Norwegian Jewel: Alaska 2012 Review

I apologize to the board and it's administrators if I'm not posting this correctly. I couldn't find a thread to post a review of this cruise to and started a new one.

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Cruise Line/Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cruise/Nights: Alaska; 7 Night

Room Type: Balcony, deck 8

Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Date of Cruise: May 2012

Ports of Call: Ketchikan, Alaska, USA; Juneau, Alaska, USA; Skagway, Alaska, USA; Victoria, Canada

Return Port: Seattle, Washington, USA

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I do not work for any cruise line or travel agency. I have been on 4 cruises in my lifetime: 2 with Royal Caribbean; 1 with Norwegian; and 1 cruise line that I do not recall. I am just passing on my experience as a cruise passenger to others who may benefit. Who knows, maybe the cruise line I'm writing about will see it and improve their business model. Time will tell.

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This was our first vacation to Alaska and my husband and I decided, based on the encouragement of others who had been, to see Alaska's Interior Passage from a cruise ship. This is my review of that cruise.

We had fun at every port, though I would not recommend leaving from Vancouver.

Vancouver is a pretty city (except the crack town part on the way to the other port). Our ship was very, very late leaving port because U.S. Homeland Security was placed there with only 4 agents checking the passports of thousands of passengers. We arrived at 2:15 PM and didn't get on the ship until a few minutes before 5pm. First line was security and not too bad. Second line was for Norwegian to get our card key. Third line was Homeland Security ("your inconvenience is our passion") and took hours to get through. There was no place to sit, no food, no water. Norwegian staff just kept telling us that this was not their fault and "out of our control". Later we heard of a woman with diabetes who started feeling sick while in line. A woman behind us who was bald and obviously recovering from cancer was clearly stressed out about the possibility of the ship leaving us. I assured her that the ship would not leave because they would have to reimburse all of us for our cruise tickets. She was not convinced. The ship was scheduled to leave at 4:30 PM and we were already past that when she began to, understandably, express her concerns. The US and Canadian passengers had it easy compared to the "foreign nationals" who were all separated out of line and had a much longer wait than a few hours we spend standing on the cement floor. All we heard from the Australians on board was "What was up with that?" as if we, as US citizens, had anything to do with the disastrous boarding process or Homeland Security.

Ketchikan was the duck-boat tour and a walk through the old brothel area of town up to the park that houses a fish hatchery (but we didn't have time to tour the fish hatchery and would like to do that in the future). We did not book the duck-boat tour from the boat. We just walked into the shopping area and booked it there (and saved some money).

Juneau was the whale watching boat and a short (45 minute) trip to Mendenhall glacier and Nugget Falls. The bus dropped us off at the park and we hustled to try to reach the falls. No luck! We needed more time. But the view from where we were was fantastic and we have many great pictures of both the glacier and the falls. We did not use the ship's excursion service for this and we're glad. Our boat was faster (which gave us more time around the whales) and smaller (so we were closer to the water). We also saved about $80 each by booking at the dock, rather than with the ship. I have some unremarkable pictures of Humpback whales, Husband may have better pictures. But I do have a great video of our boat driving around a buoy with Sea Lions lazily sun bathing on it, while other Sea Lions jockey to get up top, and a Bald Eagle on top that flies away after a bit. I strongly recommend whale watching in Juneau.

Our cruise ship cruised down the Tracy-Endicott Arm and went to Dawes Glacier. The Tracy Arm was too full of ice to go that way, so we went down the Endicott Arm. We saw 2 Grizzly Bears on the bank on our way through the Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier, one took off for the woods when we were spotted. The Glacier water/ice was so clear and blue it didn't look real. There were tons of seals lounging on ice bergs near the glacier. We started off viewing the scenery from the top deck of the ship. After a While, I had to add the liner to my coat and went down to our cabin. The curtain to the balcony was open and the view was incredible. I ran up, grabbed Hubby and brought him down to the cabin where we enjoyed the remainder of the trip down the Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier with a cup of hot tea made from the electric kettle provided with the room.

We saw a Holland America ship (the Oosterdam), just ahead of us, turn around halfway in the Endicott Arm. Their captain had lost too much time and had to get to their next port. I've read that captains of cruise ships get bonuses for being on time at their ports and saving fuel. I guess that rules out over what the passengers paid for. We saw a couple who had been on the Oosterdam on our flight home and they were understandably angry that their ship turned back and never went to the glacier.

Skagway was the Yukon train excursion (only excursion booked through the ship). Very interesting; beautiful scenery; highly recommended. I have a picture of a black bear sitting on the side of the train tracks. I don't know if he was waiting for someone to throw him a sandwich or something.

There is an old graveyard that is full of Skagway history that you should walk to (it's not far). There is also a hiking path if you're the hiking type (we are).

