Pre-cruise: My Mom and I flew into Miami from Grand Rapids Michigan on Feb. 27th. We stayed at the Courtyard By Marriott Miami Downtown for the night. Our room was average and there was no continetal breakfast, so we were glad for the great price of $75 from Priceline. We did not want to wait until the port shuttle service began, so for a $10 taxi ride we got to port about 1030. We had printed out Nowegian Jewel luggage tags at home, so our luggage was whisked away as soon as we exited the taxi.

Check In: Check in was extremely easy, and by 1130, our number was called to board. No champagne was served as we boarded. We were directed to the Garden Cafe for lunch. The buffet was good. After lunch we walked around a bit and then snuck into our room by 1 pm and saw it was ready for us. The steward walked in, but was ok with us being there. We gave him an extra big tip that day! Rooms were ready to go by 2 pm. We had the mandatory safety drill (no lifejackets necessary) in Le Bistro and afterwards found our luggage outside our room.

The ship: The Jewel is beautiful. I loved that it was not as big as the other ships I have been on. Everything was very clean and in great shape. The crystal atrium is how I envision Elton John's livingroom to look! The theater was very elegant though difficult to manuver around since rows have entrance from one side only and people coming in early sat on the ends and had to repeatedly get up and allow people in their row. All the restaurants were spectaculr. Spinnaker lounge was beautiful...I thought it would just be another smoky bar so didn't check it out right away, what a mistake! The pools were nice, though it was either too packed with college kids or to cold to use it! We did not use the casino or any of the bar/lounges (too smoky). Read more