Cruise critic - NCL Jewel - 7/31/10

Our group of 14 representing 4 generations (8 months to 94 years!) had a wonderful time this past week on the beautiful NCL Jewel. Here are the highlights and minor lowlights".

First off: there is so much info to gain by reading these boards and threads. Setting up a roll call and the Meet and Greet is not only fun, it allows you to really meet the staff that make the cruise so enjoyable. Our entire group meet at the pier....we actually times it well. The only glitch was the lack of wheelchairs readily available for my in-laws, but we still were on board within an hour. I definitely recommend lunch at Tsars. It makes for a nice afternoon. Since we were a large group with young kids we often had early dinner reservations. Both MDR accommodate everyone well. Thank you Mr. P. Our three children and spouses and kids LOVED their attached mini suite balcony rooms. The balcony doors were opened, and after kids were asleep, etc, they and us could congregate on the balcony. We also babysat many evenings so that they could go out! Three monitors, attached balconies, a glass of wine, and all good. Sunday at Sea: Enjoyed the day at sea. The Meet and Greet was fun, and very special for my Mother in law's 86th b'day on board. Great meeting the CC group. From then on, friends would give a shout out! We met Constantinos Fatalios (Captain), John O'Hara (Hotel Director), Kristopher (Food Service), Adrian Bica (Concierge), Parker (CD), and other senior staff. All great and can help with most anything! Ports: Port Canaveral: We stayed with some of our grandchildren and our kids went on the Kayak trip. They enjoyed it a lot and got up close and personal with manatees. We found a lot to do aboard ship. Enjoyed walking around and exploring. Kids liked getting ice cream and treats. Our adult kids said they heard many people complain about the Disney trips: too far to go for the time they had, too expensive and too crowded. GSC: It is a must to get clam shells! This also helped since we had young kids, and using this as an area for feeding in the shade helped. (So did sitting in the ocean!) Still very warm, but at least some shade. Tendering was easy, and they go back and forth all day. Barbque lunch well organized and easy to access. Lots of interesting fish and several of us snorkeled. Saw stingrays and others. Nassau: Best relaxed day! We all bought tickets to the Hilton. (another cruise critic hint!) Well worth it. The $50.00 fee allows entrance to pool and beach and $30.00 is a food and drink credit. The food isn't great, but we enjoyed having drinks delivered and brought to us. The value is good and the gardens around the pool lovely. Easy access to the beach and towels provided. We wandered the markets and a few shops on the way back to the ship. The ship activities: Our 5 yr old grandson and 2 ½ yr old enjoyed the kids camp programs and went several times. We ate in both MDR and the Garden Cafe. Choices were wonderful and there were crew members who assisted with those who couldn't walk at the buffet. One staff member consistently looked after my father in law as he uses a walker. She would give him a lunch tray for the seat on the walker and then he could carry his food back to the table! Blue Lagoon was available 24 hours and quick for "pick up" if you wanted to eat in your cabin, but not order room service. We especially enjoyed trying the different fruit soups. The waiter staff was wonderful; and accommodated our youngest 8 month old and 16 month old grandchildren. They brought cut up sweet potato and sliced avocado for the baby and always brought the toddler's meal first. Our son and DIL went to Teppenyaki and said that they were terrific at creating a meal so that food allergies were attended to. They enjoyed their special date night very much and said the food was great. Read more