Norwegian Jewel Review
We had a great cruise; thanks NCL!
Rating by category
Additional details
I read a lot of reviews before boarding the Jewel - hear are the thoughts / views of a man from England.....
The cruise itself was excellent value for money. Free food and drinks for 14 nights visiting Mexico (x2), Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Columbia, and concluding at Miami. We only took one trip using the Cruise booking service which was at the end of the cruise involving a coach tour of Miami followed by a Shopping Mall visit. We found it much cheaper to get off of the ship and use local taxi etc but I would advise a bit of research before you cruise on each port of call so you plan to visit all of the best attractions. An example of this was the Tour of Acapulco which was $80 if booked through the cruise. We got a taxi with an English speaking driver and a large air conditioned vehicle. He took us on a better tour than the cruise tour for $20 each (4 persons) that lasted 6 hours - we must have exited the taxi on 15+ times to view various sights, where the coach tour lasted less and they only got off 3 times. We just walked out of the port where numerous taxis were waiting - just take your time choosing your driver as you are with him for a long time......
The Norwegian Jewel is a pretty nice ship, and for the use it gets is in remarkable good condition inside and out. However, we did struggle on sea days to get a sunbed anywhere, and although there are notices all around the deck area stating that beds cannot be reserved and towels would be removed after 1 hour, I never saw this enforced.
Cabin Review
Inside
Port Reviews
Los Angeles
Only got here to get on the Jewel. However, the American Warship IOWA is moored next to the Jewel. We dropped our suitcases off and then went for a tour of this famous warship (Half price ticket if you are on the cruise). Definitely worth a look round but for the reasonably agile only.
Cabo San Lucas
This was the best port we stopped at. The Jewel cannot enter the small port so you are taken ashore in some of the lifeboats (Which are a lot bigger than they look). Look out for the sealions that climb onto the back of returning fishing boats for a free small fish meal. Take a glass bottom boat out to 'Lands End' - fantastic views etc.
Acapulco
The Tour of Alcapalco was $80 if booked through the cruise. We got a taxi with an English speaking driver and a large air conditioned vehicle. He took us on a better tour than the cruise tour for $20 each (4 persons) that lasted 6 hours - we must have exited the taxi on 15+ times to view various sights, where the coach tour lasted less and they only got off 3 times. We just walked out of the port where numerous taxis were waiting - just take your time choosing your driver as you are with him for a long time......
Cartagena (Colombia)
Bit of a let down really. I was hoping the old town and Fort was as all the reviews. Don't get me wrong it was ok but only that. Lots of traders hassle you as you try to walk round the old town. Very hot and humid. The artificial zoo / jungle at the edge of the port is free with some good exhibits.