I just completed my first cruise with NCL on the Norwegian Jewel. I was traveling with two teenage girls and 2 ½ year old twin boys. We departed on Halloween, and some of the Cruise Critic people organized a cabin trick or treat which we conducted right after the Mustering drill. This was great. My boys loved it.

Embarkation at NY was not really that bad. We arrived around 11:00 and we were on the ship in less than an hour. We were told that the cabins weren't ready so we dropped our luggage off at Fyzz's lounge and went to lunch. You can either go to the buffet on 12 or Tsar's Palace dining room. We opted for the dining room. I guess this is where the whole dining experience began. The staff was very confused, every time we went to eat, about needing two high chairs. They were constantly trying to sit us at table for 4 and the high chairs could be off to side with the attached trays instead of using tables for 6. This only happened every (and yes, I mean every) time we eat in either dining room. Even though Tsar's was less than half full, we had a very hard getting a waiter to take our order. We eventually ate, but I can tell you it was less than satisfying. Next, off to the cabin. We had adjoining mini-suites. The cabins were large. We had more than enough room, two queen size beds and a full bathtub. No complaints here. Our cabin stewards were very good.

Because my boys didn't like going to the kids club, I was unable to really enjoy the nightlife on the ship. My wife did go to the 70's show the first night and was unimpressed. I watch some of the comedian on the cabin tv and didn't find him that funny, so we made no effort to see him the second night they had him. We did see the Wally and Will show. They themselves had the line that described their act(and I am paraphrase) Hey if were good, do you really think we'd be performing on a cruise ship. I would have liked to see the Second City shows, but I didn't get a chance to see them. Read more