REVIEW: NCL Jewel (12-13-09 sailing) AWESOME

[BeadBabe]

Thanks for the great review - I am just so excited about sailing the Jewel in February....

 

Just one question were the beds comfy???

 

SlotAddict

 

Beds were VERY comfy. I was asleep in minutes flat every night. You can arrange to have them seperate if you want two smaller beds or they put them together to make one bed. Even though they do that, you'd never know, as they put a cover over them so you don't feel the seperation.

 

We needed an extra pillow and I needed an extra blanket on my side. The room stewards were prompt to bring them and each morning stowed them out of the way.

 

You'll sleep like a baby!! If you have a balcony room, leave your door open. The sea breeze and the soft sounds of the waves lapping on the side of the ship is blissful!!

 

Best in 2010!

BeadBabe:D

[BeadBabe]

The Dec 13-20 Jewel cruise was my first and I greatly enjoyed every aspect of it. A word about reservations: most people seemed to eat early. Although the ship was very nearly full, we had no problems just walking into five specialty restaurants or two main dining rooms during the seven evenings. We ate after the first show, about 8:30 or so, and never needed a reservation or had a wait. Enjoyed all the dinners, too!

 

I'm with you Flaham....meals were wonderful. I'm sorry we didn't get to chat with you two more but perhaps another cruise!! That's good to know about later dining as I never thought of that. My group of 9-12 always made ressie's so that we'd be sure to have a table big enough, at a time that would allow us to see the show. Which we always were able to manage. Later night dining is a great idea though..thanks for the tip!

 

Best to you in 2010!

BeadBabe

[BeadBabe]

DevilZ and Halos

 

Most welcome....have a great trip and let's all go AGAIN! :D

[BeadBabe]

I guess I am not as positive as you are.

I hated the selling all the time. Bingo announcements every two hours.

Selling overpriced drinks at the pool.

Paying extra for meals.

Why couldn't they stay an extra day at costa mayer if the weather looks bad for the private island. Two days in a row at sea is really boring.

The shows were good.

Did not have good luck for reservations, would not allow us to reserve a table for 11.

What excursions did you take?

 

Hi Rod

 

I'm so sorry your cruise wasn't all you hoped for. Sometimes you have to make your good time happen!! :D

 

Announcements are a plenty, but you don't hear them in your cabin's. I sort of zoned them out, or maybe it was all those martini's. ;)

 

Drinks are at a premium on board, no doubt about it. You just have to be creative with that. Sometimes cocktails in your cabin are a better idea. That's what we did and it saved a lot.

 

The meals in the Tzar Dining Room, Azura Dining Room, Blue Lagoon Cafe, Garden Buffet, and Poolside Grill Buffet are all free. So you could eat really well without laying out another penny for food. That being said, I ate at all the Specialty Restaurants and paid the fees, and dang...it was sure good. But I understand where you are coming from. That is what I like so much about NCL, there are options for everyone.

 

I do not understand why you couldn't get reservations for 11!! :eek: My group was from 9-12 every single night and we had no problem whatsoever. How were you trying to make these reservations? Did you go thru the main reservation line? Book direct at the door? That shouldn't have been an issue at all. I'm sorry that happened to you.:(

 

Yep shows were GREAT!! How did you like the White Hot Party?

 

All our excursions we arranged with private operators on location before we landed. I didn't use any NCL excursions. But we enjoyed them for sure. We went to Maya Palms Resort (Costa Maya), Rony Bennett Tours (Roatan), Coral Breezes Tours (Belize).

 

The cost for landing in Costa Maya is a lot more than the costs for landing in GSC. So that would be one reason they wouldn't stay. Another reason would be that there wasn't room that next day because other ships were in port. That being said, I do love sea days...so I had a blast!! What I would have preferred though, was to sail south of Miami (towards Key West) and then back up around to stay in warm weather. Rather than what we did, which was to sail up along the Florida coast then turned around...it was chilly. Warmer would have been better. But I kept busy in the gym, the spa, the martini tasting, the entertainment, etc etc.

 

The best thing to do is learn from this cruise so that your next one is even better!!

