Jewel Transatlantic – Shoreguy Blogs - 4 September 2005

[SailAways]

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

......

I'm leavin' on a jet plane

I Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh, babe, I hate to go. :rolleyes:

Thanks to everyone the 3 of us will have a great time :)QUOTE)

 

 

Shoreguy:

 

You "sang" for us - so here is one for you!

 

"What'll we do

When you are far away

And we are blue

What'll we do"

(Irving Berlin surely won't mind the slight change)

 

We will miss your everyday appearance on these boards, Shoreguy.

You "3" have the greatest possible cruise ever!! You deserve it.

We shall be awaiting your full review - loved the Prolog - Life does Go On. :)

[immargaret]

OK Shoreguy you have been cruising for 7 minutes and 42 seconds........Where's the report?

 

LOL, We miss you already.......and Nita too!

 

:)

[shoreguy]

Sorry I am late :D

 

Day 1.5 semi live from the Jewel

 

Let me start by saying this is an another remarkable ship in the NCL fleet. Those that have cruised with NCL for years would have never expected a fleet like the one that is now sailing and planned for the near future,

 

Day 1.5 was and is a long one. Now I remember why I like sailing out of NYC so much. I arrived at Newark airport around 4 pm for a 9 pm redeye flight. Check in did not start until 5:30 pm. NCL had provided direct air on Virgin but that flight was delayed about an hour when the inbound was late.

 

We arrived in London with the delay only about 15 minutes late. The problem no gate and we had the joy of being bused in from the the parking lot. We exited customes and there were several NCL reps to great us. After a brief discussion I was told to wait at the coach area just outside the door. As it turns out so were many others. It seems there were 700+ arriving that day at Heathrow. We waited in line in the unusual London heat. The bus was great with one exception that is not unusual in the UK. No AC. With traffic the transfer ended up being about 3 hours inside a greenhouse 20 degrees warmer then the outside air.

 

Arrived in dover in perfect weather. The Ship was in fact the jewel of the harbor. Entered the pier and each passenger was greeted and asked their cabin number and told were to go. When we entered and gave our cabin number we were escorted upstairs to a waiting area the Ruth was managing. We we quickly checked in and escorted to the front of the security line. After traveling over 12 hours the time from the bus to the cabin was less then 20 minutes.

 

The cabin/suite – any reviews I do of this cabin will only be of value to those in this suite 9276 it is unique. For the HC cruiser this will be a great suite, for anyone else thinking of booking an AE only take this as a last minute upgrade. Since I booked it as a BA it is remarkable. It is very roomy and very HC friendly. The shower area is in fact the whole bathroom with a chair permanently attached to the shower area making the space wonderful for the HC and a challenge for the AB passenger.

 

There is a ramp up to and onto the balcony once again making it wonderful for the HC but taking a full 1/3 of the balcony space leaving only enough room for one of the lounge chairs to sit flat on the balcony.

 

No sofa just two chairs and not table for in room dining. It is all about providing the space for those who this cabin was intended.

 

All that said it is still a great aft facing cabin with all the services of a penthouse cabin on NCL.

 

Prior reviews had the stated the AE had a cordless phone and espresso maker – neither in this cabin. Storage is great. A quit count gives you 11 draws, lots of shelves. The closet space is limited – more hangers the rod space. There is no space in the bathroom to store anything but again it is all about access.

 

Prior reviews had the stated the AE had a cordless phone and espresso maker – neither in this cabin.

 

A couple of facts from my day onboard - There was in fact major issues on the first cruise with the kids onboard. As posted very we enrolled in the programs on board aallowing them to run free on the ship with no adult leadership including their parents. I can tell you the crew tried but in the end it was up to the adults who brought those kids onboard to step up and take responsibility and it appears they did not.

 

The Spa – as posted before thay are asking a $15 per day or $60 for the whole cruise to use the facilities unless you get a treatment. Two ways to look at it it “all about the $” or making sure the space is available to those that take advantage of the services.

 

We had dinner in Cagney’s tonight – many Latitudes members got a letter offering a free dinner in any of the specialty restaurants the first night.

