This was a fantastic cruise! It was our third trans-Atlantic, with 2 of them on the Norwegian Jewel. With 6 days at sea, we had plenty of time to explore the ship again, and to relax. The wait-staff in The Tsar's Palace, the stateroom attendants, the Reception Desk staff and all other crew members and staff were fantastic, going the extra mile for us. We have sailed the Caribbean and the Mediterranean on other lines, and have done a trans-Atlantic with another cruise line. While each of these cruises was a wonderful experience, NCL, and especially the Norwegian Jewel, met and exceeded all expectations.

On our first cruise on the Jewel (Baltic Capitals, July 2008), I was greatly disappointed by the selection of food and the variety of meals available on the menu; I ordered principally from the 'Always Available' menu. On the second cruise (Trans-Atlantic, September 2008), the quality and variety of food choices had improved, but I selected about half my meals from the 'Always Available' menu. On this cruise (trans-Atlantic, April 2009), the food selections and variety had markedly improved. There were always selections on the 'Daily Menu' from which I could choose. The presentation was superb, the taste was excellent and the preparation was perfect. I was very impressed with the meals I had, never once having to order from 'Always Available.' I was able to speak to the Head Chef and the Food and Beverage Manager to tell them how impressed I was. These changes must be attributed to the Dutch head chef, and probably more to the Food & Beverage manager from France.

On our previous 2 cruises on the Jewel, our staterooms were on Deck 10 midship, once port and the other starboard. This time, we were again on Deck 10, occupying the last stateroom aft and port. It was the average size category BB stateroom with a balcony, and had the typical accoutrements (TV, sofa, kettle and coffee/tea, hairdryer). The twin beds had been pushed together to make one queen-size bed. Having sailed on the Jewel twice previously, we knew what to expect in our stateroom. It was a good size for the 2 of us, and really all one needs (perhaps a little more than what one needs) considering how much time you spend inside your stateroom. Personally, taking a cruise means exploring the ship, participating in some activities, seeing a show or using the gym in addition to visiting the shops onboard or the spa/salon. All in all, the stateroom we had fit our needs. Read more