Bahamas and Florida on NCL Jewel

[vwgolf]

I'm from England and my wife and teenage kids are thinking of taking the Jewel cruise to the Bahamas and Port Orlando next August. Reviews seem to be generally good with just a few moans. I've got a couple of questions that I hope regualr NCL cruisers may be able to help with:

 

1. What's the smoking policy on board? From what I can see, you can smoke in certain rooms which, being non-smokers, we will try to avoid but what about cabins? I don't particularly want to stay in a cabin that smells of smoke from previous occupants.

 

2. Tipping. It's the norm for Americans, but a bit of an alien concept to we Brits! What's the deal with tipping as this can easily become a significant extra cost.

 

3. We're planning on staying in New York City for a few nights before the cruise. How far is the port from the city centre? Is it well served by public transport?

 

Any other information would be greatly appreciated!

[JerseyGem]

After many NCL cruises (including just last week on the Jewel), I have never had any issues with a cabin that smelled of smoke from a previous passenger. And I am very picky! I can't imagine that we were so lucky to always have cabins occupied by non-smokers the previous week! However, if you have a balcony, you could have smokers next to you, so don't leave your balcony door open without keeping an eye out for smoke drifting in. Also, I've read comments here on Cruise Critic that on some ships smoke can seep around any connecting doors, but I always avoid cabins with connecting doors, so I can't speak from experience.

 

As for public rooms, most are non-smoking. Outdoors, there are assigned areas for smoking. However, be prepared to encounter smoking any where outside- many passengers do not follow the restrictions!

 

TIpping- NCL tries to make it easy for you by automatically adding daily tips to your onboard account (currently $12 per day per person in a "regular" cabin). This tip goes to your cabin steward, wait staff, etc. At the end of the cruise, you could add an extra tip to anyone who's been especially helpful, but this is not expected unless you're in a cabin that has a butler or use the concierge. I usually tip $1 or $2 for room service. Whenever you purchase a beverage, a 15% tip is automatically added to the bill (and there is also a space for you to add an additional tip- which certainly is not necessary).

 

At the dock (embarkation or debarkation)- the porters will expect a tip each time they handle your bags (usually $1 per bag) even though they don't do much!

 

I can't help you with NYC. If you don't get many responses here, try the East Coast departures forum.

 

My final comment- NYC in August can be very hot and humid, as can Port Canaveral. Be prepared! The Jewel is a great ship with lots of activites for teens (and all ages).

[CTCruisers]

I'm from England and my wife and teenage kids are thinking of taking the Jewel cruise to the Bahamas and Port Orlando next August. Reviews seem to be generally good with just a few moans. I've got a couple of questions that I hope regualr NCL cruisers may be able to help with:

 

1. What's the smoking policy on board? From what I can see, you can smoke in certain rooms which, being non-smokers, we will try to avoid but what about cabins? I don't particularly want to stay in a cabin that smells of smoke from previous occupants.

 

2. Tipping. It's the norm for Americans, but a bit of an alien concept to we Brits! What's the deal with tipping as this can easily become a significant extra cost.

 

3. We're planning on staying in New York City for a few nights before the cruise. How far is the port from the city centre? Is it well served by public transport?

 

Any other information would be greatly appreciated!

 

We are non-smokers and have never had any issues with our cabins. The Casino allows smoking so the area around that has a smoke smell. The rest of the public rooms are non-smoking areas. Smoking is allowed outside in certain sections, but as noted many ignore those rules.

 

The tipping is automatically added to your bill.

 

The cruise terminal is next to the U.S.S. Intrepid museum on the West Side of mid-town Manhatten and is approximately 3/4 of a mile from Times Square. Taxis will be plentiful. Visiting NYC, they do have extensive bus and subways to get around Manhatten. They have several HOHO buses for touring. But, I think that to get to the pier itself, you will have to use a cab.

 

We just sailed the Jewel in October and posted a lengthy review and links to photos. Look for :

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1298478

 

Cheers!

