After much research, we booked our 20th cruise on the Norwegian Jewel. We had traveled 4 other times on the Norwegian cruise lines years ago and were satisfied but we wanted to try the freestyle cruise with the 10 different restaurants as that is one of my husbands priorities. This is our one week a year to truly relax so we love to eat and gamble and chill. As we toured the ship the first day after a very easy entrance, I was VERY impressed with the decor. The colors throughout the ship were beautiful. I must say I believe it was very impressive. The balcony cabin was very small and I didn't care for the layout as compared to other ships we have sailed but wasn't in there much so oh well, The beds were very comfortable and the maid service was the best.
Now to the restaurants. We booked each one the first day so we could try each one and I am glad we did. If you like Japanese, the sushi and the Japanese Steak House were EXCELLENT.(Keep in mind we eat out a lot at many 4 star restaurants). I recommend you book these first thing or you won't get in and it is a highlight of the week. Cagney's steak house was also a favorite and my husband ate there 4 times as was the Bistro. Don't bother with the Mexican restaurant ...it was not good but the Italian and Chinese were also just great. We never ate in the dining rooms because the menus were weird but others liked them. The buffets were just ok. The late night dining had much to be desired and NCL needs to improve that. One of the most impressive things of the ship was the casino. If you like to gamble, be sure and get a card the first day and USE IT!!!!!!!! We were treated like kings and queens and comped unbelievably. We got free dinners, drinks, massages and a huge amount off our room charges. We decided we would definitely choose a cruise as opposed to Vegas because of the fantastic comps.!!!!!!!! Also the machines were pretty loose so you could actually play for a long time as it should be. We were both impressed and will choose this cruise line for the food and gambling. The shows were fine and the showroom uncomparatively beautiful. The art auctions were also the best with many different choices and once again, we were treated like royalty.
We only got off the ship once as we had been to the islands many times and loved the ship so why get off? We will definitely cruise this ship again and hope for the same staff and we were great friends by the end. Probably the friendliest staff in the casino and art auction and dining rooms as I have ever seen on a cruise. Hopefully next time, we can at least get a mini suite as I would enjoy more room.