Live from the Jewel April 29-May 13, 2024: will definitely contain sarcasm and grumpiness

[YVRteacher]

Butlers

 

Years ago when we first transitioned from Mini Suites (now Club Balcony) to 2 bedroom Penthouse Suites we had butlers who were trained at butler academies in England, Miami or Switzerland.  All butlers used to be certified. This expectation has long disappeared and now the concierge interviews and hires butlers typically from bar waitstaff or restaurant waitstaff. A few come up through room stewards but not many. Since a large part of the butler role is delivering and serving food, both in the cabins and at the VIP parties, they need to be trained in the safe handling of food.

 

We request that no meat or fish, no sandwiches and no meat canapes or shrimp plates be delivered to the cabin.

 

We love the sweets, the raw vegetable trays, the fruit bowls (we went through two fruit bowls this cruise) the cheese plates and if they deliver chips that’s good too. I didn’t ask for anything specific this time.  The cheese plates are the best (for us!)

 

We didn’t order any room service. I tried to order breakfast one evening but there weren’t any cards to hang outside the door. 

 

I have said this before: I wish they would reduce the cost of the suites and eliminate the butler service. 

[YVRteacher]

I thought I had gained 20lbs on this cruise!

 

Turns out I lost 5lbs!

 

I should have had more Mudslides.

 

 

[MohrPfun]

On 5/13/2024 at 6:06 PM, YVRteacher said:

There are going to be changes in two weeks. No more Grey Goose either. Also no more Budweiser (just Bud Light.)

I wonder if they’re replacing the Goose with another brand?

 

(not a big deal for me as I actually prefer the Chopin in a martini with a few olives, but I do like a Goose & Club Soda)

 

And this is a good reminder for me, I will absolutely request the same from ours:

 

[libtrek]

We’ve been sick with creeping nose/cough stuff all week. Not Covid. A few thoughts (some petty). Only one treat in Club Balcony, used to be 2. Fellow cruisers and staff very friendly. One night very rough, closet doors kept sliding and light would come on. Finally fixed by stuffing and wedging throw pillows (Dad would have been stuck). Then balcony door kept opening, lock did not work. Think food choices are fewer. Several nights I did not feel like anything. Alaska made up for all shortcomings, though. Mary Lou (Libtrek)

[YVRteacher]

Hi Mary Lou

I’m so sorry to hear you’re both sick. Whatever this is, it’s nasty. I’ve been sick since May 6 and feel worse instead of better.

I had to miss work today. 
 

I agree with your thoughts about the cruise. I’m still trying to write some final thoughts and find myself being very, very negative. Ultimately this cruise did not deliver a product that comes close to matching what we paid.

[YVRteacher]

Sea day bubbles! That is my dad’s hand, waving the wand in the wind.

 

We were off the coast of Haida Gwaii here.

 

 

[YVRteacher]

@libtrek a parent complained to my principal because I invite students to “take out too many books.”

[YVRteacher]

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

comfort of bed 🛟
embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

value for money 🛟

 

We are booked on the Jewel again in August and have already passed final payment. If we could cancel, we would. Neither of us want to go on the Jewel again, especially without Rumi and Armando. Tomorrow I will be canceling the trip we had booked on the Jewel for the Christmas sailing.

There were so many wonderful moments, but far too many poor quality meals and the lack of entertainment both during the day and in the evenings is a deciding factor.

 

When I reflect on the ratings above, what we liked most were the drinks and spending time with Rumi. Both Rumi and Armando made a huge difference on this cruise for us.

I am switching to Princess this summer and have 5 weeks booked with them. I am likely to try both Celebrity and Virgin in the next few years. NCL’s lack of entertainment, decline in food and decline in overall shipboard experience drove me to another line.
 

My dad is done with cruising and our cruise in August will be his last. He kept saying over and over again that he didn’t want to cruise anymore. The music in the lounges was so loud we were not able to spend one evening there listening to music. We used to love this on NCL. 
 

The post-cruise survey doesn’t have space for any comments like these. 

Edited May 17 by YVRteacher

[libtrek]

6 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

 

We are booked on the Jewel again in August and have already passed final payment. If we could cancel, we would. Neither of us want to go on the Jewel again, especially without Rumi and Armando. Tomorrow I will be canceling the trip we had booked on the Jewel for the Christmas sailing.

There were so many wonderful moments, but far too many poor quality meals and the lack of entertainment both during the day and in the evenings is a deciding factor.

 

When I reflect on the ratings above, what we liked most were the drinks and spending time with Rumi. Both Rumi and Armando made a huge difference on this cruise for us.

I am switching to Princess this summer and have 5 weeks booked with them. I am likely to try both Celebrity and Virgin in the next few years. NCL’s lack of entertainment, decline in food and decline in overall shipboard experience drove me to another line.
 

