Jewel Cruise - Some Pictures

[SANDPEBBLES]

We sailed the NCL Jewel from January 31 - February 7. Had the best time ever!

 

Instead of a full review, I thought I would share a few pictures and some thoughts. This is our second time on the Jewel, and we love her.

 

Jewel Mini-Suite:

 

I completely understand those who think the mini-suite is overpriced. My husband agrees. However, I love having a tub and a little extra room. We also use the curtain when one of us wants to read while the other wants to watch something.

 

Mini-Suite - 11614 - Sitting Area

 

 

 

 

Mini-Suite Bath:

 

 

 

Roatan, Honduras - Our first port of call - Maya Key Resort

 

We love the Maya Key Resort (formerly known as Fins and Flippers). The cost is $30 per person and they cater to day cruisers.

 

Just walk off the ship and go toward the information booths. Maya Key has their own booth. A very nice young man walked us to the dock and called for the ferry. (It was about a five minute walk.) In no time, the ferry arrived and transported us to Maya Key. It's very close. You can see it from the ship.

 

Once at Maya Key, it costs $30 pp. They do accept credit cards. Food and drinks are extra. Highly recommend the fun-jitas!

 

I find Maya Key to be a well-run and beautiful place to spend a day. (This was our second visit.)

They keep the music turned down so you can actually hear the leaves blowing in the breeze while lounging by the pool. If you wish to swim or snorkel in the ocean, you can do that too. AND, Maya Key is a sanctuary for animals in need of care. The jungle gardens are beautiful. Nice day!

 

Maya Key Pool

 

 

 

Maya Key Beach

 

 

 

 

NCL Coral Reef Bottom Fishing Excursion - Belize

 

I haven't been fishing since I was eight years old so I decided to try this NCL excursion. The boat drives very fast which didn't bother me, but I mention it for those who need a head's up.

 

If you need shade, try to position yourself under the roof. Some of the fishing reels are in the shade while others are not.

 

I caught seven fish. Some people caught more. Others caught less. We were told the fish would end up as meals for the needy. I hope that is true.

 

It was a fun day, but I don't think it was worth $90. Would probably not do this again.

 

Maya Chan in Costa Maya

 

Maya Chan was lots of fun! Be prepared for quite a long and bumpy ride from the pick-up point to final destination.

 

Looking out the windows, we were all sad to see the hurricane devastation. The people of Costa Maya are working hard to rebuild.

 

Once you arrive, it is all about you! The place is all-inclusive ($49 pp [group rate]). Drinks and snacks are brought directly to your individual area. A buffet lunch is served.

 

We located a fabulous corner with two mattresses (Yes! Mattresses!), table, chairs, shade. Food was really good, and the drinks are . . . well, they don't skimp! Enjoy.

 

Maya Chan Beach

 

 

Our Spot (with my cousin cropped out)

 

 

 

 

 

Great Stirrup Cay - Not this time - bad weather

 

If you want a detailed review of the Jewel cruise, please check out "Two Jewels for Us" by SolidGold in the Cruise Critic Review section. My cousin does an excellent job of writing about all aspects of ship life. (Loved your review, Cuz!)

 

Would be happy to answer questions and best wishes for lovely cruising!

[can'twaittogoagain]

Great info and pics. We booked the Jewel tonight for the 28th...I was wondering about

Maya Chan in Costa Maya....

 

How long was the ride there? What was the cost? What kind of buffet lunch was served? Was it good? We might consider this one....looks very inviting.

 

 

 

Thanks.

[R.hay]

We are also going on the jewel on the 28th was costa maya still messed up bad.

[newmexicoNita]

We sailed the NCL Jewel from January 31 - February 7. Had the best time ever!

 

Instead of a full review, I thought I would share a few pictures and some thoughts. This is our second time on the Jewel, and we love her.

 

Jewel Mini-Suite:

 

I completely understand those who think the mini-suite is overpriced. My husband agrees. However, I love having a tub and a little extra room. We also use the curtain when one of us wants to read while the other wants to watch something.

 

Mini-Suite - 11614 - Sitting Area

 

 

 

 

Mini-Suite Bath:

 

 

 

Roatan, Honduras - Our first port of call - Maya Key Resort

 

We love the Maya Key Resort (formerly known as Fins and Flippers). The cost is $30 per person and they cater to day cruisers.

 

Just walk off the ship and go toward the information booths. Maya Key has their own booth. A very nice young man walked us to the dock and called for the ferry. (It was about a five minute walk.) In no time, the ferry arrived and transported us to Maya Key. It's very close. You can see it from the ship.

 

Once at Maya Key, it costs $30 pp. They do accept credit cards. Food and drinks are extra. Highly recommend the fun-jitas!

