Jewel weekend cruise

[bvhboat]

Feb 14,2013 will be our 15 year anniversary. I was thinking about booking the Jewel for a weekend cruise (without the kids) out of NY on Feb 15,2013. I never sailed NCL or a cruise to nowhere before. Any tips or pointers for a first timer? Is there a formal night? Is there assigned seating for dinner? Are there shows/entertainment? It will be cold,but are the hot tubs open? Thanks

[ryty44]

While I haven't cruised NCL on a CTN (Cruise to Nowhere), NCL has Freestyle cruising, where you can dress up or down, no formal night persay, unless you want it to be. Also with FreeStyle dining you eat when you want where you want, with just your party. Although some who prefer to dine with others have posted on these boards they let the hostess know and are often accomodated. I have sailed on the Jewel and loved it. The entertainment was great, I prefer the specialty restaurants over the buffet or the two main dining rooms but if you are cruising on a budget and would prefer to avoid restaurants with an upcharge there are plenty of dining options available. It sounds like a fun trip to no where. Happy planning!

[bvhboat]

While I haven't cruised NCL on a CTN (Cruise to Nowhere), NCL has Freestyle cruising, where you can dress up or down, no formal night persay, unless you want it to be. Also with FreeStyle dining you eat when you want where you want, with just your party. Although some who prefer to dine with others have posted on these boards they let the hostess know and are often accomodated. I have sailed on the Jewel and loved it. The entertainment was great, I prefer the specialty restaurants over the buffet or the two main dining rooms but if you are cruising on a budget and would prefer to avoid restaurants with an upcharge there are plenty of dining options available. It sounds like a fun trip to no where. Happy planning!

 

Thank you

[2Cruise4Ever]

Feb 14,2013 will be our 15 year anniversary. I was thinking about booking the Jewel for a weekend cruise (without the kids) out of NY on Feb 15,2013. I never sailed NCL or a cruise to nowhere before. Any tips or pointers for a first timer? Is there a formal night? Is there assigned seating for dinner? Are there shows/entertainment? It will be cold,but are the hot tubs open? Thanks

 

Sailed many CTN's (on both NCL and Carnival). They are an absolute blast! We did the Jewel CTN last year and loved it!!! Be prepared for some VERY cold weather, though. We went to the Outdoor cafe for sailaway on the Gem out of NYC in February and were the only ones out there (except for the bar tenders).... VERY, VERY windy and cold. No formal-wear is necessary. As ryty stated, no assigned seating. We didn't go to the show because we are big gamblers. If you plan to eat in any of the specialty restaurants, make sure you board early and make your reservations immediately. They'll be booked up fast.

 

Also, keep in mind that since it's only 2 nights, you're likely to encounter many partiers on board. Didn't bother us much. But, that's been our experience on them. It's a very nice quick getaway. Have fun!

[ZoneHPH]

CTNs are fun! If the price is right for you...I say, GO FOR IT! What better way to get your cruise fix (and celebrate a milestone) than with NCL!

 

- lots of people onboard looking to party or just have some fun. bachelor/bachelorette parties, couples such as yourselves, first time cruisers testing the waters before diving into a full week cruise.

- DW and DD (then 19mths) sailed the Jan 28, 2012 CTN on the Gem. Good times!

- while i can't say this is a regular feature...but so far all the CTNs we have sailed had "unlimited tobacco and alcohol" in the duty free shop. They pay the duty...you carry off as much as you can.

- the dining rooms will be very busy since this is is a short cruise. as mentioned, no seating assignment.

- casino is hopping. shows are a-rockin. and The Quest was alive and well.

- no check-in luggage. must carry-on.

[ZoneHPH]

Sailed many CTN's (on both NCL and Carnival). They are an absolute blast! We did the Jewel CTN last year and loved it!!! Be prepared for some VERY cold weather, though. We went to the Outdoor cafe for sailaway on the Gem out of NYC in February and were the only ones out there (except for the bar tenders).... VERY, VERY windy and cold. No formal-wear is necessary. As ryty stated, no assigned seating. We didn't go to the show because we are big gamblers. If you plan to eat in any of the specialty restaurants, make sure you board early and make your reservations immediately. They'll be booked up fast.

 

Also, keep in mind that since it's only 2 nights, you're likely to encounter many partiers on board. Didn't bother us much. But, that's been our experience on them. It's a very nice quick getaway. Have fun!

 

the bartenders were there only because we were there...HAHAHAHAHAH!

[bvhboat]

I love this site! Thanks again.

[2Cruise4Ever]

the bartenders were there only because we were there...HAHAHAHAHAH!

 

Ain't that the truth!!! It was fun hanging out there with them... no matter how freakin' cold it was! :D

[flat3d]

Just booked this cruise yesterday. Please book ASAP. $100 deposite holds your room until final payment is due, Dec 17, 2012. This cruise will book fast. It will be a great time. Mark:)