NCL Jade Review (March 12th - 19th)

[texastennis]

In a shared area they had these amazing heated loungers.

Drink station

And a wave pool.

So we paid for week passes and enjoyed until 10:00 closing time. They only sell 100 and I'm pretty sure they sold them all. It seemed a little packed but people tried to be conscious of others and giving everyone time to enjoy. We had a hard time figuring out times to go to the thermal area (it was open 8:00 am-10:00 pm) We should of went more but something always seemed to be happening.

 

The best time to go was on port days from 12:00-3:00. I was there on those days and had the entire Spa to myself.

 

Also, I went for a half hour before the Spa closed -- just before bed -- and was the only one there.

 

I'm sorry you couldn't get there more often, but I'm glad that you were able to enjoy it some. For me, it was the best part of my cruise experience.

[Lisalk12]

Sea Day:

Sunday morning we slept in (which means I was up by 7:30 and everyone else slept until 10:30). So the I have a problem with the time thing and not knowing if my phones clock had changed or not and it was driving me crazy! Next time I plan to bring a watch or alarm clock that I can actually set and really know the time. So I got up and ready because I had a meet and greet to get to. We had a great time meeting the officers and had refreshments (breakfast for my family) and met a wonderful family. We had a very large turnout for this event. After this some of the group went on a cabin crawl.

 

For lunch we enjoyed our suite perk and ate at Cagney's. We had the same appetizers but tried the steak,

prime rib sandwich,

and chicken for our entrees.

For dessert the boys had chocolate ice cream

and I had DRINK #4 a glass of Moscato. Lol!

We walked the ship and looked around before heading back with DRINK # 5 a margarita and sitting on the balcony. After a short nap We went to the great outdoors and had a snack and DRINK #6 cherry limeade. Just FYI the wifi does not work at the pool or in the garden cafe that well. Lost my husband for a short time... But he found me. Lol.

[Linda the Book Lover]

I am trying to make up my mind what item I will enjoy the most on the Jade...the spa (ahh those wonderful loungers), Cagney's breakfast and lunch with UBP (and all also nights except one), or just having someone take care of all of the chores I would normally have on my list. I just can't wait!!

[Lisalk12]

That evening we went to the Captains Cocktail function and had our photo made, DRINK #7 rum punch, and appetizers. We headed to our 7:30 dinner reservations at Alizar Main Dining Room. Upon arriving they had an hour wait for those without reservations and the line seemed long. We only had to wait a few minutes and were escorted inside. The area was beautiful. The maitre d came over to discuss my diet and took my order quickly so that it could be prepared. He said to let him know where we will eat tomorrow and I could preorder my dinner. We had salad,

shrimp minestrone soup

and smoked salmon tartare for our starters.

The boys did not enjoy the salmon app. We the others were yummy.

For entrées I had broiled salmon that was really good. Sorry started to eat before photo. Oops!

The boys had spaghetti and ate almost all of it.

My husband tried the 18 oz bone in ribeye al carte for $25. He said it was okay but not really great and seemed a little over done.

I blame me because I think they had to keep their food warm until mine was ready and received from the other kitchen. It took us about 2 hours to eat. The staff was wonderful and even brought me a fruit plate for dessert. The boys decided they needed soft serve ice cream from the buffet. So we headed that way and stopped for drinks on the way. I found out that DRINK #8 Manhattan will not be on my favorite list. Lol... This is why I love UBP. I just carried it to my room and poured it out. No lost$$. We wanted to get up early the next day and went on to bed.

[Lisalk12]

[Lisalk12]

Cozumel:

We woke up around 7:00 to go have breakfast at Cagney's. Kids ate the breakfast buffet. Husband had an omelet and I had eggs and bacon.

I forgot how yummy these potatoes were!! We went back to the room to pick up our beach bag (interrupting Joe, sorry!!) then off to the star bar to meet up with Omar for priority disembarkation.

We waited a while in a line that would take the 13th floor elevator to 4th floor and then go out a special line. The wait seemed a little long but both lines were moving and it couldn't have been more than 15 minutes wait time all together. Then we were in beautiful Cozumel. When entering you have a LONG walk on the pier past Cozumel security with dogs and bag checking (for fruit??) then we arrived in a huge duty free area. Where oh where are the taxies!!!! We followed a line of cruise passengers from MSC going up an escalator then across and past vendors until we saw a sign for transportation. A sign is posted for cost of most trips but Mr Sanchos was not listed. Most of the taxis were looking for a larger group and we were passed by for a couple of larger groups. Finally we got into a van with another family 8 total. They were headed off to Paradise Bay. We asked what the difference between Paradise Bay and Mr Sancho's. He said same water just if you want a pay as you go or AI. Ok so taxies here are a little wild. But our drivers were so nice and wonderful about answering our questions. The trip there cost us $17 for the four of us.

[Lisalk12]

Upon entering we passed a small shopping area. Since we already reserved online and put a small deposit down we went in to pay the rest of our balance. They took credit cards or cash. We then were escorted to our cabana for the day.

We had reserved the romance package for two and added a youth and child. We met Ezequiel and ordered our first round of drinks (DRINK #9 #10 & #11 Mr Sancho's Special).

We had friends aboard another cruise line that were there at the same time. The area was beautiful and offered a sandy area that did have a steep drop off into the water. The water was pretty clear but did have some grass floating around.

We had a few rounds of drinks and food. Then it was time for our massages. 30 minute couple massages come with our cabanas. So off we went to this area.

