Latest reviews about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

Rivi says "Staff attitude could use improvement." about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

Rivi — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:35:45 GMT

We cruised on the Jewel for 5 days in February, 2008.

I love cruising, and I love the Norwegian concept of not having a fixed, set time for dinner.

Overall, we enjoyed the cruise, Cozumel (shore excursion guide was superb), and grand Cayman. I went on another Norwegian cruise a year later.

On this particular cruise, however, I felt that the staff was only interested in selling and getting as much money from you as possible. The cruise fare was low, and I understand the need for the cruise line to make money. But it didn't have to be so blatant!

For example, we were embarking on the ship, and were barely onboard when cruise staff was hawking the unlimited soda deal for the cruise duration.

I love browsing in the gift shop, and did make some purchases at the end of the cruise. But I felt distinctly unwelcome and an impostor in the gift shop if I was just "browsing".

I got the overall impression that if you weren't interested in spending money on alcohol, gambling, the staff was...

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StarStraf says "Norwegian Jewel cruise - relaxing, friendly, and enjoyable" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

StarStraf — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:32:56 GMT

We just finished a 5 day Cozumel / Key West cruise on Norwegian Jewel and would love to go right back onboard. Ours was a charter so I can't review the standard entertainment (though sixthman does a great band charter).

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......

mjgotts says "There's better out there..." about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

mjgotts — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:36:27 GMT

Just returned Sunday 11/23 from this 9 day Carribean cruise on the Jewel. To sum up our experience-A DISAPPOINTMENT. The itinerary is not the problem, but NCL. THis is our 6th cruise and 1st NCL cruise. For a first time cruiser, you probably won't know any better and won't be disappointed. The service is not up to par with other lines. The food was mediocre which I believe is to steer you to the eight paid restaraunts verses the 2 no charge dining halls. In the Garden buffet you can count on 3 staple deserts, banana bread, pound cake or jello--not very creative or exciting. The disembarkation and embarkation process were disorganized as compared to other lines. We booked early only to see the price drop>50% a month prior to sailing and NCL does NOT make any refunds, credits, or adjustments--tough luck. We were to recieve an upgraded room but it turned out to be a lower deck room with a port hole. We also celebrated an anniversay which they were aware of, but failed to......

leckergirl says "Norweigian Jewel is the perfect way to see the Baltics" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

leckergirl — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:02:38 GMT

Norwegian Jewel...no better way to see the Baltic Capitals for all members of the family. Our group was made up of 3 generations and everyone was entertained for the entire 12 days. The ports were beautiful and we navigated each city easily using a guide book and the local tourist information desk. Only exception was St. Petersburg, Russia where you are required to pre-purchase a VISA or join an organized tour sponsored by the cruise line or a private vendor. ...

Ladybug2 says "Simply lovely!" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

Ladybug2 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:54:53 GMT

This was my first cruise. If I my way this will not be my last. This was a wonderful vacation. The staff was very friendly and always willing to be of service. The food was awesome. The shore excursion was very fun. I can't find enough good things to say about this trip....

MANDAGIL says "WORST CRUISE LINE EVER" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

MANDAGIL — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:31:55 GMT

DO NOT GO ON THIS SHIP. MY GRANDMOTHER WAS ON THIS SHIP AND SLIPPED BY THE POOL. THEIR STAFF REFUSED TO OPEN THE MEDICAL CENTER FOR HER. WHEN THEY WERE FINALLY FORCED TO THEY TOLD HER SHE SPRAINED HER ARM (WHEN SHE CLEARLY TOLD THEM IT WAS HER NECK AND NOT HER ARM THAT HURT) AND WOULD NOT TREAT HER ANY FURTHER, THEY LEFT HER FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH A FRACTURED SPINAL CORD WHEN SHE WAS FINALLY OPERATED ON HER NECK WAS IN HER BACK AND SHE IS NOW ON LIFE SUPPORT AND MAY NOT MAKE IT.

WHEN THE BOAT DOCKED THEY WOULDNT EVEN LET HER OFF THE BOAT THEY TOLD US SHE WAS NOT A PRIORITY. DO NOT TAKE THIS CRUISE LINE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RUSHED OFF THE BOAT AS SOON AS THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, IF SHE HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO A REAL DOCTOR INSTEAD OF THE FACT DOCTORS ON THEIR BOAT WHO DONT REALIZE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BROKEN ARM AND NECK THE DAMAGE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS EXTENSIVE. IF SHE DOES MAKE IT OFF LIFE SUPPORT SHE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO USE HER ARMS OR HANDS AGAIN.

