All things JEWEL

[BrownCalico]

My husband and I are going on NCL Jewel from Houston this December. I have always loved reading the "All things..." threads before going on a new ship, but I haven't been able to find one for this ship, so I decided to start one! :p Any tips, tricks, secrets, and/or information you Jewel veterans would be willing to share would be MUCH appreciated!

 

Thanks in advance!

[TwinMommyByGrace]

We'll be on the Jewel in August & am also interested in all things Jewel :).

[PJames]

We've been on Jewel cruises a couple of times.

There may be something of interest in my "diaries":

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/cruise-NCL.htm

and

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/Jewel.htm

[mfinster007]

Just off the Jewel on July 5th. We had a fantastic trip to Alaska and it was my first time on the Jewel. It's late so I probably won't be providing much detail but I'll share what I can:

 

The new O'Sheehan's on deck 8 has a hostess station on the port and starboard side if it's busy, take a peak at the other side

 

Make sure you visit your CC meet and mingle event there will be a sign-in sheet to 'win' a chance to dine with an officer. Other passengers can sign up at Guest Services. I had read here in a previous post that the CC members were selected to dine with the Captain. What do you know, we were selected to dine with the captain (just a party of 6) and at dinner he extended an invitation to us for a tour of the bridge :)

 

If you want lunch when you first board, go to Tsar's, hardly anyone will be there you'll have a nice lunch with a lot of attention paid to you (our rooms became ready while dining)

 

We were a party of 8 and learned quickly how to tag team shows in the Stardust and Spinnaker to ensure we always have a good seat.

 

If you attend the Dancing with the 'Jewel' stars show in Spinnaker, put your friends name in the pot to be drawn for the show - you'll be sure to enjoy watching (be careful, don't tell your friend you did that, they will put your name in too!)

 

We ate many breakfast in the Garden Cafe, it's always crowded. Head aft to the overflow seating in LaCucina OR.. head AFT to the Great Outdoors where another breakfast buffet is set-up and you can dine outside, if the weather is nice you'll have a lovely seat.

 

We were in a GTY balcony with an 'enclosed balcony' to anyone who has one, have no fear, they are the same size and just as desirable as any other standard balcony.

 

We were on an Alaskan Cruise so I really can't share much when it comes to the Pool or port tenders. Enjoy your trip!

[clarkg]

I have a review of the Jewel on my blog. I have to say, I like the Pearl a lot better. Ship layout and crew.

 

http://clarkanddeb.blogspot.com/2013_10_01_archive.html

[DorothyB]

I'll be on the Jewel for 16 days starting the end of September, so interested in information - especially anything that is new since dry dock or wasn't changed with the dry dock.

 

As we draw closer, will be interested in finding out if the new menus are on the Jewel yet (and seeing pictures of them) and if lobster is in either the dining room or the buffet.

[jonz]

First time with NCL and the Jewel. I have read as many reviews as I can and all seem to like, if not love her. I, too, love to find out all the secrets of a Ship before cruising. Every Carnival ship I have boarded, I knew 'the secret door to the secret place.' I loved knowing the best places to go for quiet time, food or nite-time star gazing.

I like the idea of a 'smaller' ship, not a fan of the Mega-Liners. The best part of our cruises... meeting other people and friendships made.

I do hope that some Jewel veterans give up the "goods" for this favored ship.

Go in Peace.

Jodie

[LAWTONCRUISE]

We're also going in December. We've always loved the Star so we're looking forward to another class (Jewel Class) ship. Can't wait to go to O'Sheehans and try the Chicken Pot Pie. Since we been to the Western Carib a couple of times, we're also looking forward to the new port, Banana Coast. Hope everyone has a wonderful time.

[Markanddonna]

I was wondering if anyone knew of the specifics of the May, 2014 drydock. We were on the Star and were really disappointed that they took the wonderful spinnaker lounge and turned them into penthouses. The public areas were a downside on the Star. Can anyone tell us if the dry-dock touched any of the public areas (read: took them away to make $cabins or private restaurants).

 

What are the best public areas for viewing?

[GrabMyWrist]

Time stands still in the Spinnaker Lounge. It's a great place to watch the scenery, sunsets and dance the night away.

 

There's a bridge viewing window on Deck 11. You can watch what's happening on the bridge.

Edited August 16, 2014 by GrabMyWrist

[jonz]

Very cool about the Bridge viewing window. Will definitely check that out. And we will be on Deck 11 so will take advantage. I have heard good things about Spinnaker Lounge.

Lawton.. Hi from the Roll Call... I, too, want to check out O'Sheehans for the Pot Pie and also the Pub Food menu. All you can eat Ribs sounds great. All recent reviews mention it positively.

We have GTY Minisuite and still waiting on Cabin. Will most likely be aft but we will see.

Jodie

[apmecruise]

We've been on Jewel cruises a couple of times.

