Jewel-Report-Good and Bad!

[marilynd]

I also just got off of the same Med. cruise on the Jewel as Colmil. I am sorry to hear about the problems he had on his cruise.

 

I did not know the count of children onboard, but I knew that there were alot. I did not see the problems that Colmil saw, maybe that is because I have been on the Dawn in the summer twice when there were a lot of children onboard. I agree that there were a few of the children that seemed to run wild. I felt that for them most part they were well behaved. I say several groups of children that were older, say 11 and older, that were enjoying the experience of the cruise together. It seemed to me that there were a lot of families traveling together as large groups. I thought about how fun it would have been for my children to have taken a cruise with cousins and friends when they were young. Like camp with luxury !!

 

I actually thought some of the behaviors of the kids were cute. In the Spinaker lounge on night a group of about 4 girls seemed to be very excited about the Ironics. They got chairs and set them up right on the edge of the stage. When the band played they went out on the stage and danced together as a group. They were not loud, just having fun. (I also am not a big fan of the Ironics). My DH and I are trivia buffs. On one evening the Trivia was in the Fyzz lounge. We arrived early for a drink and an activity for families was just finishing up. There were several families that were playing games and dancing to music. The children were well behaved and they all cleared out of the lounge when Trivia started.

 

I can't speak on the drink prices onboard. I thought that $2.25 was a lot for a Ginger Ale. We brought some of our own soda onboard and took a can to each of the restaurants. They would bring us a glass of ice for our soda.

We bought water bottles once and then just refilled them with water from our stateroom. The tap water on the ship tastes good to me.

 

Never fear, NCL got plenty of money from us at each Bingo session, in the casino and the shore excursions.

 

I am writing a review and I will explain why I don't have any pictures.

 

I loved the Jewel and can't wait to go again in November.

 

 

Marilyn

[Stillfloatin']

Loved reading your comments. Can't wait for your full review. Now I'm getting just a little too excited for the amount of time I still have to wait!

[colmil]

Hello, Marilyn,

 

Nice to hear from you, I was wondering when we were going to hear from you!

 

I did intend to meet you and others on the roll call in the Star Bar but started talking to someone then realised I was too late, please accept my apologies.

 

I look forward to seeing your own report, isn't it interesting seeing all of the different views?

 

We met someone at the airport home who we had gone to the ship with, (hardly saw them on the cruise) and they, too, had the same feeling as we had that we simply did not feel that we had been on holiday, simply the ratio between children and adults was totally wrong.

 

I would like to say that I would sail with them again, but thats the way I feel at the moment, just a feeling of complete anti-climax.

[2travelers]

Hi: Well, my DH and I just got off the same cruise and would like to put in our 2 cents. Yes, there were about 500 kids on board, and I think that the biggest complaint I heard all throughout the cruise was that the kids were taking over the ship. We are kid friendly, but I think that some of the posts were right on...the parents went on vacation and forgot to discipline the kids. It didn't bother us because we are not pool people, but I know that many people complained that the hot tubs and pools were overrun with kids and that they were not able to swim. I did write on the comment card that maybe there should be 2 hours of "down-time" when there are only adults allowed in the pool. I'm not sure if this is something that NCL would consider.

That said, let me say that we had a wonderful time on this cruise. We did learn that you should make reservations for all the restaurants at the beginning of the cruise. Menus are available to check out beforehand, and you can always cancel the reservation if you choose to. By the end of the cruise the only resevations available were for 10:30pm. We ate in all of the specialty restaurants except Mama' Kitchen...we were not able to get a reservation, and that was probably because there was no extra charge. NCL cut the charges in half at the beginning of the cruise in order to get people into the restaurants. So, Le Bistro ( which we thought was excellent) was $7.50 per person. Cagney's Steakhouse was $10.00. Towards the end of the cruise, they again cut the prices in half between 5:30-6:30pm. We ate in all of the restaurants several times and the food was consistantly good. The staff was wonderful...in fact when I couldn't decide between desserts, they said "no problem" and brought me both!

We originally booked a room on the 9th deck with a balcony. Aabout two months before the cruise we offered an upsell to a mini-suite for $250 pp. We couldn't resist. The room was huge. Queen-size bed, sitting area, balcony and a full bathroom including a bathtub. Too bad I neglected to ask what was above us....the kis club. So, we had foot-stomping and ball playing until 1pm. NCL did offer to move us two doors down, but I thought that it would still be the same, so I stayed put. They did speak to the counselors, but it didn't help much. Would I have stayed on deck 9 if I knew this in advance...probably not - but next time I will know to ask. :D. All in all, I believe that when you travel you have to roll with the punches. Not everything runs smoothly. If you know that there is a rush to dine at 7:30 and the lines to get into the restaurants will be long...then make a reservation, or go a half hour later. For the maiden voyage, there were few problems that I noticed. The kids are not in NCL's control, and that seemed to be the biggest complaint.This was a beautiful ship filled with beautiful people.