 

Are prices higher on the Jewel – yes in some cases. The wine list is almost the same as online but in fact the prices are higher. I am not sure this is because the ship is in Europe and the cost is higher. By way of example the Duckhorn Merlot listed at $70 is $96 onboard the Jewel. Keep in mind that wine was $90 at my local NJ retailer.

 

General impressions after 8 ours onboard - this ship is operating as if it has been in service for months.

 

More to follow on the ship, my impressions, and the first get together of a great group of CC members today, all of which had nothing but praise for this ship……

[daybreakbds]

thank you shoreguy. enjoy the cruise and the company!

[mortysmama]

Shoreguy....

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day to give us this quick review......but....don't think you're gonna get away with that for much longer. We want big, big BIG reviews. I want to know everything....including the menus.

 

I hope when you shake the jet lag off you'll be able to really enjoy the ship in all it's glory. Have a wonderful time....and take notes, notes....and more notes.

 

Happy cruising!

[marilynd]

Shoreguy: Great to read today's blog. Glad to hear that the beautiful Jewel has survived the terror of unrully children on my cruise and the software glitch with the azipod on the Baltic Cruise. With such a great staff and crew those little troubles are behind you and you 3 will have a great cruise.

 

Sorry to hear that the HC AE Penthouse suite is the same as 8630 which we were in. I don't understand why no expresso maker and portable phone. No table. Do you at least have the desk for a surface? At least you get a Butler, the perks and the services of the Jewel's wonderful concierge Ruth.

 

Looking forward to the next installment. Saw "Hi" to NMNita for me and wish her a wonderful cruise. I didn't get a change to log on and wish her a great cruise before she left. I am looking forward to her review also !!!!!1

 

 

Marilyn

[mafig]

Hope you're enjoying yourself, Shoreguy.

 

 

Was your bar setup in your cabin upon arrival?

 

I believe you had prebooked some excursions, were they in your cabin also?

 

 

Sorry to hear about the charge to use the pool spa. We will probably pass on that. Since we live in Florida, I don't pay to use a pool, although if our sailing was crowded, we would probably be looking for a place for peace and quiet, but not for $15/day.

[shoreguy]

Day 2 Ireland

 

The Jewel arrived early and cleared in 5 minutes. Passengers were able to get of the ship a little after 1 pm for a port that we where not supposed to dock at until 2 pm.

 

NMNita had booked a tour with Butler for the rollcall. About a dozen of us took advantage. A big advantage it was. We had a coach that held 18 for the 12 members. We headed for Blarney Castle and the Mills and a stop at the Jameson Distillery. Those that wanted got the climb to the top of the castle and kiss the stone. That allows us to lie for 7 years. With almost nobody there is was a delight to climb the narrow stairs. As we were leaving the bus fulls of NCL tour passengers showed up. What a blessing to not be caught in those stairs with the crowd.

 

The Distillery was a bit of a disappointment. 24 euros to sample 3 whiskeys !

 

Other random thoughts.

 

Lunch today was a Tsars – It was great sitting at the rear windows as we docked in Cobh

 

Nobody has complained about the smell of the menus.

 

Dolphins - I took some pictures from outside the Star Bar to show the A3 A4 villas balconies and the amount of inset. There is reasonable privacy but you will look down on the deck below.

 

We have dinner reservations for 9 tonight at Mamas. Returned to the ship around 6:30 and wanted something to eat. Headed for the Blue Lagoon. What they are doing is using all but 3 tables there to expand the seating for Tangos. Since we were still in tour casual I did not want to sit in the middle of others dinner headed for the Garden café to grab a little something. Really did not find anything there either. It was empty. Ended up back in the suite with a little room service.

 

FYI – Blue Lagoon in today’s Freestyle is listed as open 24 hours.

 

Not sure I covered this last night – not sure what I posted last night as a matter of fact. With expended space in the specialty restaurants and the loss of one regular restaurant compared to the Dawn (Impressions) they have lowered the prices to drive addition traffic to those restaurants. Le Bistro $10 – Cagney’s $15 – Chin Chin $10 – All you can eat Sushi $5.

