A great week aboard the Jewel - A heavenly experience

[tinawhitecar]

I hope you have a picture of that fancy, shamcy Expresso Machine in your suite! :p And more important- a full review of quality of the Expresso!

 

Thanks for letting us drool over your suite during the Cabin Crawl!

Edited January 29, 2014 by tinawhitecar

[RJ2002]

Enjoying your review very much... keep it coming!

[tmcmom]

Test # 2

 

What?! A sunrise/set picture? Did you get any more of those?:D:D:D

 

Bwaahaahaa:p

 

 

(sorry, I'll let you get back to your review...)

[gardiner41]

This was an amazing cruise. So much fun hanging out with "the gang" You and your DP were such gracious hosts. Thank you for everything :)

I have not even stated looking at my pics yet...I think that will be a job for tomorrow.

 

I am going to do a review sometime soon but will just do a coles notes version since I know you are going to do a great job covering most of the highlights from this week.

Permission granted to use our online name and pics as you see fit :)

[BigEasyCC]

Thank you for letting me re-live our fabulous cruise.

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Arrival in New Orleans

The amazing race, Natchez Steamboat River Cruise, Dinner at the Crazy Lobster, Bourbon street..

 

As we have done in the past, we flew into New Orleans a day early to avoid missing the ship due to weather-related problems. Some of the members of our Roll Call had planned to do the Natchez steamboat jazz river cruise on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm and I had informed them that I wanted to surprise my DP by going on the river cruise. The problem was that our flight was not scheduled to arrive in NOLA until 1:27 pm. Yes, I must be crazy thinking that we could arrive at the airport at 1:27 pm, get our luggage, go to the hotel to drop off the luggage, and still make the 2:30 pm river cruise.

 

So, did we make it to the river cruise?

 

Our flight left Philadelphia five minutes early at 11:10 am and I informed my DP that I had planned a surprise for him if our flight was early. Of course, he was not happy about this because I did not tell him what we were doing in NOLA. Our flight arrived in NOLA 25 minutes early, and I informed DP that we needed to get off the plane as soon as possible because we had to be somewhere by 2:30 pm. We quickly got off the plane, picked up some hot dogs, and ate them while walking to get our luggage. My DP kept complaining that "this is not a way to start our vacation", "I want to enjoy my lunch", but as always he just followed my lead. While walking to get our luggage I told him that he was going to have to get our luggage while I went to find a taxi. "How can I do that" he said "We have two full size pieces of luggage and our carry-on". I quickly grabbed our carry-on luggage and went to the taxi stand while he collected the rest of checked luggage. He got our luggage and we were off to our hotel by 1:35 pm. The taxi ride took 20 minutes and we arrived at our hotel at 1:55 pm. I asked my DP if it was ok to simply drop off our luggage at the front counter so that we could leave the hotel as soon as possible. He quickly said no and that he wanted to check in and take the luggage up to the room because "my laptop is in my bag, and I don't want anyone stealing it". We quickly checked in, went up to the 10th floor to drop off our luggage, and decided to get a taxi because it was already 2:10 pm and we needed to meet our friends for the 2:30 pm river cruise. At this point, he still does not know what we are doing or where we are going. Yes, he is not a happy camper. Before leaving our room, I managed to get a picture of the cruise pier from our balcony. Our hotel was located two blocks from the cruise terminal.

 

 

We quickly found a taxi ($10) and slowly made our way to the pier to meet our roll call friends. Traffic was very slow on St. Peters street and when I saw the Natchez steamboat I quickly told the taxi driver to stop so that I could get out and run to get our tickets for the river cruise. DP still has no idea where we are going and I simply told him that we "are going over there" while pointing out to the steamboat. I quickly left the taxi and started running while DP was paying our cab fare. While running I received a phone call from my very upset DP telling me that he does not where he is going. I stopped and walked back a few steps so that he could see me and proceeded to start running again - the finish line is near and I was determined to make the river cruise. I got to the ticket booth at 2:28 pm and got the tickets. We boarded the Natchez at 2:30 pm as we waved to our friends who were are already onboard. What a relief - we finally made it.