If anyone has specific questions, please let me know. I got some much great information, and traveled on two private tours with some wonderful families through people I met on this website. I wil be only too happy to give something back.

Ronnie

[alonzo14]

Colmil: Thanks for the review of the Jewel. I'm sorry your cruise was not what you hoped it would be. I do know that Princess is one of the few lines that limit the number of kids onboard or at least up until last year. I don't know if this has changed recently though. I appreciate your suggestions too.

 

Shoreguy: I personally liked the Ironics. I have heard worse bands on onther cruise ships, except for the party band Onyx which plays on Celbrity ships.

[Dolphins]

Marilyn- One would think the one place adults could find refuge from the hordes of kids all over the ship would be on the dance floor of the Spinakker Lounge at NIGHT? But you evidently feel its cute for them to frolic where adults are trying to dance. Ships have a kid's club and a teen's club, perhaps they need an adult's club?

[cruisin2000]

Hi: Well, my DH and I just got off the same cruise and would like to put in our 2 cents. Yes, there were about 500 kids on board, and I think that the biggest complaint I heard all throughout the cruise was that the kids were taking over the ship. We are kid friendly, but I think that some of the posts were right on...the parents went on vacation and forgot to discipline the kids. It didn't bother us because we are not pool people, but I know that many people complained that the hot tubs and pools were overrun with kids and that they were not able to swim. I did write on the comment card that maybe there should be 2 hours of "down-time" when there are only adults allowed in the pool. I'm not sure if this is something that NCL would consider.

That said, let me say that we had a wonderful time on this cruise. We did learn that you should make reservations for all the restaurants at the beginning of the cruise. Menus are available to check out beforehand, and you can always cancel the reservation if you choose to. By the end of the cruise the only resevations available were for 10:30pm. We ate in all of the specialty restaurants except Mama' Kitchen...we were not able to get a reservation, and that was probably because there was no extra charge. NCL cut the charges in half at the beginning of the cruise in order to get people into the restaurants. So, Le Bistro ( which we thought was excellent) was $7.50 per person. Cagney's Steakhouse was $10.00. Towards the end of the cruise, they again cut the prices in half between 5:30-6:30pm. We ate in all of the restaurants several times and the food was consistantly good. The staff was wonderful...in fact when I couldn't decide between desserts, they said "no problem" and brought me both!

We originally booked a room on the 9th deck with a balcony. Aabout two months before the cruise we offered an upsell to a mini-suite for $250 pp. We couldn't resist. The room was huge. Queen-size bed, sitting area, balcony and a full bathroom including a bathtub. Too bad I neglected to ask what was above us....the kis club. So, we had foot-stomping and ball playing until 1pm. NCL did offer to move us two doors down, but I thought that it would still be the same, so I stayed put. They did speak to the counselors, but it didn't help much. Would I have stayed on deck 9 if I knew this in advance...probably not - but next time I will know to ask. :D. All in all, I believe that when you travel you have to roll with the punches. Not everything runs smoothly. If you know that there is a rush to dine at 7:30 and the lines to get into the restaurants will be long...then make a reservation, or go a half hour later. For the maiden voyage, there were few problems that I noticed. The kids are not in NCL's control, and that seemed to be the biggest complaint.This was a beautiful ship filled with beautiful people.

If anyone has specific questions, please let me know. I got some much great information, and traveled on two private tours with some wonderful families through people I met on this website. I wil be only too happy to give something back.

Ronnie

 

2travelers,

Ronnie, we you in an AF mini-suite? We are booked in January in cabin 11154. Do you have any pictures of the cabin? Thank you for your review!

[marilynd]

Dolphins

 

Sorry I may have not given enough information. The children are only allowed in the Spinaker Lounge until 11:00 pm. At that time the lounge is adults only. The girls were pre teen and their was an adult or two with them in the lounge.

 

2travelers: I will have to admit I did not spend a lot of time at the pool so I didn't see the kid problem there. I did miss the indoor swimming pool that NCL put on the Dawn and the Star and not on the Jewel.

