I chose this cruise primarily to visit Glacier Bay while there are still glaciers to see. I have cruised with Norwegian before on this class of ship, and enjoy the many venues for music, entertainment, and places to quietly catch up on reading...…. This cruise was remarkable for the quality of the classical music provided by the "Four String Trio". What a delight it was to hear Mozart, Bach, Shostakovich, and VillaLobos, as well as favorite show tunes...… The women of the trio were responsive to the audience, competent, and obviously in love with their art.

There has been an obvious improvement in the embarcation procedures. The line was short, The desk clerk was efficient and friendly. I was happily surprised to find that the pool was warm enough to allow swimming, even on a late September cruise to Alaska.

Two areas of improvement: It seemed that the Hostess at the Asian Restaurant was unhappy, and less than welcoming. At one of the String performances, a waitress in the Spinnaker Lounge spoke loudly while the trio was playing. I signaled to her to please keep her voice down. She looked at me and shrugged while continuing to talk at the same volume for another 30 or 40 seconds. It was so atypical of the service from other members of the crew...... I am sad to see that the Jewel class of Norwegian boats is leaving Seattle. I might try the larger ships,