Jewel Down Under - A live(ish) report

Hi everyone, this is going to be my report on the Jewel's inaugural cruise from Sydney, 5 nights to Tasmania (and hopefully back). I haven't purchased the internet plan so I will only be posting when in port. There won't be a huge number of pics until I'm home.

Introduction

I decided I wanted to go on a cruise back in April. The first company I looked at was Royal Carribbean. Unfortunately as a solo they were way too expensive. For the price of an inside cabin I could book a nice hotel room on land.

After researching other solo options I had a look at NCL. On selected sailings they have reduced supplements for singles. I settled on an ocean view cabin on this 5 night cruise. Being my first cruise, 5 nights seems just right for a "taster" Also being a domestic cruise I don't need to worry about a passport.

The itinerary is

Sydney

Sea

Burnie

Hobart

Sea

Sydney

A couple of months after booking NCL had a sale. For about $200 extra I could get a minisuite and $200 OBC. That was an easy decision. I also kept my 2 perks (beverage and dining plans)

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Have a fantastic cruise. Looking forward to your posts.

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Day 0 Saturday

It was an easy trip on the train from southern Sydney. I had enough points for a room at Holiday Inn old Sydney. It's not a flash hotel but only 2 streets back from the terminal.

I was only expecting a standard room with a view of the alley, but got upgraded to an executive kingroom with a view of the Quay.

I spent the afternoon taking photos and looking at the Celebrity Spirit. At night I looked at the projection on the Opera House commemorating rememberance day

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Day 1 Sunday

Got up early to watch the Jewel arrive

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Day 1 Sunday

Got up early to watch the Jewel arrive

 

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Looking forward to your holiday blog. 8 of us are on the Jewel next year. Sooooo looking forward to it[emoji41]

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Enjoy! I just got off the Jewel this morning after completing a fantastic itinerary Papeete to Sydney.

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Looking forward to hearing your opinion, unfortunately we had to cancel our cruise on her next month. So will be following with great interest.

Boarding was painless. My documentation only said that boarding started at 12. At 10 am I left the hotel and checked my bag. A lady there said they expected check-in to start around 11. After I had some morning tea I came back at 11. Went straight in and up the escalator. Despite being sorted into lines of varying status and my lack of DYKHIA it was straight to a desk. After getting my details and card it was up another level into a holding area.

After 5-10 min security was opened and I went through and boarded at 11:30. First stop was the excursions desk to enquire about the behind the scenes tour. It costs $79 (I think) and should be on the last sea day. Details will be sent to my cabin later.

Next was lunch at Tsar's. Nothing exciting, but the service was quick. Rooms were announced ready at 1:30 and I'm currently chilling out on my balcony.

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Thanks for taking us along on your cruise. Bon Voyage!

We fly into Sydney from the east coast of Florida and cruise on the Jewel starting on 30 November. Hobart was on our schedule when we first booked, but they changed to Melbourne and added an extra sea day. I’m looking forward to reading about your adventure. The weather looks great. What is the temperature now?

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Fantastic views from the ship. We stayed at that Holiday Inn in February, but didn't get a room with the views you did! Have a fantastic cruise. I plan to watch your sail away on the web cam - such a sight.

We stay Holiday Inn the Rocks pretty much any t8me we cruise, in fac5 have a night booked and paid for, for our cruise on Jewel in December that we had to cancel

Boarding was painless. My documentation only said that boarding started at 12. At 10 am I left the hotel and checked my bag. A lady there said they expected check-in to start around 11. After I had some morning tea I came back at 11. Went straight in and up the escalator. Despite being sorted into lines of varying status and my lack of DYKHIA it was straight to a desk. After getting my details and card it was up another level into a holding area.

After 5-10 min security was opened and I went through and boarded at 11:30. First stop was the excursions desk to enquire about the behind the scenes tour. It costs $79 (I think) and should be on the last sea day. Details will be sent to my cabin later.

Next was lunch at Tsar's. Nothing exciting, but the service was quick. Rooms were announced ready at 1:30 and I'm currently chilling out on my balcony.

 

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Loving your report! We are on the Jewel in January. Where is your balcony located? I just upgraded ours from inside to balcony. We are on the Deck 10.

Enjoying your report and the wonderful photos.

Keith

Checking her out, want to do the TP in 2019.

Love the photos! While you’re on board do you know if we can buy duty free cigarettes in the shop there?

Looking forward to your review. We board her Jan 5 for 16 days and are sooo excited!

Ditto!! Can't wait to hear more :)

We boarded in Honolulu and still sailing on the Jewel. South Pacific was amazing! Jewel sailing into Sydney early yesterday.

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Hey Grozzy. Hope you are enjoying your cruise.

Could you please give me your opinion on the taste of the coffee that is supplied for the coffee maker.

Is it packaged in individual sachets, or in a jar?

Thanks. [emoji106]

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Hi following your review we are on this ship next February with 2 friends we are doing the Sydney to Singapore segment.

Hey Grozzy. Hope you are enjoying your cruise.

Could you please give me your opinion on the taste of the coffee that is supplied for the coffee maker.

Is it packaged in individual sachets, or in a jar?

Thanks. [emoji106]

 

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Coffee??? Best coffee I had all cruise was prior to the cruise in Melbourne Airport and once I debarked in Sydney. [emoji6]

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Coffee??? Best coffee I had all cruise was prior to the cruise in Melbourne Airport and once I debarked in Sydney. [emoji6]

 

 

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Hey Grozzy. Hope you are enjoying your cruise.

Could you please give me your opinion on the taste of the coffee that is supplied for the coffee maker.

Is it packaged in individual sachets, or in a jar?

Thanks. [emoji106]

 

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