I learned quite a lot about the gold prospectors who came up there from the museums in town and the train ride. The picture of decaying horses in Dead Horse Gulch was hard to look at. We didn't meet anyone who lived in Skagway year round. Everyone we met was from someplace else and only there for the tourist season.

At two of the 3 US ports in Alaska we were greeted and escorted out of port by a US Coast Guard boat with a 50 caliber rifle mounted on the front, a man with a black mask manning it and pointing it at the ship as if we were a prison transport in a Third World country. Again, we heard complaints from the Australians, as if we had anything to do with it. We told them to write a letter and express their disappointment over the unwelcome greeting. I've been on cruises to what would be considered Third World countries and I've never seen anything so brutally unwelcoming.

Victoria was a pretty city. We just walked around the town (we were done with excursions at that point). We didn't feel like buying anything. Husband has a great time lapse video from our balcony of the boats on the waterway, taken while we were out walking the town.

The balcony was great and I would strongly recommend this to anyone going to Alaska. The Caribbean? Nah, because you're just looking out on the ocean 99% of the time. But a cruise like the Inside Passage on the Alaskan coast, for sure! The room had an electric kettle and we made hot tea and coffee and sat on the balcony and watched the scenery sometimes. The balcony was also sheltered from much of the wind (kudos to the ship engineers). The room was spacious enough and I have no complaints on this except that the bed, though tolerable, sagged a bit in the middle.

The only staff member on the ship that seemed happy, or happy to see us, was our room steward. The whole ship seemed understaffed. It was hard to flag down the wait staff to get more water, or horseradish for the prime rib (which should have come with the steak without asking as it was listed on the menu this way).

The main show entertainment was overall pretty good. There was a hypnotist who was pretty good, a comedian-magician that was mildly entertaining (though we only saw him in the finale show with other acts), and a little circus/acrobat show that was amazing (except for the dancing/singing parts). The hypnotist had two mass sessions over the next 2 days and we went to see if we could be hypnotized. No luck! One session was for relaxation and the other was for weight loss. We learned that we are over analytic and are not easily hypnotized. Those passengers that were in the main show that were easily hypnotized were hilarious, though. She didn't make them do anything embarrassing, just funny stuff.

There is a problem with a lack of adequate seating in the buffet area (Garden Cafe) and cleanliness. On several occasions we had a hard time finding a table to sit at and had to ask other passengers if we could sit with them at their table in the buffet dining area. Staff had been trained to remove dirty dishes, utensils and napkins from the table, but we had to clean our own tables from clearly visible food bits on the rare occasions when we went to the buffet to eat. They have 8 pay restaurants and only 2 regular restaurants, plus the buffet. We met some folks who had eaten at one of the pay restaurants and said the food was "OK, nothing special, but 2 hours later we felt sick." Thank you, 'nuff said. The food on Norwegian was all "OK, nothing special", though they managed not to overcook the tiny, little lobster tail we had on one night (so that was good). Food described on the menu often didn't match with what you got on the plate (sauces were omitted, etc.). I ordered Thai Curry one night and got a rice dish with some shrimp and chicken pieces, tiny cubed vegetables and a little bit of curry sauce, lightly drizzled over the rice. Sometimes, like then, I wanted to walk back into the kitchen and tell the chef how it should be done ("That is not curry!"). Dishes were heavy, overcooked and either too salty or too sweet, giving me a bloated feeling after the meal (and I'm not a big eater).

The ship is very focused on selling you everything from spa sessions to jewelry to shoe inserts to bingo games. I get that, but it was overdone. After a while, Hubby and I were making fun of the announcements encouraging passengers to attend this or that sales session. Norwegian staff used the aerobics room as their sales office, filling it with chairs for their presentations. There were a few, early morning exercise groups in there, but the rest of the day was booked for sales presentations. So I didn't have anyplace to do yoga unless I wanted to use the room after 7pm or give up our port excursions. That was a major irritant for me. In hindsight, I should have taken over the chapel and pushed the chairs out into the hallway. It had a nice view and I rarely saw anyone using it.

There was not enough to do on the ship. We are active people. We played shuffleboard a couple of times but there were only 2 shuffleboard courts on the entire ship and they were often full, with other passengers waiting to play. There is one giant chess board, also full, and a ping pong table, also full. Card/game room is too small and was often full, as well. The casino games were too expensive. I'm one of those cheap gamblers who only has fun when the risk is low. When it's a $10 minimum or more at the Blackjack table it's just not fun for me.

I completed a survey after our cruise but judging by the way they run their ships I have serious doubts that they read the surveys. I can't possibly be the only person who had suggestions for Norwegian to make things better. I heard other passengers on the ship complain, but maybe they are silent complainers and never speak up. Who's to know.

