Review Jewel 18-25th

[Dorothy]

Just back from the Jewel. I will tell you the good, the bad & the ugly.

 

First, I have to say this was the best cruise we've ever taken so far. However, it wasn't the Jewel that made it so great, but the ports of call.

 

Embarkation was the fastest and easiest we've ever had. We got to the dock around Noon and was escorted onboard within a matter of 10 minutes. For those staying in Barcelona, you will need to take a Taxi, do not try to walk it. It is a long distance, especially with luggage.

 

The ship is beautiful. I loved all the wood. However, whomever was in charge of picking out carpet and drapes needs to be fired. The carpets and drapes seemed right out of the 70's flower power, Brady Bunch themes. Yuck!

 

I know food is very important to people. I certainly enjoy fine dining like the rest, but honestly did not find much to write home about. The ONLY meal with a "wow" factor was in Le Bistro. The food was well presented, service excellent, meals came fresh and hot and was well prepared. I have no complaints about Le Bistro. Having said that, the other restaurants are certainly lacking. We tried Chin Chin's on the first night. Although, it was very good, something has been bugging me ever since we ate there. We ordered an appetizer of Duck with Plum Sauce in Crepes. When it arrived, the crepes were not crepes, they were mexican flour tortillas!! When our Duck entree arrived, it came with the same tortillas. The food was still tasty though.

 

We had our butler, Henry, bring dinner one night from Tapas. We had fajitas, which were just okay. Nothing special.

 

We ate at Cagney's, which, surprised the heck out of me. This restaurant got good reviews, but I found nothing great about this place. Food was just so-so.

 

We ate at Tsar's on formal night and found the food to be pretty good. My husband enjoyed the lobster.

 

Teppanyaki, was okay. The food was good, but nothing in the food or the entertainment of the chefs wowed me either.

 

The first morning on board, we tried the buffet. Once again, this was not good, so the rest of the week, we had Henry bring breakfast. Room service was much better. The food was fresher and hotter.

 

There are hand sanitizers everywhere and you must use them on entry into each eating area as well as entry onto the ship. Personally, I think this was a good idea. There were two instances of illness that I know of, but I think it was either a 24 hour flu bug or the food. Someone we know onboard got sick and thinks it was from the dinner the night before and my husband had the same thing happen and he felt it was very possibly the food too.

 

We didn't gain weight on this trip, which I was worried about, but it seems to me they can do better, especially when we are paying a lot of money to cruise with them. Although, it sounds like I'm complaining alot, I am not rating my cruise solely on food. Food is not a really important factor to me, but I would like to enjoy a decent meal and not feel like I can't wait to get home and get decent food again.

 

Ladies, I made a huge mistake. I mistook Freestyle for casual. I was embarrassed because at dinner ladies were dressed in dresses like they were going out on a date. I only brought capri pants and blouses and sandals and felt totally underdressed every evening. I only brought one skirt and blouse and I very well couldn't wear it every night, so I wore it on formal night. Which, also was a problem for me, because we were invited to the Captain's party and EVERYONE was dressed in formal wear except for us. My husband wore tan dockers, button up shirt and brown shoes. Everyone was dressed to the nines. We had one drink and slipped out quickly.

 

Our cabin was 9170. Penthouse suite at the very back of the ship. It was a very nice suite. The coffee maker was wonderful. The balcony was nice, although there was some ash that would dirty up the floor. The robe was really nice. Having Henry available to us was wonderful. He was great. Always there when we needed him. The bathroom was very large and roomy. There was a bathtub, which, I didn't use except to shower in. The drain was very, very slow. The tub would fill up while showering and that bugged me. Housekeeping was not so good. The cabins need to be thoroughly cleaned. They only do a quick once over between the next occupants each week and dust has built up on base boards, in corners of the carpets, on the cotton ball jar and the base of the lighted mirror, just to name a few things.

 

The public rooms are very nice and comfortable. We enjoyed a before dinner drink in the Martini area near Le Bistro. The piano player Vladimir was excellent. It was enjoyable listening to him each evening.

