My wife and I were on the Norwegian Jewel for the Baltic Cruise from 3rd June to 15th June.

Within the first 2-3 days you get the impression that the cruise company is trying to make as much money out of you as possible. While we appreciate that the cruise line is in it to make money, it is all in your face without any subtlety. Having said that, we enjoyed the port visits, the food was reasonably good, and the on board entertainment was excellent. As the passengers come from many countries, it is difficult to create meals that will appeal to all tastes. Understandably there will always be those for whom the food is not to their tastes.

The mainly Asian (Filippino and Indian) crew who worked in the bars, restaurants and cabins were always courteous and helpful, despite having to work 10-12 hours every day for 10 months of their contracts. They do not have the benefit of the two day weekends enjoyed by most working people. They are stuck in the bowels of the ship when they are not working, and on their relatively low wages they cannot afford to go shopping or sightseeing when they have time off at some ports. If sometimes a crew member does not seem happy and cheerful, I hope cruisers will always be aware how hard these people work while separated from their families for 10 months at a time. No effort was made to help passengers who did not chose to go on shore excursions organised by the ship, and wanted to do their own thing. I believe that some cruise lines provide free shuttle. No information was given as to what options are available to get into the local town, or how far the local town is. In one of the talks we were told by one of the staff that it would take 45 minutes to walk into town. Perhaps it was an attempt to encourage us to buy a ship's excursion. As a couple in our 70s, it took as 15 minutes to walk into town at Tallin. Read more