We sign the waivers and up on the table we went. Having a massage out by the Caribbean sea with the sound of the water and the breeze was very relaxing. Wished we would of upgraded for a longer time! In 30 minutes they can only really give a good back massage. And I made a note next time to make sure my bathing suit top is easier to wiggle out of. Not a lot of privacy to untie it.

[Lisalk12]

DRINK #12 Long Island Ice Tea

DRINK # 13 Piña Colada

DRINK # 14 Miami Vice

[Lisalk12]

Chips and Salsa

Shrimp Cocktail

Chicken Tacos

[Lisalk12]

DRINK #15 Blue Lagoon

 

Other photos from Mr Sancho's

 

We loved this place and would return again if ever in Cozumel!

[Lisalk12]

The ride back to port was easy. Lots of taxis waiting in the parking lot. $17 for the return trip. Since Mr Sancho's closed at 5:00 and we didn't have to be aboard until 6:30 We shopped for awhile in the port area. Then we walked the LONG road back to the boat. When onboard we had these waiting for us!

This was our dinner and we called this night done!

[Lineaway]

Thanks for posting the Daily's. We will be on the Jade 04/02

[antiquehtr]

Great pics-thanks!

[Linda the Book Lover]

Just looking at the veggies and sandwiches made me remember how good they tasted after a day in port. I always have a turkey sandwich and chips. Yep addicted...LOL

[Lisalk12]

[Lisalk12]

Glad that you are enjoying our memories of our time aboard! Snacks after a port day was so needed. Lol! Best sandwich that I ever had... Or at least it seemed like it was.

[Lisalk12]

Belize City:

Once again we played the "what time is it" game because I wanted to make sure and not miss our NCL group tender time. Omar was again taking priority tender in the Star Bar but we had booked an excursion through NCL. So we were to meet at 8:30 in the Stardust Theater. There they call out numbers and the title of the excursion. When your number is called you go down the stairs three levels and wait in the line to board a tender. These boats where very nice and had two levels.

The guides on board said it would be a 5 mile ride to the pier 2. It didn't take long until we where there and walking into the port area. We met guides Melissa & Yvette & Mark our driver. We had a bathroom break then boarded our bus to Travel 1 hour outside the City to Altun Ha to see Mayan ruins.

[Lisalk12]

The bus ride was informative about Belize and its people. We had a chance to see many areas along the road. I always find the school systems to be very interesting. Melissa said that it is mandatory that all children 4-15 to attend school but that education was not free. Families pay every month plus provide uniforms, support with fundraisers as well as lunch. When we reached the ruins we were told that some people may come out of the surrounding area holding animals and want us to pay to have their pictures made. While they know these people are just trying to make a living. They wanted us to know that these animals could bite or have parasites. To do so at our own risk it was not condoned by their company. This was when I realized that we had a guard with us also. He had rode in the bus with us and stayed at the ruins with the group until we left.

[Lisalk12]

When we arrived at the Mayan ruins we were shown where the restroom and vendors where at. We then entered the site. We had a short lesson on the ruins and the Mayan people then we were told we could climb on any that did not have ropes on the front.

A photo of a photo showing the whole area.

My family climbed to the top of the temple of the sun god and took photos.

[Lisalk12]

The way up was hard. The steps were steep and uneven but they did have a handrail.

I have to admit I was huffing and puffing at the top. It had a beautiful view of the site!

 

Then to get back down you take the steps that go down the back.

In total we spent about 1 1/2 hours at the site. They have a small building that gives more info and a chance to see a replica of the Jade stone that was found there.

The guides gathered us back onto the bus and answered questions during a 40 minute ride to our lunch site. We were offered chicken, beans with rice and a salad. Each person got a soda to drink. But local beer was available for purchase. We went outside under a shaded porch.

[Lisalk12]

After lunch we boarded a small boat to begin our 1 1/2 trip on Belize river. Aboard the boat we had the chance to see crocodiles (laying in water below the overhanging branches)

bats (black triangles in a line on the tree trunk)

monkeys (two up in the tree branches)

Birds and manatee (which were hard to catch in a photo). The ride was warm and the seats were hard but we enjoyed our time and would do it again. Don't forget bug spray and sunscreen for this trip. On that note we did receive notice about the Zika virus and to be careful in port areas.

[Lisalk12]

The boat took us right back to the port and we had two hours before our last tender. We walked at the pier and got a Local beer for $4 and coke and fanta soda for $2 each. We decided to go back on the tender and we got on just before it headed back. When we got back into the room we found that Bencar had left food in room.

I loved how he would leave things for me each day. Veggies, fruit, & gluten and dairy free sandwiches. It made for a wonderful snack when we returned from our excursions. My husband I had had a couple of drinks before dinner.

Drink #16 Rebellious Fish Drink #17 Painkiller

Drink #18 Le Fizz

[Lisalk12]

We went to eat at Alizar for dinner.

Not sure what happened to all my photos of dinner but this is all I managed to find. French Onion soup and lasagna

Then on to the buffet for my boys to have ice cream. We stopped by to see if our photos from the night Before might be up. Nothing.... Hope we didn't break his camera. We stopped at one of the bars and listened to karaoke. Then headed to the room. My husband chose to stop at the casino and play for awhile. Blackjack was really kind to him this week. Texas Holdem not so much.

[Huntingdon1701]

Thanks for all the pictures. It looks like you had a great time.

[Lisalk12]

You are very welcome! We had a great time!

Edited March 27, 2016 by Lisalk12