This is my first post on Cruise Critic as I didnt discover the vast amount of information contained on this website until earlier this year. We sailed out of Miami on 04/02/06. This was our 5th cruise overall (Carnival Inspiration in 98, Star Princess in 2003, Carnival Elation in 2005) and 2nd with NCL (the first being the NCL Star last April). We made our own air travel arrangements and flew into Ft. Lauderdale the morning before the cruise. We stayed at the airport Ramada Inn and would recommend it. Good food, nice rooms and a cruise port package deal. They have a transportation company (Tonys Transportation  Tony is great guy) on site and they will pick you at the airport and provide transportation and tours during your stay for reasonable (for Ft. Lauderdale) rates. After your stay they provide you with transportation to either Port of Everglades or Miami Cruise Port which is included in your cruise port package deal. Also included is a decent hot breakfast buffet.

We arrived at Miami Cruise Port at about 10:30 am and embarkation was a breeze. We would have been on board quite early if it hadnt been for the fact the Rosie ODonnell and friends arrived to watch the premiere of her HBO documentary about the first gay family cruise. It wasnt that long of a wait though and we were on board and relaxing poolside around noon. We normally book an outside or balcony cabin but this time decided to try an inside due to the fact that we are in our cabin very little and thought why spend the extra money if on a cabin when we can spend it in the ports instead. The cabin was just fine and we will probably book inside again. The Jewel is absolutely beautiful and the staff very friendly.

Since it is a sister ship to the Star it was very easy for us to find our way around. There were only minor differences (the locations of the Blue Lagoon and Photo Gallery were different for example) but not much else was different. The dining was excellent (we ate at Tsars Palace, Chin Chins and Cagneys as well as the Garden Cafe buffet and poolside). The Surf and Turf at Cagneys was the 2nd best meal I have ever had in my lifetime and the service was wonderful and prompt. We ate each night at 6:00 pm so the venues were never crowded and the service was always prompt and efficient. Read more