 

Marilyn

[shoreguy]

Dolphins

 

Sorry I may have not given enough information. The children are only allowed in the Spinaker Lounge until 11:00 pm. At that time the lounge is adults only. The girls were pre teen and their was an adult or two with them in the lounge.

 

2travelers: I will have to admit I did not spend a lot of time at the pool so I didn't see the kid problem there. I did miss the indoor swimming pool that NCL put on the Dawn and the Star and not on the Jewel.

 

Marilyn

 

 

Welcome back - Did Ruth pass on my regards? How was the AE ? Did you manage to pull of the CC meet and greet?

[2travelers]

Hi: Yes we were in room 11592 Aft...I have to review my pictures, but I don't think I took any of the room. I did take tons of photos from the balcony. The room looks exactly like the brochure, pg 15, center photo. The only addition was a drape pulled back with a tie between the bed and the sitting area. If you had a 3rd or 4th person, the drape pulled across and made two rooms. You will love it. We were so spoiled, that my husband wanted to book the same ship, same room for next Oct. 9th. You will have a ball.

[newmexicoNita]

Marilyn, I have been anxiously awaiting your return. Welcome home and it's nice to know you had such a great experience. I do have a couple of questions which you will probably answer in your review: I know you donated to the cause in the casino, but how did it compare size wise and slots wise to say, the Dawn? Also what cat were you in and how was your cabin? 2 days, 10 hours and 15 minutes and we are on our way to London.

 

NMNita

[life is good]

I and my partner have just returned from our cruise.

 

My comments are given honestly, and I am happy to answer any questions from future cruisers!

 

The Good........

 

As the 'shakedown' cruisers reported, we thought 'Band on the Run ' was really excellent. Their other show was also very good. The costumes, lighting etc were superb.

 

The entertainment was of a very high standard, except for the Ironics, nowhere near the standard we expect.

 

If you go to see Ricochet, the illusionist, for a very pleasant suprise at the end of the last trick, sit in the closest seats to the stage!

 

The food, a very high standard throughout.

 

All of the Crew were extremely friendly and efficient.

 

 

The Bad..........

 

The cruise was booked to celebrate my 60th birthday and as we were on the Dawns maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, we wanted to be on the Jewel, too.

 

I appreciate the fact there would be children on board during August, but five hundred (as disclosed by one of the child helpers) of them!

 

Can you imagine what it was like? I understand that there is usually a restriction to two hundred on a cruise ship of this size, but apparently NCL were offering all sorts of child discounts to fill the ship, to hell with the full fare paying passengers!

 

It was simply impossible to use the pool at any time, all of the sun beds were constantly occupied. Children find it totally impossible to simply walk anywhere, they are never happy unless they are running at full speed everywhere!

 

For some reason, they found it particularly gratifying to do this in the Garden Cafe, their parents seemingly ignorant of the dangers involved.

 

Our cabin was on Deck 11, directly underneath the Cafe, every time we used our cabin, we could guarantee to hear the running backwards and forwards.

 

The crew did nothing to stop this happening, by the end of the cruise, we virtually gave up using the Cafe as we were so concerned.

 

There was still no escape in the Spinnaker Lounge, even after 9 p.m., still kids runnig around the dance floor! Why are children allowed to use the lifts unaccompanied?

 

If I had wanted to go to a cheap holiday camp, I would have booked one, I spent a lot of money on this cruise, and strongly object to having to share it in this way.

 

In addition to this, groups of teenagers had absolutely no respect for the ship, they left glasses everywhere, damaged a chair in the Games Room and left it in a disgraceful manner with litter all over, apparently added some type of oil to the washing machine, ruining the guests clothes, sitting all over the stairs late at night and sliding down the handrails, they were very intimidating with their attitude. It is unfortunate when their parents simply allow their offpring to roam around out of control, they were even using the large lounger chairs in the Spinnaker as rocking chairs.

 

A guest, again on Deck 11, was constantly having to complain about teenagers using the basketball court above their cabin late at night.

 

When I asked one of the officers why they were allowed to get away with their attitude, he quite simply was unable to say anything than that there were six security men on board, but they were certainly not on patrol when I was about later on an evening.

 

NCL obviously expect their guests to know how to behave, and are incapable of dealing with this type of problem.

 

The Freestyle cruising restaurants, in the first few days was more like a Free For all cruise! They were simply unable to cope with the numbers of guests who wanted to eat. I spent twenty minutes queuing one day to book for each night of the cruise to ensure a table, should this need to happen?

 

In brief, the shore excursion prices were ridiculous, did it ourselves!

