cruisinmama

I found this for you: My husband and I were lucky enough to be on the 13 night inaugural voyage of the Norwegian Jewel around the Mediterranean this summer (August 2005). An easy, swift and orderly embarkation procedure at Dover was soon to be followed by the materialization of the colourful ribbons and jewels that adorned the Norwegian Jewel herself. (We had some idea of what to expect - yet only artist impressions of the ship!). On first inspections we were amazed by the vivid and modern interior throughout the ship that was highlighted with contemporary armchairs in many of the bars and restaurants. On closer scrutiny we started to notice however subtle accents of 50’s and 60’s in some of the furniture choices in the bars. Outside there was an energetic feel around the pool area incorporating the theme of the circus that appealed to the child within. There were also many large colourful palm trees that bejeweled the jewel at night. The interior theme throughout the stateroom decks incorporated mahogany wood and turquoise that flowed effortlessly into the staterooms. We resided in a category JJ inside stateroom which was designed with storage as top priority. There were seven ample storage shelves, and a roomy wardrobe. Of course other features were a separate dressing table with hairdryer, safe, fridge, a well laid out bathroom and TV (although not flat screen as in the more superior staterooms). All over the ship there were many strategically placed flat screens displaying information about all of the ten restaurants and their occupancy - rating from busy to full. This proved vital in avoiding the rush at the Garden café (buffet style restaurant) and to generally gauge busy eating times. As Norwegian Cruise Line prize themselves on their freestyle cruising we attempted to sample some of the ten restaurants – ranging from Cagneys steak house, Mama’s Italian kitchen, Le Bistro French restaurant and the Chin Chin Asian restaurant (including a sushi bar!). The booking of the desired restaurants proved easy at first using the reservation desk at reception, however as word got out amongst fellow guest there were many queues and block booking of meal times over the two weeks. Another point to make here is that many of these speciality restaurants had a cover charge ranging from $10-$15 which would have to be considered with large groups. These cover charges had been reduced by $5 per person from the original printed prices on the menus. Overall the speciality restaurants provided excellent service, using more experienced and efficient staff. Only on one occasion the booked dining time of 8.00pm was made later due to large numbers and hence we were offered a complimentary bottle of wine which pleased us. The main dining restaurants differed in design from being modern as in the Azura restaurant and grand as in Tsar’s palace. Both were equal in terms of broad taste/themed menus and good service. The chocolate buffet was the best that we have ever experienced on a cruise and we were stunned by the artistry shown in the chocolate “Big Ben clock” and ice sculptures. The bars and lounges were regularly called upon throughout the two weeks and we were most impressed with the efficient and friendly service throughout. Most drinks were reasonably priced however some of the speciality cocktails and alcoholic smoothies were over $9. “Bar city” on deck 7 compromised of many of the Jewels unique bars - Malting’s beer and whisky bar, Shakers Martini cocktail bar and our favourite -Magnum’s Champagne bar which offered a deluxe range of champagnes to be indulged on formal nights. However the night always ended in the Spinnaker Lounge on deck 13 which had live music and then a DJ. Overall the entertainment from many of the performers around the bars and lounges was excellent and could not be faulted. The dance company produced two impressive shows with acrobatic expertise. There was a hugely talented comedian on board and some great lectures provided during the day. There were a good range of activities provided during the day and many art auctions to tempt you to part with cash. The assistant cruise director had a jovial personality and created many quiz nights (jeopardy, Mr & Mrs, The weakest link etc.) for guest participation - which were hilarious. There are very few if any negatives that we can find with the Norwegian Jewel. Given the fact that this was the inaugural voyage and lots of mistakes could happen we and NCL we fortunate. It was clear that there was good management and swift action throughout to prevent any guests from having a good holiday. We would wholeheartedly recommend the Jewel to fellow cruisers and hope you have an enjoyable time as much as we did. I'm sure you'll have a GREAT TIME Haze..... HTH

TO

TO

Thats terrible..My thoughts are with those on the ship and their families.

Hi ps416 We were looking more so a Cruise in Dec 2006...as the kids would have more time off for holidays..It was a longer Cruise also out of New York... Good Luck..Hope you find someone :smiley:

Have a GREAT Cruise Happy Sailing......

To CruiseCrazies

To CruiseCrazies

I have done so days ago but this is TA is not answering ....so I can't transfer it since they can't get ahold of her.."or so I am told" If my posts have come across mean or mad, they are not meant to be.I was just replying to a post that maybe she had too many customers..and I posted I didn't think that she had too many for our Cruise date... but that shouldn't excuse her for all her other blunders........thats all I was posting to..... I didn't know I couldn't make changes through the Cruiseline since I had a TA....thats what the original post was about...we have been dealing with this TA since May and each month a new problem happens... Again things other Cruisers know about doesn't mean the rest of us who are new would automatically know....but I'm slowly learning.. Sorry if this has gotten out of hand ...

I don't think there are any excuses for her to be made.....as I was trying to say it wasn't her 1st blunder there were many!! Being disorganzied or making stupid mistakes doesn't excuse her, I thought a TA would be more onto things than this one is... Thats all

Have a great time sweetaspeaches22 Happy Sailing........ :smiley:

Wow, that sounds great..I'd like to try a Carnival Cruise.... Have to keep an eye out to see which Ship they add this too..

Yes I have to agree the crowds will be scary.. I picked Christmas as it is just us....and the kids are out of school then..harder to take them out they just miss way too much stuff... I have looked at cabins for a few Cruises and already having trouble even getting cabins on the same deck.. BUT I had another brain storm... :grin: ..my dh usually cringes when he's hears that..lol..We have always talked about going to New York and heck it doesn't matter to us whether its -30 here or somewhere else..so I think we might plan on being in New York for Christmas....I'd LOVE to see a Broadway show..OMG That would be awesome.. So I have time to think about it... Thanks for all your thoughts :wink:

Thanks Shari Yeah I see there is a range of prices.. The New York one is longer and allot more money.. I'll keep my eyes open.. Thanks :smiley:

hey Dan... with my dh it all depends on how the shifts go.. he has worked every Christmas but this year he starts night shift on the 26th.. Its just us for Christmas...no other family...Just getting to where we want to go with winter weather all around us..could be the hard part... :wink: ..

Well there are 2 I'm looking at.... one of them would cover your days..lol.. 1 leaves the 21 for 12 nights..the other leaves 17th for 11 nights...Both from New York... Its with NCL..which I don't hear many people talk about...I've been reading reviews....

Which ships have you been on? I've only sailed on RCI...I see many are already sold out.. I also wanted to ask is the price on all Cruiselines what you see is what you get? or is that only RCI? for online prices... Thanks :smiley:

To CruiseCrazies

Sue Mama, are you talking about the gratuities for the waiter, busboy, steward, etc? Most times now the gratuities are already on your sail and sign card. If it's the ADDITIONAL tips you're talking about because you've gotten such great service, then we usually hand the steward or the waiter a $20 bill, or whatever we feel the service was worth, on top of the tips they already have. No more tips for bags or excursions for drivers....and yes waiters.. Think I'll plan a few more $1.00 as there will be 5 of us... Thanks

To CruiseCrazies