Norwegian Jewel Review
First time: great itinerary, very pleased
Rating by category
Additional details
Review for two adults. We are not cruise fans, but this was the only practical way to transit the Panama Canal. I am so pleased we did. Norwegian was recommended by several colleagues and proved just right. Jewel is not large I guess by current standards, but looks like a ship and not a floating city block.
Embarkation was OK from San Pedro, although a huge line as most people seemed to turn up at the same time instead of their slots. Cab USD 70 from LAX!
We booked a balcony stateroom on the starboard side and this again was a fortunate choice.
Cabin Review
Aft-Facing Balcony
The balcony was a bit tired, but the cabin itself was clean and everything worked. Space is at a premium and entry and egress for the toilet comparment could be challenging for larger guests! The shower cubicle was fine and the controls simple and efficient.
The bed was very comfortable. Adequate storage for clothes. Coffee maker.
All in all a very civilised way to travel.
BTW. Do not touch the bottled water placed outside the minibar. USD 7 a pop! I did it once..
Port Reviews
Los Angeles
We embarked from San Pedro.
This was a USD 70 cab ride from our hotel at LAX!
If we had realised beforehand, we would have got there a few hours earlier and gone on the USS Iowa museum berthed next door.
Cabo San Lucas
The town is right at the tender dock, so walking around is easy. Plenty of places to eat and drink, and there is an upscale shopping mall if required.
We found a "ghost" Hard Rock Cafe, which looks like it has been closed for a while, but still appears on the direction signs!
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
This coach excursion was to visit Olmec and other ruins and statues. The guide was brilliant, she was an archaeologist involved in much of the work and her knowledge and passion were very evident.
Cartagena (Colombia)
We decided to opt for the shop on hop off bus, which turned out an excellent way to see as much as possible. It goes around the whole city, new and old areas. Recommend start by alighting at Castillo San Felipe, great views. We then reboarded and got off at Avenida San Martin for a McDonalds pit stop! They only take Colombian currency or credit cards, no USD! The reboarded and alighted the clock tower Torre del Reloj, to pop through the city wall into the Old Town.
Make a note of the last bus back to the port!