 

Best in 2010!

BeadBabe

[tbear2762]

Annette!!!! :eek:

 

What HAPPENS ON THE SHIP...STAYS ON THE SHIP!! :cool:

 

Hey now you told my secrets....remember and after all you got a trophy all I got was laughs....but they were great laughs.

[tbear2762]

I guess I am not as positive as you are.

I hated the selling all the time. Bingo announcements every two hours.

Selling overpriced drinks at the pool.

Paying extra for meals.

Why couldn't they stay an extra day at costa mayer if the weather looks bad for the private island. Two days in a row at sea is really boring.

The shows were good.

Did not have good luck for reservations, would not allow us to reserve a table for 11.

What excursions did you take?

 

you can go to this web site and see how many ships are in a particular port on any given day. Sometimes it is not the amount of docks available but rather the amount of people the port can handle at one time so there is way more to it than finding a parking place so to speak. cruisett dot com

[rustybolts]

Haahahhhaaa.....but really.....did you take any excursions? Or are you one of the many people who just like to cruise for the ship only??

 

Rusty

[WinnieinWA]

I'll be on her Sunday and your review just made my day! Thanks and I especially liked your recommendation for the India meal! I'm taking my DD and her hubby and I know we'll have a blast!!! :)

[BeadBabe]

Haahahhhaaa.....but really.....did you take any excursions? Or are you one of the many people who just like to cruise for the ship only??

 

Rusty

 

Hi Rusty

 

Ohhh yes we did!!

 

In Costa Maya we did an excursion to the Maya Palms Resort. It was fantastic!! It's an all inclusive resort with options to snorkel and dive. Wonderful place!! Here is my review of our excursion there:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=22564495&postcount=68

In Roatan, we took a private tour with Rony Bennett Independant tours. I did a review of that too, but for some reason it's not appearing anymore. :( Guess I'll have to rewrite it. But the day consisted of an island tour with panoramic views, a visit at the Monkey Stop, a lovely afternoon at Foster's Beach (Tabiyana Beach), a stop at an orphanage to leave the children some gifts and supplies, and a tour of the Cameo Factory.

In Belize City, we usually go with Coral Breezes Tours and had big plans but the weather did not cooperate. So half of our group went shopping.

I DOOOO love sea days though, and they were spent in pampered bliss!! :D

[BeadBabe]

I'll be on her Sunday and your review just made my day! Thanks and I especially liked your recommendation for the India meal! I'm taking my DD and her hubby and I know we'll have a blast!!! :)

 

Winnie

 

Don't pass up on the carrot dessert at the Indian meal. It does NOT look good...basically looks like stewed carrots....but it is DELICIOUS and I mean DELICIOUS!!

 

Enjoy and Namaste!

BeadBabe

[WinnieinWA]

Winnie

 

Don't pass up on the carrot dessert at the Indian meal. It does NOT look good...basically looks like stewed carrots....but it is DELICIOUS and I mean DELICIOUS!!

 

Enjoy and Namaste!

BeadBabe

 

Thanks bunches! I love trying new food! Will do.

 

Do you recall if they had the ironing special on embarkation day?? If so do you recall the prce?

 

Namaste!

[rustybolts]

..........did you get off the ship?????????

 

Rusty

[tbear2762]

..........did you get off the ship?????????

 

Rusty

 

She answered in a previous post but in case you can't find it here is here reply cut and pasted

 

Hi Rusty

 

Ohhh yes we did!!

 

In Costa Maya we did an excursion to the Maya Palms Resort. It was fantastic!! It's an all inclusive resort with options to snorkel and dive. Wonderful place!! Here is my review of our excursion there:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=22564495&postcount=68

 

In Roatan, we took a private tour with Rony Bennett Independant tours. I did a review of that too, but for some reason it's not appearing anymore. Guess I'll have to rewrite it. But the day consisted of an island tour with panoramic views, a visit at the Monkey Stop, a lovely afternoon at Foster's Beach (Tabiyana Beach), a stop at an orphanage to leave the children some gifts and supplies, and a tour of the Cameo Factory.

