Norwegian revamps spas on two cruise ships, adds adults-only deck
Cruise relaxation just got a major upgrade on two of Norwegian's Jewel-class ships.
Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem emerged from recent dry dock revitalizations with significantly bigger and better relaxation spaces, including a reimagined thermal suite inside the line's award-winning Mandara Spa and the addition of the increasingly popular adults-only Vibe Beach Club sundeck.
"These recent transformations bring some of our most beloved amenities to Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, creating greater consistency across our fleet while giving guests more ways to personalize their vacation - from adults-only outdoor spaces to serene relaxation areas designed to help them unwind at sea," Norwegian Cruise Line President Marc Kazlauskas said in a press release.
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Norwegian Jade and Gem get enhanced spa thermal suites
If you've purchased a thermal suite pass for a Norwegian cruise before, you know the hot tile loungers in the relaxation area are a hot commodity (pun intended). The refreshed thermal suite aboard both ships now features three times as many of the popular loungers, along with a more centralized layout and an upgraded reception area.
The new thermal suite amenity lineup includes:
- Charcoal Sauna - a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer said to boost circulation and help release toxins from the body, while easing muscle stiffness and tension
- Ice Room - cold air designed to invigorate the respiratory tract
- Salt Room - built to support skin health and deep relaxation
- IV Lounge - a trendy treatment option for quickly delivering nutrients to the body
- Four-Senses Loungers - designed for a tranquil sensory experience
The two ships' offerings aren't completely identical though. Norwegian Jade now features experiential showers with multiple water jets and lighting effects, plus a plunge pool for quick cold-water immersion meant to speed muscle recovery and boost circulation. Meanwhile, Norwegian Gem got an updated hot tub and thalassotherapy pool that uses massage jets, bubble loungers, and countercurrents to soothe joint pain and detoxify the body.
Norwegian's thermal suite is worth the extra cost
These upgrades bring the Jewel-class ships' spa offerings more in line with Norwegian's newer ships. And they come not long after Norwegian was recognized with the Best Spa award in Cruise Critic's 2025 Best in Cruise Awards.
The award write-up notes that Norwegian "offers the best cruise ship spas at sea, with every detail designed to keep guests feeling pampered and relaxed," adding that the spa's thermal suites, especially on its newer ships like Norwegian Luna, elevate the experience.
Related: Norwegian Luna's thermal spa: is it worth the cost?
I tried Norwegian's thermal suite experience myself last summer while sailing around the Mediterranean on Norwegian Breakaway, and between long port days under a relentless Mediterranean sun, it was exactly the rejuvenating mid-trip recharge I didn't know how much I needed. Going forward, I'll make a point to plan the thermal suite into my cruise schedule, not just squeeze it in.
Costs for thermal suite passes vary by ship and sailing, typically running upwards of $250 for a seven-day cruise pass.
"Yes, it's an extra cost, but it's usually worth a day pass - often cheaper on a port day," TravelHost's Come Cruise With Me Editor in Chief Dan Kline said after trying the thermal suite on Norwegian Luna.
Adults-only Vibe Beach Club comes to Norwegian Jade and Gem
Adults looking for extra tranquility on a Norwegian Jade or Gem cruise can now also purchase a pass for Vibe Beach Club, the line's popular adults-only retreat. Norwegian transformed the sundeck on deck 14 of both ships into the exclusive outdoor oasis featuring expansive ocean views, a private full-service bar, an additional hot tub, more than 50 premium lounge chairs, and seven new private cabanas.
In late 2025, Norwegian added Vibe Beach Club to its other Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl, and then added a truly beach-based version, Vibe Shore Club, to its private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
Related: Norwegian's new island waterpark has a river that's a voyage itself
This summer, Alaska cruisers are warming up in Norwegian Jade's enhanced thermal suite between port day adventures on seven-day Alaska sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska. Later in 2026, the ship will sail immersive voyages in Asia.
Norwegian Gem is currently sailing Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises departing from Rome (Civitavecchia) or Venice (Ravenna), Italy. In late 2026, the ship will shift to Caribbean and Bahamas getaways from Tampa, Fla., where Vibe Beach Club passes will surely be in high demand.
If you're thinking about booking one of Norwegian's updated Jewel-class ships for your next cruise, a travel agent who sails Norwegian often, like Amy Post of Postcard Travel Planning, can help you choose the right ship and itinerary for you.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 7:22 AM.