[vwgolf]

Thanks for your tips. As far as shore excursions are concerned, what options are available at the three stops? (We've been to Orlando a number of times so have no desire to hop on a bus to Disney World!) What else is close to the port? And is there a good selection of things to do at the two Bahamas stops?

[kdka421]

Thanks for your tips. As far as shore excursions are concerned, what options are available at the three stops? (We've been to Orlando a number of times so have no desire to hop on a bus to Disney World!) What else is close to the port? And is there a good selection of things to do at the two Bahamas stops?

 

Port Canaveral - not too much is directly nearby. There are excursions to the Kennedy Space Center. When we were there last week we took a free shuttle to the shops at Cocoa beach, walked around there for a little and walked down the beach (which seemed pretty nice, not good enough weather in December to swim though).

 

Nassau - can't say, our stop there was canceled.

 

Great Stirrup Cay - typical beach activities. The island is very small, although they are doing some construction and improvements, I'm not sure if they will be done by the time you are there. You can go snorkeling (which we did, and really enjoyed it), swimming, parasailing, kayaking, a boat tour, etc, or just sit on the beach and relax.

 

Here is a link to our review from our trip last week, if you're interested: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1321351&highlight=

[Turtles06]

Port Canaveral is a sorry excuse for a port stop. It's a bus stop, a place for cruise lines to sell bus tours to the theme parks in Orlando and to the Kennedy Space Center. Not much else to do, except go to the beach. If you haven't been to the Space Center, it is an incredible place, and I would recommend that.

 

Great Stirrup Cay is NCL's private island. You will tender to the beach, where there are various activities (including snorkeling along the rocks) that you can pursue besides just laying out on the beach or swimming. Particularly given how hot it will be in August, you may want to rent some "clamshell" loungers on the beach so you can have shade; if so, do that as soon as you board the Jewel, at the shore excursion desk.

 

Do a search on here for Great Stirrup Cay and you'll find more info. (Many folks opt to stay on board ship for the GSC day and enjoy quiet time on the pool deck.)

 

As for what to do in Nassau, your best bet is reading up over on the Ports of Call/Bahamas portion of Cruise Critic. You'll have many choices -- including going to Atlantis, the Blue Lagoon, day passes at some of the local resort hotels (like the Sheraton and the Hilton), etc. There's plenty you can arrange without being on an NCL tour.

 

But if you are specifically interested in researching NCL-sponsored shore excursions, you can do so from to this link on NCL's web site:

 

http://www2.ncl.com/excursions

 

We did this cruise on the Jewel in October. The Jewel is a wonderful ship with a wonderful crew, and we had a very nice time. It is not the greatest itinerary, but we knew that going in and just wanted a week to relax. We are within driving distance of NY, so it was an easy departure port to get to. In fact, I think that's what makes this cruise so popular for so many folks in the (north and mid-)eastern U.S. I have to say, though, I can't imagine flying across the Atlantic to take this particular cruise with this itinerary. But that's just my personal opinion.

[mjkacmom]

You really don't have to tip at all on NCL (except for room service, and the porters). Public transportation in NYC is very plentiful (and you will need to tip the cab driver). I've done this itinerary 3 times (because the port is 20 minutes from my home). At Nassau, book excursions on your own. Atlantis is really fun - we booked a room at the Comfort Suites, which includes wristbands, and was much cheaper than NCL's excursion. We also did day passes at the Hilton, and the Sheraton (liked the Sheraton more, but was a cab ride - the Hilton is walkable). Next time plan to do Blue Lagoon. Some of us went to the Space Center, and some of us rented a car, and went to a quiet local state park beach in Florida. Definitely book the clamshells - they're very shady, and you will get first tender tickets.

[vwgolf]

I have to say, though, I can't imagine flying across the Atlantic to take this particular cruise with this itinerary. But that's just my personal opinion.

