Norwegian Jade Review
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When I learned I would be taking a Christmas/New Year cruise with my daughter, I was both excited and a bit apprehensive. The holidays on a cruise and with a cruise line I was not familiar with had me wondering what I had gotten myself into.....to help you decide and hopefully, relieve your apprehensions, I am giving you a glimpse of my experiences.
Our cruise began on December 26th and would end on January 3rd. Christmas at home was celebrated on Christmas Eve and we would be traveling by air on Christmas Day. I am not a fan of flying to begin with but found it an ok experience. Due to weather considerations when we booked airfare we found that getting to port a day early would be a good idea. It made for a stress-free travel experience. Our hotel shuttled us from the airport to our hotel for the evening and then again to the Tampa port the next morning.
We arrived for embarkation around 11:30 am. The process was easy and pleasant considering the amount of people that the cruise line needs to move. Just have your information ready (pre-check in is highly advised) and within the hour we were on board!
Cabin Review
Inside
I found our inside cabin to be very well planned and was more than enough room for two adults. The lay-out provided plenty of space when we unpacked two full suitcases and one carry-on. The closet was huge with a huge space above. Three sufficient drawers and a row of open cubicles for additional storage were more than enough for what we packed for the 8 days on ship. We implemented the use of a shoe bag that hung over one door of the closet that is excellent for a handy place for sunglasses, ship cards, cell phones, etc. and it keeps the two desk areas free of clutter.
This cabin has plenty of mirrors which not only reflect light, but prove to be very handy when applying make-up or dressing. One of the desk areas has a mirror along with a plug for your flat-iron or cell phone charger. It also is an area where you have an installed hair dryer. Perfect for your own makeup vanity! The other area is also handy for writing or eating if you order room service. The cabin had a chair and stool with each area. A huge mirror was behind the beds and a full length mirror completed the sleep area.
The beds (we kept ours twin) were very comfortable and roomy. Each bed had a small but sufficient night table with it. Under the bed there is room for luggage storage.
This cabin had a mini-fridge that was stocked. Ice bucket and glasses were also provided.
The cabin safe was spacious and was easy to operate. Although my 8" tablet stayed home, I have no doubt it would have fit inside the safe. There is also a receptacle there to plug in a phone or tablet charger.
A small flat screen TV that runs your standard cruise channels and well as news and movies was a perfect size and could be used as a night light on the ship's web cam if you needed to see outside. It was our own "Porthole" LOL.
The bathroom was roomy for an inside cabin. The shower was a good size and worked well. Again, a huge mirror with sufficient space for toiletries was provided. Soap and shampoo dispensers were provided in case you didn't bring your own. Towels were very soft and of good quality.
The cabin was spotless and did not look worn at all! It was super quiet as well! What we found VERY convenient was the fact that our cabin was only a few steps away from where we would go to leave the ship on excursions.
It has been 12 years since I had been in an inside cabin and after our experience in this one, I will consider it again!
Port Reviews
Cozumel
Docked at International Pier which makes you have to take a cab into town. Cozumel has changed a bit since my last trip there 6 years ago! Still the same shopping but the area has expanded. Town full of eateries and bars for a cold one!
Harvest Caye
A tropical beach excursion! Beautiful Harvest Caye is full of fun whether you spend the day at the beach or pool. Little shops for that perfect souvenir or take a little adventure zip lining or paddleboarding. Keep in mind this is still a work in progress and is not the true Belize but it is a great place for a day of fun in the sun!