 

In Belize City, we usually go with Coral Breezes Tours and had big plans but the weather did not cooperate. So half of our group went shopping.

 

I DOOOO love sea days though, and they were spent in pampered bliss!!

[rustybolts]

Sorry, beadbabe......I hadn't refreshed my screen from checking in earlier in the day and didn't see your response. THANKS!

 

Just curious, what orphanage did you visit? What kind of "supplies" did you bring?

 

We're sailing her for the second time this month. I'm glad to hear she's doing well. We've missed her so!

 

Rusty

[sunshine nana]

Great review. Could you explain more about the spa pass? How big is the pool? Is it to swim or just like a hot tub? Did you have to wait to use the stone hot bed? Thanks.

[AFT_LOVER]

The stabilizers are great as we had no motion, no rocking to sleep on our 12/6 cruise. 100% humidity & 95 degree temps made for very hot night, so balcony door stayed closed unless we went out but AC was working terrific.

Average 10 hours sleep at sea, since we are very relaxed with everything done for us.

 

 

SlotAddict

 

Beds were VERY comfy. I was asleep in minutes flat every night. You can arrange to have them seperate if you want two smaller beds or they put them together to make one bed. Even though they do that, you'd never know, as they put a cover over them so you don't feel the seperation.

 

We needed an extra pillow and I needed an extra blanket on my side. The room stewards were prompt to bring them and each morning stowed them out of the way.

 

You'll sleep like a baby!! If you have a balcony room, leave your door open. The sea breeze and the soft sounds of the waves lapping on the side of the ship is blissful!!

 

Best in 2010!

BeadBabe:D

[BeadBabe]

Thanks bunches! I love trying new food! Will do.

 

Do you recall if they had the ironing special on embarkation day?? If so do you recall the prce?

 

Namaste!

 

Winnie

 

They sure did have that ironing special....but I'm not remembering the price. They also had a mid week laundry special. (The usual one.) That is $24.95 for all you can stuff in the bag so you don't take dirty clothes home.

 

I always bring a hand steamer with me. But a really great trick is to put your clothes on hangers in the bathroom. By the time everyone showers, your garment is nicely steamed.

 

Also you can ask your cabin steward for an iron and ironing board if you need one.

 

BeadBabe:D

[BeadBabe]

..........did you get off the ship?????????

 

Rusty

 

I did Rusty!! HA HA

 

Scroll up...see post #34!! :D

 

I ALWAYS get off the ship...got to do a booze run in the "duty free" you know!! :cool:

[BeadBabe]

Sorry, beadbabe......I hadn't refreshed my screen from checking in earlier in the day and didn't see your response. THANKS!

 

Just curious, what orphanage did you visit? What kind of "supplies" did you bring?

 

We're sailing her for the second time this month. I'm glad to hear she's doing well. We've missed her so!

 

Rusty

 

We went to one sponsored by Rony Bennett Independant tours. You can contact Rony via his webpage of the same name or search google. It was a wonderful experience! The children were so appreciative, well mannered and polite. They all spoke english, even though the house mother didn't! It was precious and the highlight of our trip. We all purchased inexpensive backpacks and filled them with assorted school supplies, personal hygiene items, small toys, socks and candy. The reason this is so important is that...boxing things up and mailing them to the kids doesn't work. For one thing, the box will be opened and things stolen. For another thing, if the box does make it thru, they are charged duty taxes. So the cruise ship passengers bringing things in is a great and effective way to do so. This orphanage had about 21 kids, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years old. Here are some pictures.

[AFT_LOVER]

as we were exiting when you boarded. Great cruise on 12/6.

 

May I add a great value for $10 PP at Tango's. Free mini magarita

as a weldome. I had LOBSTER tacos. Each one had large pieces of a tail. So I had 3 of them. Then we had the Il Polo, big hot steel contraption with meat & veggies hanging from it sizzling. Seasoned Rice, guacamole, salsa all there for you too. Fabulous meal with excellent service. If you want more margarita's they are $5 each.