 

Drinks prices higher than the QE2, the wine prices far too high, the standard of the photography for the souveneir photos was worse than my old Kodak Brownie camera!

 

To think that the English pub has been sacrificed to allow the photo gallery to take its place!

 

Finally......

 

This ship has apparently cost about $46 million, It seems to me that NCL are trying to get their money back by Christmas!

 

In honesty, I do not feel happy now that I am home, I do not really feel that I have had a holiday.

 

Obviously many of you are regulars with NCL, and I hope you enjoy your trip with them.

 

Best wishes to all of the lovely people we met, from Colin and Lynn, Darlington. England, please keep in touch!

 

Colmil.

Colmil,

Your review is great. With respect to children. I agree with you. Myself and a few friends sailed on the Dawn in May and were hard pressed to find anything wrong with our cruise other than young children in the Lounges at night (some so young they were in strollers) and children in the pool area during the day) I know the parents of these children will some day be in our shoes and probably make a comment like "gosh, where are the parents and why are they allowing those kids to run around unattended". I still think the cruise industry needs to address accommodating adult travelers without interference of children. Now before you all go off on me, I have raised my children and love them dearly, but a child being in a lounge between 11 pm and 1 am in a stroller while all us adults are busy partying. Sorry folks, I do not understand the reasoning behind it. I love cruising on NCL but they need to find a way to better suit middle-aged adults without interference of children. Hopefully I will be on the Jewel withmy friends in April 2006.

[newmexicoNita]

Colmil,

Your review is great. With respect to children. I agree with you. Myself and a few friends sailed on the Dawn in May and were hard pressed to find anything wrong with our cruise other than young children in the Lounges at night (some so young they were in strollers) and children in the pool area during the day) I know the parents of these children will some day be in our shoes and probably make a comment like "gosh, where are the parents and why are they allowing those kids to run around unattended". I still think the cruise industry needs to address accommodating adult travelers without interference of children. Now before you all go off on me, I have raised my children and love them dearly, but a child being in a lounge between 11 pm and 1 am in a stroller while all us adults are busy partying. Sorry folks, I do not understand the reasoning behind it. I love cruising on NCL but they need to find a way to better suit middle-aged adults without interference of children. Hopefully I will be on the Jewel withmy friends in April 2006.

This is the same gripe I have about Vegas; kids and late at night! As for NCL and kids, it is the same on Carnival, and maybe worse on RCI. Celebrity also was loaded with kids as we cruised over Thanksgiving 2 years ago. I guess our only soloution is to cruise during the time of year kids are in school, maybe from Jan 5-25 and again Nov 1-10. LOL Seriously if you stay away from major holidays and late May to mid August you should be ok. there will always be kids in any vacation location as school breaks can come at anytime not to mention how many couples want to travel with the kids regardless of age, but there are times of the year that are better suited to adult travel. NMNita

[Maizie_Mouse]

Don't know if any of post Jewel cruisers can answer this.

 

Did they have soda cards? where you pay a set amount and can have unlimited sodas and if so how much were they charging?

 

Sounds as though dinner time was a bit of a nightmare at times

[shoreguy]

Maizie_Mouse

 

Bon Voyage & Special Occasion Gifts

Adult Refillable Soda Fountain Cup

* Pricing is subject to change without notice

 

Adult Soda Program.

Prepaid @ $5.00 per day per person x Cruise days

Unlimited Fountain Soda

The entire cruise must be purchased

Non-Refundable.

 

 

http://www.ncl.com/more/bon_voyage_list.htm#refill

[marilynd]

Hello:

 

I am still working on the review. I have a mound of work piled on my desk at work and I look to the weekend to write. I will get it before you leave for the UK Nita and Shoreguy.

 

Shoreguy: Yes, I did get your regards from Ruth. We did have a great time. The AE suite is great. The balcony is a good size with a lounge chair, chair and ottoman and small side table. It was nice to not have the wind of a regular balcony. The pictures on the link that you referred to are indeed that of the AE suite. There is a mobile telephone for use around the ship. We liked having a table for 4 as well as a nice desk in the room. We had all of the perks we had in the AB penthouse only the AE has a smaller bathroom and dressing area. I did recieve the Royal treatment. I will email you about it.