 

Time for sail away – off for two days at sea – CC meeting in the AM.

 

Bar setup was in the cabin when we arrived – no problem

 

Coffee far better then the instant mud on Virgin Atlantic.

 

Ice tea at lunch – as described by my son stonger then a Red Bull.

 

All that said this is starting out as one great cruise.

 

Let’s see if this can be cut pasted and posted.

 

More later

[marilynd]

Hi Shoreguy: Thanks for today's installment. Sounds like you are having a great time.

 

I thought it was interesting that the Freestyle Daily said that Blue Lagoon was a 24 hr restaurant when the menu and posted time at Blue Lagoon was only until 5:00 pm. I love the hamburgers at Blue Lagoon.

 

 

Now we will have to question your posts. Will you be telling us the truth of "just a wee bit of the Blarney".

 

Marilyn

[alonzo14]

Shoreguy, thanks so much for your blogs. I'm glad your having a great time.

[immargaret]

Thanks shoreguy for letting us all enjoy your cruise through your posts. Oh, and by the way I was really worried about the smell of the menus... I was sure it was going to turn the whole cruise into a "Nightmare".

 

Is there really a working soft serve ice cream machine on the JEWEL?

 

:)

[SRUTKO1226]

Hi Shoreguy!

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Susie and AJ

[shoreguy]

Day at sea –

 

The Good news – I was able to win back my donations to the casino from the first day last night 

 

Dinner last night at Mamas – being from NJ pretty picky about Italian food – it was fine. I had to try the chicken Parm so many post about – It was better then most at sea. Service was spotty. First 20 minutes nothing but bread and then the brought the soup, salad, and antipasto all at once.

 

CC Meeting this morning at 10:30 in the Star Bar. Great turnout by the members of the Roll Call, the staff of the Dawn – the Jewel I mean. Hard to tell them apart. We even had some lurkers that joined the fun. With only 49 on the roll call we had more then 45 at the meet and greet.

 

From the Ship we had Klaus, Sean, Rehne, Paul Baya. and Mike the ACD.

 

Feedback from everyone was the Jewel was meeting or exceeding expectations.

 

For those that care – less then 20 kids onboard – average age 59.

 

Murder Mystery dinner is tomorrow – we were able to sign up 16 members early at the Meet and greet.. Thank you Mike.

 

Lunch today at Cagneys – open to the suite passengers – limited menu with great service. We had the garlic rosemary soup and NY Rueben.

 

Tonight is formal night with Lobster – I tried to book the Bistro but could not get anything before 10 pm – Called Ruth – all is well.

 

Band on the Run Show tonight as well as 70s night in Spinnakers

 

Martini Clinic in 10 minutes so more to follow – expect even more typos

[micheleg]

Hiya Shoreguy!

 

Glad to hear that everything so far as been great! Hope the weather's been good for you as well. Have you been able to take a peek at the Romance Suites right above you?

 

Let us know how the show was tonight!!! So far it's received rave reviews!

 

Hope you tossed back a few martini's for us!

 

Have fun!!!

Michele :)

[Suesan Jean]

Glad to hear that your cruise is going well....... So Paul Baya is on the Jewel, he was the CD on my April cruise, I liked him, he was good. Everybody has left the Dawn!!:cool:

 

Keep the reports coming.......

 

Suesan:) :) :)

[alonzo14]

Thanks Shoreguy, If you get an opportunity can you check and see if there is definitely a launderette on the starboard side of deck 11?

[debjo]

Shoreguy...

Thanks for all of your "blogs"...we're enjoying our vicarious cruise with you and getting a sneak peek into what our friends will be sharing with us when they return. I hope we can continue to "log" onto the CC boards...sometimes it is quite difficult, but we manage to perservere as we know you will probably give us an update on your trip. Keep the news and the details coming. It was wonderful that you had a great turn out for your Meet & Greet. I can't wait to hear about Iceland!

 

Debjo

[marilynd]

Great to read today's installment of your fun cruise.

