Norwegian Jewel Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,355 reviews

Great Family Cruise with Autism included.

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Jewel
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chickensmomma
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2013
Traveled with children

This was our first cruise as a family. I have cruised before but my husband and kids (5y girl, 7y girl, and 9y boy) had not. Our 7y daughter has autism (moderately verbal, echolalia with severe sensory issues).

We drove from Ohio to NOLA, stayed overnight near port and boarded the ship early on Sunday for a 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.

The Port of New Orleans is a disorganized mess. There is a lot going on and, if you drive, you have to get in several different car lines- one to drop bags, one to park. The signage is confusing and there are a lot of people walking in places that only cars should be. They have the sky walk from the lot to the pier shut down so you have to walk in the busy intersections, over a rail road and road ways. If you have anyone with sound sensitivity- take ear muffs, you'll need them!

Cabin Review

Suite AB- Amber Penthouse. The cabin has an entrance, kids room with pullout couch, pull down bunk, lots of storage and a small shower/toilet combo. This room is small but nice for 3 smaller kids. It then goes to a larger dining/sitting area with a counter, coffee machine, mini-fridge, glassware, and table. The sitting area has two chairs, couch, table and TV/DVD. To the left of the living area is a master bedroom with a TV and ample storage and a master bath with a soaking tub, separate shower that look out to the ocean. They can be seen from the balcony but there are shades to pull. It may be awkward for some people. We found the shower lovely and peaceful- especially at sea. There is a glass enclosed toilet too, the whole room can be closed off for privacy if needed. Within the master area is a large closet, set of drawers, two smaller safes, and a dressing area. There were stocked toiletries from Elemis in the master bath and gel and shampoo in the wall of the kids shower. This suite offers ample space for a family of 5 with three smaller kids. It would be a little cramped with teenagers but the kids room does lock off for privacy. The suite perks were awesome. We loved the snack delivery and had several meals delivered. We also made use of priority tender/disembark which made life easier with ASD. Cagney's for breakfast and lunch was great- they always greeted us by name and remembered what we drank. Their staff was wonderful with the kids. The complimentary Prosecco was a pleasant surprise. The balcony alone made the trip- in the middle of the ship there was not much movement and the view was excellent. There was an overhang from deck 12 that prevented seeing above the balcony.

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