 

Julian was Hotel Director Oct 2008, and he went to Celebrity in December. They had Steve during our cruise, who left with us to go to work on Pearl. So John boarded & we met him as Captain Kostas said good bye to us with Jonas.

 

And here we are…back from yet another fantastic cruise on NCL!! This time it was the December 13th 2009 sailing of the Jewel out of Miami. There is sooo much to say, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet and hit the main points. (As for other information…I reserve the right to remain silent!!!) :cool:

 

Embarkation was a unique experience for us this time. Normally we process thru the balcony or mini suites window for Latitudes members and it usually goes without a hitch. But this year, one of our group was in a wheelchair, so upon ascending the stairs from the street to the entrance, we found a coral of wheelchairs ready and waiting right there. I hadn’t even put my hand on the handle, when I was immediately met by a NCL crew member there to help. He stayed with us the whole time as we cleared security, and then whisks us around alllll the other lines to a special line so that we could process quickly and use the elevator to ascend to the embarkation area. One quick stop for the photo op and we were on the ship with a glass of champagne in hand!!! From arrival at the street to sipping champagne was maybe 20 minutes. Even those in our group that didn’t arrive via the “handicap express”, said that checking in was fairly easy. The key here is PREREGISTER online and bring a copy of that with you. If you are a Latitudes member, you can use that express line. Suite holders also have their own special lines for those special guests. Disembarkation was handled with equal ease and simplicity. After we finished yet another wonderful breakfast, we made way to the Fizz Lounge where wheelchairs with crew members waited to escort us off the ship, thru immigration, to the luggage area where we collected our bags.

 

I traveled with my group of 9 that became 11, that sometimes swelled to 12, 14 and 20 at times...and a great time was had by all.

 

We had been on the Jewel before, and she is a lovely ship! The ship was very clean and well kept, as is typical of the NCL line as a whole. We all had balcony rooms this time, complete with safe, mini fridge and bathrobes. Our cabin was a handicap cabin, and it was roomy and spacious with plenty of room for the scooter. Our room stewards were kind and effecient. Richard and Joselito are two very sweet guys that were always there when we needed something. The towel animals are always a treat, especially when my constantly being lost sunglasses would miraculously reappear on the towel animals head!! :D

 

The first thing we did was haul our bags to our cabins. Generally the cabins aren’t quite ready, but the room stewards were more than accommodating to let us drop off our bags and roam the ship a bit til the cabin was ready.

 

Second stop was a cocktail at the martini bar by Magnum’s Champagne Bar. The VERY BEST BARTENDER on the ship is Edgardo and he’s in charge of the martini tastings. Not only does he make the BEST martinis on the ship, he’s a hell of a dancer too! ;)

 

Next stop was making dinner reservations. You can always access the dinner reservations attendant on the far right of the registration desk (as you face it). They are very helpful and bend over backwards to accommodate your party and requested meal times. You can book the day you are in and the next night without any trouble. If you have a balcony or mini-suite, you can book the following day as well. The larger suites can book any days ahead that they want. Maracar was working the desk most days, when she wasn’t hostessing at Chin Chin’s and she is by far simply the most accommodating hostess you’ll ever meet. She would go so far as to hunt me down to make sure I had my next reservations made, and then call my cabin to confirm the reservations she’d made for me. We were a large group and had no trouble getting in anywhere we wanted. Sometimes we had to juggle our times here and there, but the crew bends over backwards to accommodate you.

 

I just can not say enough about the food. We did the Garden Café and Blue Lagoon for simple breakfasts before our excursions. Lunches would be there too, along with grazing at the poolside buffet for quick mid day bites. This year the Jewel tried out two specialty lunches. I didn’t make the Jazz Brunch, but we did try the Indian Buffet lunch held in Le Bistro. This was a $15 surcharge and worth the price for generous selections of well prepared authentic Indian dishes. Every dinner we dined at the specialty restaurants. WELL worth the surcharge!!! Don't let those fees scare you off, it's TOTALLY worth it.