Since Husband and I are they types that make our own fun we had a good time, overall, despite some of the undesirable aspects of this trip. The Alaskan coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and I'm happy that we were able to share it, bundled up on the balcony, hot cup of tea or coffee in hand.

Maybe we're just spoiled on Royal Caribbean cruise lines, which is the last 2 cruises we've been on, but I could not give a recommendation for Norwegian cruise lines for a vacation.

Interesting comments. I was on the same sailing, but we're long-time NCL cruisers and are perfectly happy to continue sailing on NCL. What in particular was it that makes you not want to recommend NCL?

I agree that boarding was absolutely awful, but don't think it was NCL's fault. We also went whale watching in Juneau on one of Harv & Marv's 6 pack boats. The other 4 passengers were all sailing on the Sapphire Princess, which also sailed from Vancouver. Their wait (at Canada Place, the main cruise terminal) was even worse than ours. They were scheduled to be the first ship out of port, and didn't end up leaving until after 7. I think it had more to do with the fact that there were 4 ships sailing out of Vancouver that day, and with it being a Canadian holiday weekend, there weren't enough customs agents to go around. It definitely didn't start our cruise off on a good note (even thought we were on board by the time you arrived), but it definitely didn't ruin our cruise.

That coast guard boat was definitely a new experience for us. I did speak with someone from our roll-call group who boarded the ship in NYC. She said that customs had been going over the ship with a fine tooth comb, and I wondered if the coast guard boat had anything to do with that. It would be really interesting to hear the explanation on that one. I also had a friend who sailed a one-way southbound cruise on an RCI ship that same week, and she said they also had a coast guard escort in several ports.

I realize that everyone has a different point of view, but I found the staff to be wonderful! Our room steward was also excellent, but we found that everyone we passed would smile and speak to us. We ended up getting a wonderful waitress in Tsar's dining room twice, and started requesting to be seated in her area each night. They couldn't always accommodate us, but did whenever possible. I think I made the comment in my review that it's the wonderfully friendly NCL staff that keeps me coming back to their ships.

My complaints with the food weren't with the taste or quality of the food that we did have, and had more to do with some of the items that were missing from the MDR menus that we've enjoyed in the past. Food is such a very subjective item that I'm always intrigued by the opinions of other people.

I agree totally with your comments about the buffet being overcrowded. We don't usually eat there, but did spend more time there than usual hunting down the chilled soups that used to be on the MDR menus. It was very rare that we could find a table until we got almost back to the Great Outdoors area. I think a lot of that has to do with the Alaska itinerary. Instead of regular pool-chair hogs like you have in the Caribbean, you have people who head to the buffet and stake out "their" chair for the day. I noticed one guy in particular who had one chair that he was sitting in most of the week.

My husband and I went on this cruise looking for rest and relaxation -- and found it! I didn't bother to do any of the ships activities except the main shows each night. There were some other things listed in the freestyle daily that looked fun, but in the end, relaxing on my balcony of having a nap won out most days.

Thanks for your review. It's interesting to read someone else's opinions.

Just a quick correction: There are 6 no charge restaurants -

2 main dining rooms

Blue Lagoon

Garden Cafe

Great Outdoors

Moderno - breakfast and lunch only

I agree with you wholeheartedly about NEVER leaving from Vancouver again! I realize that it was probably not NCL's fault - but no one did anything to assist people with special needs during the horrible experience. For those who sailed NCL the first time or even if it was their first cruise it gave the wrong impression as to how most embarkations happen. We had one couple with us who had never cruised again and can honestly say (even though we explained that this had never happened to us before) this will be their last cruise.

B. Cole

There is also the Sky High Bar and Grill that is free. I don't see where the Modernaro is open for breakfast and lunch - but things do change. I also presume that Cagney's is used for the suite breakfast and lunch.

Thanks again for the review - I have heard that Vancouver goes through the embarkcation problem twice a year when the repositioning cruises arrive for their first and last AK trips - none of which is NCL's fault - however I did not hear about any problems when the Pearl repoed a week earlier - so maybe this was the perfect storm of ships and holiday.

I have also seen the Coast Guard escort boats but that was in Miami. Unfortunately in our country and many other countries there are very real and credible threats that must be taken seriously and thankfully we have men and women who step up to protect us. It's hardly what I would call "brutally unwelcoming". But, that's just my two cents worth.

Thanks for your review. I've read more than a few negative reviews about the Vancouver embarkation process.

Just a quick correction: There are 6 no charge restaurants -

 

2 main dining rooms

Blue Lagoon

Garden Cafe

Great Outdoors

Moderno - breakfast and lunch only

Is Moderno open for B & L fleetwide? We were on Jade in Apr. and don't recall seeing anything that indicated meals were being served during the day there. What was the menu, if you can recall?