There may be something of interest in my "diaries":

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/cruise-NCL.htm

and

http://www.gummy-stuff.org/Jewel.htm

 

Oh My GOD!! I totally loved your review. I don't even know how old your blog was but I was sitting here with my glass of wine cracking up!! Sounds fun! Thank you so much for your sense of humor! Whoosh!

[jenseib]

Any good updates to add here?

[bruffyrasin]

Hi I am a new cruiser and my first trip is February 28, 2016. We are taking the Panama Canal cruise. Any information I should know or how to get the best excursions at each port will be very much appreciated.

 

bruffyrasin

[AndyCapn]

The smoking areas are largely easy to find. But on a hot day, there is one on the 13th deck portside where there is a smoking section in front of a large industrial cooling vent. It's like standing in front of an air conditioner outside, and was my favourite go-to spot for a cigarette during the day. There is an ashtray right nearby, and there was rarely anyone there.

 

O'Sheehans was never busy during the day, and much less crowded than the buffet. Food was very good pub grub, and free.

 

The Texas Liquor Board will ask you if you've purchased any alcohol after you've cleared customs when you return home, and are subject to Texas taxes regardless of your residency. Some people have noted they don't seem to inspect passengers or their luggage. Do what you want with that information. :)

[sunandsnow]

Hi I am a new cruiser and my first trip is February 28, 2016. We are taking the Panama Canal cruise. Any information I should know or how to get the best excursions at each port will be very much appreciated.

 

bruffyrasin

 

We are on the Jewel PC cruise Feb. 14. For port info I always look to see what is provided by the cruise line, look at the port info on the message boards on cruise critic and also for info for tour operators on trip advisor. We usually DIY. This time we have the credit for ship excursions so we will be doing some of those. When you look on cruise critic you will need to go to the Mexican Riveria board, the Costa Rica board, Caribbean board, etc. to find the ports you are stopping at.

 

You can also join your roll call on CC. There might be some tours there you might want to join. Our roll call right now has very few on it.

 

I also like to look at the member reviews on CC for the ship I'm sailing on and under port reviews.

 

You can also google the ports to see if there is something that interests you or your local library is a good source - I like Frommer's and Fodor travel guides. Rick Steves is great too (but I think he mainly writes about Europe).

 

I've just started planning but have a pretty good idea of what we will be doing. We have been to Cabo, Acapulco and Costa Rica before so just trying to figure out Puerto Quetzal (probably go to Antigua with the ship on our own and pick up a guide for around $10 pp for a walking tour). In Cartegna looking to do another ship tour to the city but there are several guides that get good reviews on the Colombia board. Can't find much info about Corinto , Nicaragua but will probably be going to Leon (again with NCL because of our shore excursion credit).

 

We are excited for our Panama cruise. It was a great price too! Have fun planning.

[aubreyc1988]

I wrote a mini review here

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2170525

 

and if you have any questions, I will try to answer them

 

It's a nice ship. In no way is it as nice as let's say the Getaway, but I felt like the shows on Jewel were better than on Getaway.

 

Also, food was far better on the Jewel than on Getaway, at least in MDR and O Sheehans

[rileyp956]

Hi there, we just booked this cruise today. I will be researching the ports and will share any tidbits I find.

[bruffyrasin]

Thank you all this really helps!

 

bruffyrasin

[jenseib]

I just got off the Jewel yeterday.

Smoking is on most of deck 7. You will see an ashtray outside almost every door. Up on 13 near the the door to Moderno and on 13 port side towards the front...just up the steps from the pool and go left till you dead in. And of course the Casino is smoking when it opens.

[3kidsncats]

Does anyone know, who has been in a Haven suite on the Jewel, if there is a small outdoor deck area just outside of the concierge lounge? It would be adjacent to the upper level deck of the GV and over look the pool. I've seen a few distant photos that look like there is a wall between that small area and the GV deck.

[3kidsncats]

I have a review of the Jewel on my blog. I have to say, I like the Pearl a lot better. Ship layout and crew.

 

http://clarkanddeb.blogspot.com/2013_10_01_archive.html

 

Thoroughly enjoyed your review and in particular, your delightful sense of humor. And as a happily married woman (22 years and as besotted as ever) I also enjoyed the obvious love you have for your wife.

[jenseib]

Does anyone know, who has been in a Haven suite on the Jewel, if there is a small outdoor deck area just outside of the concierge lounge? It would be adjacent to the upper level deck of the GV and over look the pool. I've seen a few distant photos that look like there is a wall between that small area and the GV deck.

 

I can't asnwer that but above the haven on 15 is an open viewing deck.

[3kidsncats]

I can't asnwer that but above the haven on 15 is an open viewing deck.

 

That one I know about and plan on visiting. I like finding little nooks that are often missed, so that's why I was asking.

[clarkg]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review and in particular, your delightful sense of humor. And as a happily married woman (22 years and as besotted as ever) I also enjoyed the obvious love you have for your wife.

 

Thank you so much!