This was our return to the NCL Jade after an 18 month break since we last sailed with this company. Itinerary, weather, entertainment, service, good company and cuisine all have to be at the least very good to enjoy the all round experience when cruising on a large resort ship the likes of the Jade. I do appreciate that the food can vary from ship to ship within the same cruise fleet never mind from company to company but I have to say that we were very disappointed with both the quality and the repetitive menu in the main dining restaurants.

The dress code with NCL is casual - very casual with "Free Style Dining" although you are welcome to dress formally if you wish.The initial cost to cruise on this ship was very reasonable but cover charges could soon have mounted up on the budget on board with 7 out of 10 eateries operating this way.This appears to be the favoured direction with this company with an increase from 5 restaurants with the extra charge. Am I being a bit cynical but could this be deliberate by dropping the selection of fare with the never varying menu`s in the cover free eateries to encourage passengers to dine in the special areas! We did try the Italian Papa`s Kitchen just for a change but again have to say he cuisine and the services were not any better and a waste of $20!

Entertainment in the two tiered Stardust Theatre had the usual high energy, quick change razzle - dazzle singing/dancing productions along with the novelty and magic acts which were well worth the watch. Bands And solo musicians provided great music in several lounges throughout the ship to dance or just to listen to.There is a night club located atop the ship called "Spinnakers" which doubles up as a silly games venue if you enjoy the theme game malarkey! There is also an unusually large central focal gathering public place where the customer services desks are located. This area is normally very busy and can get very congested with lines of passengers especially when there is an "Inch of Gold Tat Alley" sale! Read more