 

We did not see any of the shows. The ports of call were so intensive, we were exhausted at the end of each day. We decided, we needed all of our energy and went to bed early enough each evening to get up bright and refreshed for our next day in port. I have to say, this itinerary was the best we've ever experienced and I intend to do reviews on each port of call on the Europe board. That will take a few days, as I'm compiling hundreds of pictures we took while in port. On past cruises, it was all about the ship and what to do while on board. This cruise was more about the ports. The ship was just a place to eat and sleep each night.

 

I need to mention a couple more things. Ruth, the concierage was great. She was very accomodating to us and checked in on us to make sure everything was going well. I think I have things figured out in the reservations. I believe they keep some tables open for suite guests, so if we call at the last minute we can get in. I have read that people can't get into the restaurants unless they make their reservations on the first day. I got in whenever I wanted during the week without reservations. I really expected to be turned down on such short notice, but had no troubles what so ever. When sitting in the restaurants, there were always a fewl tables available, so this is only a guess on my part.

 

The internet was very difficult to get on. There are only 6 computers for a few thousand guests. The teenagers get on them and don't get off. The only time I could get on, was if I was back early from shore, late at night, or at the crack of dawn.

 

Disembarkation was just as easy as Embarkation. No problems at all.

 

I do have a lot of positive information on the ports, so if anyone has interest in those, please check back on the Europe Board over the next several days because I have a lot to say about those. In a nutshell, THEY WERE FABULOUS!!!

 

If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. However, keep in mind, we saw no shows at all. So, I won't be able to help in that department.

[newmexicoNita]

dorothy,

 

I am so glad you had a wonderful cruise experience. As for the food, as we all know food is so subjective, but I was a little surprised about your view of Cagney's. Maybe the positive reviews led you to think the food would be above anything you have ever had. We thought it was outstanding, but I wasn't quite as impressed as DH. I still am partial to Le Bistro. We did think the food overall on the Jewel was very good. We had a couple of nights that it was average at best, the rest we were totally satisfied with. The one meal I really thought was a disappointment was Tangos. I had the ribs that were very good, but the tapas were nothing like the Sun.

 

I don't think any cruise ship anymore offers WOW meals unless you splurge for the luxury liners. NMNita

[Dorothy]

Yes, I totally agree with you. Food is subjective. What is good for one is not for another.

 

Cagney's was a disappointment after reading the reviews here. The service was slow and food was only so-so. My clam chowder was awful. I took a bite and had to spit it out, because I took a mouthful of sand. But, I also realize, they can't get sand out of the clam meat, or can they?? Not sure.

 

My husband got sick on Cagney's food, too. He suspects the shrimp appetizer did it to him.

 

But, the cruise is what you make it and we had a super time. Will we cruise NCL again? Sure. I just hope they make some improvements on food.

 

BTW, I've sailed on RCCL, Celebrity and Princess. RCCL was like eating at a 5 star restaurant every night. Celebrity was the same, but for the price, I'll stick with RCCL. Princess, breakfasts and lunches were not very good, but dinners were all excellent.

[7SeasLover]

I'm surprised you didn't take clothes for dinner. Every ship, even freestyle, dresses somewhat for dinner. It sounds like you were ill-prepared that's unfortunate.

 

I find your observations interesting about getting into any dining area with ease. You may be right about suite guests. Now I'll be interesed to know what rooms others were in who couldn't get reservations.

 

We'll be on the Jewel in October - last Med cruise before she heads home. Thanks for the review. I enjoyed reading it. Maybe I'll lose weight! ha ha ha!

I do find it a real shame that NCL's opted to lessen the quality of food. That was something to look forward to on cruises.

[GeorgiaPeach]

Yes, I totally agree with you. Food is subjective. What is good for one is not for another.

 

Cagney's was a disappointment after reading the reviews here. The service was slow and food was only so-so. My clam chowder was awful. I took a bite and had to spit it out, because I took a mouthful of sand. But, I also realize, they can't get sand out of the clam meat, or can they?? Not sure.

 

My husband got sick on Cagney's food, too. He suspects the shrimp appetizer did it to him.

 

But, the cruise is what you make it and we had a super time. Will we cruise NCL again? Sure. I just hope they make some improvements on food.

