Jewel Review - 11/11/12 - 11/18/12

[EaglesWin]

Can't wait for the photos. Your cruise was the first trip back to GSC (I think) after Sandy - so would be interested in seeing those photos and reading how the island fared through the storm. We are there the week of 12/9 and was already told the Hippo slide is out of commission - so was hoping that was the only casualty. :eek:

 

We were there on 11/7. GSC did not fare well. A lot of the beach sand was lost. Hopefully they will have a way to replace it before you get there.

[NYGirl1002]

Day 6 - Thursday - Nassau - (continued)

 

After a 30 minute ride we arrived at Blue Lagoon. We had been here a couple of years ago for the dolphin swim and loved it. This time I just booked the encounter because I wanted to do something different.

 

 

I definitely recommend the dolphin encounter:

 

 

 

After about 40 minutes with the dolphins we browsed the gift shop and bought some toys for the grandchildren. We caught the 1:00 ferry back to the dock.

 

When we got back we disembarked near the Straw Market so we went in to browse and buy some tote bags, etc.

 

We then made our way to the Welcome Center for some conch fritters. By now it was 2:00 and I didn't want to fill up on lunch as we had chef's table that night.

 

I found the little van on the dock that takes you to the ships and we boarded along with all of the old and infirm people with walkers. I used the guise that I kept offering to help them off and on the van but in reality I hate that walk to the ship.

 

When we got to the ship there were crew members right outside the gangway handing out water and cold washcloths. Boy did that hit the spot.

 

We made way to our cabin and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the balcony before getting ready for dinner.

 

We were meeting the group at Maltings Bar at 6:45. Of course we didn't know one other person there but when you share an experience like the chefs table you become hard and fast friends.

 

One of the guests was so funny that he kept us in stitches..especially Chef Angelito. The food was excellent. I was afraid my daughter wouldn't like everything but she ate every single thing put before her. She doesn't drink alcoholic drinks so at my request the waiter kept her in Pepsi. We all made it to the last course which was a veal chop. Most of us ate half of it and then we were done.

 

Afterwards we were taken to the bar for an after dinner drink. It was a wonderful experience with wonderful company. I definitely recommend it.

 

We got back to the cabin at midnight!! (dirty stayouts). We opened the balcony door and were lulled to sleep by the sound of the drunken people singing in Senor Frogs. Oddly it was comforting.

[NYGirl1002]

Day 7 - At Sea - Friday

 

I think on sea days I found myself running from venue to venue just so I don't miss anything! I sometimes find it hard to relax.

 

Sadly we were leaving our spot at the dock in Nassau this morning. First we waited for this to happen:

 

Once the Dream docked we started out slowly.

 

We passed this on the way out:

 

 

That being said let me tell you about bingo. My daughter and I discovered it on our very first cruise on HAL. There was not much to do on the ship so we ended up playing it often. It became a tradition with each cruise but also a sense of frustration for her because we never won. My cousin came with us on our Disney cruise and believe it or not she won a bingo hand. My daughter was excited but not as excited as she would be if it was us.

 

We had breakfast in Cagneys and then made our way to Spinnaker. Since we arrived early we got a pretty good seat and of course had to wait for the staff to arrive late and set up everything. Anyway guess who won the first bingo?? Yes!!! Finally!! It was fun to win.

 

By the time bingo was over it was lunch time so we made our way to Cagneys.

 

After lunch we attended the final Deal or No Deal game. We ended up at least winning 2 free photos which I found as a pretty nice bonus.

 

We got our shopping done and then went back to the room to relax.

 

We finally made it to the dining room for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised. Ruth called in a reservation for us and we scored a primo table by the aft window. However, the waves were started to get pretty rough. The food was good and the service was great.

 

We made way to the Stardust Theater early as Jean-Pierre's comedy and magic show was tonight. The theater was filling out very fast. The show was so good. He's really very funny and a good magician.

 

Tonight was the White Hot Party so we popped in for about a half hour. My daughter was starting to look green so we went to the room around 11:00

after buying some bonine tablets. Boy were we rocking. I fell right to sleep.

