Norwegian Jewel cruise - relaxing, friendly, and enjoyable
into romantic getaways, gay/lesbian traveler
| Pros |
|
FEB
9
2009
I had done some research and talked to people about cruising and so had some pre-conceived ideas about our vacation and I was plesently surprised about all of them.
Boarding - Our boarding time range was noon to 4pm, we had someone drop us off at the terminal at 1 and it was amazingly smooth - luggage pickup was right there helping us get things out of the car (and we had pre-printed our tags via computer) and we went to the short (5 minute) line to fill out health questions and then procede thru security to checkin - we were on board enjoying our welcome champaign within 20 minutes of our friends dropping us off. The cabin area was closed off until 2 but we got our luggage by 2:30 (I had heard to not expect it until after dinner)
The ship - it did take us a day of wandering around to find things but once we had it figured out it was very easy to get from one place to another. We took the spa tour when we arrived but decided not to use the spa facilities ($75 for the 5 days for full access) though I might re-think that next time. There were plenty of places to hang out inside and out, in the sun and not, active or calm. I think my favorite was Maltings (the single malt bar) as they had tables that we used to play games while enjoying refreshing beverages.
Food - we are pretty serious foodies so I'll probally judge the food harsher then most - The garden buffet was good but not great, but nice to grab a quick something. Freestyle cruising means you can graze all day if you wish, though I am a very social person so I had been looking forward to meeting other people and the seating at the dining rooms are all small table sitting with your party - which is a plus for most people. The breakfasts were great - expecially the Salmon eggs benedict with dill. Tzars and Azura (the main dining rooms) both have the same menu that changes daily. We had dinner in each main dining room once. We had a lobster with grouper that was quite nice with a wonderful asparagus / scallop appatizer and a chocolate moose cake that was great. We tried one of the premium restaurants (Sushi) and the food was good but the wait staff wasn't very knowlegable about the menu and had to keep asking the chef things for us. We also at at Blue Lagoon (the open all the time snack place) quite a few times and the food there is wonderful (especially the fish and chips). I was disapointed in the chocolate buffet, it was very pretty but the quality wasn't there. I would skip the Garden Buffet unless you were in a rush.
Booze - they love to sell you the collectable glasses, and you will often get one unless you ask not to. There is always someone around to give you bar service, they are unobtrusive and quick and very polite. We were pleased with the range of drinks available on ship - beers ranged from bud to Boddingtons, there was a decent selection of single malts and wines, and all sorts of frozen concontions. If you order a bottle of wine for dinner they can keep it for your next meal and just give you a claim check.
Clean - the ship was very very clean - they sprayed you with hand sanatizer each time you got on the ship and each time you entered a restaurant. Our cabin was kept quite clean and neat and all over the ship there was constant cleaning going on. I felt very safe from anythign being spread thru the ship.
Excersions - we took the Tulum excersion at Cazumel and were quie happy with the package. A great mix of educational information and time to wander and see the sites. We were scheduled for the private island but rough waters caused us to re-route to Key West and we just wandered the town there. Getting on and off the ship was quite easy with minimal id / security hassle
Disembarking was amazingly easy - you can pick your time and enjoy a final breakfast.
Overall we had a great time.
Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel is recommended by StarStraf
Comments about StarStraf’s Review