 

BTW, I've sailed on RCCL, Celebrity and Princess. RCCL was like eating at a 5 star restaurant every night. Celebrity was the same, but for the price, I'll stick with RCCL. Princess, breakfasts and lunches were not very good, but dinners were all excellent.

 

Dorothy: Enjoyed reading your thoughts on the Jewel and look forward to reading your report on the Europe board. We were on the 5/28th sailing and I have to agree with your comments about the clam chowder. In our case, no sand but the soup was watery and not edible. The entrees were okay, though. Sorry your husband got sick. My hubby got sick after eating at Tangos.

 

I also agree with you that the ports were wonderful!!!

And I agree that for the price RCCL delivers a great cruise experience!

[Dorothy]

We think he got sick from Cagney's not positive, but usually someone can tell that they ate something that wasn't right with them.

I'm always leary when it comes to seafood. It can happen anywhere, anytime. A friend of mine had a problem with crabcakes at a restaurant right here in town, that has a good reputation. So, you never know.

I'm not saying any of this to scare anyone about the Jewel. The food wasn't great, but that wouldn't stop me from sailing on her or another NCL ship. You can find something to eat. It's just not the same quality as other ships I've sailed on.

In regards to the clothes I brought. I really thought I had researched it well on CC. I had read from other posts, not to worry as long as it wasn't shorts, tank tops or jeans, you'll be fine. And that is also what the posted signs say. But, people do dress better. I felt about an inch tall. Posts I read about formal night, also said that people were mixed. Some dressed in formal wear others in casual dress, etc. I opted for a pretty floral skirt and top and boy, I stuck out like a sore thumb. I'd say 80% dressed formally, 15% dressed like they were going on a date and 5% (like me) opted for sun dress/skirt casual. Although, I still looked nice, I felt slovenly compared to others who dressed like they were going out on a date, with dresses and heels. Agh! Did I ever get that one wrong! I'll know better next time.

 

Something I forgot to mention....the crew on this ship really worked hard to make everyone's cruise memorable. Everyone was pleasant and smiled and eager to help.

 

Regardless of the minor problems, we had the BEST cruise ever. How could a cruise to the Med be anything else??

[shamish]

Thanks for the great review can't wait to hear about the ports of call

 

On the formal nights were the men in tux or just suits and were the ladies in cocktail dresses or something more?

 

Glad you liked the room we are in an AE penthouse in September - if you have any photos of the penthouse i would love to see them.

[sweetpea-2]

Just back from the Jewel. I will tell you the good, the bad & the ugly.

 

First, I have to say this was the best cruise we've ever taken so far. However, it wasn't the Jewel that made it so great, but the ports of call.

 

Embarkation was the fastest and easiest we've ever had. We got to the dock around Noon and was escorted onboard within a matter of 10 minutes. For those staying in Barcelona, you will need to take a Taxi, do not try to walk it. It is a long distance, especially with luggage.

 

The ship is beautiful. I loved all the wood. However, whomever was in charge of picking out carpet and drapes needs to be fired. The carpets and drapes seemed right out of the 70's flower power, Brady Bunch themes. Yuck!

 

I know food is very important to people. I certainly enjoy fine dining like the rest, but honestly did not find much to write home about. The ONLY meal with a "wow" factor was in Le Bistro. The food was well presented, service excellent, meals came fresh and hot and was well prepared. I have no complaints about Le Bistro. Having said that, the other restaurants are certainly lacking. We tried Chin Chin's on the first night. Although, it was very good, something has been bugging me ever since we ate there. We ordered an appetizer of Duck with Plum Sauce in Crepes. When it arrived, the crepes were not crepes, they were mexican flour tortillas!! When our Duck entree arrived, it came with the same tortillas. The food was still tasty though.

 

We had our butler, Henry, bring dinner one night from Tapas. We had fajitas, which were just okay. Nothing special.

 

We ate at Cagney's, which, surprised the heck out of me. This restaurant got good reviews, but I found nothing great about this place. Food was just so-so.

 

We ate at Tsar's on formal night and found the food to be pretty good. My husband enjoyed the lobster.