[NYGirl1002]

Day 8 - Saturday - Last Day at Sea :(

 

We woke up to very strong winds and the waves spraying the balconies. It was also starting to cool off so we avoided going outside at all costs as we made our way to breakfast at Cagneys. Wayan was feeling sad that we were leaving and so were we.

 

We went to the Spinnaker for the morning bingo and then made our way to lunch at the Blue Lagoon. Those wings were DELICIOUS. They redeemed themselves..maybe because one of the officers was acting maitre'd and we were seated immediately.

 

We tried to get to the Spinnaker as fast as possible as Jean-Pierre had a seminar going. We saw most of it but there was not a seat to be had. He's a very funny and interesting guy. The place practically emptied out and we were able to score a good table for Brenda Kaye's hypnosis seminar. Just listening to her voice makes me want to sleep!

 

By the time she was finished it was time for the last bingo of the week and the drawing for the free cruise.

 

It's possible that every single passenger on the ship attended this soiree. We didn't win anything but really didn't care much as we were already 1/2 hour late for our Le Bistro reservation. We ran back to the cabin and I called to let them know.

 

Le Bistro? Oh.my.God was it delicious! I brought my last bottle of wine with me and we really enjoyed our meal. We took our time and the service was top notch. When it was time for dessert my daughter ordered creme brulee and I ordered a chocolate napolean. The waitress insisted that we have fondue too and I'm so glad she did. After we polished off all of the fruit we dipped everything and anything into that fondue chocolate. It was so good.

 

On the way out we ran into Katie, Barb and friends and sat with them for awhile. We then made our way to the Theater for Band on the Run. It was pretty good. They then had the crew come out for accolades. I'm always almost crying by now because I know it's the last night.

[NYGirl1002]

Day 8 - Saturday - Last Day at Sea :( (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I knew I forgot something!! Chef Angelito invited us to tour the galley on Saturday morning. We met with all of the chef's table participants and began a wonderful tour.

 

 

Check out the rough seas:

 

 

After the show we went back to the cabin to pack and put our suitcases out. I wanted to attend Quest but it began at 11:30 and quite frankly I was never going to be able to stay up.

[NYGirl1002]

Disembarkation

 

We slept very well and I woke up around 6:30 to see that we were approaching New York City.

 

We showered and dressed and made our way up to Cagneys for our final breakfast and goodbyes to the wonderful staff.

 

We then made our way down to Le Bistro to meet Ruth for our escort into the terminal. It was all quite painless and we were in the terminal in about 15 minutes.

 

I am very glad that I had already booked the Breakaway and Gem for next year. I loved NCL. Staying in a suite had a lot to do with it I'm sure but I have to stay that the crew and staff of the Jewel is fabulous.

 

I love that the officers are visible and easily accessible.

 

I actually loved that there are so many different venues to have meals.

 

I liked the entertainment.

 

I felt very comfortable on this cruise.

 

Thank you all for reading and if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them.

[Hopes4]

Thank you for taking the time to post your wonderful review. :) I love the reviews with photos.

 

Do you have more photos's of your room?

 

Was your coffee machine beans or pods?

 

Did you save the dailies? If so, could you scan and post them?

[JerseyGem]

Thank you for taking the time to write your wonderful review. We cruise on the Jewel in January, so you've really notched-up our excitement level. Although we're not in a suite (no Cagney's for breakfast or lunch :(), I know we'll have a great time.

[pcreek]

Thanks, NY Girl!! I am SOOOO excited for Sunday!!:D

[TSUmom]

Thank you for taking the time to do a review and add the pictures. I always feel sadness when I go to the last show too. I always enter the theater with such mixed emotions and then have to go back to my cabin and pack with great sadness. Then it hits me....I always have another cruise booked and I can start planning that one obsessively!!:D

[NYGirl1002]

Thank you for taking the time to post your wonderful review. :) I love the reviews with photos.

 

Do you have more photos's of your room?

 

Was your coffee machine beans or pods?

 

Did you save the dailies? If so, could you scan and post them?

 

I will post more room pictures.

 

The coffee machine was beans.

 

Sorry I didn't save the dailies. I never do because my daughter tends to hoard magazines and newspapers and she will definitely hoard dailies if I let her.

