We are a family of five, who have done Disney many times and were looking for something different this year, as our oldest graduated high school and deemed himself "too old" for Disney yet again.

I chose a ship based almost exclusively on price, from a port we could drive to. Norwegian Jewel had the added benefit of "Nick at Sea" which I thought was a nice compromise from the Disney activities I love. We drove from PA to NYC, leaving in the wee hours of Saturday morning and arriving about ten thirty to the pier. The drive was about six and a half hours, and was quite easy through the early morning hours and arriving in NYC early Saturday morning was nearly hassle free. Our GPS guided us to the pier parking lot. Parking was close and convenient, albeit expensive at $210 for the week. We literally got out of the car, walked a few feet to the elevator and dropped off our luggage. Our vacation had begun! We waited in line no more than a few minutes, registered and were directed to seats until boarding started around 11:30. We met several from our roll call in the waiting area, an added bonus!

Upon boarding, we investigate the ship, signed two children up for their Kid's Club activities (the oldest being 18, and not eligible). We ate lunch at Tsar's and before we finished heard the announcement that the cabins were ready. Read more