 

Next - the river cruise

Edited January 29, 2014 by jmele999

[Paddy41]

Hi Redheel,

 

I would highly recommend doing one of the Mayan ruins. In Cozumel, you can Tulum. Tulum is great because there is a beach right next to it so you can go swimming right after you are done exploring the ruins. In Belize, you can try the Lamanai ruins. It is a full day which include a bus road, followed by a river boat ride (great) and then the ruins. In roatan, I would recommend looking into booking a tour with Vitoc Boden. You can do a private tour and he will take you wherever you wan to go.

 

 

Cruised western Caribbean in November. We booked a private tour with Victor Bodden for four. Asked on cruisecritic if someone would like to go with us and one couple said yes. We had a great day together even though we had not known each other before this. We decided ahead of time that we did not want to spend several hours sitting at a beach but would rather tour the island. We got great directions from them on where to meet them, tour lasted about 5 hours and cost $25pp plus we paid to go to their monkey zoo. We told the driver at the start of the tour what we would like to do with our day. We had a place in mind for lunch but it was closed and our driver took us to a place where his wife worked and we had an amazing lunch with lobster, oxtail, shrimp, plantains, rice, conch, veggies, etc. for $35couple. It was a wonderful experience! I highly recommend Victor Bodden.

[travelfool]

Sounds like this is a gonna be a fun review!! Can't wait to read more!:)

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Cont

 

Natchez steamboat river cruise

 

We quickly boarded the steamboat and went up to the third deck to say hello our friends (Gardiner41 and DH and BigEasyCC and DH). It was so nice to finally meet our friends. Prior to the cruise we had spent a lot of time e-mailing each about our plans for the cruise. BigEasyCC gave us so beads to welcome us to NOLA - Thanks BigEasyCC. There were also of couples of members of the Vintage Jewels team (more on them later), and we also met up with Froederic and DW from Chicago. Here are some pictures from the river cruise. I think that everyone had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather, drinks and music.

 

St. Louis Cathedral

 

 

 

 

 

Time went by very quickly and we turned around and made our way back to New Orleans.

 

 

After the cruise, we did some shopping with Gardiner41 and DH and returned to our hotel.

 

Next - The hotel (Embassy suites) and free happy hour

Edited January 29, 2014 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Sounds like this is a gonna be a fun review!! Can't wait to read more!:)

 

Thanks Travelfool. Trying to make it funny, interactive and informative.

[jmele999]

Day 0 - Cont

Hotel

 

In order to keep the cruising days consistent with our travel days, I have to decided to start with Day 0 so that embarkation day is Day 1. Does anybody know how to edit previous posts?

 

We decided to book the Embassy Suites hotel located on Julia st. for several reasons. 1) We used points to book this hotel. 2) It is only two blocks from the pier. 3) They offer free unlimited drinks from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm and made-to-order breakfast.

 

The hotel is very close to Canal street and the French Quarter.

 

 

Tip - If you are staying in this hotel, simply walk down to the pier. We were told that it would be a flat $7 per person taxi fare to go from our hotel to the pier. It is a fast 5 minute walk.

 

During check in we requested a room on a high floor and with views of the Mississippi River. As you can see below we had a great view of the port. You can also see the whale parking lot where you park for the week if you decide to drive to NOLA.

 

 

All rooms in this hotel have two rooms, which are spacious and nicely decorated.

 

 

 

The picture below was taken as you walk from the living room to the bedroom. In the hallway, you have the bathroom to the right and a closet to the left.

 

 

Edited January 29, 2014 by jmele999

[bluecartakesacruise]

Loving this review, jmele999. Can't wait for more! :D

[jmele999]

Day 0 - Cont

Sunset, Dinner at The Crazy Lobster, Bourbon St.

 

Here are a few pictures and notes to finish up Day 0 so that we can start the actual review of the cruise.