 

I find Maya Key to be a well-run and beautiful place to spend a day. (This was our second visit.)

They keep the music turned down so you can actually hear the leaves blowing in the breeze while lounging by the pool. If you wish to swim or snorkel in the ocean, you can do that too. AND, Maya Key is a sanctuary for animals in need of care. The jungle gardens are beautiful. Nice day!

 

Maya Key Pool

 

 

 

Maya Key Beach

 

 

 

 

NCL Coral Reef Bottom Fishing Excursion - Belize

 

I haven't been fishing since I was eight years old so I decided to try this NCL excursion. The boat drives very fast which didn't bother me, but I mention it for those who need a head's up.

 

If you need shade, try to position yourself under the roof. Some of the fishing reels are in the shade while others are not.

 

I caught seven fish. Some people caught more. Others caught less. We were told the fish would end up as meals for the needy. I hope that is true.

 

It was a fun day, but I don't think it was worth $90. Would probably not do this again.

 

Maya Chan in Costa Maya

 

Maya Chan was lots of fun! Be prepared for quite a long and bumpy ride from the pick-up point to final destination.

 

Looking out the windows, we were all sad to see the hurricane devastation. The people of Costa Maya are working hard to rebuild.

 

Once you arrive, it is all about you! The place is all-inclusive ($49 pp [group rate]). Drinks and snacks are brought directly to your individual area. A buffet lunch is served.

 

We located a fabulous corner with two mattresses (Yes! Mattresses!), table, chairs, shade. Food was really good, and the drinks are . . . well, they don't skimp! Enjoy.

 

Maya Chan Beach

 

 

Our Spot (with my cousin cropped out)

 

 

 

 

 

Great Stirrup Cay - Not this time - bad weather

 

If you want a detailed review of the Jewel cruise, please check out "Two Jewels for Us" by SolidGold in the Cruise Critic Review section. My cousin does an excellent job of writing about all aspects of ship life. (Loved your review, Cuz!)

 

Would be happy to answer questions and best wishes for lovely cruising!

 

Thanks for sharing, what was life like before computers?

 

Nita

[SANDPEBBLES]

The hurricane devastation is evident as you drive along an extremely rough road. No kidding. Many deep potholes.

 

We were amused at the additional speed bumps. I guess there must be people who try to speed, but our taxi was going slowly down and up, grinding us toward Maya Chan.

 

Wasn't wearing a watch but I would guess the ride lasted around 30 minutes or so.

 

Here is a picture I took from the window of the vehicle.

 

 

 

Our Maya Chan waiter, Zach, told us his harrowing story of surviving the Category 5 hurricane. By the way, we adore Zach!

[SANDPEBBLES]

For us, the cost of Maya Chan was $49 pp which was a group rate. We paid in advance, using PayPal.

 

It goes without saying: bring extra money for tips. (These young people really work hard to please you.)

 

On our day, the wind was blowing extremely hard. Zach met with us to see if anyone wanted to go bike riding. Snorkeling was a "no go" because of the rough conditions. We didn't join in the bike excursion, and I don't know if anyone else did either.

 

They will bring drinks (anything you like), chips, salsa, and amazing guacamole to you. Ask for as many refills and second helpings as you like.

 

Okay. I did not eat the lunch because, for some reason, I just wasn't hungry. (Maybe too much guacamole! I couldn't stop eating it!)

 

Just checked with my husband who said they had tortillas you fill with your favorite things. (This isn't very detailed. I'm going to ask my cousin.) My husband said it was "okay."

 

A highlight of the day was the coconut demonstration. The guys cut them up and passed them around with straws. If you wanted to take yours to the bar, you could have rum added.

 

What I took away from Maya Chan is a genuine affection for the crew who is working so hard to help day cruisers have a lovely day. There is no fabulous pool or fountains or swim-up bars or shops or vendors. (You can get all that somewhere else.) Here, you get some serenity. I would love to go back.

 

 

Don't expect Maya Chan to be glitzy. It is not. Expect to enjoy a natural beach in comfort. :)

[SANDPEBBLES]

My cousin said there were grilled fish and meats for fajitas plus items to put on your fajitas. Also a bean side dish.

 

There may have been more side dish choices, but no one can remember.

 

I can tell you the guacamole is to die for!

[VacayAway]

Hi Sandpebbles! I appreciate the pictures and information. We are going in March on the Jewel and are very excited!!

 

I have a couple of questions I'm hoping you can answer ...

 

We have reservations for Maya Chan and I read about the bumpy roads. My parents will be with us and my dad has a bad back. I'm worried if the roads are so bad that the car ride would be miserable for him. Any thoughts?