 

Were it not for the fact that we want to combine it with 3 nights in New York, I'd agree. The other stay/cruise we were looking at was a few days in Miami followed by a cruise in the Caribbean. When it went to the family vote, NYC got the unanimous vote - I suppose New York has the same appeal to the English as London does to many Americans!

[Turtles06]

Were it not for the fact that we want to combine it with 3 nights in New York, I'd agree. The other stay/cruise we were looking at was a few days in Miami followed by a cruise in the Caribbean. When it went to the family vote, NYC got the unanimous vote - I suppose New York has the same appeal to the English as London does to many Americans!

 

I totally understand the family vote! Have a wonderful trip. You'll enjoy your stay in NY, and the sailaway from NY is magnificent.

 

(PS: Count me among the many anglophile Americans who love London.:))

[DMH15]

You really don't have to tip at all on NCL (except for room service, and the porters). Public transportation in NYC is very plentiful (and you will need to tip the cab driver). I've done this itinerary 3 times (because the port is 20 minutes from my home). At Nassau, book excursions on your own. Atlantis is really fun - we booked a room at the Comfort Suites, which includes wristbands, and was much cheaper than NCL's excursion. We also did day passes at the Hilton, and the Sheraton (liked the Sheraton more, but was a cab ride - the Hilton is walkable). Next time plan to do Blue Lagoon. Some of us went to the Space Center, and some of us rented a car, and went to a quiet local state park beach in Florida. Definitely book the clamshells - they're very shady, and you will get first tender tickets.

 

Just to clarify, you do pay the DSC, but don't need to tip over that, right?

[MCAT48]

Thanks for your tips. As far as shore excursions are concerned, what options are available at the three stops? (We've been to Orlando a number of times so have no desire to hop on a bus to Disney World!) What else is close to the port? And is there a good selection of things to do at the two Bahamas stops?

 

 

In Orlando we did the Jungle Adventures and AirBoat ride excursion.

The Jungle adventures was pretty awsome! Here is a link to their website:

 

http://www.jungleadventures.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

 

We got to hold a baby gator Snakes torantula scorpian and watch them get into the water to feed them.

 

Then we went back on the bus and they took us to the place to do the airboat ride..we were the seconds group and it was getting dark and cold but we saw a bald eagle which was great.

[JerseyGem]

Just to clarify, you do pay the DSC, but don't need to tip over that, right?

 

 

Yes- the DSC is automatically added to your onboard account each day. Other than that, tips are at your discretion. Just remember to tip in NYC! Add at least 15%, more like 20% to each restaurant meal (food plus drinks cost, not the tax), tip the cab driver, etc. Can some New Yorkers help with current tip amounts, etc?

 

In Port Canaveral, I suggest going to the Kennedy Space Center- great for teenagers (and adults too). NCL has a shore excursion; while somewhat more costly than doing it on your own, it is certainly more convenient than renting a car. KSC has both indoor and outdoor facilities, activities, exhibits, etc. In August, I'd avoid going to a beach in FL since you'll be getting beach time at GSC and possibly Nassau.

 

On GSC, the main beach (where the tenders drop you off) has the Nickelodian activities, so more families with young kids tend to stay there. Plus it's a nice, sandy beach. Since you have teens, I suggest going off to the right (as you are on the tender facing the island). You'll walk over a concrete bridge/walkway to another beach area. It's rockier but has better snorkeling up close and is usually quieter. They do have clamshells over there. You'll have a longer walk to the food, bathrooms and straw market, but they do usually set up a bar service kiosk there.

[spacewoman]

I want to start my post by saying we absolutely love the Jewel.

 

I agree with other posters on these boards that the itinerary is so-so.

 

Since you've made the decision to sail out of NYC have you checked all the lines and their itineraries? I don't want to see someone spend a lot of money to get here to take a cruise they might be very disappointed in. As I said, we LOVE the Jewel and her crew. We sailed the Jewel knowing this itinerary was not our favorite but that wonderful cruise more than made up for it.