My dad is done with cruising and our cruise in August will be his last. He kept saying over and over again that he didn’t want to cruise anymore. The music in the lounges was so loud we were not able to spend one evening there listening to music. We used to love this on NCL. 
 

The post-cruise survey doesn’t have space for any comments like these. 

I totally agree with your assessment. There is just something lacking. Like your dad, this is probably our last cruise. Week one, our Stewart was great. Week two, we got a last minute upgrade to club balcony. It seemed like the ship didn’t know that. Got excursion tickets on day of tour with room number changed in ink. Stewart not even close to week one’s. LeBistro was our biggest bummer. My steak, $10 upcharge, was like shoe leather. Mary 
ou

[Disney Deb]

I'm sorry to hear all of this but we had a similar experience on the Sun to Bermuda in November 2023. We had a great cruise but were tired of the crowds, lack of bar staff, not seeing the steward very often (poor guy was so overworked) and the lack of entertainment. (Also the layout of that ship was confusing.) What we saw was good but we loved in the past was being able to see a great show every night. We don't spend time in the casinos. We cruise for the locations and only having to unpack once. We enjoy good food and good entertainment. In past cruises, we've enjoyed the thermal spa passes-glad that I decided against it this time (actually hubby said no as he just wants to watch the shoreline on this cruise). We are also thinking that this will be our last cruise for a while. Taking a land-based tour to Switzerland next year but couldn't pass up this trip to Alaska!

Thanks for all of your trip reports-I've really enjoyed learning from them :).

[ihate2cruise]

10 hours ago, libtrek said:

We’ve been sick with creeping nose/cough stuff all week. Not Covid. A few thoughts (some petty). Only one treat in Club Balcony, used to be 2. Fellow cruisers and staff very friendly. One night very rough, closet doors kept sliding and light would come on. Finally fixed by stuffing and wedging throw pillows (Dad would have been stuck). Then balcony door kept opening, lock did not work. Think food choices are fewer. Several nights I did not feel like anything. Alaska made up for all shortcomings, though. Mary Lou (Libtrek)

May I Ask what Cabin #? We board on Monday and are staying in a Club Balcony.

[libtrek]

Just now, ihate2cruise said:

May I Ask what Cabin #? We board on Monday and are staying in a Club Balcony.

11528. Close to midship. No noise. Bigger shower and room. Just more comfortable.

[schmoopie17]

9 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

comfort of bed 🛟
embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

value for money 🛟

 

 

In keeping with the theme:

 

Your trip reports 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

 

If you start hanging out exclusively on the Princess board, it will be our loss and their gain. Don't be a stranger.

 

Edited May 17 by schmoopie17

[thistimeplease]

I have to say that you may be disappointed in the Jewel but your review has me want to sail to Alaska on her, lol.  You are a wonderful reviewer and I admire all the care you give your dad.  I loved reading about your trip and thought you did a great job.  

[MohrPfun]

11 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

comfort of bed 🛟
embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

value for money 🛟

 

We are booked on the Jewel again in August and have already passed final payment. If we could cancel, we would. Neither of us want to go on the Jewel again, especially without Rumi and Armando. Tomorrow I will be canceling the trip we had booked on the Jewel for the Christmas sailing.

There were so many wonderful moments, but far too many poor quality meals and the lack of entertainment both during the day and in the evenings is a deciding factor.

 

When I reflect on the ratings above, what we liked most were the drinks and spending time with Rumi. Both Rumi and Armando made a huge difference on this cruise for us.

I am switching to Princess this summer and have 5 weeks booked with them. I am likely to try both Celebrity and Virgin in the next few years. NCL’s lack of entertainment, decline in food and decline in overall shipboard experience drove me to another line.
 

My dad is done with cruising and our cruise in August will be his last. He kept saying over and over again that he didn’t want to cruise anymore. The music in the lounges was so loud we were not able to spend one evening there listening to music. We used to love this on NCL. 
 

The post-cruise survey doesn’t have space for any comments like these. 

Once again, I can’t thank you enough for all of your insights and the sharing of your adventures with Dad.  
 

Based on your life ring scale (hilarious!), I’ve just gotten off the phone w/NCL and cxld/refunded our Thermal 7-days.  We’ll use that $$$ w/Andalie for massages instead, which sounds far better.

[JIMESOPUS]

@YVRteacher After reaching that milestone having a subpar cruise would disappoint anyone. 

We reached Diamond last year, a fabulous cruise on the Viva then the lackluster Jade cruise earlier this year. We are heading to MSC for our next January cruise, we will not try for Ambassador.

Thanks again for a great, honest, and funny review.