 

[NYGirl1002]

[NYGirl1002]

Thank you for taking the time to write your wonderful review. We cruise on the Jewel in January, so you've really notched-up our excitement level. Although we're not in a suite (no Cagney's for breakfast or lunch :(), I know we'll have a great time.

 

It doesn't matter if you are in a suite or not. The Jewel's crew is fabulous and will treat you like you are special.

 

The buffet/dining room/Blue Lagoon are great for breakfast and lunch.

 

You will have a great time. Trust me!

[NYGirl1002]

[NYGirl1002]

Thanks, NY Girl!! I am SOOOO excited for Sunday!!:D

 

Have a great time Pam. I expect and review and pictures from you when you get back.

 

I always feel sadness when I go to the last show too. I always enter the theater with such mixed emotions and then have to go back to my cabin and pack with great sadness. Then it hits me....I always have another cruise booked and I can start planning that one obsessively!!:D

 

Oh I hear you. This is the first cruise that I actually had another cruise booked while on it. Every other time I came home and had to book another right away!

[pcreek]

Have a great time Pam. I expect and review and pictures from you when you get back.

 

 

Deal! I'm sure we'll have a blast! :D:D

[neverthought]

NY Girl,

Thank you so much for sharing your great pictures and review. We have never had a bad cruise with NCL and the crews on all their ships are wonderful. Very happy to hear you thought the same. Do you know if the band Next Stage is on the Jewel? Our friends and we love those "kids", so talented and personable.

Neverthought

[NYGirl1002]

Are they the rock band with the girl lead singer? If so they are definitely still there. I just didn't see their show.

 

There was Fire and Ice and another band called Vibes. They played the Atrium most days.

[passlineman]

NY Girl,

Thank you so much for sharing your great pictures and review. We have never had a bad cruise with NCL and the crews on all their ships are wonderful. Very happy to hear you thought the same. Do you know if the band Next Stage is on the Jewel? Our friends and we love those "kids", so talented and personable.

Neverthought

 

 

Yes, Next Stage is still on the ship, they are very talented. I sang in front of them for Bandioke. (Karaoke with live band) Also there was Real Vibes from Jamaica, Fire and Ice, the Jewel Showband (awesome group...dont miss the brunch), and Fabrizio on the Piano. Also some of the members of the band played solo sets throughout the cruise.

[Jim Avery]

NY Girl, great job on the review and pictures. Thanks for taking the time.:D

[JMHAM1]

Thank you for your great review.

 

I do have a couple of questions...

 

First, what the heck is a rebellious fish glass?

 

Second, we have the two forward PH's on Jewel next year booked. Rms 10000 and 10500. I am a bit nervous because I have never sailed this far forward and we are bringing people who have never sailed before. How much did the room feel like it was rocking and rolling as compared to other areas of the ship?

 

 

Thanks for your pics. It gave us a good idea of the size of these cabins.

[NYGirl1002]

Thank you for your great review.

 

I do have a couple of questions...

 

First, what the heck is a rebellious fish glass?

 

Second, we have the two forward PH's on Jewel next year booked. Rms 10000 and 10500. I am a bit nervous because I have never sailed this far forward and we are bringing people who have never sailed before. How much did the room feel like it was rocking and rolling as compared to other areas of the ship?

 

 

Thanks for your pics. It gave us a good idea of the size of these cabins.

 

JMHAM1, surprisingly enough we were in 10000. You will not be disappointed! This was my first time forward and it was great. The ship did not rock any more than anywhere else on the ship and we went through some rough waves on the way back.

 

Wait until you see the balcony and the size of the cabins.

 

The fish glass is a round glass sort of like a small fishbowl that they serve the drink named rebellious fish in. I wanted 2 so I can fill them with sand and colored glass to put in my china closet at home.

[dznymom]

I really enjoyed your review! I will be on the Jewel for the 6th time in eleven days, and I totally agree with you about her wonderful crew! I have stayed in both suites and regular staterooms and always get great service. The Jewel truly is a jewel :)

[TSUmom]

The PH pictures are great, thanks for posting them!!! We will be in our 1st PH on the Jewel but we will be aft (we love the aft) I am hoping the rooms are the same because it looks fantastic.

[kcwiak]

I have heard the jewel has stayed over night in Nassau a few times. Is this the norm now? Anyone know?