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Jade 1st Cruise From Tampa Review- Nov 2016

Sotermarler

By Sotermarler,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Sotermarler

Sotermarler

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Roatan

THe skies were ominous when we pulled into Roatan. I thought we were for sure going to get rain, but we ended up being lucky all day.

The pier was short so we quickly walked through the port and out the other side. We were headed to Little French Key!

 

We had reserved our spot on the van for LFK before the cruise, so they were on the corner awaiting the ships arrival. It was probably a 20-30 minute van ride to LFK.

We were shocked at how poor the interior of this country was. I made sure to point it out to my DS8 how lucky he is compared to so many others in the world. It was rainy season so there was mud and water running through the shantys, and kids were playing in the mud. The words Cholera and Dysentery came to mind. It was really sad.

 

We arrived at LFK where we paid $55 per person, which included the transportation and a day on the island. There was a bar, restaurant and animal cages with lions and a Jaguar on the mainland. We visited the animals when before we left for the day. They told us that due to the rain they had to keep the big animals on the mainland.

 

As soon as we paid, we were transported by ferry over to the island. It was maybe a 5 minute ride to the LFK. As soon as we landed we were greeted by our server who gave us a tour of the island. She showed us the monkeys and goats and all of the other rescue animals. I had read that they let you hold the monkeys, but we were told no.

 

The island was beautifully maintained, with many different areas for sitting and enjoying the water. The day we went there were probably only 20 guests in the island so many of the areas were not open. There were a couple of bars and a restaurant but only one bar was open and the restaurant was closed. e9f85703e31564231d51bb987c12c018.jpg

 

There really wasn't much going on the day we were there. I heard the day before they had around 400 guests. I think more people would have made this place more fun. 2f1d10e5706c0cf528a35db406958315.jpg

The water in the bay was murky, but the sand was soft and no jelly fish! b9ddd1557cac71aac56ede79d796bd83.jpg

It was overcast all day 891ce2532a6e3ccf7c6e1f0810361de0.jpg

We stayed and enjoyed the beach until around 1:00 and decided to leave. I kid you not, the second I packed my bag and stood up, the sun came out!!

 

We walked back through the animal cages. There was s man with a machete cutting the gras by hand! We had to wait a few minutes on the dick to get the ferry and head back to the pier. There were a couple vans waiting to take us back after visiting the big animals.

 

LFK was nice. If I ever went back to Roatan I think I might like to try west beach instead.

Continued...

 

 

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Sotermarler

Sotermarler

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Miscellaneous

Bars

The bars were always crowded. I had heard complaints of crowded bars and having to wait for drinks but this was the first time I felt the bars were crowded and service was slow.

 

One thing I noticed, if you order the drink of the day it's almost always premixed. We made sure not to order these as they never tasted as good as freshly mixed. A few times we noted that the bartenders were cutting corners. Once I ordered a Pain Killer and the bar tender made a face and said "really?' Then he said, '"why do you have pain?" Then he reluctantly made the drink, but he didn't bother to shake it and it wasn't good. It was pretty obvious he didn't want to make that drink.

At another bar, my friend ordered the Perfect Margarita from the menu, and he noticed he didn't use the ingredients listed on the menu. It just seemed that many of the bartenders were cutting corners. I am sure it's because they are so over worked. I never ran into this on the Escape.The mixers bar/whiskey Barr on the other hand had great bartenders and the drinks were always tasty.

 

My personal favorite bar was the Great Outdoors. I liked that it was outside and you could hear and see the ocean.

 

Shows

 

We attended the Blazing Boots show. It was ok. I like country music, but most of the singing wasn't great. Let's just say they would be voted off the voice quickly.

 

We attended the acrobat show. My DH and I really liked it, and he doesn't usually like that kind of thing. I'm pretty sure those two acrobats can do anything!

 

We also saw the Elements show. This show was really good. Unfortunately, we walked in a few minutes after the start and got seating off to the left of the stage, so we missed a lot of the production when it wasn't at the front of the stage. We were able to see the back side of the magic tricks and I still don't know how they did most of them! I also liked how they brought the crew onstage at the end. I would say this show is a must see!

 

Ship Movement

 

None, nada! I actually like to feel the ship moving but it was almost non-existent on this trip. Only the last 2 days when the captain picked the speed up did we feel the movement. On the Escape we felt it the entire time. It was just calmer seas I suppose.

 

Casino

It was smokey as usual, and took a lot of our money! It seemed though like it paying more than the Escape did.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention that when we came back to the ship in Cozumel the Dawn was in port with us and there was a dick party going on between the two ships. Both CD's and staff were lined uo dancing and dining and greeting guests from both NCL ships as they got back onboard. It was really fun! I got some video from my balcony! https://vimeo.com/193129348

 

Final thoughts

 

Even though the ship was small the venues still felt crowded. I didn't love the decor or the fact that there was not a lot of activities I enjoyed, but it was still a great trip! For me it's still really all about the ocean and I was able to get my fill on this ship.