We'll be on Jewel next Jan. and this sounds like a nice alternative.

Thanks!:D

Is Moderno open for B & L fleetwide? We were on Jade in Apr. and don't recall seeing anything that indicated meals were being served during the day there. What was the menu' date=' if you can recall?

 

We'll be on Jewel next Jan. and this sounds like a nice alternative.

 

Thanks!:D[/quote']

 

I don't recall Moderno being open for B&L on the Jewel. I'll try and remember to check my freestyle dailies when I get home and see if I can verify that one way or another.

Who knows what was going on in the ports with the Coast Guard escort.....perhaps a heightened security level due to a threat? But seriously, "brutally unwelcoming"! That's a bit harsh considering they are protecting YOU from, well, something unknown! I think a "thank you for a job well done" is more appropriate. Just my $0.02.;)

Is Moderno open for B & L fleetwide? We were on Jade in Apr. and don't recall seeing anything that indicated meals were being served during the day there. What was the menu' date=' if you can recall?

 

We'll be on Jewel next Jan. and this sounds like a nice alternative.

 

Thanks!:D[/quote']

 

On the Sun and the Epic you can go to Moderno and they have deli style buffet for lunch, and a light breakfast buffet (more than continental, but less than full). It is not advertised. Maybe it has something to do with where Moderno is located on the ship, whether or not they offer the lunch and breakfast options.? I also forgot Topsiders for free food, but in Alaska depending on the weather, most of the time it is not open.

 

We will be on the Jewel in 9 days, and I will double check on the breakfast and lunch options in Moderno and report back.

On the Sun and the Epic you can go to Moderno and they have deli style buffet for lunch, and a light breakfast buffet (more than continental, but less than full). It is not advertised. Maybe it has something to do with where Moderno is located on the ship, whether or not they offer the lunch and breakfast options.? I also forgot Topsiders for free food, but in Alaska depending on the weather, most of the time it is not open.

 

We will be on the Jewel in 9 days, and I will double check on the breakfast and lunch options in Moderno and report back.

Interesting. I've been on the Epic three times and never heard of Moderno serving breakfast and lunch.

We will be on the Jewel in 9 days, and I will double check on the breakfast and lunch options in Moderno and report back.

Just got off the Jewel June 2. Moderno was not an option for breakfast or lunch. For lunch, you do have the poolside buffet of burgers and such, though.

Jim

Thanks for your review. Sorry it was not your best cruise but you did go to a beautiful place - Alaska.

Sorry your cruise experience this time did not meet your expectations. The Coast Guard escort and the Homeland Security check point could be related to a security threat. I have not seen the gun boat escort before in the states or Canada but on approach to and on sailing from Acapulco our ship had a Mexican Navy gunboat escort. I appreciate the security but I suppose similar to others, would be nice to get some info regarding their efforts.

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

We've seen the Coast Guard 'escort' into Juneau a couple of times. The boat was zipping around the ship and it was obvious they were kind of clowning. Even the captain made a comment over the PA that the CG boat was having fun with us. I even have pictures and video of it.

Sorry your cruise didn't live up to your expectations. We have cruised NCL 7 times (#8 upcoming) and we LOVE NCL....

Just a quick correction: There are 6 no charge restaurants -

 

2 main dining rooms

Blue Lagoon

Garden Cafe

Great Outdoors

Moderno - breakfast and lunch only

Have you seen any review posted on your cruise?

Who knows what was going on in the ports with the Coast Guard escort.....perhaps a heightened security level due to a threat? But seriously, "brutally unwelcoming"! That's a bit harsh considering they are protecting YOU from, well, something unknown! I think a "thank you for a job well done" is more appropriate. Just my $0.02.;)

OP, it's funny that you mentioned sales pitches on NCL. I got absolutely sick of hearing (and reading) pitches from the Royal Caribbean "shopping consultant" onboard the Radiance of the Seas, which we just cruised on. She had her own channel on the TV devoted to her pitches. Then she stood dockside as we left the ship hawking the shops that sell tanzanite or whatever it was. So, it's even on your favorite cruiseline. :D

Anyone from Vancouver can tell you that the first ships that sail out of Vancouver, especially on busy port days, will experience the wait from hell. It happens to all of them. Once that awful first week or so passes, sailing out of Vancouver is a pleasure.

The escorts are nothing new for the ports. While it does seem like it should be unnecessary but these days I guess they need to be careful when a big target like this approaches such a small channel.

This picture was from 2007 when we sailed the Pearl although this was in August and perhaps warm enough to not require a ski mask to keep warm.

The guys on this cruise were definitely masked up. I can't even imagine how cold it was up on the bow of that boat, at the end of May, with the water temps still as cold as they were. More than once we saw him get completed drenched with the spray as their boat maneuvered around.