Levanah

We were off the Jewel out of Houston a week ago. The new chocolate Volcano molten cake is quite good. In O'Sheehan's, we enjoyed the chicken pot pie and the prime rib night was surprisingly good. We usually avoid the buffet, but found ourselves eating there a few times more than previously. There were some special buffet nights (Caribbean night and Halloween night which were enjoyable. The lamb in Le Bistro is excellent as is the creme brule. I'd say the Italian specialty restaurant was a bit disappointing but nothing terrible.

We were off the Norwegian Jewel a week ago on its third trip to Trujillo. For us, it was honestly the best day of the cruise. We did enjoy two Mayan ruins excursions from Cozumel and Belize but it was the low key, authentic feeling of the day at Trujillo and the local people that won us over. We were late off the ship due to a previous day's storm that made it necessary to do some dredging into the channel in order for the tenders to make their way in. Instead of the open air trams which were to tour us around, we had air conditioned busses. Our guides Shirley and Zunni were wonderful hosts and eager to please. We were all very curious about the town and its people as were the locals about us. Everyone had broad smiles greeting us including the ample number of police scattered about town. A group of Garifuna were at the shore to greet us with traditional drumming and dance and were there, too, at the end of the daywhen we boarded the last tender of the day back to the Jewel.

At present, this port is largely undeveloped. No Diamonds International. Few of the trappings of a typical, well-developed Caribbean cruise tourist destination. We hope it will remain this way. We also know that it is very likely destined to change forever in some positive ways and some not so positive. We feel very fortunate to have been able to visit Trujillo this early on and will remember the warmth and authenticity of the people.

Coming from Seattle, I can always be ready for rain although it's not what I had expected for our cruise next week on the Jewel. Any recommendations for how to dress for the tropical rain? Layers? We are going to Tulum on this stop. I was planning to wear sandals that can trek through water. Any other recommendations? Thanks!

Cynthia

I am excited for you for your first cruise! We never dreamed we would acquire this addiction either -- we held a lot of silly stereotypes about cruising. We leave for our sixth cruise on the Jewel on Saturday and have booked the 2016 South American cruise. I'm sure there will be another before then. Keep asking your questions...folks love answering them, living vicariously through your questions, and reliving happy memories of their first cruises :)

Cynthia

Thanks, everyone, for the information. We are thinking about purchasing day passes for two days. I guess it remains to be seen if they are available, for example, during the sea days. We'll play it by ear. :)

Thanks, Magnolia - no couple price break. What is the price per person for the week?

Cruising on the Jewel in 1 week - what is the spa pass price for a 7-day cruise with 3 sea days? Is there a price break for a couple?

Thanks in advance for your help :)

Thank you, Magnoliablossom :) This is helpful! Glad to hear you'll be taking good care of the Jewel for us and nice to hear about your Everett connection. Enjoy your cruise through the canal - it will be very soon and then we'll not be long behind you.

We are counting the days to our October 25 cruise out of Houston on the Jewel. Vacation can't come soon enough and it will be great to sail on the Jewel again.

Does anyone know if morning yoga classes are offered?

How about daily and/or weekly spa passes? How much for each?

Thanks! :)

We live in Seattle and I can tell you that, even for locals, the trip to any of the islands across the sound IS magnificent. Plenty of people just walk on, ferry across, have lunch, and ferry back. You feel wonderfully away from it all and both rested and stimulated all at once!

Wonderful review - thank you!

We did the Alaska cruise twice - once on the Spirit and once on the Star. Your review brought back many great memories. I noticed your review primarily since it mentioned the Sun. We are on the Sun in just a few short days up the West coast. Can't wait to experience this ship!

One more thing -- the tour operators work together in a network that spots where the pods are. Then, they communicate with each other letting each other know where the pods are currently. This helps everyone to experience a sighting. You might ask your tour operator if they work in this manner with the network.

This makes me want to take a trip north to take another trip out on the Eclipse...

This is a tough one. I have no idea about the tour operators in Victoria. We live in the northwest and have taken over 10 excursions to see whales from Eclipse Charters from Orcas Island and have seen orcas on every outing. It is spectacular and breathtaking. I've seen whales breaching and swimming right under the boat. We've seen young whales and the oldest in the resident pods. I think we have seen nearly every behavior we could and have been educated by the naturalists who accompany on board. I could easily go another 10 times.

When we have been out, we've been easily in sight of the Canadian tour boats so we were all looking at the same whales. Will you see whales if you book? There are obviously no guarantees. For me, I would take the chance. If you see whales, you will never forget the experience. If not, you will have a fun day out on the water seeing the beauty of the northwest.

Do your homework on the various companies and make your decision.

We will also be in Victoria and Vancouver next week disembarking off the Sun. It would be spectacular to see orcas off the ship when we are in the neighborhood. I'm not counting on it but it could happen.

Good luck :)

Mike,

It's been so fun reading your posts from your Alaska cruise on the Jewel. My husband and I have cruised twice to Alaska - once on the Spirit and once on the Star. Your photos brought back so many memories. We also loved your photos of our hometown Seattle including the waterfront and the new ferris wheel. We sail on the Jewel in October from NYC south to Florida and the Bahamas. Can't wait!

Thanks for the wonderful photographs, your jovial commentary and helpful comments, too!

We can't wait to experience the Jewel!