IF THIS...

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ChakaKhan says "Man, were we spoiled!" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

ChakaKhan — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:45:04 GMT

We just got back from a 7-day cruise: Roatan, Belize, Cozumel, Great Stirrup Caye. The ship was unbelievable! We had nothing to compare it to, as it was our first cruise, but I can't imagine much better. the food was spectacular, service was awesome, the cirque show was magnificent, and our room was much more spacious than most people said I could expect it to be. Our favorite restaurants were Il Adagio and The Teppanyaki joint. We didn't try the french place. We loved the freestyle concept.

Some of the shows were not as cool as others, but that's to be expected, I think.

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iVANview says "Great experience" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

iVANview — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:25:24 GMT

A great experience for a cruise! The ship looked like new, all decorations were very nice. The food is good and you can show up at some restaurants without reservations. Good shows almost everynight.

The places visited are wonderful! Europe is full of things to see and do. This is a great way to travel around in a very comfortable way.

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kim826 says "This is the vacation for you!" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

kim826 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:46:00 GMT

For a great do-it-yourself vacation -- try the NCL cruise line. You do what you want, when you want -- eat when you want (24/7), play when you want, sleep when you want. And you don't have to worry about the driving! The food is great. Grand Cayman has a great shore excursion - nativeway!...

immelba says "Best vacation ever!" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

immelba — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:16:33 GMT

We did the 7 day mediterranian cruise and man was it awesome. The ship was beautiful. It was our first cruise. We had a balcony room and everything was an experience. The freestyle cruising was perfect. We could do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. We checked in at Barcelona, Spain. It was so quick and easy. We are looking forward to our next cruises to Mexico and Hawaii. It will for sure be with NCL.

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galleymen says "If you have the chance to upgrade, do it, what a vacation!" about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

galleymen — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:06:48 GMT

This was my fourth cruise, and the best one yet. We had a chance to upgrade to a private villa suite and for the extra $1000 it was fantastic. We took our daughter, as we promised her if she got good grades thru the first term she could come, and she lived up to her end and so did we. With a 16 teenager, we wanted some type of privacy and the villa suites gave us that. She had her own bedroom, and bathroom, plus our bathroom was bigger than our living room at home. Divine, and we were treated like kings and queens. We had a private butler, and when we went to shows, we got front row, when we went on excursions, we had a private elevator, first ones off the ship. Checkin and checkout were great also. Again, special line for each time, and it was quick and simple. I would highly recommend this and even if you dont upgrade Norweigan is awesome....

farmgrlbiz says "Cruise offers a relaxing atmosphere and lots of fun in the sun." about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

farmgrlbiz — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:27:12 GMT

This was my first cruise and I would definitely go on another one. The Norwegin Jewel had alot to offer from the shows to the casino. It was brightly decorated and very clean. Our Steward was there each and every day to make the bed and leave a cute towel animal on our bed.

My only complaint was that we couldn't seem to get our steward to understand we wanted diet (sugar free) soda kept in the room fridge. He would bring low cal soda, but it contained sugar and my husband is diabetic and can not have sugar. The trip was a little rough as the sea wasn't very calm so my husband also suffered a little sea sickness.

This is not a "luxury cruise" but is a comfortable one. We had some friends that went with us and they were a little critical as they were used to more upscale (bath robes and slippers in their cabin). However, personally I would cruise Norwegin again.

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Frostysduke says "Brand new ship, excursions great & staff tired." about Norwegian Cruise Line - Jewel

Frostysduke — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 02:01:25 GMT

I had just found out I was terminal and was living for this cruise. I had traveled with NCL before and the service was so good. Everyone was had been great and great too each other. I felt very blessed to get on the cruise.

It was a brand new ship of this year and it was georgous. The safety course was given inside instead of having to stand outside until we were all counted. The staff was all so extremely proper and always attired to the very best.

The room as much larger than I expected with a refrigerator. This is the largest room I had ever been on in a ship.

Great fishing trip with the eagles so beautiful and close enough for pictures. I even saw a school of herring.

Only thing needed for improvement was the staff being too tired and being critized in front of clients including clients being screamed at by staff.

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