After sailing for the line in two years (2006–2008), Pride of Hawaii proved to be unsuccessful as the intra-Hawaiian market could not profitably accommodate more than one cruise ship.

The Jewel class are the fourth largest ships in the NCL fleet, being preceded by the near-identical Dawn class, and is surpassed by the 153,000 GT Norwegian Epic.

These ships have Panamax dimensions, enabling them to transit through the original Panama Canal locks.

Jewel-class ships have Panamax dimensions, Azipod propulsors and tonnage values of 93,500 GT.

The keel of the lead vessel, Norwegian Jewel was laid on 4 June 2004[5] and was delivered on 4 August 2005;[2] the keel of second vessel, Norwegian Jade (former Pride of Hawaii) was laid on 8 February 2005[6] and was delivered on 19 April 2006;[7] the third vessel's keel, Norwegian Pearl was laid on 4 October 2005[8] and was delivered on 28 November 2006;[9] the last vessel's keel, Norwegian Gem was laid on 17 June 2006[10] and was delivered on 1 October 2007.