 

Teppanyaki, was okay. The food was good, but nothing in the food or the entertainment of the chefs wowed me either.

 

The first morning on board, we tried the buffet. Once again, this was not good, so the rest of the week, we had Henry bring breakfast. Room service was much better. The food was fresher and hotter.

 

There are hand sanitizers everywhere and you must use them on entry into each eating area as well as entry onto the ship. Personally, I think this was a good idea. There were two instances of illness that I know of, but I think it was either a 24 hour flu bug or the food. Someone we know onboard got sick and thinks it was from the dinner the night before and my husband had the same thing happen and he felt it was very possibly the food too.

 

We didn't gain weight on this trip, which I was worried about, but it seems to me they can do better, especially when we are paying a lot of money to cruise with them. Although, it sounds like I'm complaining alot, I am not rating my cruise solely on food. Food is not a really important factor to me, but I would like to enjoy a decent meal and not feel like I can't wait to get home and get decent food again.

 

Ladies, I made a huge mistake. I mistook Freestyle for casual. I was embarrassed because at dinner ladies were dressed in dresses like they were going out on a date. I only brought capri pants and blouses and sandals and felt totally underdressed every evening. I only brought one skirt and blouse and I very well couldn't wear it every night, so I wore it on formal night. Which, also was a problem for me, because we were invited to the Captain's party and EVERYONE was dressed in formal wear except for us. My husband wore tan dockers, button up shirt and brown shoes. Everyone was dressed to the nines. We had one drink and slipped out quickly.

 

Our cabin was 9170. Penthouse suite at the very back of the ship. It was a very nice suite. The coffee maker was wonderful. The balcony was nice, although there was some ash that would dirty up the floor. The robe was really nice. Having Henry available to us was wonderful. He was great. Always there when we needed him. The bathroom was very large and roomy. There was a bathtub, which, I didn't use except to shower in. The drain was very, very slow. The tub would fill up while showering and that bugged me. Housekeeping was not so good. The cabins need to be thoroughly cleaned. They only do a quick once over between the next occupants each week and dust has built up on base boards, in corners of the carpets, on the cotton ball jar and the base of the lighted mirror, just to name a few things.

 

The public rooms are very nice and comfortable. We enjoyed a before dinner drink in the Martini area near Le Bistro. The piano player Vladimir was excellent. It was enjoyable listening to him each evening.

 

We did not see any of the shows. The ports of call were so intensive, we were exhausted at the end of each day. We decided, we needed all of our energy and went to bed early enough each evening to get up bright and refreshed for our next day in port. I have to say, this itinerary was the best we've ever experienced and I intend to do reviews on each port of call on the Europe board. That will take a few days, as I'm compiling hundreds of pictures we took while in port. On past cruises, it was all about the ship and what to do while on board. This cruise was more about the ports. The ship was just a place to eat and sleep each night.

 

I need to mention a couple more things. Ruth, the concierage was great. She was very accomodating to us and checked in on us to make sure everything was going well. I think I have things figured out in the reservations. I believe they keep some tables open for suite guests, so if we call at the last minute we can get in. I have read that people can't get into the restaurants unless they make their reservations on the first day. I got in whenever I wanted during the week without reservations. I really expected to be turned down on such short notice, but had no troubles what so ever. When sitting in the restaurants, there were always a fewl tables available, so this is only a guess on my part.

 

The internet was very difficult to get on. There are only 6 computers for a few thousand guests. The teenagers get on them and don't get off. The only time I could get on, was if I was back early from shore, late at night, or at the crack of dawn.

 

Disembarkation was just as easy as Embarkation. No problems at all.

 

I do have a lot of positive information on the ports, so if anyone has interest in those, please check back on the Europe Board over the next several days because I have a lot to say about those. In a nutshell, THEY WERE FABULOUS!!!

 

If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. However, keep in mind, we saw no shows at all. So, I won't be able to help in that department.

