Scott2.0

I can't speak specifically of the Jewel, as I'm sailing on her for the first time in two weeks (squeeee!!!!)...BUT after sailing on several "newer" ships, I sailed on the Celebrity Century, literally their oldest ship (built nearly 20 years ago in 1995). I loved every second of it. It was smaller, quaint, classic. I felt like I was in a different era. Sure there were wear spots here and there...but it just added to the overall experience for me. I half expected to see the Rat Pack strolling down the hallway. It was awesome. New isn't always best, you know? :)

 

Did it feel like my Nana's house? No...but then again, living in Arizona my Nana is stuck in the late 80's southwest theme complete with whitewashed kitchen cabinets, aztec print rugs, and multiple pieces of artwork showcasing coyotes howling at moons, dream catchers with feathers, and dancing kokopelli's.

So funny! I'm in Scottsdale!

Am I misunderstanding the question? I thought the OP was asking whether the decor of the Jewel was outdated. I look at pictures of the interior of the ship and I see extraordinarily bright colors in carpeting and furniture, with different, extremely lively, and totally uncoordinated carpet patterns in every room -- cabins to public spaces. I see beige curved bucket chairs and beige rectangular bucket chairs, and purplish patterned 70's-style pedestal chairs in bars and lounges. I see fake black and white cowhide pattern chair backs in Cagney's Steak House. The entire ship looks like an explosion in a paint factory or a New Delhi bazaar.

 

I love an "old style" ship with a classic, truly "nautical" feel -- what many modern cruisers would call old fashioned. The mid-size ships, especially those a tad smaller than Jewel, are my favorite.

 

But based on the photos I've seen, Jewel looks dated for sure, but not like my Granny's house, which was understatedly elegant, comfortable and timeless. Jewel looks more like a 70's girl's college dorm room, or a kindergarten classroom.

You explained what I've been seeing in the pics far better than I could have! It's good to hear that you understand what I'm seeing and still have positive feedback of the ship.

I have been on both (including Jewels sister ship Pearl) and yes they are as different as night and day. They are in a different class. Epic is in a class of her own. She was brand new when we sailed her in 2010. We have been on the older ships (in the NCL fleet) since then and of course it's not going to compare to the Epic. The Epic has everything from the waterpark, Blue Man, Cirque, Ice bar and so on. But the Jewel is pretty and the entertainment was amazing and we had a great time. She holds her age well I think. ;)

 

I have a complete review of her in my signature with TONS of pictures.

 

HERE'S my online album of just the Jewel.

Thanks for the link to your gallery! The pics are great. While some show the ship's "old school" decor, it doesn't look bad.

EDIT: I just realized that there are 14 pages of pics in your gallery. That is exactly what I've been hoping to find. Thank you so much! Seeing them is making me feel much more positive about her.

I returned from the Jewel in March pre-drydock I thought she was in wonderful shape. Does she have a newest modern decor like Breakaway/Getaway? No. But she doesn't feel old or granny-ish either. It's all subjective. What one person considers garish, I consider fun and vibrant. There are some colorful carpets in Spinnaker and the Casino but it didn't bother me. I'm more focus on the crew and service which was fabulous. The Jewel's crew is among the best in the fleet.

 

The one venue I did find distracting was Tsar's main dining room. I'm not found of painting of old monarchs staring at me while having dinner :p. On the otherhand, I found all the art deco metal of Carnival Fascination to be irritating everywhere I looked. To each their own.

 

Here are some of the few pictures I took of the public spaces.

 

Cagney's I thought were tastefully designed and comfortable.

 

Star Bar (being replaced with Moderno)

 

Chin Chins

 

Thank you for the beautiful pics! They definitely show her in a positive light.

I guess my concern is that I don't want to feel as if I downgraded from the Epic. Maybe that's inevitable unless we sail the Getaway/Breakaway. Given crazy work schedules, this isn't something we get to do too often so I want to make sure it doesn't seem like a step backwards. Thanks again for all the insight, you've all been great!

Thanks all. Glad to hear the positive feedback. I'll be on the hunt for some post-DD pics. :D

I was being a little snarky, Scott, sorry... she's a fine ship, she really is. Plus, if you've never been to those Northwest destinations then you've really got to consider that in your decision. Not sure what category you're looking at but prices from $299... that's a deal. With only two sea days on a five day voyage, I really doubt you'll find yourself bored with the Jewel. Enjoy... whatever you decide.

No worries at all! I was looking at a balcony for $499 which seems like a no-brainer. Thanks again!

If you look around the first page of this forum a bit, you'll notice Jewel is finishing up a dry dock today.

 

Does it feel like your nanny's house? I don't know, does nanny live on a ship? True, the Jewel does not have some of the features the newer ships do, but I'd bet if you read some reviews here you'll find everyone who sails her loves the ship.

 

Now, if you're one of those folks who needs the latest and greatest whiz-bang flashy thing with something to bee-bop in front of your face entertaining you all day and night, then...maybe not the ship for you.

Thanks, I just edited my post after reading that she was in dry dock. I should have caught that. D'oh!

I don't need constant stimulation (although that wouldn't be a bad thing), I'm just worried about the ship feeling old and run down given its decor. I've read both positive and negative reviews and some of the negatives state her age as a factor. I really like the itinerary and the price so I may bite the bullet and take a chance, but any further insight is much appreciated.

I hope this post doesn't come off as snobby or snarky. I fell in love with NCL after an amazingly perfect cruise on the Epic. The ship was gorgeous and immaculate. I'm considering a Pacific Coastal cruise on the Jewel and the only thing holding me back in the age of the ship. I realize I won't have the feeling of newness that I did on the Epic, but does it feel completely dated? Is it well-maintained or does it feel beyond its prime? I've seen pics and it's hard to discern, but with all the pink carpeting, floral prints and gold fixtures it's not looking too hot.

Can someone that has maybe sailed on both a newer ship and the Jewel offer up any feedback? Is it a non-issue or is it like floating around in my grandmother's house? :eek:

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Sorry, I just read that it's currently dry-docked. I guess that's good news! Any feedback would still be appreciated as it doesn't seem like the renovations are too extensive and I didn't read anything about standard and balcony staterooms getting any enhancements.

That letter is brutal to read. I hope it hasn't been sent.

I can't get in either. Same thing, it won't let me click enter after I type in my info.