Cruise of Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan & Malaysia
Including the Incredible Island of Borneo
CRUISE DATES: FEBRUARY 18-29 (Leap Day) 2024
With Optional one or two night pre cruise stay in Bangkok Thailand
And Deeply Discounted airfare from Norwegian Cruise Line
(with or without adding the optional pre-cruise program)
Take an unforgettable 11-day cruise through Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia (including the incredible island of Borneo), the Kingdom of Brunei and ending in Taiwan on Norwegian Jewel from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My). Leave the city behind and check out the intricate cave system at Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa in the Philippines. Enjoy the number rated beach in the world on our day in Boracay Phillipines, visit the “Water Village” built on stilts and the scenic canals plus the extravagant world of the Sultan in Brunei, experience “tribal life” in a jungle village or enjoy a wildlife cruise to see the rare wild Proboscis monkeys found only on the island of Borneo and watch a rousing drum performance in a unique park setting in Taiwan.
Cruise dates Feb. 18-29 (Leap Day), 2024
With optional one or two night pre cruise stay in Bangkok
OPTIONAL ONE OR TWO NIGHT PRE CRUISE IN BANGKOK
Feb. 15 or 16, 2024
Fly either on tour own arrangement or via deeply discounted airfares offered by NCL, to arrive in Bangkok on either Feb. 16 (2 night pre cruise) or on Feb. 17th (one night pre cruise).
(ASK US FOR RATES ON NCL’s DEEPLY DISCOUNTED FLIGHTS TO SAVE YOU BIG $$$)
Upon arrival, make your way to our hotel for our one or two night pre cruise stay in Bangkok, sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line. The rest of the day and night is at your leisure to relax.
You will stay at NCL’s hotel, the 5 star Centara Grand Hotel. Located in Central Bangkok, this 5 star hotel has a rooftop restaurant and swimming pool and breakfast included each day at the hotel.
If doing the two night pre cruise program from NCL, you will enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Bangkok with optional half and full day sightseeing tours available to book, to such places as the Grand Palace, The Floating Market, or the famous Bridge of the River Kwai.
We will have a group orientation on the evening of Feb. 17th at our hotel.
Sunday Feb. 18thth – Today we will be transferred by NCL from the hotel to the ship.
CRUISE ITINERARY OVERVIEW
SUNDAY FEB. 18TH , 2024
Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand 08:00 PM is the ship’s Departure
We will have the first of our nightly group dinners onboard to socialize.
Average Temp here in February: 75-88 f
MONDAY At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day aboard the jewel with ample opportunities for FUN IN THE SUN on the spacious sun deck with its sun loungers, Jacuzzis and swimming pool. We will also have fun group activities today that you can participate in if you wish, such as team trivia.
TUESDAY Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Discover the rich heritage of Saigon and the Mekong Delta. You won’t forget a ride on a cycle rickshaw, known locally as xích lô (“sick-low”). Sit back as your driver whisks you past pagodas, colonial architecture and vibrant markets. A nice contrast to the city is the lush countryside of rice paddies and tiny villages along the Mekong. The freshness of the food is highlighted by the phenomenal fusion of local cuisine, a unique blend of Asian spices and French cooking styles.
Average Temp here in February: 75-88 f
Some of the Shore Excursions offered by NCL in this port are:
Chu Chi Tunnels - Explore a vast underground network of tunnels that hid and protected thousands of Viet Cong troops during the Vietnam War. The section that you will tour lies beneath the Cu Chi district in the countryside north of Ho Chi Minh City.
Vung Tau Highlights - Visit the preferred popular beach resort destination of the residents of Saigon, Vung Tau, also known as Cap St. Jacque during the French occupation. Enjoy the views of the hillsides dotted with attractive villas now converted into guesthouses and the many good sandy beaches for swimming and sightseeing.
Good Morning Vietnam - Explore sites that best illustrate the American military presence in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a time period depicted in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam.”
WEDNESDAY At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day aboard the jewel with ample opportunities for FUN IN THE SUN on the spacious sun deck with its sun loungers, Jacuzzis and swimming pool. We will also have fun group activities today that you can participate in if you wish, such as team trivia.
THURSDAY Muara, Brunei Darussalam 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
A drive through the city or a boat ride on its canals will let you capture the spirit of Muara. Ornate mosques glitter in the sun with their golden domes and minarets. See the extravagant life of the Sultan, Visit the Brunei Museum, a repository of Malay culture and Islamic art, or take a water taxi over to Kampong Ayer, “the Water Village.” Experience a trip back in time with a visit inland to a Dayak village. Back in Muara, look for silver jewelry, brass and bronze items, intricately made heirloom sarongs and antiques.