 

Things you MUST eat:

BBQ Pork Ribs, Dirty Noodles, Lamb Medallions – Chin Chin Restaurant

Escargot, Chicken Coq Au Vin, and anything on the menu - Le Bistro

Lobster, yes lobster! – Teppanyaki

Combination Pizza – Mama’s Italian

More lobster, Rib Eye – Cagney’s

 

 

The spa prices are pricey as always. But watch your Freestyle Daily for specials. Also physically GO to the spa and talk to the spa crew. They will work special combo deals for you that are listed on the menu of services. You can make an appointment for a treatment and usually negotiate a little extra freebie such as a free Eye Treatment while at the desk. Best Spa Deals: the 10/20/30 plan - 10% off first treatment, 20% of 2nd, 30% off third...combine those with bartering at the counter for a freebie. The other thing I would HIGHLY recommend is the Spa Pass. You pay a flat rate (was $99 for single of $125 per couple for the 7 day cruise or $20 per day individually) and you have access to the mineral baths, hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam room, stone therapy lounges, cold plunge and the private locker area for the entire cruise. You also have access to the very restful lounge area that sits at the very FRONT of the ship with full glass panoramic views out the bow.

 

The entertainment is always a great value as it's FREE!! I’ve been to many many Jean Ann Ryan Company productions and had the pleasure of meeting many of the performers, but this particular group was really something special. Not only are they talented and gifted they were so personable, unlike any other cruise I’ve been on. We would see the performers out and about on the ship and they were always friendly and welcoming, often times actually hanging out with us!! Make sure you see ALL their performances. By the way, if you get a chance to meet Richard (one of the male athletic performers for the JARC), please do so. His smile will light up your day, and his genuine zest for life is contagious. (Not to mention those 12 pack abs!!!:cool:) Don't miss the Crew Show. I don’t think that the Cat’s Pajama’s will still be performing, but if they are make sure you see EVERY performance. They are spectacular young men whose acapela talents will mesmerize you. The Fizz Lounge is a great place to hang out and for karaoke, and the Spinnaker lounge seems to always have great tunes spinning.

 

Now I’ve never been one to generally attend the usual games and things that the cruise director staff puts on, but this trip was an exception. The cruise director Que Hundermark has taken these “game shows” to a whole new level. He single handedly (well not single handed he has a GREAT staff) as taken simple games like “The Newlywed Game”, “Dancing With the Stars”, and “Qwest” and made them into extremely well attended events on the ship. We attended many, if not all, of them and had the most fantastic time. We laughed til we couldn’t breathe in some cases, and won a trophy in other cases. (Details will NOT be disclosed, so don’t ask!! LOL :eek:) We’ve met many cruise directors on our many cruises, several with NCL, and Que is the best yet!! He was always available, always friendly and made each and everyone of us feel like we were the most important person to him on the ship.

 

Speaking of being made to feel like you are important…I’d like to make a point to comment on John the Hotel Director and Mustafa the Food & Beverage Manager. These two men simply never sleep. Especially John O’Hara the Hotel Director. This man was up before I had breakfast and when I would leave the Spinnaker Lounge after dancing all night…he was still there, standing in the back, watching everything that was going on. John and Mustafa were out and about every evening greeting guests at the restaurants. We saw them literally every night, and every night they would stop at our table and visit. And not just stop by…they would chat with us leisurely as if there wasn’t anywhere else they had to be. Now believe me, my group isn’t all sunshine and smiles, there were a few of us that had comments to make about service from time to time. And each and every time these two gentlemen would listen attentively, take notes, make calls and voila…things happened.

 

Watch your Freestyle Daily for specials in the Duty Free Shop. Great deals on liquor on certain days, plus free tastings! Always, always, ALWAYS mention you are a Latitudes member and get an additional 10-20% off anything you purchase in the shopping area. Just cuz it says Latitudes on your card, doesn't mean you'll get the discount. So ASK for it.

 

Best Hostess – Maracar in Chin Chins

Best Head Bartender – Edgardo in the Martini Bar and Spinnaker

Best Room Stewards - Richard and Joselito on Deck 10

Best Officers – John Ohara, Hotel Director – Mustafa, F&B Manager – Que, Cruise Director

Be sure to tell them the BEADBABE says hello

 

Though I did not really use the casino, some in my group did. They had a few issues which I’m sure they’ll be taking up directly with NCL. Since I don’t know much about gambling, I’ll leave that segment for them to review. The consensus amongst the gamblers in the group was…that standard “casino” rules don’t always apply on board. So make sure you know the “house” rules on the games before you start.

