Norwegian Jewel Review
Panama Canal Transit; Awesome Trip!
Rating by category
Additional details
I read with interest the reviews about the 'old Jewel' but you would never know it was old as the signs were interactive and the colors were bright. Yes, our cabin showed wear, but it is bound to show wear after all the many cruisers. We had a super soft pillow top mattress, and flat screen tv, and the shower with a door instead of a curtain was a bonus. Putting the water closet in it's own 'closet' was not great as it made it even more cramped, but that is the way of things now so one must "go with the flow."
Having been on many cruise ships on many lines, we, as an older retired couple, feel lucky to be able to visit all the corners of the world and as we have gained in years, the cruise ship has become the best way to visit small countries.
Our cruise critic roll call had a lovely meet and greet in Le Bistro, where several top officers attended - we felt honored to have so many show up! And after the first week we also had a nice lunch in the Tsar's Palace and the service there for our large group was superb! The group coordinator did a super job of offering to get our small groups off at the tender port of Cabo, and it made it super easy to gather together.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Nice functional cabin. The desk chair was taking up valuable space, so we put it out on the balcony. Should have put the small stool out also, but it fit under the T.V. desk well enough. Moved the glasses and coffee pot as we did not need them. Only problem was when we put our suitcases under the bed, they got moved into the center when attendant vacuumed - which made them hard to retrieve. Be sure to put them end in - so they stay a bit closer.
Port Reviews
Cartagena (Colombia)
We took a taxi/trolley tour - advertised as A/C but then they put 3 couples out on the back end - NOT a/c. Beware!
Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera)
We organized a tour through Thumbs Up and had a great time seeing the crocodiles and boat ride. We had two different cruisecritic groups from our roll call.
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
We did the Antigua on your Own through NCL then just wandered for several hours. I wish we had been able to see some homes or courtyards - the buildings were so plain, but I got a glimpse inside one and it was all I had imagined Guatemala to be.
Acapulco
Since we had been there many times, we toured the fort directly across from the ship. Easy to get to, and when it began pouring, easy to get back once it slowed down, without getting too wet.
Cabo San Lucas
This was the coolest it has been on our many visits to Cabo. We wandered to the dolphin encounter pool and watched the show and those who were swimming with the dolphins. It cost us two dollars and included one can of soda. Get deal!