 

After returning to the hotel from the river cruise, we decided to get ready for Happy Hour (my favorite time of the day) and dinner.

 

This is not a great sunset picture, but stay tuned for better sunrise/sunset pictures. Did I mention that I love pictures of sunrises and sunsets?

 

 

After a few glasses of wine (DP) and some rum and cokes for me at happy hour, it was time for dinner. Prior to arriving in New Orleans, we purchased a Groupon deal for The Crazy Lobster (Pay $25 and you get $50). The restaurant is 3 blocks from the hotel and if you seat outside you can get great views of the Mississippi.

 

DP got the shrimp and fries while I go the New Orleans sampler (Gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya). Both dishes were good. It is not a fancy restaurant, but a good place to grab dinner before the cruise.

 

 

 

After dinner we decided to go to Bourbon street and walk around while enjoying an adult beverage. I think that we both got long island ice teas and walked around while enjoying our beverages and local entertainment. Note to self: Drinking while walking is not allowed in MD. Drink only at home or designated establishments. LOL.

 

 

 

At around 9:30 pm, I started to get tired and we headed back to the hotel for a good night sleep. However, as you will see in the next installment (Day 1 - Embarkation Day), I never sleep well the day before the cruise or during the cruise to be totally honest.

[Susie51]

Congrats on the upgrade and OBC!!!

[gardiner41]

You are bringing lots of smiles to my face as I re-live our adventures with you...Your DP and my DH are such patient people...and good sports. We both dragged them around all week when all they wanted to do was nap in the sun lol.

It was SO GOOD to see you both at the loading dock for the Natchez cruise we were getting a bit worried that you were not going to make it.

IT was a fantastic way to start the week and to meet a few of the couples we would be spending time with over the next 8 days..including day "0" lol

[gardiner41]

At around 9:30 pm, I started to get tired and we headed back to the hotel for a good night sleep. However, as you will see in the next installment (Day 1 - Embarkation Day), I never sleep well the day before the cruise or during the cruise to be totally honest.

 

That night I think I only got 3 hours sleep....like a kid at Christmas I can't sleep when I get excited for an adventure!

[BrittanyandBrodysMom]

Enjoying your review!

[jmele999]

Before I continue the review I just wanted to post a picture of the Natchez steamboat. The Natchez is the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi river.

 

Edited January 30, 2014 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Embarkation Day

Cemetery tour, embarkation, ship and suite tour, dinner at Le Bistro.

 

I woke up at 6:20 am on Sunday morning and went out to the balcony to see if the Jewel had arrived. Unfortunately, Carnival had arrived, but there was no sign of the Jewel. However, after a couple of minutes I saw blue lights coming up the river and there it was, the Jewel was back in New Orleans.

 

 

 

After breakfast at the hotel, DP decided that he still wanted to go to Cafe Du Monde for some beignets before our cemetery tour. Unfortunately, the line at Cafe Du Monde was huge and we decided to try another place for beignets. DP and I split up so that I could meet our guide for the cemetery tour while DP waited for the beignets. The beignets were very good, and we started the cemetery tour shortly after 10:00 am.

 

 

 

Nicholas Cage final resting place

 

The cemetery tour was very good, but it lasted until noon, and we still had to walk all the way across the French Quarter to our hotel, pick up our luggage and board the ship before before 1:30 pm as we wanted to enjoy lunch at Cagney's

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Embarkation Day

Embarkation, Lunch at Cagney's and Sail Away celebration

 

After the cemetery tour we quickly made our way back to the hotel to pick up our luggage, and made the short walk to the pier. We arrived at the terminal at 12:50 pm. It took us approximately 25 minutes to get through security because the line was very long. After going through security, we paid the corkage fee for the three bottles of wine that we brought onboard. It is a very simple process where you pay $15 per bottle (750 mL) and they put a sticker on the bottle indicating that you have paid the corkage fee. You can pay the fee using your stateroom number.

