Having been reading and hearing very mixed reviews about NCL in the last 10 years, observing such bright exterior colors and understanding the interior decor tended more toward neon spring break appeal than toward understated, it was with reluctance we booked the NCL JEWEL for a short Thanksgiving cruise. BUT, the price was right for 2 empty nesters with no plans for Thanksgiving so we decided, "Why not? How bad can it be?"

We began sailing NCL around 1994 and sailed with them 3 times 1994-1998. We chose NCL at the time because they had a very good reputation compared to other lines, a good variety of itineraries and excellent sports facilities, perhaps the first full basketball court at sea, appealing to our teenage son. We were always pleased with the experiences. Then we moved on and sailed Holland, Celebrity, Princess, Azamara and at least 1 line that no longer exists. Around that time NCL changed management focus and we developed a negative feeling about them from what we were reading and hearing, as stated above. Thus our reluctance to take advantage of a last minute good deal wondering "if it sounds too good to be true......".

I am most pleased to report our reluctance was unfounded. We measure the success of a cruise likely the way most of you do....price, size and layout of stateroom/bathroom, cleanliness, quality of service and food. Here is what we found: Price............Likely because of the last minute pricing, the value was greater than we expected, more than exceeding expectations. Stateroom and bathroom.....These equaled and in some cases surpassed those we experienced on Holland, Princess, Celebrity and Azamara. We LOVED the bathroom layout and balcony. Service.....extremely attentive, friendly staff that surpassed service on Princess experience and equaled or surpassed the others. Food.....quite good. The poundcake we loved in 1994 is still there, breads served with meals are excellent, beef is a good menu option (we have experienced poor beef on other cruise lines), variety and overall quality of food and presentation quite good. Read more