 

Also, we are looking at the Maya Key resort in Roatan. We have 2 small kids travelling with us :eek: and would prefer to not have to worry about car seats. We will take them with us in Costa Maya on the long cab ride, but wondering in Roatan is it just a water taxi to Maya Key or would there be a cab ride involved as well??

 

Enjoyed your pictures as well! THANKS!

[SANDPEBBLES]

Hi, Vaycay Away.

 

I cannot tell you the ride to Maya Chan was comfortable, but I can tell you the driver took care. By that I mean, he did everything possible to minimize the jolts by going slowly.

 

A decision about whether or not to risk the ride would depend upon how sensitive he is to bumps. Don't forget you have to do the same ride to get back. :eek:

 

For Maya Key, you should have no problem at all. You do the five minute walk with the escort to the ferry dock. Once at the ferry dock, the ferry ride takes no time at all. You can see Maya Key from both the ship and from the dock. You will easily zip over.

[STARFISH*4]

you EMBARKED as we DISEMBARKED...thanks for sharing the pics..ENJOYED OUR cruise....we really liked just RELAXING in Costa Maya and making NASSAU instead of GSC was COOL!!!

[tls630]

I did not see any problems with damage we were there last week.We did not leave the village though!

[snorklinbarb]

SANDPEBBLES,

 

Thanks for all the pics & excellent commentary! Sounds like you had a lot of fun. What kind of fish did you catch?

 

I also enjoyed your cousin's review - she's got a flare with words, too!

 

Glad that your 2nd time on the Jewel was so wonderful. I still remember meeting you and your cousin and your DH's and am just so thankful we remain friends to this day and have had a chance to cruise together many times.

 

Wish I could have been on the Jewel with all of you but felt like I was there through the reviews & pictures!:D

[SANDPEBBLES]

For those who may be just starting out as cruisers, let me say that life-long friends will be made.

 

When we joined the roll call for what became the Good Morning America Jewel cruise, we had no idea we would bond with some very, very special people.

 

Was that cruise in 2006, Barb? Anyway, it was the beginning of many good times both on and off the ships! (Winking here.) ;)

[SANDPEBBLES]

Oh, what kind of fish did I catch? They told me, but I can't remember. I have pictures though!

[becky48417]

The damage in Costa Maya is still very much evident. If you left the village part of town, you can see shells of buildings, vegetation that is just starting to recover and scattered debris throughout. The roads are mostly dirt and very rough but the taxi drivers all went very slow. I'm sure that was more for their vehicle than for passenger comfort! ;)

 

Maya Chan was sooo nice! The lunch was fajita style with steak or chicken, fresh vegetables and soup. I didn't get the soup but heard everyone raving about it and when I went back it was all gone. They also had fresh grilled fish. The bar is fully stocked and the staff is WONDERFUL! We will definitely go there next time we are in Costa Maya!!

[BudapestLady]

Us too! Please go to the roll call page and sign up for the meet and greet. Follow the thread. We are trying to grow a big group for it. See you there - hopefully.

[R.hay]

Thanks so much for the info we have been their 2 times before the storm,i was hopeing it was not tour up to bad was our fav place.:)

[SolidGoldCruiser]

Hey everyone. I am jumping on my cousin's thread here. In reference to the ride to Maya Chan, the only discomfort I remember was feeling heat coming up from the floorboards of the taxi (don't want to speculate on what that might have been - brakes burning up??). This was on top of an 80degree+ day, along with no AC in the taxi.

 

(Sandpebbles and I were in the seat right behind the driver. Our husbands were farther back and said they did not feel the "heated" floor of the taxi)

 

Needless to say, we were glad to get out. Once you are there, it so worth it!

 

Have a few of their magaritas, along with a dreamsicle (right before you leave) and you will be unaware of the return journey.............

[SANDPEBBLES]

It's true! It's true! It did feel as though heat were coming up through the floor! Funny. :eek:

[LateCruiser]

It's great to read these reviews from you and SolidGold again! I've been away from the boards for awhile and Debra and I haven't been on a cruise (for numerous, sundry reasons) since the Feb '07 Groundhog Cruise on the Pearl. But we're booked now for the Pearl in Feb of next year. Love reading about the Jewel. She was our first cruise and we still love her.

[SANDPEBBLES]

Oh, my! The Pearl Groundhog cruise was so much fun! It's fantastic to share such great memories with others at Cruise Critic.

 

I've been away from the boards too but wanted to share some pictures with everyone. Like you, we love the Jewel.

 

Hope we can meet up on another cruise one day.

 

To those who weren't on the Groundhog cruise, we are a group of Cruise Critics who happened to be booked on the Pearl, leaving Miami for the Southern Caribbean on Groundhog Day in 2007.

 

We made up special tee shirts that are still in use today. My husband wore his on the Jewel a couple of weeks ago. :)