I wanted to try a smaller ship so i could see what it would be like. If the smaller ships were more modern I would probably love them, but we all know all the new builds are the mega ships. I did miss the technology and the activities on the big ships, but the intimacy on the smaller ships can't be beat. I'm anxious to see what the Jade dry dock brings.

Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy your cruises! 96d3e2fa0d827828b060bf75efb7394e.jpg

 

 

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Samstress

Samstress

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We also were shocked at the level of poverty in Roatan. Many years ago we were one of the first ships to visit there & I hoped that with the increase in tourist traffic now that the poverty level would have diminished; where in fact it has worsened. And all the street dogs and cats roaming around was very disheartening. Each of the four of us had bought school backpacks & filled them with school supplies to bring to Roatan. Since school was 'out' we left them with our driver as instructed by Ken Bodden.

 

Makes me realize how very lucky we are to live in our beautiful country.

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Sotermarler

Sotermarler

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We also were shocked at the level of poverty in Roatan. Many years ago we were one of the first ships to visit there & I hoped that with the increase in tourist traffic now that the poverty level would have diminished; where in fact it has worsened. And all the street dogs and cats roaming around was very disheartening. Each of the four of us had bought school backpacks & filled them with school supplies to bring to Roatan. Since school was 'out' we left them with our driver as instructed by Ken Bodden.

 

 

 

Makes me realize how very lucky we are to live in our beautiful country.

 

 

Oh yes, the back packs. That was very nice of you to do, I'm sure it was appreciated. I didn't realize school was out, i just figured the kids didn't bother to go to school.

My friend also was saddened at the state of the roaming dogs. They were all so skinny. From the looks of the place, I don't think the people that live there are fairing much better. It's a shame that the tourism hasn't helped them. As we got closer to LFK, we started seeing some huge houses, bigger than a middle class house in the US, so it's evident someone is making money there.

 

Approximately what year did ships start going there?

 

 

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Samstress

Samstress

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Oh yes, the back packs. That was very nice of you to do, I'm sure it was appreciated. I didn't realize school was out, i just figured the kids didn't bother to go to school.

My friend also was saddened at the state of the roaming dogs. They were all so skinny. From the looks of the place, I don't think the people that live there are fairing much better. It's a shame that the tourism hasn't helped them. As we got closer to LFK, we started seeing some huge houses, bigger than a middle class house in the US, so it's evident someone is making money there.

 

Approximately what year did ships start going there?

 

 

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We were actually the first ship to dock there. It was either the NCL Sky in 2000 or the NCL Wind in 2001 (have pics but I'd have to dig em out). I remember it distinctly because we were the first ship to dock there & the dock was so small. The people were so excited to have us there...the kids got the day off school & we were greeted dockside by a group of musicians & dancers. We loved it!

It was basically just a small fishing village at the time; and although there was some poverty, it was not anywhere near what I witnessed this time.

It seems that the rich have gotten more so. We did see the mayors house...and it was quite luxurious:-(

Sad situation indeed...

And I felt that our backpacks were a good idea but probably just a small drop in a large bucket...

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terri910

terri910

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I've enjoyed reading this review, since my husband and I (along with 5 other couples) were on this, as well as the 14-night Trans-Atlantic crossing.

 

We were glad that the Tampa/Caribbean portion went as smoothly as it did, since the TA crossing was a bit rougher than what we experienced two years ago on the Epic. There was a storm w/high winds that kept us from calling at Bermuda, and then a medical emergency that necessitated a quick stop at Nassau.

 

We liked Tampa as a port. It would have been nice if the shopping/restaurant area right next to the port opened just a bit earlier when a ship is in port. Since it was a Sunday when we first arrived, nothing was open until 11 a.m. But, we enjoyed a meal at Hooters and some free WiFi...*LOL*

 

We loved Cozumel also (always do)...we took a taxi to an area north of the city and found a secluded little area. We were the only two on the beach for an hour at least...Hubby did a little snorkeling, but also found the water full of little jellyfish, so didn't stay in long. Caught another taxi back to town, shopped along the Malecon, ate at Mar y Juana's (best nachos we've had in ages) and then went back to the ship.

 

We'd never been to Costa Maya and we just took a taxi into the little town. Walked and shopped the Malecon there, and then settled into a couple of lounge chairs under umbrellas hosted by one of the many restaurants. They charged nothing for the chairs/umbrellas, all they asked was that you order something. No problem for us....we ordered nachos (good, but not as good as Mar y Juana's) and a bucket of beers. We loved Costa Maya!

 

Our group chartered a catamaran for snorkeling on Roatan. I had come down with bronchitis on the last part of the Trans-Atlantic, but after starting on some antibiotics I thought I was feeling well enough to snorkel. Um, NO. So I was in the water for all of about 60 seconds before realizing I just didn't have the strength. The others enjoyed it, though, even if the water was not as calm as it might have been at other times of the year. The last time we were in Roatan was in the 90's, calling at Mahogany Bay. I liked the little port shops they had at Coxen Hole.

