A great week aboard the Jewel - A heavenly experience

[jmele999]

It's a joy to ready your review and see your pictures' date=' jmele999. Just 5 weeks after our Jewel cruise, with a lot of similarities and many differences. New officers and staff, and a different itinerary. Though we were in a suite, it was not a Haven Suite, so it's nice to see more of the perks you get with the Haven. Oh, and the Chef's Table went up $10.00. Still worth it, even at that price, IMHO.

 

Did the captain attend your Meet & Greet? I guess the Star was not docked beside you in Cozumel because you were there earlier in the week (was it Tuesday?) rather than on Friday.

 

Keep up the good work; anxiously awaiting the remainder of your review.[/quote']

 

Thanks planma'am. I actually followed your review with lots of anticipation before my cruise.

 

You are correct that we were the only NCL ship in Cozumel. It was weird not having a neighbor that day.

 

The captain did not attend our meet & meet and we were not invited to tour the bridge. Not sure if NCL is cutting back on bridge tours.

 

Even with the $10 increase, the chef's table is a good deal. We are probably not going to do it on our next cruise unless the change the menu. How did you like the atmosphere in Ke Bistro during the chef's table?

[Planmaam]

Thanks planma'am. I actually followed your review with lots of anticipation before my cruise.

 

You are correct that we were the only NCL ship in Cozumel. It was weird not having a neighbor that day.

 

The captain did not attend our meet & meet and we were not invited to tour the bridge. Not sure if NCL is cutting back on bridge tours.

 

Even with the $10 increase, the chef's table is a good deal. We are probably not going to do it on our next cruise unless the change the menu. How did you like the atmosphere in Ke Bistro during the chef's table?

 

I was fine with the atmosphere in Le Bistro during Chef's Table. Honestly, I was not even aware of the area of the restaurant beyond the divider. I was just totally "into" our experience, and the wine helped!

 

So sad you didn't get an invite for a bridge tour; we did, as you know if you followed our review. It was not for CC members, though, as all did not get the invite. I think it might have been for suite passengers. The invitation did not attribute it to anything in particular. I have to say my second bridge tour of the Star was my favorite, as the captain was not only there, but he stayed the whole time, even posing for pictures with us. My favorite part, though, was when my 5-year-old granddaughter asked the captain a question and he treated her with the same respect he would any other passenger!

 

Can't wait to read more of your review.

[jmele999]

Day 3 - Cozumel

Final thoughts on the chef's table and day 3

 

Before finishing up my review of day 3, I would like to provide some general comments about the dishes that we enjoyed at the chef's table and our overall impression of the dinner.

 

I think that the majority of the dishes were great and the wine pairings complemented the dishes very well. I would classify the dishes and wine as follows:

 

Excellent: Asparagus cream, short crust tartlet, pan seared sea bass, Chocoholic's delight, and the Franciscan Carbenet Sauvignon

 

Great: Amuse bouche "molecular gastronome", Ahi tuna tartare, cheese platter, yogurt mousse dome, Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs and the Silverado Vineyards Chardonnay.

 

Fair, Good: Veal Chop*.

 

*The veal chop was the only item on the menu that we did not like. It was bland and overcooked. I only took one bite.

 

Overall, the dinner was great. Besides the veal chop, my only negative comment is that I did not feel that the dinner was held in a very private setting. In Le Bistro, we were separated from the other guests by a room divider and you could easily hear children crying in the main restaurant as well as waiters/waitresses communicating with guests.

 

After the dinner, we stopped by "Dancing with the Jewel Stars" in the spinnaker lounge. For those of you not familiar with the show, crew members are paired with guests and asked to dance to specific genre of music. A panel of judges critiques each couple and one couple is eliminated after each round. We stayed for two songs and thought that the show was very funny.

 

Next - Day 4 - Belize - My favorite day of the cruise.

Edited February 4, 2014 by jmele999

[appleuser]

My daughter and I were on the same cruise and, I believe, we sat across from you and DP at the Chef's table. Unfortunately, I came down with a severe case of shingles on the night we left New Orleans and was really sick by the night of the Chef,s Table. I hardly remember what was on the menu that night so really appreciate your photos and critique of the trip. I do remember those chops being tough. I spent the remainder of my cruise in bed taking all sorts of meds dispensed by the amazing medical staff. I cannot say enough about their amazing treatment. Keep the review and photos coming.