Average Temp here in February: 76-85 f
Some of the Shore Excursions offered by NCL in this port are:
Brunei Culture & Visit to Water Village
An eye-opening study in contrasts, this tour presents the extravagant world of Brunei's sultan, followed by a look at life in a village built on stilts in the river.
Mangrove Cruise & Visit to Water Village
Cruise the wildlife-rich waterways outside Brunei's capital and then stop for tea in the Water Village, a community built entirely above the water on stilts during this relaxing tour.
Panoramic Brunei
Brunei is one of the 2 remaining Ruling Sultanate in the world today and your escorted tour will take you along the route of the royalty in Brunei, explaining to you what they do and the role they play in modern-day Brunei.
FRIDAY Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (Island of Borneo)
07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
This bustling, ethnically diverse city, on the robust island of Borneo offers sightseers a diversity of culture and eras. A gold-domed mosque, unique high-rise architecture and the Heritage Village all combine to paint a picture of the city’s past. Venture on a shore excursion into the interior to Kilia Mangrove, where you will see rare monkeys hanging from trees along the jungle like canals, or to or Lok Kawi Park to see rare orchids & other exotic plants in a jungle garden atmosphere, plus tigers, monkeys and pygmy elephants. Or if you wish, just relax enjoying time on the glorious beaches and looking at the local fish.
Average Temp here in February: 77-87 F
Some of the Shore Excursions offered by NCL in this port are:
Tribal Cultures & City Highlights
Experience authentic tribal life in a jungle village where the residents still embrace the ancient customs and traditions of their ancestors.
Kilia Mangrove Cruise
Cruise into a protected, mangrove wetlands teeming with wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, which are only found in Borneo.
Lok Kawi Wildlife & Handicraft Market
Wander through a tropical wildlife park full of exotic plants and animals as a prelude to visiting a mosque and a handicraft market for a glimpse into the local culture.
SATURDAY - Puerto Princesa, Philippines 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Home to 12 million, the capital of the Philippines is a dynamic city with a rich colonial history dating to 1565, when the Spanish arrived. Dive into the most popular attractions, including the elegant Malacanang Palace, the National Museum of the Philippines and Rizal Park. The poignant, 150-acre American Cemetery and Memorial holds U.S. and Allied servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The historic walled city core, Intramuros, is well worth exploring
Average temp here in Feb. 73-87 F
Puerto Princesa is full of history, nature, good food, and relaxing beaches. For the history buffs, there are several World War II era historical sites and museums to wander through. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Subterranean River—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—or learn about the wildlife a little closer to port. You can also learn about the city’s dedication to environmental conservation. A budding restaurant and nightlife scene make spending the day in town a delight.
Average Temp here in February: 75-88 F
Sunday - Boracay, Philippines 8am-6pm
A destination so popular, the government had to start limiting the number of people that can visit each year, Boracay is a favorite for a reason. The White Beach is this small island’s most famous feature, with sand so pale it almost looks like sugar. The water is usually clear, warm and inviting—perfect for a swim. Up away from the shore, you can find restaurants that’ll satisfy any craving and not-to-be-missed night life. After relaxing on the beach, take a stroll through open air markets or hike through the island’s greenery.
Average temperature here in February: 77-85 F
Shore excursions for this port will be announced by NCL in March or April 2023
Monday - Manila, Philippines 7am-5pm
Home to 12 million, the capital of the Philippines is a dynamic city with a rich colonial history dating to 1565, when the Spanish arrived. Dive into the most popular attractions, including the elegant Malacanang Palace, the National Museum of the Philippines and Rizal Park. The poignant, 150-acre American Cemetery and Memorial holds U.S. and Allied servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The historic walled city core, Intramuros, is well worth exploring.
Some excursions offered in this port
Charms of Old Manila
Manila's tumultuous past comes alive on this exploration of its most historic sites, many of them contained within Intramuros, the city's original 16th-century district.
Old Manila & Jeepney
Delve deeply into Manila's past by visiting key historic landmarks, at times traveling by Jeepney, a wildly colored, bus-like vehicle that's considered a cultural icon.
Tuesday Salomague, Philippines 8 am – 4 pm
Just a short ride away from both the beautiful beach town of Cabugao and the must-see architecture of Vigan City, this port has something for everyone. If you can’t get enough of the ocean, spend a relaxing day in a cove on a white sand beach. If you’re looking to explore the history and culture of the Philippines, Vigan has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore. Stroll through streets of well-preserved Spanish Colonial buildings and see where the Spanish-style architecture fused with Asian-style architecture. As you take all that in, get a taste of what they’re cooking at one of many food carts throughout the city.
