Jewel 2/12/11 CTN--Review

[monteman]

Background:

This was my 4th CTN. My DH and I decided to do this cruise as a way to “meet” the Jewel, which we will be on for a week in June. We have cruised on the Dawn, Spirit, Gem, and Epic, and now have 9 NCL cruises under our belts. We have become suite fiends, but decided to go with an inside cabin for this 1-nighter. We booked one mid-ship, Deck 10, by the elevators. A good location, no marathon walks to get anywhere.

 

Drive to and from NJ-Pier 88:

Fine. Easy, no traffic issues either way. We arrived at the pier earlier than expected—around 9:30.

 

Check-in/embarkation:

Smooth. Even with a second ship at the pier, we had no problems or confusions (a rarity at the pier, if you ask me). We walked in, sat outside the check-in area for about 20 minutes, and then were told to enter the check-in area. Got our cards and photos within minutes, were given a boarding number (5), and breezed through security into the main boarding area, where we sat and relaxed. There is a new (to us) “café” in the waiting area, where you can buy sandwiches, hotdogs, coffee, cold drinks. The coffee was pretty good. We boarded a little earlier than usual—were on board before noon.

 

First stop:

Shaker’s Martini Bar for a welcome-aboard Beach Bum. Love that bar.

 

Second stop:

Lunch at Tsar’s MDR. More pleasing selections than on the last couple of CTNs, in my opinion. The food was very good, as was the service. We initially were brought to a table that was not by a window—I noticed that there was 1 window table in the area that was not occupied so pleasantly asked if we could sit there instead. She went to check with the hostess and then returned and seated us there. I mention this only because as so many others have said—if you’re not 100% happy with something, tell them what you want! Give them a chance to give it to you. Why sit gazing longingly at another table while you eat, muttering to yourself that you didn’t get a window table if that is what you wanted. Ask! Worse that could happen is they say no. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the pier workers loading supplies onto the Jewel as we ate. We made a game of it, trying to read or figure out what was in the various boxes below.

 

Our cabin:

Very nice and comfortable. Plenty of room for 2 people (especially for 1 day/night). The storage area was more than adequate. The bathroom was roomier than the BA balcony we had been in on the Gem on our last CTN. Great beds—very comfortable. They were made up as twins, which I figured would be the case, although I hoped for a queen anyway. We pushed them together and moved the bed tables to either side of the beds as a little “hint-hint” for the steward. Hoped he/she would take the hint, but were fine with it if he did not. He didn’t. As a note, we never saw our steward. We didn’t expect to really, but I know some people have been critical of that. We left a note requesting ice and when we came back later it was there, so we were perfectly satisfied with our “mystery” steward!

 

Sailaway:

The only part of the cruise that we felt deserved a little criticism. It was not our usual experience and left us feeling a little puzzled, actually! After having had lunch, checking out our cabin, and doing the muster drill (brief & painless), we wanted to get a drink and head to the stern of the ship (the great Outdoors) for sail-away. We’d scoped it out earlier and found it to be relatively warm there at the aft of the ship, not freezing or terribly windy at all. The weather was fine, by the way—around 40 degrees. But none of the outside bars were open! None of them! We have always grabbed a drink (and sometimes a snack) before or during sail away on CTNs (most of which were in February).

 

No drinks at the outside bars? Well, OK. Weird, but there are other bars! So off we went in search of our sail away drink (a martini or a frozen margarita). Went to Spinnaker’s for a martini: CLOSED for a private party. Tried Fyzz Lounge next: CLOSED for a private party. Went to Tango’s bar—CLOSED until 5:30! The only bars open were the Whisky/Beer bar, Champagne bar, and Martini Bar. Problem with that was trying to bring a slopping-over-the-rim martini from the crowded Martini bar up to the top of the ship was not something I felt up to. And the only margaritas I’ve ever had & enjoyed were from Tango’s. So what to do? We ended up just going up to the Great Outdoors and toasting each other with no drink, wondering why none of the outdoor bars were serving drinks!

 

At some point after we got under way, Spinnaker’s opened to the public. But it was then a total zoo, so forget it. We eventually were let in to Fyzz Lounge as well, where I ordered a frozen margarita. Wasn’t very good (but of course I drank it anyway, what the heck!). As I had thought, the only good frozen margies are served at the (CLOSED) bar at Tango’s!

 

Casino:

We checked it out right when it opened (to loud cheers) for a bit. It was a nice open space—had my favorite slot machine so I was happy. We went back again later (around 10:00) and it wasn’t uncomfortably smoky or packed. I like the casino on the Jewel. Oh, and the casino bar is a long one—not just a little 6-person one. It was a good size.

 

Next stop:

Dinner at Azura. We decided to not do the pay restaurants this time. Got to Azura around 6:30 and were seated immediately. Had a very nice dinner with excellent service. The restaurant manager stopped by and chatted with us a bit, wanting to know if everything was to our liking, if we were having a good time, etc. Very nice man.

 

Evening’s Entertainment:

We weren’t in the mood for a show, so ended up spending much of the evening in Fyzz lounge. There was a Reggae band that we enjoyed. It was a lively place, but not packed or so loud you could barely hear each other. I like the way it is kind of open—not the disco or dance club typical to the other NCL ships we have been on.

