Lesson Learned Transpacific to Hawaii NCL Jewel Live

[tx121]

Coming to you from the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the NCL Jewel heading to Hawaii! It is Day 5 of the cruise and here are some thoughts so far and lessons learned from the cruise.

Embarkation in Vancouver took VERY long due to having to go through security, US customs and then checking in. All in all it took 2.5 hours!

 

 

Ship condition is fair, typical NCL style for this class of ship. The decor is a little cheesy. Much prefer the sister ship NCL Dawn.

 

 

Food has been hit or miss. Teppanyaki was fun. Azure dining room food is ok, service is spotty. Garden Cafe is adequate. NCL still has the best burgers and fries in my opinion. The fish and chips in Osheehans was very good as well.

 

 

Weather- Awful!!! Besides day 1, the seas have not been a kind one. We have been rocking and rolling and there are vomit bags all around the ship. Temperature is around 60-65. Cannot wait to get to Hawaii and to calmer seas.

 

 

Cabin- Now here is a lesson learned. We are in a ocean view cabin on deck 4 at the front. It was booked by our travel agent and are not very happy campers with her. Warning-- NEVER get a cabin in this location especially for a transatlantic or transpacific itinerary. The rough seas crashing into your cabin will definitely keep you up and night. Right now it is 3am and I am here wide awake because the crashing of the waves against the walls makes it hard to fall back asleep. Think of it as someone slamming a door shut and then a shaking the bed. Will not be using the travel agent in the future to book rooms - We will select our own next time.

 

 

Entertainment has been great besides being down in the casino. Lol! For all those who were wondering- casino is open for the 5 days at seas but will be closing once we hit the Hawaiian islands. The ultimate dance challenge and the not so newlywed game were hilarious! The headliner vocalist was very good yesterday. Skipped band on the run production show since we saw it on the dawn and didn't care for it. Pools have been closed due to rockiness.

 

 

Lesson learned- I'm not a transpacific or transatlantic cruiser. Lol. Next time it will be better to just fly to Hawaii and take the Pride of America. Here's to hopefully more calmer seas so I can sleep! 😫

[andnosyd]

Thanks for the review, we getting on the ship in Honolulu. Hopefully the seas calm down.

 

Do you know if they offer salmon on the classic or everyday menu in the Main Dining room? It's my daughters favorite dinner food and they offered it on Celebrity and HAL everyday, not sure if it's the same on NCL. Thanks!

[BirdTravels]

Hope you get some smoother waters.

 

Just think Hawaii,,,

 

We were there earlier this week and it was beautiful! It’s tripical, so expect at least one brief rain shower a day. But the rest of the time is wonderful.

[puppycanducruise]

Thanks for the update.

I hope you get calmer seas, and better luck in the casino.

[easyboy]

Thanks for the feedback. When doing TA, we avoid getting a fwd cabin.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[dexddd]

Thanks for the update and how things are going.

 

We did a TransPacific on POA last year and had great seas. At least being low on 4 should help things out a bit.

 

Say hi to Brenda (punkincc) as I believe she and her husband are on that leg plus the next one or two legs.

[Budget Queen]

I'm surprised this wasn't thought of prior? It's not uncommon and frequently posted the possible conditions of Trans cruises. I also find your blame of your cabin location misguided? Surely you knew where this cabin was when you booked? Or was this a guarantee? The mid ship for smoother sailing is well known as well.

 

I'm sorry you seem to be caught off guard by this, and it is going to helpful for others to know from a first hand example. I happen to have no issue with where my cabin is, and had a great "ride" a few weeks ago on the Dawn, skirting the hurricanes, with a cabin in the very front. :) Keeps me reminded I am on a ship, since on a lot of sailings it's easily forgotten.

 

Have a great time in Hawaii- hopefully you have added a lot more days there to enjoy your time and make up for your experience.

[casofilia]

Embarkation in Vancouver took VERY long due to having to go through security, US customs and then checking in. All in all it took 2.5 hours!

I think that would not be an uncommon length of time there. At least it was Canada Place; a few years ago we that that "experience" at the old Ballantyne Wharf.

[Jumping Castle]

Hi there

 

Is Dingo Dave on there as Cruise Director do you know? If so, do you know if he is remaining on the ship for Australia - we sail on 5 January 2018.

 

Many thanks and enjoy!

[casofilia]

The CD is David Klooster at the moment if that is Dingo Dave.

[Jumping Castle]

Thanks - that must be him.

[casofilia]

I don't think so; look at:

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/David/Klooster

and

http://www.tmcentertainment.co.uk/speaker-index.html?speakerid=731&parentcat=5

[newmexicoNita]

Coming to you from the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the NCL Jewel heading to Hawaii! It is Day 5 of the cruise and here are some thoughts so far and lessons learned from the cruise.