Average temperature here in February: 77-85 F
Shore excursions for this port will be announced by NCL in March or April 2023
Wednesday - Kaohsiung, Taiwan 8am-4pm
Colonization by the Dutch in the 17th century has left an ample architectural legacy, as did Taiwan’s rule by Japan from 1895-1945. Grab a coffee at the former British Consulate, a landmark overlooking the bay. Art lovers can enjoy the outdoors and contemporary sculptures at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts’ Sculpture Park, and for a spiritual experience, a visit to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre, with the world’s largest sitting Buddha, is highly recommended.
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Average Temp here in February : 64-77 F
Some shore excursions offered here are:
A Glimpse of Kaohsiung
This definitive tour of Kaohsiung presents attractions that reveal the very fabric of life in this thriving southern Taiwanese city.
Sacred Fokuangshan
Immerse yourself in Buddhism at Taiwan's largest Buddhist monastery, Fokuangshan, a serene mountain complex with an array of characteristic temples, meditation halls, gardens and exhibition halls overlooking the Kaoping River
Amazing Kaohsiung & Ten Drums
Watch a rousing drum performance in an unusual park and meander about an urban lake bordered by a profusion of colorful temples. Both experiences will demonstrate the cultural diversity within Taiwan.
Thursday – Taipei Taiwan – Disembarkation
Today our cruise ends in the capital of Taiwan.
For those leaving us today, the cruise line offers transfers by coach to the airport for your flight home.
For those continuing onto our 2nd cruise leg from Taipei to Tokyo, (see that cruise description on our home page as well), you will have a free day today to enjoy the sites of Taipai and the optional excursions offered by NCL in this fabulous capital city.
ABOUT OUR SHIP:
As the namesake of our "Jewel Class" cruise ships, you can bet Norwegian Jewel has it all. As well as offering some of the largest suites at sea, there are staterooms to accommodate every style. When it comes to entertainment, this ship's filled with excitement: a large variety of dining options, vibrant bars and nightclubs, and that's just the beginning.
Jewel was recently given a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2021 before resuming sailing in 2022 with fresh and exciting enhancements.
NCL revamped everything from the carpets to the chandeliers and created brand new places and spaces in our most extensive ship renovation yet. Unwind in luxury and enjoy the breathtaking views from your spacious cabins.
The brand-new Pit Stop, a 1950’s American bar, takes you back to the era when classic cars sported chrome finishes. And dance the night away at Bliss Ultra Lounge, the newest hot spot on the club scene. Come aboard the newly polished Norwegian Jewel and see what makes her shine.
She has a guest capacity of 2376 passengers and a crew of 1070.
Mix it up with an Exciting Variety of Bars & Lounges
Norwegian Jewel features up to 15 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe. Dance to the ultraviolet energy at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Sip champagne, sake or scotch. Lounge poolside with an umbrella drink. Play pool at the pub. Follow your mood and mingle.
With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favorite may take a few days. Pop some bubbly and toast to the good life inside Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar. Kick back with a cocktail then dance it out at Spinnaker Lounge. Or work on perfecting your tan as you relax poolside at Topsiders Bar. Whether you’re looking to meet up with friends or make new ones, there’s always an opportunity to mix it up.
ENTERTAINMENT
When it comes to the entertainment on Norwegian Jewel, there’s never a dull moment. Enjoy a magical evening with our magician and comedy show. Get mesmerized by awe-inspiring acrobatics at Le Cirque Bijou. Groove to disco during our newest show, Velvet. Or don your best attire and dance the night away during Norwegian's Night Out. It’s ShowTime. All the time.
ACTIVITIES
From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Norwegian Jewel has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Indulge in a refreshing swim in the pool or a relaxing dip in one of our covered hot tubs on the pool deck. Wanna get lucky? Bet it all at our award-winning Casinos at Sea®. And when all is said and done, enjoy a pamper session at the spa. With so much to do, we’ll always have you coming back for more
SPA
When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.
ONBOARD SHOPPING
Forget to pack something? No worries! Our gift shops onboard carry everything you’ll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at our duty free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewelry, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco.
PRICING FOR THIS CRUISE: Feb. 18-29, 2024
INSIDE CABINS – This is the best value on the ship, as passengers often say, “ You don’t spend any time in your cabin, except to sleep and shower, so I want to save my $ for the fun stuff during my cruise.)” so if that is your mantra too, save big on booking an inside cabin stateroom.
ONLY $1995 per person with a roommate of the same gender assigned to you (Let us match u with a roommate of the same gender to save you big $$$ on a single supplement)…or if U prefer, u can travel with your own friend.
Taxes totaling $393 per person are not included.
Or if you wish the privacy of single occupancy, add a supplement of $1680
Or upgrade to a cabin with window for only $525 per person based on two persons in the cabin.
Balcony cabins are also available on this sailing with pricing based on availability at the time of your request.
