Jewel's Deck 10 is also cushioned between two cabin decks, which helps to make this another, more quiet place for a stateroom or suite. Deck 10 features Penthouse Suites and Owners' Suites! If you're seeking an aft balcony stateroom, those on this deck are more spacious that the ones on Decks 8 and 11. Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Jewel are on Deck 10!

• Forward on the Norwegian Jewel, Owners' Suites 10504 and 10004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 10. (Each has at least 790 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.) However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!
• Located between these two Owners' Suites, are Penthouse Suites 10502, 10500, 10000, and 10002. Each has at least 341 sq. ft. of space including the balcony. Ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.
• There are numerous balcony staterooms port side (10506- 10662) and starboard (10006- 10162) on the Jewel's Deck 10!
• Deck 10 of the Norwegian Jewel is also a great location to reserve an interior stateroom, if this is your preference, because this is one of the more quiet decks. Inside staterooms 10653 and 10153 are much more spacious than standard.
• Aft on deck 10 of the Jewel, Penthouse Suites with Large Balconies, 10664, 10666, 10166, and 10164, each have balconies that offer idyllic ocean views. Each of these suites has at least 341 sq. ft, including the balcony!
• Between the Penthouse Suites, balcony staterooms 10668 and 10168 also have that beautiful (less breezy) view of the ocean.

Deck 11

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 11 of the Norwegian Jewel exclusively offers mini-suites, inside cabins, and ten Family Suites. Of the cabin decks, Deck 11 is most oriented for children! While travelers who enjoy Lido pools and casual dining may prefer accommodations here, please bear in mind that some of the busiest public venues are just above. Consequently, we do not recommend cabins this deck for light sleepers.

• Forward on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Jewel, there are ten Family Penthouse Suites (11506, 11512, 11518, 11524, and 11530 port side and 11006, 11012, 11018, 11024, and 11030 starboard). Each of these has 492 sq. ft. with a 54 sq. ft. balcony, and features a bedroom for children as well as a second bathroom with a shower. Family cabins are in in short-supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early if this is your preference.
• With the exception of the Family Suites and interior cabins, all of the accommodations port side and starboard are mini-suites. On average, each of these have 285 sq. ft. of space including the balcony on Deck 11 of the Jewel.
• Exterior suites 11524- 11566 port side, 11024- 11066 starboard, and interior cabins 11537, 11037, 11053, and 11055 are underneath the pool section on Deck 12. It will be possible to hear some noise in this area, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning at night.
• Mini Suites 11604 and 11104 have angled balcony partitions that do compromise privacy.
• Aft, there are several suites and staterooms located under the casual dining on Deck 12. These are 11622- 11636 port side, 11122- 11136 starboard, and all the inside cabins in this area of Deck 11 on the Norwegian Jewel.
• There are seven mini-suites (11650- 11150) directly aft on Deck 11 of the Jewel which are also underneath the casual dining area. Travelers need to be aware of the fact that there could be noise as early as 7:00am, because this is a popular breakfast venue. After 11:00pm, there could be noise associated with staff cleaning. Generally, we do not think this will be a huge concern because most travelers on the Norwegian Jewel are usually not in there cabins during these times.
• Interior cabins 11139 and 11147 are larger than standard.

Deck 14

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!

Accommodations on Deck 14 of the Norwegian Jewel are without question the most exclusive and luxurious of all! This is where all of the Villas are located. Each has access to The Haven, which features a private courtyard that includes a hot tub, pool, and sundeck!

• Forward on Deck 14 of the Jewel, each with 2,577 sq. ft. and a 2,314 sq. ft. balcony, the Haven 3 Bedroom Garden Villas (14500 and 14000) are the most spacious to be found on the Norwegian Jewel!
• There are eight Haven 2 Bedroom Family Villas (14506- 14512 and 14006- 14012). Each has 447 sq. ft., an 85 sq. ft. balcony, and a separate children's bedroom.
• On Deck 14, two Haven Courtyard Penthouses with Balconies, 14514 and 14014 are aft on Deck 14. Each of these has 380 sq. ft. of living space and a 60 sq. ft. balcony in the most elegant neighborhood you can find aboard the Norwegian Jewel.