Norwegian Jade Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise because it had always been a dream to sail out of Venice, and this did not disappoint!
The combination of destinations was ideal. Leaving Venice and watching all the famous landmarks as you drift past was magical. This cruise also took in Dubrovnik and Split, which are both destinations worth a visit.
The Jade is one of the older ships on the seas, but it is still well maintained and has most things that an adult could want.
Cabin Review
Courtyard Villa with Balcony
I had sailed on the Jade twice before, each time staying in a balcony cabin. However, this was my first cruise on my own having been widowed the year previously. Two friends had insisted that I join them and they were keen to have a 2 bedroomed suite so that I didn't have to pay a single person supplement.
In theory, this seemed a great option and I was happy to pay a third of the costs, for what I imagined would give me my own space as well as sharing a living room and balcony. Unfortunately, whilst this was being booked I was still coming to terms with losing my husband of 32 years and dealing with probate etc, so this is my defence for not checking the exact cabin details myself.
Once we arrived on board, the reality hit me hard when I found that the second bedroom in these type of suite is barely more than a large cupboard. On the plus side the bathroom is standard size, but the bed is a sofa bed which when opened is wedged into most of the 'room'. The corridor towards the bed has hanging space to one side and some drawers, both not enough for one adult on a 7 night cruise. there is no safe, but strangely 2 are in the main bedroom - not terribly convenient when the occupants are late-risers!
This second room is clearly a room for young children, and I feel strongly that it shouldn't be sold for adults at all. On all my previous cruises we had always stayed in balcony cabins, so now being confined to a tiny windowless cabin was a complete shock and obviously this spoilt the cruise for me.
Of course, the rest of the suite was incredibly spacious. My 'friends' of course had the main bedroom which was several times the size of the second bedroom, with a large bath, shower etc. More room - or so it appeared - than a whole balcony cabin. On top of this was the shared seating and dining area and a balcony..
I rarely write reviews but wanted to warn people about this cabin configuration because it isn't really apparent from the plan what a confined space this is.
In summary, if you were to use this suite for just the main room this would be fine. If you have a small child that would probably be ok but please do not be tempted to squeeze an adult (or two!!) into this tiny second room, or like me they will be hugely disappointed.