Norwegian Jade Review

Feel like you're at the county fair, go on a NCL cruise

Review for Transatlantic Cruise on Norwegian Jade
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Jane Macbeth Bronte
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2018
Cabin: Mid-Ship Oceanview Picture Window

We knew NCL reputation of a middle of the road cruise line. It surpassed my expectations. We only went on the cruise because of the itinerary, which was superb. But overall, the ship and cruise was not good. Service was wonderful, when you had it. The restaurants were understaffed. I waiter for many tables. Rarely did we see a wine steward. Never in over 2 weeks did we have dinner in less than 2 hours & 15 minutes. 1 waiter seated, poured water, tried to take wine orders, serve the wine, bring menus and serve the meal. Then 15 minutes for dessert. The waiters did a good job, but couldn't keep up with the tables. In the lounges and music venues, which are the same on the Jade, there was one waitress trying to keep up with 40-70 people before and after dinner. Ridicules wait times for a venue that is there to serve guests , which should be the cruise lines purpose. Not NCL.

Smoking. Only cruise line we have been on that allows smoking in the casino and cigarette smoking in the cigar lounge. Both resulted in smelling up much of the deck most activities were on. When asked, the head of hotel services said at a Q& A session, NCL is working on that question. When asked why the staterooms have fixed ashtrays in the bathrooms if there is no smoking in the staterooms, same answer. But no smoking is allowed on the ship. Try to figure that out.

I know NCL has a relaxed dress code. It shows. Go into the main dining room for dinner and sit next to a man in flip flops, shorts, and a cut off camo shirt on. Not to be over dressed, he wore his baseball hat. This example was not out of the ordinary. Go on a NCL cruise, and feel right at home, just like your at the county fair or in the backyard with the guys. Not why I want to pay $1000's to get away from home for a change in my daily life. The cruise just has no class or soul.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Oceanview Picture Window

Cabin OB

Very nice cabin. Average size. Bathroom was tight. Storage space exceptionally good. The cabin crew did a great job of taking care of the room.

Port Reviews

Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

We spent the day on our own in Lerwick. Easy to do.

Reykjavik

Eight of us in our group set up and hired a private guide for 2 days. Wonderfull experience. We found the guide through this site. Much cheaper than anything offered by NCL.

St. John's (Newfoundland)

Easy to experience on our own.

Halifax

Wonderful city. Very easy to travel to the high spots on your own.

New York (Manhattan)

We have been in New York before so it was a lovely day to visit new and old places we wanted to see. Subway and cabs make travel relatively tolerable.

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