Norwegian Jade Review
Rating by category
Additional details
The wife and 12 yr old son wanted to do something different this year. We have cruised 3 other times (royal Caribbean, carnival, Holland america), so we thought why not try a Holiday cruise. NCL had a good special going on for this particular sailing, so off we went.
We had sailed from the Tampa CruisePort #2 previously with Carnival, so we knew pretty much how the embarkation/disembarkation would go. Taxi rides from TPA airport to the cruise terminal was a flat $25 for all of us. It is hectic when you get to the terminal, but there are plenty of porters who will take your bags (we tipped $2/each) and get them where they are supposed to go.
Lots of standing in line to get your embarkation docs squared away and finally get on board. It was around 1.5 hrs for us in total and we were there right at noon which is the earliest the doors open.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Inside
Nice clean room. Shower much bigger than we had on our other inside cabin cruises.
Quiet climate control.
Our steward JB was absolutely great.
Port Reviews
Tampa
No real problems. If you are patient you will be fine. You MUST be patient.
Cozumel
The NCL port Punta Lagosta is closer to town and has lots to do. Use the public bathroom right there before you head out.
Harvest Caye
NCLs new private island. Very clean.
Everything costs $$. None of your ship-based packages (food or drinks) work here.
Roatan
Two stories of tourist trap stuff. You are not advised to leave the compound alone, but only with your tours.
Costa Maya
Standard tourist trap area. We had two other ships docked with us so the place was overrun. Lots of shops selling the same things. There are a couple of pools to get into if you want. Those were really busy (with kids).