 

 

Marilyn

[denims]

Colmil,

Your review is great. With respect to children. I agree with you. Myself and a few friends sailed on the Dawn in May and were hard pressed to find anything wrong with our cruise other than young children in the Lounges at night (some so young they were in strollers) and children in the pool area during the day) I know the parents of these children will some day be in our shoes and probably make a comment like "gosh, where are the parents and why are they allowing those kids to run around unattended". I still think the cruise industry needs to address accommodating adult travelers without interference of children. Now before you all go off on me, I have raised my children and love them dearly, but a child being in a lounge between 11 pm and 1 am in a stroller while all us adults are busy partying. Sorry folks, I do not understand the reasoning behind it. I love cruising on NCL but they need to find a way to better suit middle-aged adults without interference of children. Hopefully I will be on the Jewel withmy friends in April 2006.

 

To Life is good:

 

What Jewel cruise are you going on in April 2006? My wife and I and some other friends that we met on a previous Celebrity Cruise are sailing on the Jewel on a 14 day Transatlatic on April 60'06. WE have a thread started @ http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=183916 Please join us.

 

Larry

[alfies_my_baby]

Must be somethink to do with all that Scotish Blood,Mark my partners is half scotish and I'm always trying to drag him out the pub. Got my list of the sight I want to see NYC and he got his list of all the bars LOL oh well just have to see who going to win on that one. Mine you i do have a weak spot for the odd wine or two and the odd pint for that matter.

 

 

LOL Your hubbie sounds just like mine :D . He hates shopping, and thats what I'm looking forward to in N.Y. :)

[UKDeb]

Thanks for taking the time to post, colmil. My biggest fear is a ship overrun with children; or rather not being able to get away at all - I don't actually mind children per se (I have two of my own last time I looked, albeit they're now 20 and 17). My only cruise to date was with DCL and, needless to say, there were more than a few children aboard, but I reckon Disney have got it sussed with an adult only pool and an adult only beach on their private island.

 

We're taking our next cruise aboard the Jewel next April and I'd like some tips on where we can go for a bit of adult only time.

 

A heads up for my American friends considering cruising Europe and/or the Med. These itineraries are popular in the UK and our schools have different breaks than yours. Ours tend to break for 6 weeks in the summer (last week of July - first week of September) and two weeks at Easter and Christmas. We also have 'half term' breaks of one week each in February, May and October.

[colmil]

Dear UKDeb,

 

You can have peace and quiet, above the Spinnaker, i.e. take the deck above the pool area on the port side, forward, keep going until the stairs on the right, there is an area at the top, turn left and keep going, and there is a large area with plenty of beds overlooking the front of the ship.

 

If you need any further info please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Colmil(Darlington, England)

[2travelers]

HI Maizie Mouse: Just got off the Jewel 2 days ago (ready to get back on) and the soda cards were $75 for the 13-day cruise. My husband is a big fan of club soda and was going to purchase a card, but we figured out he would have to drink 42 cans during the trip. It wasn't worth it, so we paid the bar tab. I don't know what a soda costs per can, but if you have kids, it might just be worth it to get a soda card rather than go to the bar 20 times a day. On the other hand, if it is for an adult, you might as well figure out if it is worth the money. When we cruised in 1999 with my 16 year old son, the soda card was $15...no big deal. I guess times have changed!

Ronnie

[steellady]

As I posted already, when we got our travel docs last week the vouchers were wrong. No voucher from Heathrow to Hotel on Sept. 2, but two for Sept.4. One from hotel to dock and one from airport to dock. Our TA has been trying to get it resolved since then, but has had no luck. Yesterday NLC was closed because of the hurricane and todaythey're short staffed.

Again. any suggestions? Has this ever happened to nayone and how was it resolved.

Steellady

I can't wait for that martini!

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Bewitched301]

LOL Your hubbie sounds just like mine :D . He hates shopping, and thats what I'm looking forward to in N.Y. :)

 

Right got a game play let dump them in the nearest bar and empty their wallets for the day lol ;) I am sure I really could do with a New york wardrobe and I not talking about somethink to put my clothes in. Mind you think I'm going to over the weight as it is.Well I could always empty Marks case.:rolleyes:

[colmil]

Dear MOOM2,

 

Because of the number of guests queuing for the restaurants, I decided it made sense to book ahead for the whole cruise.

 

Many other guests had the same idea, hence the twenty minute wait!

 

I had to take what was available, hardly Freestyle!

 

It did save us some time, but not at all satisfactory.

[blue whale]

When we sailed on Dawn, we were not allowed to make reservations for the main restaurants. Were you able to reserve a table at the main two restaurants on Jewel, or was reserving in advance restricted to the specialty restaurants? When you stood in line for 20 minutes was that for the two main restaurants? Thanks for your interesting comments. We hope there will be fewer children on our Sept 18 cruise.