On the Jewel now -- some interesting factoids

[Turtles06]

We're on the Jewel now, the Jan. 25-Feb. 5 Panama Canal cruise from Miami to LA. We transited the Canal yesterday, and it was simply fantastic! We're having a great time, and I'll write about the cruise when we return, but I found the following very interesting.

 

The larger main dining room, Tsar's Palace, is so brightly lit at dinner time as to be uninviting. Zero ambience, nothing like the Grand Pacific on the Gem. I asked the Restaurant Manager about this, and he said it's so the guests can read the menus! He said the average age of the passengers on board is 64.5, and they get complaints if they turn the lights down.

 

He also said there are a total of 17 passengers under the age of 21.

 

As I said, we're having a great time. The crew and staff are wonderful. But a bit less light in Tsar's would be better. :)

[dexddd]

Have a nice trip. I'm confused though - you say the trip is 1/25-2/5 yet you already did the canal?

[MBMGWM]

I think the OP is on the Jan. 20th - Feb. 5th cruise - probably just a fast typist!

 

It is interesting about the dining room lights. We're on an upcoming Jewel cruise and will keep this in mind.

[travel33]

We're on the Jewel now, the Jan. 25-Feb. 5 Panama Canal cruise from Miami to LA. We transited the Canal yesterday, and it was simply fantastic! We're having a great time, and I'll write about the cruise when we return, but I found the following very interesting.

 

The larger main dining room, Tsar's Palace, is so brightly lit at dinner time as to be uninviting. Zero ambience, nothing like the Grand Pacific on the Gem. I asked the Restaurant Manager about this, and he said it's so the guests can read the menus! He said the average age of the passengers on board is 64.5, and they get complaints if they turn the lights down.

 

He also said there are a total of 17 passengers under the age of 21.

 

As I said, we're having a great time. The crew and staff are wonderful. But a bit less light in Tsar's would be better. :)

 

Guess it's time for the sunglasses :D

[casofilia]

You could always try the Azura.

[Turtles06]

Yes, we embarked on Jan. 20. Even though I am (slightly!) below the average age on board, I clearly had a senior moment. :)

[bagzrpacked]

We did a cruise out of Tampa one winter and the age group was similar to what you are describing.

Much different than my Getaway cruise.

 

 

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[BirdTravels]

It is interesting about the dining room lights. We're on an upcoming Jewel cruise and will keep this in mind.

 

Help us understand what you will keep in mind. What actions would you take based upon this information?

[Kstofflet]

Help us understand what you will keep in mind. What actions would you take based upon this information?

 

 

I would "wear my sunglasses at night

So I can so I can

See the light that's right before my eyes"

 

 

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[triptolemus]

Help us understand what you will keep in mind. What actions would you take based upon this information?

 

[Bluetail48]

 

Thanks for the giggle! It would be funny to see a whole group show up to Tsar's wearing those!

[808cruisef]

I'd love to hear more about the cruise. We are on the jewel feb 19 to do the Canal too.

 

 

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[armwinder]

I'd love to hear more about the cruise. We are on the jewel feb 19 to do the Canal too.

 

 

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We are on the Feb 19th cruise too. Have you joined our roll call?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2270414&page=27

[808cruisef]

We are on the Feb 19th cruise too. Have you joined our roll call?

 

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2270414&page=27

 

 

I'm pretty sure that I did. There are 9 of us on the cruise

 

 

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[mispi]

We are going for 19 th FEB cruise , too. Please I am interesting about vivavino package. Is it possible to order it in Jewell too?

[Laid Back Lenny]

I am having a hard time reading this post. The print is so small and I need more light. Lol We are also on the Feb. 19th cruise.

[rmurray847]

 

The larger main dining room, Tsar's Palace, is so brightly lit at dinner time as to be uninviting. Zero ambience, nothing like the Grand Pacific on the Gem.

 

We were on the Jewel over the Christmas holiday. You are right about the light...although I didn't really think about it at the time. The Grand Pacific on the Jade was nicer, but that's been over 5 years for me. Wonder if they've brightened it up.

 

Someone suggested Azura: it's bright too, but it does better with the more modern, casual decor.

[MBMGWM]

DH and I took our first NCL cruise on the Jewel many years ago. I loved having dinner there with the beautiful surroundings. Even though it was a large room, it did have a "warmth" in the evenings. It sounds like that may not be the case any longer with the bright lights. I'll just know what to expect when we go there.

 

We may have more of our MDR dinners in Azura, which we also enjoyed. I agree that the brightness would go better with that restaurant's decor. We also enjoy having some of our meals in the specialty restaurants. It's nice to have so many choices! It's one of the things I appreciate on NCL.