[jmele999]

My daughter and I were on the same cruise and, I believe, we sat across from you and DP at the Chef's table. Unfortunately, I came down with a severe case of shingles on the night we left New Orleans and was really sick by the night of the Chef,s Table. I hardly remember what was on the menu that night so really appreciate your photos and critique of the trip. I do remember those chops being tough. I spent the remainder of my cruise in bed taking all sorts of meds dispensed by the amazing medical staff. I cannot say enough about their amazing treatment. Keep the review and photos coming.

 

Of course we remember you. Your daughter told us about your illness during the galley tour on Saturday. Actually my DP and I were concerned about you on Saturday night when the captain announced that there was a helicopter coming due to a medical evacuation. Glad to hear that it was not you.

 

How are you feeling? Please give our best to your daughter.

[ClaireAndMike]

Loving this! I was on the Jewel in September with my sister (my usual cruising partner) and our parents (their first cruise ever). My Dad has always been Mr. Anti-Cruiser and while I don't know that he'd ever take one again, I know he had a much better time than he thought he would. His coworker is on the Jewel this week, in fact.

 

Did you have Captain Lars? We will be talking about him for years to come! Loved him. He made quite a lasting impression on us.

[appleuser]

That could have been me but wasn't. On the 3rd cruise day, I developed a staph infection on top of the shingles and doctor recommended we get off ship in Costa Maya and drive 6 hours to Cozumel for a flight home. we chose their second recommendation to stay on ship and get of I V drugs and pain meds and made it to Dock in New Orleans to our home base of Baton Rouge. I am still at home in bed but feeling much better. Waiting for your wonderful critique of the last days of our cruise. Highly recommend all senior citizens get that shingles shot. It is a beast in hiding just waiting to erupt.

[appleuser]

Ironically, she broke out with chicken pox today. I feel so bad. She took such great care of me on the ship and then got sick today. That shingles virus means business. She had what was considered a "weak" case of chicken pox as a little girl.

[sjn911]

Thanks so much jmele999 for the great review...i am really getting excited for trying NCL.

 

There are terrific reviewers on this board!!

 

Wow applesauser..I had all those diseases as a kid and opted to get the shingles shot at 54 on New Year's Eve of all times..finally finding someone to give it to me on my ending insurance that would pay for it before 60 as many friends of mine have had it in younger years too. My arm had a fist size huge red hot bump for 10 days but not much else..hope it does the trick and so sorry you were sick on your cruise but glad to hear you were taken care of so well...and decided to get home..prayers for full recoveries soon for you and daughter...Sarah

Edited February 4, 2014 by sjn911

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

A visit to Caye Caulker

 

I woke up early because I wanted to see the sunrise (again) and because we wanted to get off the ship early to enjoy our day in Belize.

 

 

While getting ready I got to enjoy some nice views from the bathroom.

 

 

After a quick breakfast in the Haven, we met our friends, BigEasyCC and her husband, and met our concierge, Virginia, who escorted us to deck 4 and put us on the next available tender, which departed very quickly.

 

We had initially planned to do some shopping around the port and then taking the 10:30 am water taxi to Caye Caulker. However, instead of going shopping, we decided to walk over to the water taxi pier to get our tickets, which we had purchased online prior to the cruise. We arrived at the water taxi terminal at 8:55 am and noticed that the 9:00 am water taxi was still at the terminal. The 9:00 am water taxi waited for us even though it took us over 10 minutes to get our tickets. However, I wish that we would have waited for the next water taxi as we were packed like sardines. The water taxi was so crowded that a lady got off the boat and requested a reimbursement. Overall, the water taxi was not a pleasant experience, but we were happy because were were in Caye Caulker by 10 am.

