Norwegian Jewel arrives at Bayport Cruise Terminal

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Jewel made its first of 27 calls from Houston Saturday.

"This is their return to our cruise facility after seven years, and we're thrilled to have them here for three years," says Port of Houston Authority Chairman Janiece Longoria.

There's a pool deck, a theater for nightly entertainment, a spa, clubs and lounges. And there's more secluded part of the ship called the Haven for the people who want to pay a little extra. And the best part of any cruise-plenty of food.

Janiece Longoria tells us surveys show there's a market for more sailing options out of Houston. Norwegian Jewel helps address that.

"We have Princess cruise line and Norwegian Cruise Line calling on our terminal and sailing out of this facility," Longoria says.

"Houston is a big market for us," adds Norwegian Jewel Hotel Director Steven Jacobson. "And I think with the families and the activities we offer for them, it's going to be very successful."

More than 2,600 people are on this first trip out of the Port of Houston, which can carry up to 1,000 more than that. As the season goes along more are expected to take the same trip. That's a few thousand more potential customers for nearby businesses.

"We're definitely getting a lot more extra reservations," says Julie Barfield.

She works at the Best Western Plus about a mile away from the Bayport Cruise Terminal.

"...Today was the first day the cruise ship actually went out. So as far as I know, we were completely booked up the night before. And I assume it's going to be like that every weekend between now and the time cruise season is over."

That's good news for local business, and good news for the Port.