Live from the Jewel April 29-May 13, 2024: will definitely contain sarcasm and grumpiness

[YVRteacher]

Let’s talk about the public bathrooms on board.

 

They were not okay.

 

With cutbacks to crew come cutbacks to cleaning. NCL bathrooms used to be cleaned hourly and there used to be records where housekeeping would initial.

 

Every single time I used a public bathroom (I drank a lot on this cruise…there was nothing else to do!) something was wrong. This ranged from dirtiness to missing supplies.  By missing supplies I mean toilet paper, soap and paper towels. One evening I went to three different bathrooms to find soap. Are most people this persistent? Nope.

 

There are signs inside all the bathroom doors asking passengers to open the doors with a paper towel. This is not possible when paper towels are not supplied.  I would estimate that at least 50% of the time the paper towel dispensers were out. I stood there waving my hands away under the green light and nothing happened.

 

Maybe this is why I lost weight: it’s all the hand flapping exercise!

 

If the public bathrooms are this bad, what are the crew facilities like?

 

 

Edited May 18 by YVRteacher

[misstamster]

I would also add:

Spending time with YVRteacher and her Dad:

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟.

 

[BoundForSea]

21 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

comfort of bed 🛟
embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

value for money 🛟

 

We are booked on the Jewel again in August and have already passed final payment. If we could cancel, we would. Neither of us want to go on the Jewel again, especially without Rumi and Armando. Tomorrow I will be canceling the trip we had booked on the Jewel for the Christmas sailing.

There were so many wonderful moments, but far too many poor quality meals and the lack of entertainment both during the day and in the evenings is a deciding factor.

 

When I reflect on the ratings above, what we liked most were the drinks and spending time with Rumi. Both Rumi and Armando made a huge difference on this cruise for us.

I am switching to Princess this summer and have 5 weeks booked with them. I am likely to try both Celebrity and Virgin in the next few years. NCL’s lack of entertainment, decline in food and decline in overall shipboard experience drove me to another line.
 

My dad is done with cruising and our cruise in August will be his last. He kept saying over and over again that he didn’t want to cruise anymore. The music in the lounges was so loud we were not able to spend one evening there listening to music. We used to love this on NCL. 
 

The post-cruise survey doesn’t have space for any comments like these. 

Thanks guys for your review. We embark in Seward on the 17th (thx also for the boarding time reply). We’ve been NCL since 2013 and have really enjoyed the brand and have many great experiences and memories. This sailing we are being joined by another couple who haven’t cruised before. I chose NCL in AK (been up there twice, one Bliss one Celebrity) because the brand has been so consistent and dependable over the decades. I’m really nervous now that this experience is going to disappoint. When I saw so many of your one and two stars on so many things like specialty dining and entertainment that have always been staples of quality, I’m really concerned. Le Bistro on Gem was the best Filet I’ve had in my life. Land and sea both, and more or less has always been an amazing dining experience. 
 

I'm going to go back and read the entire thread guys. Maybe someone from Miami will read this and there will be some change in the next month. Doubtful but it’s happened before I’ve heard. If you’re in the glass castle in Miami (I drive by almost daily) and reading this, PLEASE get up out of your cube or office and go rattle someone’s cage!!!! 
 

Thanks for the great thread. I’m beginning to think that the neighbors grass isn’t really much greener, I just think we’re in a slow decline of a drought, in that the entire industry is enjoying record profits and the overall quality and experience is being cut, well because it can. It’s sad. You’re dad, he’s probably not wrong in giving up on cruising. 
 

Thanks again!!

 

Edited May 18 by BoundForSea

[AKR2011]

Thank you for sharing another review with us. I was hoping you would have a better experience after you had such a more positive experience on The Breakaway. These cuts are getting to be too much. I really hope that NCL listens to comments like yours. I have a ways to go before I cruise again, and I'm hopeful that things improve by then. My husband has had a lot of complaints tge past two cruises, so we'll be switching lines after that if he's still unhappy. I'm really easy going, but I've definitely not been too happy with a lot of the changes either.

