Norwegian Jewel Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,355 reviews

Another Enjoyable Cruise; Thanks NCL

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Jewel
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TX Sailor 47
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2014
Cabin: Penthouse with Large Balcony

NCL really tries hard to see that everyone has a great cruise experience! They have once again been successful in my opinion of this "inaugural" cruise from Houston - Bayport Terminal.

First things first: Embarkation

Being the first time in and out of this facility, needless to say, there was confusion...or so it appeared. Many people were confused about the location, including transport services, as this is a brand new location.(If you are coming in by air, Hobby airport is closest to the terminal) To top it off there is ongoing construction at the entry to the terminal road, and a detour was in place. We live close by and are familiar with the area. We took a local cab company to the port, and the driver knew the back way when we ran into the detour...not the case for many coming in from out of the area. Porters seemed to be hard to come by, directions inside the terminal were nonexistent. If you have priority check in/travel...look for the line to the left of the entry area for quicker passage through the metal detectors ( this was not marked on 10/11) Once through the metal detectors, there was little additional information to direct you. Again, if you are traveling priority, your waiting area is to the left, a room with a reception desk...look for a small sign ( maybe) to direct you. Otherwise, get a boarding number from one of the people standing around and take a seat. You will be called numerically to the front for check in. There were computer problems, photography issues for your room key ID, and a general state of confusion. Once we were given our room keys, we were eventually taken onboard to Moderno for lunch ( again if you are traveling priority) otherwise, I think you are directed to the main dining room for lunch. Normally we have been escorted to our room, dropped our personal stuff, given a small tour and then taken to lunch, and told our luggage would arrive shortly, sometimes it was even there when we arrived at the room, before lunch. Not so this trip....luggage showed up around 6:00 PM. Some of this was due to the rules put in place by the Port of Houston and Texas TABC....that our ship was not aware of until they arrived. We left two hours late but who cares...right? We are on vacation!

Cabin Review

Penthouse with Large Balcony

Cabin SE

If you have sailed NCL before, on different ships, you will no that all rooms are not created equal, even with in a class. Suite 10500 is a great forward suite, just under the bridge. You see everything forward, we like this and find it very peaceful to spend time on the large deck. The deck easily accommodates two chases, and a third chair, along with two cocktail tables. One drawback it that it is under the window washer for the bridge...move cushions to cover for night. Being a forward cabin, you must close the drapes or turn off your interior lights at dark, to not interfere with bridge visibility. If I were going to sail the Jewel again, I might check out something below on level 9. Not sure of the room configuration but the location looked a little better, if you don't mind people looking down on you. We have just always done deck 10. The bath in the suite is a full size ( so they say) tub with shower but not the garden tub you find on the Spirit. The WC is in a little cubby with it's own sliding door. There is a single sink in the bathroom and a dressing table just outside the bathroom door, with hair dryer and vanity lighting, Closet space and storage were ample for the two of us. Multiple drawers and shelves everywhere. Suitcases fit easily under the bed. There is a full size sofa, two occasional chairs with cocktail table, a dining table (small) and four chairs, as well as a desk area and coffee bar, over a mini fridge. We rearranged the furniture to give more floor space and remove the credenza from the foot of the bed as it created a tripping hazard in the night. Moving the two occasional chairs and cocktail table over to the huge picture window, made for a good place to sit and go over the plans for the day, while enjoying beautiful views. We turned the short credenza into a coffee table in front of the sofa. There is a drape that you can use to section off the king size bed if you wish privacy or are traveling with additional guest in your suite. However, this is more like a hotel suite, than some penthouse suites found on other ships which actually have separate sleeping rooms and living rooms. The suite was very comfortable for the two of us, well appointed, crisp linens, plenty of great towels, and ice. The only complaint I found, was the lack of hot water. There was plenty of pressure, but regardless of time of day, I couldn't get the water as warm as I like for my shower. Room steward, Johnson and butler, Roland...were the best!

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