 

good honest reivew...sorry the food wasn't better since that is part of the luxury of cruising ;)

[sjbdtz]

Dorothy,

 

Great review, and I'm even more excited about being on the Jewel AGAIN in 2 months! :)

 

Maybe things are different for women, but I would have said that those opting to "dress up" (dress for ladies, suit for men) were in the 40 - 50% range, with the majority (ourselves included), opting for a button-up shirt (or Polo shirt), and Dockers for all events including meeting the Captain.

 

Freestyle means that you can dress as you like, with the common denominator of no jeans, no shorts...after 5:30 in the dining rooms.

 

 

The fact that people on your cruise chose to dress "to the nines", doesn't mean that everyone must do so.

 

They are probably people who haven't fully understood, or embraced the idea that Freestyle doesn't require this.

 

Let's not undo the good Freestyle brings, by now encouraging people to dress up! :(

 

 

Freestyle means that Resort Casual is the dressiest you EVER need to be.

[Dorothy]

sjbdtz,

 

I agree about the freestyle dressing. I wish that people had been a little more casual. But, I REALLY felt under dressed. I brought what I thought would be appropriate. I wasn't looking like a bum, but I also didn't fit in with everyone else. On formal night especially. Most were dressed formally or in cocktail dresses. Many men wore tuxes and most wore dark suits. Maybe it was a fluke and it was just my cruise.

 

Since you are going in a couple of months, you will probably be interested in my reviews on the ports of call. It may give you some ideas on what to see and do. Between my husband and I, I think we took about 700 pictures. With my review of the ports, I'm trying to decide on what pictures to put into an album for all to see and how I'm going to add a link. I've never done that. I wanted to get all my pictures uploaded into my computer first, before I start my review on ports, so I can jog my memory and be sure I write about the best. We had private tour guides in Italy and we saw everything imaginable.

 

I will start those reviews this afternoon. We just got back and trying to get over some mild jet lag and doing some unpacking. Our luggage was delayed and came in at 1:30am this morning.

 

Shamish,

 

We took a few pictures of the cabin. When I get the album up for viewing, I'll have them included. The suite was great. You will love it. The only thing I didn't like was the carpeting and drapes. It lost the look of luxury and looked more whimsical instead because of the bright flower power patterns.

[hotspur]

I'm surprised you didn't take clothes for dinner. Every ship, even freestyle, dresses somewhat for dinner. It sounds like you were ill-prepared that's unfortunate.

Huh? We've been on three NCL cruises and those "dressing" for dinner--even on OPTIONAL formal nights--were few and far between. Let's not start again with the not-so-subtle campaign to intimidate people into dressing more than is necessary---and appropriate--for dinner on NCL ships.

[Dorothy]

I don't think that was the goal. I certainly would have liked people to be a bit more casual, but they weren't. It was my observation. I truly felt under dressed whenever we decided to dine out at one of the restaurants. I think I will pack better next time around and have a few more skirts or dress slacks and at least one semi formal dress. No gowns, but at least a black dress and heels.

[sjbdtz]

Hi again, Dorothy...

 

It's really hard to establish 'tone' on a bulletin board (see all the past references to me being rude, when I was trying to be funny...or helpful), but I think that what people are interpreting in your message is that people should bring dressier clothes, to fit in.

 

I understand that's not what you're trying to say, but that's the message which comes through...that even though it's supposed to be casual, it is in fact far dressier, and that people should dress-up, themselves, in order to not stand-out.

 

Those of us who relish the casualness of Freestyle are simply trying to backstop others from misinterpreting your message, and starting a trend toward more dressiness, when it isn't necessary.

 

 

Enough said on that topic! :)

 

 

I'm looking forward to your photos. Our itinerary is slightly different than yours, I think...we're doing the Classic Med...Barcelona to Istanbul, but there are definately some ports in common.

 

We've hired a driver in Rome, are doing the Capri/Pompeii/Sorrento hydrofoil in Naples, we're doing things on our own in Barcelona / Venice / Dubrovnik / Athens, a ship's tour in Ephesus, and on our own again in Istanbul.

 

We'll do a lot of hop-on/hop-off bus tours...but seeing your photos will definately be helpful!