[NikiPinkston]

Yvonne,

 

I'm so sorry you had such a less than stellar cruise. Like you, we've been loyal to NCL because we've really enjoyed the experience. The food and service are DH's no. 1 priority and I've really enjoyed the entertainment, so we'll see what our upcoming cruise on the Sun is like. We've enjoyed some of NCL's smaller ships in the past but, If it's lacking, we'll jump ship to Princess, too, as they have a trans-Pacific we've been eyeing for awhile anyway (and we'll definitely let NCL know why we're leaving).

 

It's so sad that all of these cuts have adversely affected such a great product. As always, loved your review and hearing about your adventures with Dad. I hope that you're both doing well and look forward to your Princess review this summer!

[YVRteacher]

22 hours ago, misstamster said:

I would also add:

Spending time with YVRteacher and her Dad:

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟.

 

I’m hoping you’ll share your impressions of the ship, the food and your onboard experience!!

 

How was your trip home and how is your mom? I have been thinking of you!!

[YVRteacher]

@libtrek Happy Birthday to you yesterday!!!!!

 

How are you feeling?

 

Did you do your private tour in Ketchikan and how was it? Do you think I should book with him in August?

[YVRteacher]

11 hours ago, NikiPinkston said:

Yvonne,

 

I'm so sorry you had such a less than stellar cruise. Like you, we've been loyal to NCL because we've really enjoyed the experience. The food and service are DH's no. 1 priority and I've really enjoyed the entertainment, so we'll see what our upcoming cruise on the Sun is like. We've enjoyed some of NCL's smaller ships in the past but, If it's lacking, we'll jump ship to Princess, too, as they have a trans-Pacific we've been eyeing for awhile anyway (and we'll definitely let NCL know why we're leaving).

 

It's so sad that all of these cuts have adversely affected such a great product. As always, loved your review and hearing about your adventures with Dad. I hope that you're both doing well and look forward to your Princess review this summer!

Well said, Niki!

Alaska is stunning and we still enjoyed her beauty and doughnuts very much. I hope the Sun is good to you.

 

 

[libtrek]

15 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek Happy Birthday to you yesterday!!!!!

 

How are you feeling?

 

Did you do your private tour in Ketchikan and how was it? Do you think I should book with him in August?

Thanks for the birthday wishes. Now that I’m on the slippery side of 70, I may stop counting. Don’t know if our private tour would suit you. You and your dad are far more active than Rich. Ours was basically a drive around to see his favorite (off the beaten path) sights. Cruin has a web site and a thick Scots accent. Ketchikantours dot biz. He was so kind and considerate of Rich. He will take you where you want. Mary Lou ps feeling a bit more human, Rich too

[dmwnc1959]

On 5/17/2024 at 8:22 PM, YVRteacher said:

I canceled three future cruises with NCL today.

I requested a phone call from corporate to discuss some concerns.😂

Just wanted to preface this by saying I truly enjoyed your Live thread. As a newbie to NCL and having booked 32-nights on Norwegian Jade for the repositioning cruise to Alaska next April your Life Rings review, along with the cruise comments and now the sickness reports from your fellow cruisers, are giving me major anxiety attacks. Even over on FB I'm reading bad things on Jade and NCL. In January I cancelled a Coral Princess EB Panama Canal cruise in favor of the NCL itinerary. I'm trying to stay positive with 319 days to go! 🥺

[www3traveler]

1 hour ago, dmwnc1959 said:

Just wanted to preface this by saying I truly enjoyed your Live thread. As a newbie to NCL and having booked 32-nights on Norwegian Jade for the repositioning cruise to Alaska next April your Life Rings review, along with the cruise comments and now the sickness reports from your fellow cruisers, are giving me major anxiety attacks. Even over on FB I'm reading bad things on Jade and NCL. In January I cancelled a Coral Princess EB Panama Canal cruise in favor of the NCL itinerary. I'm trying to stay positive with 319 days to go! 🥺

32 Days on The Jade!!  OH WOW!!!  I would love it.  May I suggest that you read David McCullough's book--" The Path Between The Seas".  It is an extensive (well documented) history of the building of the Panama Canal.  It took from 1870 to 1914 to complete the project. 

