I would have to say that the Jewel was really a Jewel. We sailed on the ship less than a month after her initial sail and we were oh so very pleased. We were traveling on a completely booked ship with 35 other family members (not including my husband and me). The ship was so big that we occasionally ran into one another on the decks, but we didn't have to see everyone all the time. This was our first sail and it had us dreaming of cruising for months afterward. My overall recommendation is to sail on this ship! It was beautiful, clean, the staff was awesome and the food was immaculate!!!
Embarkation:
This was a very easy process as NCL picked up our group from the airport and dropped us off at the ship. Although the lines were very long and it took us the better part of two hours to make our way through passport registration (even though we registered online beforehand), and then the x-ray machine and bag drop-off. I think that due to the ship being completely booked they anticipated this rush of people and had snacks ready in the back room for people to munch on. Once on the ship they offered us a drink (not free of course), and we could immediately go to our rooms.