 

Thanks.

stephen

[vikielynne]

Hi Guys,

 

I'll add my two cents worth here. I do have to agree with Dorothy ( yes food is subjective ) but I didn't think much of it hit the wow factor. We ate in Tsars twice & it was so so, Tango's & the Garden Cafe were the same as well, now Le Bistro & Mama's were the best meals we had the entire week even though the food service was slow. We did have a bit of trouble getting reservations but managed to adjust our schedules to accomodate as I hadn't been impressed with the main dining rooms.

 

As for the cabin service it wasn't too much to brag about. We had a mini suite so there were two cabin stewards to the room but even then we had to ask for wash cloths 3 nights in a row & there were 2 nights that we didn't have enough bath towels left for us.

 

The bar service was good but the drinks left a bit to be desired. They had mojitos on the menu, which I love so was really excited but ended sending the 2 I ordered back as they didn't have the proper mix for it so they were using sugar packets to sweeten it. After a dissappointing margarita I just changed to wine.

 

The entertainment was great. I saw both production shows & the Cirque Bijou is the best I've seen ever. Also the girls singing in the Spinniker lounge were out of this world. Every night it was a different theme - Latin, 50's-60's, 70's, 80's, classic rock etc. I was there 3 nights & all were great.

 

The one thing that seemed to be strange was there wasn't many people out and about in the bars around bar city. You'd see a few couples or groups scattered about but not too many singles. My mom likes the casino but I perfer to spend my money shopping so in the evenings I tend to go to the bars to relax, have a drink & chat with other passengers, but here I didn't see many of these on this trip.

 

The ports were wonderful, I took the Sorrento & Amalfi drive tour which was breath taking. The shuttle bus in Livorno does not run on any sort of schedule. When returning to the shio myself & about 30 - 40 other passengers waited for 45 minutes for the shuttle & then it was a mad house trying to get on the bus, people pushing & shoving to get on. We had reservations for Mamas that night & due to the shuttle issue we were late but my mother called to explain what had happened & thankfully they held our table for us.

 

I did find the room service menu to be limited to say the least & the offering of snacks late at night poor as well. I'm used to being able to grab a bite after leaving the disco before going to bed & the 2 nights I was out past 1:00 finding a snack was impossible. Thankfully my mom tends to keep junk food in the cabin.

 

I didn't think the decor of the ship was really wow but it was ok for what it provided, a good way to get about the Med without hauling luggage behind you. It wasn't the lack of a grand atrium but more like it just felt lacking. The chairs in the back end of Spinniker looked more plastic than classy, the metal ceiling in the Garden Cafe looked tacky. Just little things that felt strange.

 

Still all in all the itinerary made up for it & we did have a nice time. But I don't know that I'd cruise NCL again unless it was offering some sort of great deal as I find RCCL more enjoyable.

[hencoll]

Dorothy, I enjoyed your review. We cruised on the Jewel in the Med in May. DH and I packed for our cruise very similar to you - resort casual - no cocktail dresses or heels and DH did not bring a suit. At no time on our cruise did we feel underdressed. We attended the Capt.'s Cocktail Party for suite guests as well as another special gathering for those of us in Courtyard Villas and we were dressed appropriately at each event - DH in his dockers and polo shirt and I wore cotton floral skirts with a simple top or cotton sweater set.

 

I look forward to reading your reviews of the ports so I can relive my trip.:D

[RobinO]

Wow, i should have waited a week and went on the boat with you! We were on the June 11th sailing. We didn't see hardly anyone "dressed up" and even formal night, didn't see but maybe a handful of tuxes. I am a young Mom with 2 little one's and wear bum clothes all day and like to dress nice on vacation and I felt like I was WAY over dressed! And I am talking would just wear a casual skirt and t shirt! What a big difference a week makes!!

Robin

[aeiou]

Hi

 

I'd like to know if the port of Messina is near the city (we could go walk?), and near the port has some beach?

 

Regards

[hxl2001]

In Messina you dock right in the city so you could easily walk there - Just returned back from the June 18th sailing after spending a couple of days in England on the return to the US. I will also try to post a review of the ship and ports, shows etc in the next day or so.

[Zeno]

Nice detailed review Dorothy!