Embarkation in Vancouver took VERY long due to having to go through security, US customs and then checking in. All in all it took 2.5 hours!

 

 

Ship condition is fair, typical NCL style for this class of ship. The decor is a little cheesy. Much prefer the sister ship NCL Dawn.

 

 

Food has been hit or miss. Teppanyaki was fun. Azure dining room food is ok, service is spotty. Garden Cafe is adequate. NCL still has the best burgers and fries in my opinion. The fish and chips in Osheehans was very good as well.

 

 

Weather- Awful!!! Besides day 1, the seas have not been a kind one. We have been rocking and rolling and there are vomit bags all around the ship. Temperature is around 60-65. Cannot wait to get to Hawaii and to calmer seas.

 

 

Cabin- Now here is a lesson learned. We are in a ocean view cabin on deck 4 at the front. It was booked by our travel agent and are not very happy campers with her. Warning-- NEVER get a cabin in this location especially for a transatlantic or transpacific itinerary. The rough seas crashing into your cabin will definitely keep you up and night. Right now it is 3am and I am here wide awake because the crashing of the waves against the walls makes it hard to fall back asleep. Think of it as someone slamming a door shut and then a shaking the bed. Will not be using the travel agent in the future to book rooms - We will select our own next time.

 

 

Entertainment has been great besides being down in the casino. Lol! For all those who were wondering- casino is open for the 5 days at seas but will be closing once we hit the Hawaiian islands. The ultimate dance challenge and the not so newlywed game were hilarious! The headliner vocalist was very good yesterday. Skipped band on the run production show since we saw it on the dawn and didn't care for it. Pools have been closed due to rockiness.

 

 

Lesson learned- I'm not a transpacific or transatlantic cruiser. Lol. Next time it will be better to just fly to Hawaii and take the Pride of America. Here's to hopefully more calmer seas so I can sleep!

I am with you, let others do the Trans cruises. We did our one and only on the Jewel btw. It was her first crossing from Europe. We loved the ship, have sailed her 3 times, loved the ports, but otherwise we just prefer a more port intensive cruise.

As for not being happy with your TA, location of a cabin is often based on price or availbility. Maybe there was nothing else available in your price range. I wouldn't hold her totally responsible but I don't know the situation of course.

I only have one more thing to say, the Dawn is not a sister ship to the Jewel, not by anymeans. In fact the Dawn is in a separate class altogether. I am not sure it has a sister. The Sky and Sun are sisters, even though they are somewhat different. The Spirit is a separate class also. ;)

just remembered the Star is the sister ship to the Dawn.

Edited October 8, 2017 by newmexicoNita

[mugtech]

Here's hoping we soon find the Jewel itineraries for next September, October, I want to take a transpacific cruise, prefer deck 9 on Jewel class ships.

[punkincc]

Thanks for the update and how things are going.

 

We did a TransPacific on POA last year and had great seas. At least being low on 4 should help things out a bit.

 

Say hi to Brenda (punkincc) as I believe she and her husband are on that leg plus the next one or two legs.

 

Hi,dexddd! Not doing the transpacific this time. Been there, done that, on the POA with you in 2016. Joining the ship in HNL for the two legs down to Sydney. Should be a great cruise! So many ports! I've lost track of how many tours we have booked. Let you know how it goes!

[tx121]

The seas have finally calmed down, weather is warm and nicer and most people were enjoying the sun yesterday!

Went to Cagneys yesterday and as always was excellent. Menu has changed again... missing those crab cakes. I also inquired about the bone in ribeye but they did not have it like on the Dawn.

Comedy show last night was ok.. looking forward to the adult comedy!

 

To answer some questions:

On the classic menu there is no salmon but they do have the pan seared flounder.

 

We did book last minute a guarantee oceanview for a very nice price. My TA said most likely we would get a mid or aft cabin since she said the cabins in the front were sold out,so that is where there was misguidance. We did not get our room assignment until we got to the pier and getting the luggage tag from the porters.

 

One final sea day and up next Hawaii!! Very excited!

Thanks for the well wishes everyone!

[dexddd]

Hi,dexddd! Not doing the transpacific this time. Been there, done that, on the POA with you in 2016. Joining the ship in HNL for the two legs down to Sydney. Should be a great cruise! So many ports! I've lost track of how many tours we have booked. Let you know how it goes!

 

Have a great time.

[Budget Queen]

 

We did book last minute a guarantee oceanview for a very nice price. My TA said most likely we would get a mid or aft cabin since she said the cabins in the front were sold out,so that is where there was misguidance. We did not get our room assignment until we got to the pier and getting the luggage tag from the porters.

 

!

 

Glad your sailing has calmed down. But your "blame" for the cabin location totally- lies completely with you. Your agent is not of any fault. You booked a guarantee which means ANY cabin on the ship. You accepted that.

 

I'd suggest not booking any more guarantee cruises perhaps.