[schmoopie17]

2 hours ago, dmwnc1959 said:

 Even over on FB I'm reading bad things on Jade and NCL. 

As I've mentioned to you in your threads, the Jade is now our favorite ship. Virtually everything was perfect (except the casino smoke). The food, service, cleanliness, etc., were all top notch.

Don't believe everything you read in the papers...I mean on the internet.

[dmwnc1959]

15 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

As I've mentioned to you in your threads, the Jade is now our favorite ship. Virtually everything was perfect (except the casino smoke). The food, service, cleanliness, etc., were all top notch.

Don't believe everything you read in the papers...I mean on the internet.

The final thoughts on OP's experiences are the ones that will stay with them. I'm definitely like her, not wanting to drop an enormous amount of money and come away completely dissatisfied and regretting my choices. 
 

In the past week I've joined a couple of Facebook pages specifically dedicated to the Norwegian Jade. I am keeping my ear close to the ground with updates on every sailing. 

[debenson0723]

3 hours ago, dmwnc1959 said:

The final thoughts on OP's experiences are the ones that will stay with them. I'm definitely like her, not wanting to drop an enormous amount of money and come away completely dissatisfied and regretting my choices. 
 

In the past week I've joined a couple of Facebook pages specifically dedicated to the Norwegian Jade. I am keeping my ear close to the ground with updates on every sailing. 

While I agree with you on final thoughts being the ones that stay with you, remember that everyone has a different experience based on their likes, dislikes and expectations. I did not care for my cruise on the Prima and swore I would never go on that class of ship again, but was on the Viva as soon as it got to the US and had a wonderful time (with many of the same crew as on Prima). 

And probably the worst thing you can do is follow groups on FB...many, many inexperienced cruisers who do nothing but complain because they didn't know what to expect and had unrealistic expectations. Your cruise is still many months away and things can and will change on the Jade and other ships (who could have predicted that when I stepped off the Encore in March 2020 it would not be possible to get on another ship for almost 18 months?). 

@YVRteacher you write the best reviews on this board and I am sorry this cruise was not up to your standards, which is what all of us expect from NCL. I hope your Princess cruises are better...I have a friend who sails both but prefers NCL overall for his needs, especially as a solo traveler. Can't wait to read about your upcoming adventures!

[YVRteacher]

For our cruise on the Jewel in August (which we can’t cancel because final payment has happened) I have been doing a lot of thinking.

 

We both love Alaska and we love all the ports. I have some great excursions booked including the small boat trip to Hubbard Glacier.  We will eat more meals ashore this time, enjoying the wonderful breweries in each port. We don’t ever eat dinner in port but that shift will give us more variety and less frustration/discontent.

 

We are in a suite and it’s just the two of us so these cruises are expensive. We really didn’t need or take advantage of the butler service on this cruise. For the B2B in August I am going to request the following items be delivered to the cabin each afternoon: cheese plate, fruit plate, tray of raw veggies and dip. We will see if it happens. If it does, I will have my favourite foods and can simply take those to dinner and enjoy.  I will also order room service breakfast on the days we want to sleep in late and have brunch. 

We will likely get the spa pass for the second week only. If it is noisy I will be even more persistent. Apparently complaining 5 times wasn’t enough. My plan is to go to the spa in the evenings after dinner then my dad can go to bed after that. This will give us something to do in lieu of quality evening entertainment.

 

I’m also hoping there will be some warm enough days so we can be on the outside decks reading, hot tubbing and watching scenery. We didn’t do that at all this trip and I missed the vitamin D time.

Edited May 19 by YVRteacher

[YVRteacher]

A few people have commented about my switch to Princess. What I’m looking forward to are the lectures, the evening activities and different food experiences. I have been looking at the menus and I’m excited. 
 

Of course all the mass market cruise lines have made cuts and changes post-COVID. 

