Cruise lines are always striving to make ships the same but different. Adding the best of a new ship to an existing ship makes the old gal unique. Okay, the older gal…since ships always go by "she."
That brings up the Norwegian Jewel.
The Jewel is nine years old, probably about halftime in the game of life for cruise ships. This week, she emerged from dry dock, where she spent two weeks getting modernized, retro-fitted and/or refurbished. From the outside, she doesn't really look any different but inside her hull the Jewel has been polished.
That's what they do with Jewels, isn't it?
The result is O'Sheehan's, the eatery named after Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan, has 
been added to a ship for the first time. It was built into the Epic in 2010 and both the Breakaway and Getaway since then. As passengers who have twice been on the Epic, we can tell you O'Sheehan's was among our favorite eating spots.
The Jewel also has Moderno Churrascaria. That's a Brazilian steakhouse and if you're a meat lover, it's a must to experience, although on our one visit we found it a bit over the top, even though we qualify as "carnivores."
And the Jewel features the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, the only other Norwegian ship besides the Getaway that has it. Since it's the only lounge/bar to be copied from the Getaway, it's safe to assume it passed the popularity test.
Who gets to experience the Jewel's second life?
Right now, she is sailing to Alaska from Seattle. Come fall, when the Alaska season ends, she'll be the first Norwegian ship at the new cruise port terminal in Houston and will spend the winter touring the Western Caribbean.
If nothing else, this is a unique jewel.
Today at Phil Reimer's portsandbows.com: Princess plans for 2015
Norwegian Sun
7 nights
June 23, 2014
Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Anchorage
Inside: $399
Cost per day: $57
www.ncl.com