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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Bahamas • Baltics & Northern Europe • Caribbean - Eastern • Caribbean - Western • Transatlantic
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Norwegian Jewel Review
Editor's note: Norwegian Jewel was initially reviewed based on our experiences onboard a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, which included Roatan, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios and Great Stirrup Cay -- Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian Jewel also sails a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary with stops in Antigua and St. Thomas, 7- and 12-night Mediterranean cruises, and a 12-night cruise that features the Greek Isles and Egypt.
In the summer, the ship is based in Europe, operating 12-day Baltic cruises out of Dover, England. When we re-reviewed the ship for this update, in summer 2008, it was cruising a Baltic voyage.
Gen-Xers pump iron and practice yoga alongside baby boomers wrapped in seaweed. Nearby, kids careen down a yellow water slide while their parents soak up the sun and tropical drinks. Seniors vie for shuffleboard titles and perfect their golf swings while tots explore the kids' club.
Welcome aboard the multi-faceted Norwegian Jewel.
Jewel launched in August 2005, and on it, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to refine the Freestyle Cruising concept that's become its corporate motto. Freestyle 2.0 was introduced across the fleet in spring 2008, with several enhancements to the menus, new beds throughout and service tweaks at all levels.
On Jewel, more than 2,300 passengers enjoy the freedom to dine where, when and with whom they wish. Casual is the operative word here, with formal night optional.
The Jewel is a floating test for land-based amenities and services like high-rent luxury villas, martini and Champagne bars, interconnecting family-friendly cabins, and an electronic restaurant reservations system. No doubt, Norwegian Jewel and its younger sisters, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem, are the closest you'll ever get to a land-based resort vacation -- at least in the big-ship marketplace.
Fully loaded with so many land-based bells and whistles, the Jewel is at its best at night with passengers dispersed among its numerous restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues. In an effort not to miss any of the eateries, lounges or countless activities, I found myself rushing about the ship and frequently checking my watch. It took a conscious effort for me to slow down, block out the hubbub, and simply enjoy the splendid Caribbean views from our cabin balcony.
On the longer Baltic cruises, there's more time to experiment with the 10 different restaurants and choose your favorites for repeat visits.
In the needs-improvement department, though, the ship can do even better handling the throngs. With more than 2,000 co-passengers, I fully expected waits. But I was not prepared to stand on the dock in Roatan -- for more than 30 minutes, alongside 75 other shore excursion guests -- waiting for one tardy couple. The tender process was long -- especially transferring from the dock in Roatan back to the Jewel. Adding another metal detector and a couple more local tenders would help, and not once during the cruise could I find an empty lounge chair poolside.
Excursion loading and unloading in the Baltic was more efficient, with no tender ports and staggered excursion times. However, there was too much deck chair hogging around the pool -- even in the weak summer sun of Northern Europe -- and spare loungers were a rare find.
Ultimately, there's much about the Jewel that sparkles -- most notably the dining options, amiable crew, appealing staterooms and impressive fitness center. Though numerous restaurants, an electronic reservation system and streamlined debarkation help with crowd control, there are times (muster drill, tenders and shore excursions), when you feel the presence of your fellow shipmates. Happily, there are quiet places to read a good book and enjoy the splendid views. Deck 7 offers outdoor seating when the pool deck is packed. The library is almost always empty, and Spinnaker Lounge is sunny and quiet by day. By dinner time, the spa empties out, and you can savor the sunset from a hot tub or chaise.
 Read Complete Norwegian Jewel Review
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NCL Ships: Norwegian Dawn • Norwegian Epic • Norwegian Gem • Norwegian Jade • Norwegian Jewel • Norwegian Pearl • Norwegian Sky • Norwegian Spirit • Norwegian Star • Norwegian Sun • Pride of America
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