Jim

[YVRteacher]

3 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

 

In keeping with the theme:

 

Your trip reports 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

 

If you start hanging out exclusively on the Princess board, it will be our loss and their gain. Don't be a stranger.

 

I don’t hang out on those boards. My home on CC is here on the NCL boards.

[Sugar Magnolia]

@YVRteacher I am glad you are trying Princess. My parents and I sailed on the Discovery Princess out of San Pedro earlier this year and they have become converts, at least for the newer ships. They said that the food and entertainment were better than NCL. Perhaps your dad might change his mind. I will still sail on NCL as they offer the best solo pricing and solo experience for me.

 

I have been on a ship since 4/27 but am looking forward to reading your live thread when I am back home sometime in early June.

 

Hope no more water issues for you back home.

 

[SenatorsFan]

14 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek a parent complained to my principal because I invite students to “take out too many books.”

How sad is this. Shame on this parent. When I was a public library librarian nothing made me happier than kids with stacks of books to take out and seeing their excitement at finding the next book in the series they were reading. (Applied to my own boys also).

Thanks again for another wonderful review! 🤗

[YVRteacher]

3 hours ago, MohrPfun said:

Once again, I can’t thank you enough for all of your insights and the sharing of your adventures with Dad.  
 

Based on your life ring scale (hilarious!), I’ve just gotten off the phone w/NCL and cxld/refunded our Thermal 7-days.  We’ll use that $$$ w/Andalie for massages instead, which sounds far better.

We would have been lost without the spa. I’m torn, because our time in the thermal suite was very much ruined by a family of 8 that used the spa as their space to connect with each other daily and catch up and chat. I so politely asked them to be quiet on the first day and from that day forward they bullied me, hissed at me and mocked me. I left one day in tears. The spa manager did talk to them but it made no difference. I felt anxious every time I was in there. 
 

 

 

[MohrPfun]

3 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

We would have been lost without the spa. I’m torn, because our time in the thermal suite was very much ruined by a family of 8 that used the spa as their space to connect with each other daily and catch up and chat. I so politely asked them to be quiet on the first day and from that day forward they bullied me, hissed at me and mocked me. I left one day in tears. The spa manager did talk to them but it made no difference. I felt anxious every time I was in there. 
 

 

 

I am so sorry you went through that and what you experienced is reprehensible.  I would hope you put this (and other issues on your cruise) in a formal letter to NCL.  Especially as an Ambassador level client, they would want/need to have these concerns addressed.

 

 I’m happy with letting it go for us, and as I’ve mentioned, we have so many other things planned (shorex glacier, Jayleen, etc.) and it’ll be our 1st time seeing these ports, that it’s an easy trade-off to be augmented with Andalie’s treatments instead!

[NoCoGirl]

15 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

comfort of bed 🛟
embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

value for money 🛟

 

We are booked on the Jewel again in August and have already passed final payment. If we could cancel, we would. Neither of us want to go on the Jewel again, especially without Rumi and Armando. Tomorrow I will be canceling the trip we had booked on the Jewel for the Christmas sailing.

There were so many wonderful moments, but far too many poor quality meals and the lack of entertainment both during the day and in the evenings is a deciding factor.

 

When I reflect on the ratings above, what we liked most were the drinks and spending time with Rumi. Both Rumi and Armando made a huge difference on this cruise for us.

I am switching to Princess this summer and have 5 weeks booked with them. I am likely to try both Celebrity and Virgin in the next few years. NCL’s lack of entertainment, decline in food and decline in overall shipboard experience drove me to another line.
 

My dad is done with cruising and our cruise in August will be his last. He kept saying over and over again that he didn’t want to cruise anymore. The music in the lounges was so loud we were not able to spend one evening there listening to music. We used to love this on NCL. 
 

The post-cruise survey doesn’t have space for any comments like these. 

We were on the second week of the same cruise as you and I would agree with your rating system except I would have to give the food one ring. It was Sodexo quality food in my opinion except for the last night at Teppanyaki which was lots of fun and served with lots of fresh veggies! We were so disappointed in the thermal spa as well. The hot tubs were lukewarm and the spa was kind of chilly in general. Huge waste of money for us. We were on the 11th floor as well and my husband just tested positive for Influenza A this week. Because of how bad the food was and everything else being lackluster we won’t cruise with NCL again unless we hear of big changes. I will say our room steward was sweet and the young women working at Starbucks were delightful and efficient each morning! 

[graphicguy]

A tip of the hat and a little dance of thanks for such a great review....

 

 

Edited May 17 by graphicguy

[YVRteacher]

I canceled three future cruises with NCL today.

I requested a phone call from corporate to discuss some concerns.😂

[YVRteacher]

I’m all caught up on my doggie Instagram accounts.  Did you see what Miss Peaches did while I was away??