With a few exceptions, we found our first cruise to be very enjoyable. The Jewel is a beautiful ship and seemed overall to be clean and well maintained. (being first time cruisers I cannot compare to other cruise lines). Our balcony stateroom was understandably compact but well-equipped and apart from the toilet not flushing on three separate occasions, everything seemed to work well. The food was consistently good, service and presentation in both main dining rooms was excellent. We dined in Mama's Italian Kitchen one night, but honestly did not find the food to be any better than in the Azura or the Tzar's dining room.
The entertainment was excellent! We really enjoyed all the offerings, especially Jean-Pierre and the Second City improv group.
The pool deck was always very crowded and we tended to avoid it. Despite NCL's daily recommendations, we found that people were reserving entire rows of sunbeds early each morning. I realize that it is impossible to enforce these types of guidelines, it just makes it less enjoyable for those of us who are not part of large groups.
good location, loved the balcony but had to climb over the pull-out sofabed to get to it! Closet space worked well, bathroom compact but very efficient, good shower. Toilet malfunctioned several times (whole section).