 

The Gem is doing Bermuda runs and Bermuda sure seems to be everyone's favorite island on the boards (mine too) how about that? The Jewel has also added a 9 day Caribbean itinerary in May as well.

 

If this is just a new adventure for everyone and the Jewel priced out right, then go for it and have a blast!!!

 

Kathy

[Fishbait17]

Just to clarify, you do pay the DSC, but don't need to tip over that, right?

 

This is correct to a point. If you use bar or spa services, the tip is automatically added to the bill, so you just sign and the tip is taken care of. The only people you might encounter that would need additional tip (I mean on the ship only, aside from people in NYC and the porters at the pier) are the Kid's Club staff (assuming you use them for your teens, can't help you with amount sorry!), perhaps a room service delivery (a dollar or two), and IF YOU ARE IN A SUITE ONLY - the butler and concierge.. Some people like to give their room steward a bit extra, but this is certainly not necessary. IN NYC (for good service), plan to tip about 20% on dining bills, a dollar per bar drink, round up your taxi fares by a few dollars, a dollar or two per bag for hotel and pier porters, $10-$20 for the hotel concierge only if he helps you out with something (like restaurant reservations, booking you a tour, etc), and maybe a few dollars per day for the room maid.

 

I like the DSC on NCL, it seems to take care of people, like you, who are from a non-tipping society and aren't sure about tipping customs.. BTW, I love the Jewel and think you will have a great time on her whether the itinerary is perfect or not! And yes, Kennedy Space Center would be a great choice for Canaveral!

 

Robin

[zookiebird]

We did the Port Canaveral / Bahamas / Great Stirrup Cay cruise a few years ago. IMHO that itinerary was pretty weak. I second Spacewoman's suggestion of visiting Bermuda instead. The NCL Gem has 7-day cruises to Bermuda out of NYC in August as does the HAL Veendam. You might want to look into one of these. One thing to remember: the Gem docks at the Royal dockyard whereas the Veendam tenders 1-day at St Georges then docks right in Hamilton.

 

Cheers!!

[NYcruzzer]

If your preferance is NCL then my vote would be Bermuda. Summer is peak season for cruises out of NY. With RCI, NCL, Carnival, Princess, Hal, and Celebrity offering cruises your choices also include Canada/New England and the Carribean. Have a great cruise.

[vwgolf]

Some great tips there. Florida/Bahamas still looks the favourite but we're going to discuss it further over the weekend. Thanks, guys!

[CPT Trips]

You might also want to look into departing from Port Liberty (also known as Bayonne) if you are not determined to cruise on NCL. It is on the New Jersey side of the port, across the river and therefore not as convenient as leaving directly from NYC. But, it does offer options in itinerary.

 

If you decide to cruise on ships other than NCL, you can always arrange for the appropriate tips charged to your cabin account. Thanks for understanding that tips are an important part of the crew's wages on board and also import to certain types of jobs here in the "colonies." ;)

[bigfoot88]

Great Stirrup Cay is NCL's private island. You will tender to the beach, where there are various activities (including snorkeling along the rocks) that you can pursue besides just laying out on the beach or swimming. Particularly given how hot it will be in August, you may want to rent some "clamshell" loungers on the beach so you can have shade; if so, do that as soon as you board the Jewel, at the shore excursion desk.

 

About the clamshells, if you do want one rent in the 1st day of the cruise, they sell out quick. Just stop at the excursion desk. My wife and I did this cruise in June and Oct. On the June trip we tried to rent a clamshell the day before GSC and they were sold out.:(:( In Oct we rented the first day and we got on no problem.:):)

[vwgolf]

Thanks for understanding that tips are an important part of the crew's wages on board and also import to certain types of jobs here in the "colonies." ;)

 

As I said earlier, tipping is not something that comes naturally to the British. That's not because we're mean; it's just not part of the culture over here. I sometimes leave a couple of pounds on the table if eating out and, apart from London where 10% is expected, round the fare up to the nearest pound when using taxis.