 

If Princess has made cuts, I won’t know because my baseline with them begins in July. I have no history with them and no sense of “the good old days” or “the way things used to be.”

 

Even with NCL, a lot of the changes don’t impact me at all. I don’t mind the once a day cabin cleaning. I do mind when food comes out of the kitchen that is poor quality, poorly made or poorly presented.  I do mind when I need to repeat my order to a waiter 7 times because he a) doesn’t know the menu and b) is not yet proficient in English. I do mind when I get served food I didn’t order or when the wrong order is brought to the table over and over and over again. It is not reasonable to adjust one’s expectations so low there simply is no standard. 

 

I also mind that there are no more delicious hashbrowns.

[dmwnc1959]

1 hour ago, YVRteacher said:

We will eat more meals ashore this time, enjoying the wonderful breweries in each port. We don’t ever eat dinner in port but that shift will give us more variety and less frustration/discontent.

Very much look forward to this aspect of your next Live thread! 

[YVRteacher]

I’m not going to do a live from the next cruise on the Jewel. I’ve done too many lives from the Jewel and Alaska. 
 

I will be doing a live for the 5 weeks on the two Princess ships (it’s a side by side rather than a B2B.)

[dmwnc1959]

24 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

I will be doing a live for the 5 weeks on the two Princess ships (it’s a side by side rather than a B2B.)

I did a B2B on the Royal Princess right after she first came out. It's my favorite class of ship. Love Princess Cruises. 🥰

[McFins]

1 hour ago, YVRteacher said:

We will likely get the spa pass for the second week only. If it is noisy I will be even more persistent. Apparently complaining 5 times wasn’t enough. My plan is to go to the spa in the evenings after dinner then my dad can go to bed after that. This will give us something to do in lieu of quality evening entertainment.

 

 

I really enjoy reading your trip reports and appreciate all the time and effort you put into them.   I also find it disappointing when the thermal suite is noisy. It’s especially disappointing that others would be that inconsiderate after you politely brought it to their attention.  

 

I hope you are pleasantly surprised by positive improvements on your next trip on the Jewel and that you enjoy all of your future cruises on Princess. 

[YVRteacher]

4 minutes ago, McFins said:

I really enjoy reading your trip reports and appreciate all the time and effort you put into them.   I also find it disappointing when the thermal suite is noisy. It’s especially disappointing that others would be that inconsiderate after you politely brought it to their attention.  

 

I hope you are pleasantly surprised by positive improvements on your next trip on the Jewel and that you enjoy all of your future cruises on Princess. 

Thank you so much for reading and for the good wishes!

[Suetravel]

Yvonne

 

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy meeting you and your dad. I’m glad we crossed path and thank you so much for your input and answering all my questions. 
 

Hope you feel better soon. Keep hydrated and take care. 

[YVRteacher]

42 minutes ago, Suetravel said:

Yvonne

 

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy meeting you and your dad. I’m glad we crossed path and thank you so much for your input and answering all my questions. 
 

Hope you feel better soon. Keep hydrated and take care. 

Thanks Sue! Great to meet you too!

 

What were your impressions of the ship and of Alaska? I didn’t get to hear what shore excursions you ended up doing.

[aislin_raina]

Hi Yvonne, I enjoy your reviews very much. I wish you had a better time on the Jewel and I hope the next one is all that you want and more. I hope you have a great time on Princess too.

 

I wanted to let you know that I have booked a tour with Jayleen for my cruise in September. I've been following their account on Instagram and I am so excited! Thank you for the recommendation!

[YVRteacher]

56 minutes ago, aislin_raina said:

Hi Yvonne, I enjoy your reviews very much. I wish you had a better time on the Jewel and I hope the next one is all that you want and more. I hope you have a great time on Princess too.

 

I wanted to let you know that I have booked a tour with Jayleen for my cruise in September. I've been following their account on Instagram and I am so excited! Thank you for the recommendation!

I love that! Jayleen and all her captains are amazing.

 

On which ship are you cruising?