AND
FREE PERKS ALL PASSENGERS WILL RECEIVE AS A BONUS:
All passengers also get to choose either perks package A or B
Perks Package A includes 4 elements:
1) Unlimited free alcoholic drinks under $15 per drinks for a discounted drinks package price of $217 per person (also includes unlimited sodas and juices, excluding fresh squeezed).
Note: If your drink ordered costs more than $15, you will only pay the difference in cost, so if you order a drink which is $17, the first $15 is included and the $2 balance would be charged by the cruise line to your shipboard account. (Almost all drinks, except a few high end champagnes are less than $15. The average drink price is $10. Thus this is a great perk package to choose if you expect to drink on average at least 2 drinks per day.)
$10 x 2 drinks per day = $20/day which multiplied by 11 days = $220. Thus, the $217 cost of the drinks package is a good value for anyone who anticipates having an average of at least 2 drinks per day. .
2) This NCL perks package also includes 4 visits to the specialty dining restaurants for a discounted price of $20 per person total for the 4 visits ($5 per visit)
- The specialty dining restaurants are Brazilian, French, Italian Japanese Teppanyaki (Japanese cooked at the table in front of your eyes) and a fabulous Steak/Seafood restaurant.) We will have four group dining outings to the specialty restaurants for all who choose this perks package (those who do not choose this perks package can attend any specialty dining and simply pay for that experience ala carte, at an average price of $25 per visit.
- And this perks package also includes
150 free WIFI MINUTES PER PERSON (ON YOUR OWN DEVICE OR IN THE SHIP’S COMPUTER CAFÉ)
AND A SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT OF $25 PER PERSON PER PORT (IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) OR $50 PER PERSON PER PORT IN SINGLE OCCUPANCY ON ALL NCL SHORE EXCURSIONS
Perks Package B includes
150 free WIFI minutes Per person
and
$100 per cabin of onboard credit (you can use this $ on anything you buy onboard, such as drinks, shore excursions, spa visits, gift shop purchases etc.)
and
10 free photos from the photo store on the ship
This is a great perks package to choose if you expect to drink Less than an average of 2 drinks per day as this package does not cost any money and gives you $100 in ship board credit to spend anywhere on the ship (you can use that toward attending any or all of our four specialty dining experiences, or toward buying drinks yourself or toward purchasing anything on the ship – except gambling in the casino.)
AND
THE SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT OF $25 PER PERSON PER PORT (IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) OR $50 PER PERSON PER PORT IN SINGLE OCCUPANCY ON ALL NCL SHORE EXCURSIONS
PAYMENT POLCIES FOR THIS TRIP
Norwegian Cruise Line ONLY REQUIRES A $125 PER PERSON DEPOSIT.
Note: If you ask us to assign you a roommate, a second deposit of $875 will be auto called in to Norwegian Cruise Line and charged by NCL on June 1st, 2023 on the same card you gave us to call into NCL at the time of your initial $125 cruise deposit.
Your cruise balance payment will be due on October 5th, 2023.
OPTIONAL 1 OR 2 NIGHT PRE CRUISE PROGRAM IN BANGKOK
NCL OFFERS BOTH AN OPTIONAL 1 OR 2 NIGHT PRE CRUISE PROGRAM IN BANGKOK
THEY ONLY CHARGE $265 PER PERSON FOR THE FULL 2 NIGHT PROGRAM INCLUDING
- 2 NIGHTS AT THE FIVE STAR GRAND CENTARA HOTEL
- BREAKFAST DAILY
- COACH TRANSPORT FROM THE HOTEL TO THE SHIP ON FEB. 18TH
OR FOR JUST THE ONE NIGHT PRE CRUISE PROGRAM THEY ONLY CHARGE $165 PER PERSON including
- 1 NIGHT AT THE FIVE STAR GRAND CENTARA HOTEL
- BREAKFAST DAILY
- COACH TRANSPORT FROM THE HOTEL TO THE SHIP ON FEB. 18TH
And don’t forget NCL’s deeply discounted air rates:
Sample airfare: From Atlanta: Approx. $700 pp Round Trip flying into the starting point of the trip in Bangkok and flying home back from the end point of the cruise (Taipei).
Air rates are subject to NCL pricing at the time we make the request to them for you, but are for the most part fixed air rates.
AND THEY DON’T REQUIRE ANY AIR DEPOSIT! THE FULL AIR COST IS COLLECTED BY NCL AT THE TIME THE CRUISE BALANCE IS DUE ON OCTOBER Oct 12th.
Cancel policy:
If you book with your own roommate or in single occupancy, your $125 deposit is refundable if you cancel any time until the balance payment is due on Oct 12th.
If we assign you a roommate, the $125 first deposit and $875 second deposit are non refundable upon the date the 2nd deposit is auto charged on June 1st.