 

I do, however, appreciate that tips form a significant part of the income of certian employees in the US and aboard cruise ships. As such, I wouldn't think of not complying with local customs!

[fridaythe13th]

Thanks for your tips. As far as shore excursions are concerned, what options are available at the three stops? (We've been to Orlando a number of times so have no desire to hop on a bus to Disney World!) What else is close to the port? And is there a good selection of things to do at the two Bahamas stops?

 

It is very easy to rent a car at Pt Canaveral. There are car rental shuttles in the parking lot as you get off the ship. You may want to reserve a car in advance, unless you don't mind taking a chance there isn't one available. It is about a 10 minute ride to get a car. In Cocoa Beach there is the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop (open 24 hours). Drive to Cape Canaveral (Kennedy Space Center) or head north about a hour to Daytona Beach. You can actually drive the car on the beach. Lots of souvenir stores. Get a map and do the research before just driving. Have fun, be adventurous!!

[Budget Queen]

In my opinion, the Bahamas Fl itinerary is real lacking, and I've picked up these sailings only when they give them away- which they do.

 

I would suggest you might want to change your sailing time, and head to Bermuda- just a fantastic port with plenty to see and do. It's not just beaches. :)

 

Public transportation is excellent in NYC. But, cabs from airports do cost. So factor that in. In Manhattan, all transportation is reasonable. Midtown locations for hotels are the most convenient for touring the regular sightseeing- but also the most expensive. Priceline has some significant discounts, but only will get one bed. Figure out what you want to do, then where you want to stay depending on your budget.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

Thank you all for your coments/suggestions!:cool: After going to Bermuda several times already we're gonna try the Jewel this time, then back to Bermuda again on the Gem for our next!;):D

[sedfar]

Just a thought. If you have a lot of luggage, which I seem to have every time I cruise. You have to think if that luggage will fit in a little itty bitty taxi cab trunk. A bus? You will be lugging your luggage to the bus stops, not that pleasant. I would put a little more thought into your transportation to the port. And 1 mile can take a lifetime in NYC traffic. Maybe you can call the hotel and see if there is a limo that can accomadate your luggage and yourselves to the port.

[cruisegal3]

After many NCL cruises (including just last week on the Jewel), I have never had any issues with a cabin that smelled of smoke from a previous passenger. And I am very picky! I can't imagine that we were so lucky to always have cabins occupied by non-smokers the previous week! However, if you have a balcony, you could have smokers next to you, so don't leave your balcony door open without keeping an eye out for smoke drifting in. Also, I've read comments here on Cruise Critic that on some ships smoke can seep around any connecting doors, but I always avoid cabins with connecting doors, so I can't speak from experience.

 

As for public rooms, most are non-smoking. Outdoors, there are assigned areas for smoking. However, be prepared to encounter smoking any where outside- many passengers do not follow the restrictions!

 

TIpping- NCL tries to make it easy for you by automatically adding daily tips to your onboard account (currently $12 per day per person in a "regular" cabin). This tip goes to your cabin steward, wait staff, etc. At the end of the cruise, you could add an extra tip to anyone who's been especially helpful, but this is not expected unless you're in a cabin that has a butler or use the concierge. I usually tip $1 or $2 for room service. Whenever you purchase a beverage, a 15% tip is automatically added to the bill (and there is also a space for you to add an additional tip- which certainly is not necessary).

 

At the dock (embarkation or debarkation)- the porters will expect a tip each time they handle your bags (usually $1 per bag) even though they don't do much!

 

I can't help you with NYC. If you don't get many responses here, try the East Coast departures forum.

 

My final comment- NYC in August can be very hot and humid, as can Port Canaveral. Be prepared! The Jewel is a great ship with lots of activites for teens (and all ages).

 

Hi--

 

Is the daily tip added to your bill higher if you're in a romance suite SF penthouse? Thanks

 

Linda