 

The check-in process was a breeze. We were escorted to a private room where we met our concierge, Virginia, and were immediately brought onboard and taken to lunch at Cagney's

 

 

Because it was already 1:30 pm and Cagney's closes at 2:00 pm on embarkation day, we were not escorted to our cabin before going to lunch.

 

Tip - If you are in a suite, try to arrive early so that you can be escorted to your suite to drop off your carry-on luggage and then be escorted to a relaxed lunch at Cagney's.

 

The lunch menu at Cagney's is still the same, but the food was great as always. I enjoyed the Shrimp and Scallops Risotto while DP had the Flounder Milanese. We quickly ate our lunch, and walked to our cabin to drop off our wine and carry-on luggage because we were meeting some cruise critic friends for a sip & sail celebration at 2:00 pm at The Great Outdoors on deck 12. The sip & sail celebration was attended by 12 CC members. After the CC gathering, we attended the mandatory muster drill and returned to our cabin to pick up a bottle of champagne for our sail away celebration.

 

 

 

 

Despite all of the running around, we enjoyed the Sail Away celebration and a beautiful and peaceful sunset.

 

 

Next - The Owner's Suite

Edited January 30, 2014 by jmele999

[russianmom]

Enjoying your review and pictures! Can't wait for the rest.

Only 16 more days for me. :D :D :D

Can you comment on Virginia- did you like her? Was she easy to deal with etc?

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Embarkation

The Haven Owner's Suite

 

 

The Haven Owner's Suite includes a separate bedroom with a king size bed and luxury bath with separate shower, in addition to the living room, dining room and large private balconies with incredible views. Sleeps up to four and guests receive access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

 

Our cabin was 10004 located on the starboard side of Deck 10. It has 543 sq ft of living space and 248 sq ft of balcony space.

 

 

 

 

As you enter the suite there is a small bathroom for guests.

 

 

The living is huge and includes a double sofa bed and has two sliding doors, which lead to the side balcony.

 

 

The dinning room is separated from the living room and contains storage cabinets for glassware.

 

 

The bedroom is next to the living room and leads to the front balcony and master bathroom. The king size bed is the most comfortable bed that I have ever slept on.

 

 

Overall, the suite is nicely decorated and very functional.

 

Next - The master bathroom and closet

[TSUmom]

Loving the review and the pictures!!! Thanks:D

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Embarkation Day

The Haven Owner's Suite - Cont

 

As I mentioned before, the bedroom is right next to the living room and there is no door separating the two areas. If someone is sleeping in the living room, you can simply close the curtain between the living room and the bedroom for privacy.

 

 

In the picture above you can also see the Lavazza machine, which is great for making espresso, coffee, steaming milk, and even getting hot water for tea. We used the espresso machine several times during week and it was great.

 

Below the espresso machine there is a refrigerator, which was kept well stocked by our butler, Bagus. One of the perks of the owner's suite is that you get unlimited soda, water, juice, milk, etc.

 

Tip - The butler will bring you whatever you like. We asked him to bring us cranberry juice on Day 1, and there was always cranberry juice in our room.

 

 

[jmele999]

Day 1 - Embarkation Day

The Haven Owner's Suite - The master bathroom.

 

One of our favorite parts of suite was the master bathroom. It has two sinks, a separate shower and tub, and two windows. I am not going to say much about it and let you enjoy the pictures.

 

 

Another picture of the bathroom taken from the side balcony. If somebody is sitting in the side balcony, they can look into the bathroom.

 

 

 

For privacy, simply lower the blind over the bathtub. From the picture below you can also appreciate the size of the side balcony.

 

 

There is a camera located right outside of the second window. We think that this camera faces the back of the ship, but just to make sure we decided to lower the blind.

 

 

 

One of the things that we did not like about the bathroom was the door to the toilet. Adding a frosted door can easily fix this problem. Are you listening NCL?

 

 

Next - The huge closet

Edited January 30, 2014 by jmele999