 

Sounds like the crew of the Jewel went all out for your CC meeting like they did for us. Did you have the pastries and beverages also? We have the same group of officers and crew come to out to our meeting.

 

Glad so many signed up for the Murder Mystery. Anxious to hear about it. I didn't sign up because DH wasn't interested. My sister might like it if Mike is doing it again in November.

 

I thought that the lunch in Cagney's was really good. Even with a limited menu, I thought it tasted better than the lunches in Tsar's.

 

AHHH!! The services of Ruth the concierge.

 

Only 20 kids onboard. I hope on my cruise in Nov we have that few.

 

Waiting for the next blog

 

Marilyn

[shoreguy]

More from the Atlantic

 

There were lots of comments before we sailed about drink prices on the Jewel – Well get ready fleet wide. The prices on the Jewel are those included in the new NCL Bar Menu.

I have a copy in my hand.

 

Domestic beer 3.95, Import $4.50, Foster oil can $6.50.

Cocktails – 5.25 – 7.00

Wines – 6.50 - $15.00 a glass

 

No more buckets of beer.

 

Some things make no sense – Kettle one and Grey Goose the same $7.00 – Looks like this will a Grey Goose cruise.

 

As far as those that posted that many of low price wines were not available. It is not just the low priced wines. The ship will not be fully stocked until it gets to NYC.

 

Spotted my first two kids on the cruise. The little girl was crying. She did not want to go to dinner. She wanted to go to “kids club”. I guess the program is working for at least for one little girl.

 

1:30 am – had to work hard but was able to get out of the casino only down $50 after a day that included the Martini clinic, the captains cocktail party, and two bottles of wine on NCL.

 

Dinner in the Bistro was outstanding as usual.

 

Band on the Run has had great reviews – I would say it had it moments, lots of energy.

 

Latest word – official naming of the ship will be Nov. 3 in Miami. As far as godmother everyone is tight lipped. Rumor of the day is Hillary…….

 

Only complaints I have heard drink prices and the $15 for the spa as expected.

 

Planters Edge & R&C – I had printer a color copy of Roberto’s picture. He got a his book and pull a B&W and your email. He is so excited to be on the internet.

[EileenN]

see next post

[EileenN]

Shoreguy, So far we are enjoying the journey. Thank you so much for taking this time for the rest of us land locked board members. The Jewel bridge cam is up and running...somewhat. It is a little foggy but the sea looks a bit rough. Are you experiencing any bumpy seas?

[marilynd]

Thanks for the great installment for today. Glad to hear you enjoyed your dinner at LeBistro. I thought it was great also. I missed the great artwork from the Dawn.

 

Thanks for posting the picture from deck 13 looking up at the courtyard villas. I didn't even walk past them when onboard. Ugh !! Looks like sis and I will not want to stand too close to the windows in the tub and shower in our bathroom. Possible loss of privacy issue. LOL !!!

 

We asked Rehne about taking a tour of the courtyard area while we were onboard. She said that the owner of the cruiseline was in a garden villa and the courtyard area. Maybe you will get to see it. If you do, take pictures of the concierge lounge. I have seen lots of pictures of the pool, deck area but none of the lounge area.

 

Enjoy your day in Iceland tomorrow.

 

 

Marilyn

[Stillfloatin']

As expected, you sure came through for us Shoreguy! We're all enjoying your cruise right alongside you, if only figuratively. Each day I log on with anticipation of your next blog. I'm glad the "3" of you are having such a great time. I know much of it comes from your research, preparation, and most important, great attitude. And all of us are reaping the rewards. :D Thank you.

[Suesan Jean]

KEEP EM' COMING!!!:D

 

Suesan:) :) :)

[Old Gadge]

Shoreguy,

Have you managed to look into the gym? Are all the treadmills in action next to th windows? If they are still going full power they have probably issued ear defenders to Deck 11 underneath.

Enjoy your cruise in spite of above we did, its a great ship and was remarkably stable inforce 7 gale and 40 knot winds in Tallinn, it will be interesting to see how she copes in the Atlantic crossing the pond.