 

Breakfast:

we went to the buffet around 8:30 and had no trouble finding a quiet table off the main seating area. The scrambled eggs were cold, but no surprise there. I didn’t feel like waiting for an omelet and ate the cold eggs without complaint. The bacon was as delicious as ever! The coffee was better on the Jewel than on the other ships (wasn’t as weak) so that was plus.

 

General Comments:

We really liked the Jewel very much and look forward to spending a week on her in June, when we will be spoiling ourselves in an aft-facing penthouse suite (SF, what used to be an AD). She is a comfortable ship, easy to navigate, has that wonderful “I am on a ship” feel (unlike the Epic) with plenty of windows and outside walking areas. Not slick and cutting-edge—not always the most sophisticated decorations. But we didn’t care—she’s a fine ship and very warm & welcoming. Oh, and did I say comfortable?

 

I wish they had had at least one outdoor bar open for drinks, at least until sailaway! The weather was no colder than on past cruises in February. Just don’t understand that. My ONLY complaint. And certainly one I can live with … if I HAVE to. ;-)

 

This CTN also ranked at the top for us in terms of the rest of the passengers—it was a nice group! Not loud, raucous, rude/pushy, and sometimes drunk, as has been our past experience on the 1-nighters. A nice mix of kids, young people, middle aged and elderly. Good behavior was the only behavior we noticed.

[Partyatsea]

Monte we were on this CTN also and also were miffed no outside bars were open upon embarkation. We usually like to get our 1st drink at the Sky High bar (Bali Hai on the Gem) but it also was closed. Funny thing is we did the Gem CTN the night before and all the outdoor bars were open and they had the BBQ going in front of Topsiders. Also on the Gem we did not have a muster drill. We did have a great time anyway but I'm glad we were not the only ones who found this odd.

[monteman]

Monte we were on this CTN also and also were miffed no outside bars were open upon embarkation. We usually like to get our 1st drink at the Sky High bar (Bali Hai on the Gem) but it also was closed. Funny thing is we did the Gem CTN the night before and all the outdoor bars were open and they had the BBQ going in front of Topsiders. Also on the Gem we did not have a muster drill. We did have a great time anyway but I'm glad we were not the only ones who found this odd.

 

I know! That was really strange. Could not figure it out. The sail-away that wasn't! lol

 

Oh well, glad you also enjoyed the cruise anyway.

[Susie51]

Thank you for your detailed review. We will be on the Jewel in March. I'm glad to hear the beds are comfortable. Will the restaurant that serves sushi be opened for lunch on a 7 night cruise?

[LoraJ]

That's weird. I was on the CTN on Friday on the Gem and there were lots of outdoor bars open. I think the Great Outdoors was closed, but they had a little bar setup at the buffet, plus lots of people there getting drinks for everyone.

[monteman]

That's weird. I was on the CTN on Friday on the Gem and there were lots of outdoor bars open. I think the Great Outdoors was closed, but they had a little bar setup at the buffet, plus lots of people there getting drinks for everyone.

 

It makes me wonder if it is due to the fact that they had 2 large private parties/weddings to contend with. Large enough to have closed both Fyzz and Spinnaker's! Maybe there weren't enough bar service people left available? I hope that's not the reason because I would find that unfair to the rest of the paying guests onboard.

[Partyatsea]

Not sure about Fyzz but I know in Spinnaker there was a very large wedding.

[ZoneHPH]

The Jewel CTN, IMO, was just as good as the previous day's Gem CTN...just different.

 

I didn't notice that the outdoor bars were closed mainly because my group was partying it up in our friend's aft suite. i'm not trying to show off about the suite...but i will say...the balcony can definitely hold 14 people, if not more!

 

Boarding the Jewel I thought the officers had a new uniform: mini shorts and fishnet stockings. WHOA MAMA! there were 2 members of the Jewel production cast welcoming guests.

 

I don't have high expectations, mainly because I just love being on any of NCL's ships. I just have basic expectations on a CTN. and being able to swing the Gem and Jewel CTNs B2B was awesome!

 

Teppanyaki was great! We were 1 of the 630pm tables and the best part when the servers were singing Let Me Call You Sweetheart to this couple on the other table. Next thing you know the whole restaurant breaks out in song. How awesome is that!

 

Then the next awesome thing was my Team winning The Quest!

 

Unfortunately the not-so-awesome thing was when I got home, brought the liquor request to my friend (who lives in a condo facing the Hudson), and saw the Jewel sail away knowing I was just on her decks several hours before. *tear*

 

No worries. MAY 7 CTN IS BOOKED!

[scuts]

Do these one-day cruises count towards your Latitudes status?

[ZoneHPH]

Do these one-day cruises count towards your Latitudes status?

 

YES THEY DO!

 

but...the benefits of each level aren't provided on the CTNs. (as far as i know). again...i'm just happy to be on a ship!

[mbisson]

...i'm just happy to be on a ship!

 

And that's what

It's all-about

[LOWTYD]

And that's what

It's all-about

 

Put you left hand in take you left hand out......

 

It makes me wonder if it is due to the fact that they had 2 large private parties/weddings to contend with. Large enough to have closed both Fyzz and Spinnaker's! Maybe there weren't enough bar service people left available? I hope that's not the reason because I would find that unfair to the rest of the paying guests onboard.

 

 

Yes, I agree it is unfair to the other paying passangers.

I too was looking for a bar to buy a bucket of beer after the muster drill for sailaway and ,after running around to find the ones I went to closed, I ended up in the buffet where they had whatever I needed. I was exhausted!