As others have said, the only thing that surprised me was you feeling "under-dressed". Perhaps people dress more formally on the European cruises or maybe you just hit a week with a lot of people into "dressing up". We have taken 3 Caribbean cruises with NCL and the most "dressed up" I ever got was to put on a sundress. My husband wore dockers and a collared shirt. Even on formal night, people wearing suits or cocktail type dresses were in the minority.

I do hope you complained to maintenance about your slow draining bath tub. We had a slow draining sink on one of our cruises and we complained. The plumber was there in 15 minutes and fixed the drain - no more problems.

[newmexicoNita]

Wow, i should have waited a week and went on the boat with you! We were on the June 11th sailing. We didn't see hardly anyone "dressed up" and even formal night, didn't see but maybe a handful of tuxes. I am a young Mom with 2 little one's and wear bum clothes all day and like to dress nice on vacation and I felt like I was WAY over dressed! And I am talking would just wear a casual skirt and t shirt! What a big difference a week makes!!

Robin

For the most part since freestyle started we have found the formal dress optional nights to be about half and half. DD and I did wear cocktail dresses on the Sun in April. Most everyone was dressed similar to us; we did not see hardly any long dresses or suits and I don't think any tuxes, but many of the men were in sport jackets. I don't think anyone paid much attention to what everyone else was wearing because of the diversity. NMnita

[Dorothy]

I understand about "tone". I did not take any offense and hope the other person didn't either. Just clarifying as best I can. No worries here. I, also, have to wonder if it was just a fluke that this particular cruise there were more people dressing up. It also dawned on me that I was in the restaurants, bar areas, etc. Maybe the less dressy went to the Buffet??

 

Well, I started my reviews on the ports of call on the Europe board if anyone wants to read them.

 

Also, I put together a quick album on yahoo photos. I am still trying to figure out how to share it publicly, so meanwhile, if anyone wants to see it, send me an email.

 

dorothymonette@yahoo.com

[Dorothy]

In case anyone has an interest...I just finished posting reviews on the ports of calls. I posted them on the Europe board.

[puchie]

We will be on the Jewel in two weeks and have some questions about the tours. What tour did you take in Sicily? We were thinking of the Picture Perfect Tindari or just going out on our own. Would like to explore the shopping, food , and sites on our own....what do you suggest? Will be traveling with a 16 and 21 year old, so my husband and I want it to be of interest to them as well. The Sicily tours don't sound too interesting for the kids. Would there be enough to see in walking distance from the ship?

 

In Naples, we would like to see Pompeii, not sure if we should do just Pompeii or take the combination tour of either Amalfi and Pompeii or Sorrento and Pompeii. What would you advise?

 

Rome-we are thinking of taking Rome on Your Own or A Taste of Rome

 

Florence- A Taste of Florence

 

France-Monaco and Nice Tour

 

Would appreciate your input and help.

 

~Puchie

[Dorothy]

Hi Puchie,

 

Please take a look at the Europe board. I just posted a lengthy review on each port of call. I did not use the ships tours as I opt to hire my own private drivers. Sometimes, it is cheaper to use than the cruise ships and you get to see more. If you are going in two weeks, you really should look at the Europe message board. There are so many different choices for the ports because everyone posts their port experiences there. You will also find information on private tour guides if you choose that option. If you want a private guide, I would suggest contact a few now. They get booked way in advance.

 

Another option is to look up your sailing to see who else is going and they may be looking for someone to share tour costs with.

 

In answer to your question about Sicily....I think the teens will get bored in Messina. There is not much to see except a clock tower and church. In my review, you will see that I hired a taxi driver for a few hours. They are at the docks and you don't have to prearrange them.

 

Please go back to the Europe board. Read my post and others on the subject and if you have more questions, post it and I or someone else will be very happy to help you further. You will find many here who are willing to help and give advice.

 

P.S. If you are new to the boards, after bringing up http://www.cruisecritic.com, then click on boards, scroll down to Europe and click on that.

[Cruisin' Patty]

Enjoyed your review. And I too, will be casual in November. Free Style is just that, your choice. Glad you had a good time.