This is now our 3rd cruise with Norwegian. By far it was the best one yet, but they've got a long way to go to be nearly as good as the other cruise lines. The Jewel is an awkward ship, there really is no grand atrium with massive glass elevators. The staff on the Jewel far exceeds that of the other two ships I have been on (Getaway & Spirit). The previous two cruises with Norwegian, the staff has been terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were unfriendly, slow and did nothing but complain about co-workers. This is the first time on Norwegian where the majority of the staff were actually friendly and smiling. There were certainly a few that were miserable and should not be in the hospitality industry, but again most of them were great!
There is O'Sheehan's restaurant on the Jewel, like many of the Norwegian ships. Our other experiences at O'Sheehan's was fantastic, but not on the Jewel! Both of us thought the food was terrible, to the point we felt sick when we left. The place was empty, with maybe 12 tables full, we waited over ten minutes for someone to come up to us, finally I went to the hostess and asked that she send someone over.
Unlike other cruise lines, there is not much to do on the Jewel. Activities are few and far between. Of course there was bingo and deal or no deal and a few trivia sessions, but not much more going on.
Cabin was clean, good size and the stewart was very good.
Incredibly easy on and off considering it was tenders.
Easy getting on the ship