 

Harvest Caye was okay. My husband had the same reaction as the OP's husband! *L* He said it was like going to Disney World's World Showcase France pavilion and saying you'd been to France. He didn't feel like he'd actually "seen" Belize. We had been to Belize before (same cruise in the 90's that had included Roatan) and done Shark/Ray Alley and then a stop at Ambergis Caye and we loved that. I was fine with Harvest Caye because I was still recuperating, and the pool was great, but it could have been anywhere. We didn't get a t-shirt from Belize (which we had done at every other port on our entire 3 weeks on the Jade, and the 1 week on the Epic before that) because the prices were so high.

 

We loved the Jade and would definitely sail her again. Liked her MUCH more than the Epic -- I think our entire group agreed on that, even the couple that booked suites on both.

 

Terri

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travelerblue

travelerblue

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Miscellaneous

 

Shows

 

We attended the Blazing Boots show. It was ok. I like country music, but most of the singing wasn't great. Let's just say they would be voted off the voice quickly.

 

 

 

It's so funny how people have such differing opinions. We were on the same sailing. I don't like country music at all but LOVED Blazing Boots and could easily have sat through it twice. We thought the singers were amazing, especially compared to all the other (16) NCL cruises we have been on. I even told all my family that I hope they have this show on our next family cruise. It was great to see a new show. I wish you would have enjoyed it half as much as we did. :)

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travelerblue

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We were actually the first ship to dock there. It was either the NCL Sky in 2000 or the NCL Wind in 2001 (have pics but I'd have to dig em out). I remember it distinctly because we were the first ship to dock there & the dock was so small. The people were so excited to have us there...the kids got the day off school & we were greeted dockside by a group of musicians & dancers. We loved it!

It was basically just a small fishing village at the time; and although there was some poverty, it was not anywhere near what I witnessed this time.

It seems that the rich have gotten more so. We did see the mayors house...and it was quite luxurious:-(

Sad situation indeed...

And I felt that our backpacks were a good idea but probably just a small drop in a large bucket...

 

We went there on the NCL Sun in 2002. The kids greeted us by begging for quarters. They were swatted (literally) away by a "police officer". It was very sad. We have since gone there 3 times (this cruise being the 3rd and we didn't even get off the ship). I do agree that is one of the poorest stops, if not the poorest. It looks that way at least.

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NMLady

NMLady

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Shows

 

We attended the Blazing Boots show. It was ok. I like country music, but most of the singing wasn't great. Let's just say they would be voted off the voice quickly.

 

 

 

It's so funny how people have such differing opinions. We were on the same sailing. I don't like country music at all but LOVED Blazing Boots and could easily have sat through it twice. We thought the singers were amazing, especially compared to all the other (16) NCL cruises we have been on. I even told all my family that I hope they have this show on our next family cruise. It was great to see a new show. I wish you would have enjoyed it half as much as we did. :)

 

You're right about differing opinions. I agree with sotermarler about Blazing Boots, that most of the singing wasn't good. I was on the ta's performance. I'm a country music fan and was really disappointed in the choice of songs and the way they were accompanied by the stomping of the boots.

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travelerblue

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You're right about differing opinions. I agree with sotermarler about Blazing Boots, that most of the singing wasn't good. I was on the ta's performance. I'm a country music fan and was really disappointed in the choice of songs and the way they were accompanied by the stomping of the boots.

 

That is probably the difference of opinions. I hate country music but loved the song choices which I guess would be country pop. I knew all but 1 or 2 of them and I NEVER listen to country stations. So I thoroughly enjoyed it. If it had been true country, I am sure I wouldn't have liked it half as much. We still thought the singers were amazing. My DH even made a comment this week about how good he thought they were and he usually doesn't like the singing shows on NCL. As a matter of fact, we walked out of the tribute to Whitney Houston and at least 20 people followed us. It was literally hurting his ears.

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Sotermarler

Sotermarler

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You're right about differing opinions. I agree with sotermarler about Blazing Boots, that most of the singing wasn't good. I was on the ta's performance. I'm a country music fan and was really disappointed in the choice of songs and the way they were accompanied by the stomping of the boots.

 

 

Maybe it's because we like the music and know how the songs should sound? Most of the singers were ok but one of the girls was really bad.

 

 

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broadwaycam

broadwaycam

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Maybe it's because we like the music and know how the songs should sound? Most of the singers were ok but one of the girls was really bad.

 

It could not have been Anna Kaelin from American Idol could it? I bet she is really good. I was shocked when I found out an American Idol contestant is a production show performer on the Jade.

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broadwaycam

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Maybe it's because we like the music and know how the songs should sound? Most of the singers were ok but one of the girls was really bad.

 

 

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It could not have been Anna Kaelin from American Idol could it? I bet she is really good. I was shocked when I found out an American Idol contestant is a production show performer on the Jade. I will be seeing her in January.

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