 

Getting to Caye Caulker

 

There are several water taxi companies that provide service between Belize City and Caye Caulker. We selected the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi (http://www.belizewatertaxi.com/#!schedule/c22wn) because the pier was very close to the cruise terminal and the schedule was ideal for our plans. The cost of the round trip ticket is $22.50 per person and you can purchase the tickets online or at the terminal. It takes approximately 50 minutes to get from Belize city to Caye Caulker so plan accordingly. As you will see from the pictures below, the terminal for the water taxi is right next to the cruise terminal. When you get off the tender, simply walk all the way to the left, exit the cruise terminal, make a left and the water taxi terminal will be directly in front of you. If you get lost, simply ask someone. Everyone is very friendly in Belize.

 

 

 

Next - A fun day in Caye Caulker

Edited February 5, 2014 by jmele999

[JuneauWhatIMean]

You mean there's something to do in Belize besides cave tubing??? :rolleyes: I haven't been in any rush to go back to Belize but this Caye Caulker has me intrigued. I can't wait for your details and photos. Loving your review and I thank you for taking the time to share. :D

 

Ali

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

A relaxing and fun day in sunny Caye Caulker

 

Caye Caulker is a limestome island located approximately 20 miles northeast of Belize City (http://www.gocayecaulker.com/). The island is small measuring 5 miles from north to south and less than one mile from east to west.

 

 

If you are standing in the middle of the island facing east or west, you can easily see water on both sides of the island.

 

 

There are no cars on the island and golf carts and bicycles are used as the primary form of transportation.

 

 

The streets are not paved and there are a variety of small shops and stores as well as lots of palm trees.

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2014 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

A relaxing and fun day in Caye Caulker

 

One of the main attractions in Caye Caulker is the split. The split is a narrow waterway, which divides the island in two. It is believed that the split was created by hurricane Hattie, which devastated Belize City in 1961. If you want to visit the split, simply make a right turn after leaving the water taxi pier and walk a short distance. .

 

At the split there is a bar & grill called the Lazy Lizard. It is not a fancy place, but a great place to relax and have a drink.

 

I love this sign.

 

 

 

Lizard Juice - Don't ask me what's in it. I did not ask.

 

Wishing I was there right now having a drink.

 

Tip - If you are planning on using the bathroom, make sure that you bring $1 bills. The bathroom is very clean.

 

Edited February 5, 2014 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

A relaxing and fun day in Caye Caulker

 

The split is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or just relaxing. The water is very clear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2014 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

A relaxing and fun day in Caye Caulker

 

Caye Caulker is also a vacation destination. There are 57 hotels in Caye Caulker and some of them appear to be very modern.

 

 

Does anybody feel like taking a nap in the hammock?

 

 

After the split, we had lunch at the rainbow bar and grill. DP had the fish and chips and I had the blackened fish sandwich. BigEasyCC and her husband had quesadilla and fajitas and everything was very good.

 

 

 

 

 

Tip - 1 USD equals 2 Belizean dollars. We almost tipped the waiter and extra $20 because we were not sure about the exchange rate.

Edited February 5, 2014 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

 

After lunch, we walked around, did some shopping and took the 1:30 pm water taxi back to Belize City. There is another water taxi which departs Caye Caulker at 3:30 pm. The return trip was more comfortable than the first trip.

 

Back at the cruise terminal, we did some more shopping and were back on the ship by 3:00 pm.

 

 

When we returned to the room, there were some snacks waiting for us.

 

 

 

For sail away, we met our friends, Gardiner41 and BigEasyCC in the Haven for drinks, but it was windy and cloudy, which prevented me from taking yet another sunset picture.

Edited February 5, 2014 by jmele999

[BigEasyCC]

Wow! Thanks for the great pictures and memories. I have to agree that Caye Caulker made my trip to Belize wonderful. And the company was fabulous too!

[jmele999]

Wow! Thanks for the great pictures and memories. I have to agree that Caye Caulker made my trip to Belize wonderful. And the company was fabulous too!

 

I totally agree that Caye Caulker was the highlight of our trip. It was great to share the experience with you and Don.

[jmele999]

One last picture from Caye Caulker. Will be posting the end of Day 4 and beginning of Day 5 (Roatan) tonight. Hope you are all still enjoying the review.

 

[rowdyrosie]

You write so well that I feel I am there with you all.

Can't wait for more. Fab pictures also.