 

Despite that due to rough seas and winds, we missed our stop at Great Stirrup Cay, our Captain took us out to sea for an added a sea day....the entire crew bent over backwards to keep us fed, entertained and happy. Additionally, our beloved Captain invited the entire Cruise Critic group to a special tour of the bridge!! This was a very special treat. He allowed us to wander around and ask questions. He was infinitely patient and seemed genuinely interested in our questions. We weren’t hurried at all and thoroughly enjoyed this little perk!

 

I'm sure I missed something...no doubt more folks from this cruise will comment!!

 

I can't say enough about this ship...the whole experience was awesome. If you want to know anything specific, I'm happy to answer questions! :D

[rustybolts]

Cute kids, Beadbabe!

 

I think there are a couple of orphanages on the island. Was that at the one known as CSI Roatan? I think I've been there before.

 

Rusty

[BeadBabe]

Great review. Could you explain more about the spa pass? How big is the pool? Is it to swim or just like a hot tub? Did you have to wait to use the stone hot bed? Thanks.

 

Hi Nana

 

The spa pass gives you open access during all spa hours to the relaxation therapy areas. Meaning the locker room, with private aroma hydrotherapy tubs (these are like an oversized bathtub for 1 person), sauna, steam room, cold plunge, showers, lockers, etc. Also to the coed therapy room with the large hydrotherapy pool (group size, seats about 6 on the in-pool loungers and another 3-4 could stand along the sides), heated stone tile loungers and the comfy loungers. This area faces the front of the ship, literally, with full glass ceiling to floor windows and a panoramic view off the front end of the ship.

 

Typically if you purchase a spa treatment you get free access to this area for that time. The Spa Pass allows you open use, to come and go, whenever you wish, during regular spa hours. It's so, so, so worth it. On my Panama cruise, I purchased the pass for the whole week as we had so many sea days. On this cruise I purchased 3 day passes for just the sea days, as port days I was off the ship.

 

I'm an early riser. So I'd hit the gym, then go to the spa, and there was never any waiting for the loungers. Even on one afternoon when I went, the loungers were full, but I just soaked in the hydrotherapy pool and within 20 mins one opened up. It's like a secret!!

 

Best to you!

BeadBabe :D

[BeadBabe]

Cute kids, Beadbabe!

 

I think there are a couple of orphanages on the island. Was that at the one known as CSI Roatan? I think I've been there before.

 

Rusty

 

Rusty

 

Sadly there are several orphanages there. I think various tour companies sort of have their favorites and support those. I can't remember the actual name, though I'm sure I have it somewhere. It was very VERY near the pier. We could see our boat from there.

 

BeadBabe:D

[BeadBabe]

as we were exiting when you boarded. Great cruise on 12/6.

 

May I add a great value for $10 PP at Tango's. Free mini magarita

as a weldome. I had LOBSTER tacos. Each one had large pieces of a tail. So I had 3 of them. Then we had the Il Polo, big hot steel contraption with meat & veggies hanging from it sizzling. Seasoned Rice, guacamole, salsa all there for you too. Fabulous meal with excellent service. If you want more margarita's they are $5 each.

 

Julian was Hotel Director Oct 2008, and he went to Celebrity in December. They had Steve during our cruise, who left with us to go to work on Pearl. So John boarded & we met him as Captain Kostas said good bye to us with Jonas.

 

AFt

 

Glad yours was great too!! Just an overall wonderful time!!

[sunshine nana]

Thanks for the spa info. I've learned so much from CC members!This will be our third NCL cruise (have done 3 on Princess too) and I'd like to try the spa pass for the sea days. We'll be on the Gem. I'm really hoping they will have the specialty dine/wine deal. DH winces at the wine prices, but if I buy the package, he won't have to pay for it separately.