NCL Jewel repo NYC to Miami

[Gypsea]

I returned on Sunday from the 10/28 sailing of the Jewel and wanted to tell you a few things that were incredible about this sailing.

 

First and foremost, our CC group. We had about one hundred on the roll call and though I met only a dozen or so they were some of the nicest people on the high seas. We had a few excursions together which was an opportunity to see more of each other. One was in Samana at Playa Rincon through Casa Dorado. We snorkeled and had beach time in two different areas. The snorkeling first accessed by van and the second beach by boat. We then returned to the first point where we had a fabulous meal of coconut flavored fish, shrimp or bbq chicken(optional). The pina coladas were fresh chopped pineapple, fresh coconut milk and of course rum served inside the pinapple. WOW! you must trythis. The whole day was memorable and Roberto the owner a great guy. I have no reservations about recommending him. Thanks to Suzie and Dina for setting this up for us.

 

 

The entertainment on this cruise was some of the best I have experienced. Second City Improv, Cat's Pajamas, the awesome Bud Andersen and David Merry (two of the best stand up comedians in the biz. Wish was singing all over the ship and he is wonderful also. NCL has really contracted some amazing talent this year. The Jean Ann Ryan Co was well received also but really not MY thing.

 

Bingo was fun if you don't mind taking a risk on some puny payouts. The split seemed a little messed up. I only played three times which set me back about $150..ouch! I realize the payouts are based on the amount of people playing but come on....early on the minimum to join in was $30, later on $40. Then, the ever popular machines were big bucks. Generally I avoid this scene but since I wasn't hanging in the casino like usual I did succumb. It seemed the lesser of two evils without the smoke!!

 

In Belize we opted for Major Tom and the Fun Team combo. Zip-line and cave-tubing with these guys was another unforgettable day. Book this on you own and prepare for an adventure you won't soon forget. Naturally, I was nervous in light of the recent tragedy but felt secure with this company.

 

The Jewel was a great ship and I give thanks to my choice of stateroom location. Midship is the ONLY place to be. By balcony on nine, 9606, was awesome though tight for three. Warning: the third bed, pullout sofa,is very hard. Luckily I did not have to sleep on it. The stewards, ship crew and staff and all at NCL were great and I have no complaints.

 

 

More later if there's interest.

[Host Kewlguy]

Sounds like you had a very enjoyable cruise. Looking forward to hearing more details.

[Ronni G]

Hi -

 

Thanks for your great review.

 

Am thinking about booking the 11/09 repositioning cruise on the Jewel. I'm a big fan of NCL and freestyle cruising as well as the 13/14 day repositioning cruises. Have you been on the Dawn? If so, how does this ship compare? Did you happen to see any of the oceanview mid-ship staterooms - not a balcony stateroom as those are a bit too high up for us. If you hit rough seas, how did the ship do?

 

We had a rough time this year during sea days on the Majesty. SICK, SICK, SICK!!!! First time ever for me so I am wondering if it was because of the age and size of the ship.

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Ronni G

[Host Kewlguy]

Hi -

 

Thanks for your great review.

 

Am thinking about booking the 11/09 repositioning cruise on the Jewel. I'm a big fan of NCL and freestyle cruising as well as the 13/14 day repositioning cruises. Have you been on the Dawn? If so, how does this ship compare? Did you happen to see any of the oceanview mid-ship staterooms - not a balcony stateroom as those are a bit too high up for us. If you hit rough seas, how did the ship do?

 

We had a rough time this year during sea days on the Majesty. SICK, SICK, SICK!!!! First time ever for me so I am wondering if it was because of the age and size of the ship.

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Ronni G

 

I've been on both the Jewel and Dawn. They are similar ships but have some minor differences. Jewel is younger but Dawn is still in great shape. Both are wonderful ships and I'm sure you would enjoy either one.

[snorklinbarb]

Hi Gypsea,

It was nice meeting you on the QM2 four nighter last year. I respect your opinion and am happy to hear you loved the Jewel. I've been on her twice (once was a B2B) and really enjoyed the ship and the crew back then.

 

Great to hear things are as good as ever.

 

Can you tell us a little about your food experiences since 2.0? I was on the Dawn last month and really enjoyed some of the new offerings both in the DR and the specialties. There will always be one or two of our favorites that disappear but hopefully something equally good will appear. We really liked the new menu at Le Bistro, too.

 

Who was the CD and how was he/she? That can also help "make" a cruise.

[Luckyroot]

Wondering if you (or anyone on this year's repositioning cruise) have a copy of the daily sheets?

 

We're taking the 2009 Repo so I'm already starting my research!

[lvz2cruz]

Tell us more. We are going next month and can't wait.

What was the nightly entertainment besides the comedians?

How much pool music and activities were there on sea days?

Did there seem to be enough chairs around the decks besides right at the pool?

What drinks such as tea and lemonade are in the buffet?

What about the movies shown on free tv throughout the week? How long ago did they come out and was there a good variety?

How do you get money if you do not have a debit card?

Thanks!

[Leafpeeper]

Hi -

 

Thanks for your great review.

 

Am thinking about booking the 11/09 repositioning cruise on the Jewel. I'm a big fan of NCL and freestyle cruising as well as the 13/14 day repositioning cruises. Have you been on the Dawn? If so, how does this ship compare? Did you happen to see any of the oceanview mid-ship staterooms - not a balcony stateroom as those are a bit too high up for us. If you hit rough seas, how did the ship do?

 

We had a rough time this year during sea days on the Majesty. SICK, SICK, SICK!!!! First time ever for me so I am wondering if it was because of the age and size of the ship.

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Ronni G

 

We love the movie theater on the Dawn for our sea days. Our favorite spot on the ship is the Bimini Bar on the top deck above the pool area because there is a panoramic view when departing each port. My only complaint on NCL is that they allow smoking in the evening at the nonsmoking tables at the bar area overlooking the pool on NCL ships. Somebody was blowing cigar smoke into my face during a late night sailaway party and would not move over to the nonsmoking tables. I guess NCL must be making alot of money on cigars.

 

We sailed Pearl, which is like Jewel. It is also a lovely ship and our favorite spot is the Great Outdoors on the aft of the ship behind the buffet. There is a great bar up there with two flatscreens on each end of the bar (one side smoking and the other nonsmoking). It is nice for a late night cocktail or tea under the stars. It is also a great spot for reading in the afternoon. There is sun and shade so everybody is happy.

[tokidoki]

Hi, glad u had a blast on the Jewel! I am trying to hop on a 12:20PM flight on friday when we disembark, however NCL claims if we land @8am, it takes 2 hours to clear customs, but I remember landing earlier than it states. What time did they start letting the passengers off? thanks

[jp2001]

Wondering if you (or anyone on this year's repositioning cruise) have a copy of the daily sheets?

 

We're taking the 2009 Repo so I'm already starting my research!

 

I would LOVE to see the Freestyle daily too.