[LAKECLIFF]

The "Jewels" just shopped til we dropped in Belize. Sorry we didn't go with you, looks beautiful over there. We were worried about the time with the tenders, but looks like you had plenty of time over there. Maybe next year, we will go over with you! :D Side note on shopping to the readers...I think Cozumel and Belize have the best shopping. Belize has lots of Michael Kors bags and the cheapest prices on prescription drugs. We found beach totes and swim dress/covers in Cozumel. No good shopping at all in Roatan.

[MariTenor1]

Loving the review! can't wait for more.....less than 7 weeks and I'll be there!

 

@Lakecliff: were the Michael Kors bags at the shopping at the port?

Edited February 5, 2014 by MariTenor1

[jmele999]

Day 4 - Belize

Dinner and Mardi Gras parade and party

 

Tonight we had dinner at the Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno, which serves a variety of meats and has a great salad bar. The salad bar has a variety of cheeses, meats, soups and other specialty items such as seafood ceviche. After the salad bar, the waiters will bring you a variety of meats ranging from sausages to lamb chops and filet mignon. If you need to take a break, simply flip a card to the red side signaling the waiters to top. Overall, it was a good meal. The service was very good.

 

After dinner, we stopped by the Star bar to have a martini. I ordered the Lychee martini, which was great.

 

Next it was time for the Mardi Gras parade and party. The parade started in the spinnaker lounge and ended by pool where the band played Mardi Gras style music for about 30 minutes.

 

 

 

There was also a fruit buffet available.

 

 

 

We had a great time and I even convinced DP to put his mask on.

 

[LAKECLIFF]

Loving the review! can't wait for more.....less than 7 weeks and I'll be there!

 

@Lakecliff: were the Michael Kors bags at the shopping at the port?

 

Yes, several shops had them right at the port shopping area. Walls full of them. Most of them I looked at were around $45.

[jmele999]

Day 5 - Roatan

Victor Bodden's Fun n Sun excursion, latitudes reception, dinner al fresco, chocoholic birthday celebration

 

A New day

 

 

Today we had planned another fun day full of activities. We had previously visited Roatan twice, but never left the port area and so we had decided to plan an excursion with Victor Bodden (http://boddentours.com/)

 

Below is a description of the excursion and a map of Roatan.

 

A nice cultural and sightseeing tour...and then an afternoon of Fun-and-Sun at West Bay Beach. Your guide will share our unique landscape, local culture, as well as some Roatan/ Bay Island history. A stop at Roatan's Panorama Hill offers a wide open view of our island, villages and cruise ports. Some of the sights that we will share include: shipwrecks off the shoreline, the villages of Coxen Hole, French Harbor, Sandy Bay and West End, overlooks showing the jungles and coral reefs, etc.

 

You will enjoy and 45-minute stop and free access to Victor's Monkey Business. Here, you can visit the monkeys, parrots, island deer, and other animals, if you like.

 

After a little more sightseeing, we will stop by West Bay Beach and the Bananarama Beach Resort. This is Roatan's most beautiful white sand beach, lined with resorts, restaurants and bars. This is a 2-hour stop and you will be able to explore the mile-long beach, snorkel, swim and relax! You will be provided with an arm-band allowing you access to a beach chair, restroom facilities and fresh water showers at Bananarama Resort! West Bay Beach, protected by the offshore reef, is a wonderful sea grass and rock-free beach with powder-soft sand unlike any other beach on Roatan...it is groomed and maintained daily. There are many water-activities available here, and you can rent most anything: kayaks, canoes, snorkel gear, jet-skis, parasail, bananaboats, etc. Or, you can always just relax and enjoy a cold beverage or a snack at one of the many restaurants or bars, including the tasty menu at Bananarama!

 

After your beach-break, we will load back up and do a bit more sightseeing on our way back to the cruise ship ports. Note that our Fun-n-Sun tour is a group excursion with others from your ship, and operates on a set itinerary.

 

 

Our tour guide Eric did a great job explaining the local history including the fact that the small island of Roatan has two mayors and that one of them lives in "The Little White House"

 

 

He also made a quick stop along the road to buy some lychee for us. I apologize for the quality of the pictures.

 

 

 

Edited February 7, 2014 by jmele999