Norwegian Jade Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Having cruised out of Tampa before, we decided that the 10 day E. Caribbean was a great deal through Casinos At Sea(NCL). We chose the UBP for $14 a day and it worked out splendidly! Check in only took 2 minutes in the CAS line. There was a long line before that so suggest getting to the terminal later than earlier. Overall, quite smooth.
We flew in the night before and stayed at Extended Stay America/N. Westshore Blvd./1 mile from the airport because they offered free shuttle from airport to hotel.We only waited 5 minutes and the van was there. We've waited an hour other times for other shuttles so this time was so refreshing. ESA was fine for pre-cruise stay and the price was lower than all others($123 total). Took a private car for $20 to the Tampa Cruiseport ,arranged at the hotel, and we were at the ship by noon.
On the ship at 1PM we went right to the Grand Pacific MDR. We've found that the buffet area is chaos on the first day so we like to do lunch in either MDRs. The food was very good but the service was bad for us. 2 other couples came in right after us and they ordered,got their food and we had not even been waited on yet. Staff seemed to be overwhelmed. Rooms were ready at 1:30PM so we headed to our inside room on deck 10.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Inside
Being only 3 doors away from the midship elevators made our journey to the Lido deck(12) very quick! With cabins above and below we slept undisturbed every night. Bathroom small but we could deal with it. Plenty of storage space for two adults. Great location to our surprise! Would recommend this room anytime!
Port Reviews
Tampa
Always love sailing out of Tampa. Everything is relaxed and nothing like the craziness in Miami.
Key West
Free shuttle into town a nice surprise and free. Just walked around and shopped.
Antigua
Just like Nassau, you are overrun by tour and taxi drivers as soon as you enter town. Saw a lot of them later in King's Casino playing machines! I actually won $65! Others enjoyed the beaches there.
St. Maarten
Shopped first and then drank beers( Carib/$2.50 each) at Sharky's right at the dock. Very clean there and if you go about a mile from the dock very nice boardwalk with shops and music. Enjoyed our time there and weather great!