Just Off the Jewel

[JUSRN]

I too was on this cruise and I was pleasantly surprised by the food in the main dining rooms. I enjoyed almost everything. Service was usually good but there was an occasional sour waiter. Service was slow at times. I found service in Azura to be qiucker.

 

I too felt we were nickled and dimed but I'm getting used to that on cruises. The activities I was interested in all had extra fees. The sea days did not have a lot of activities but I was content to read on a quiet deck. That's what I look forward to doing on cruises.

 

I enjoyed the entertainment on board particularly Cats Pajamas and the hypnotist.

 

We did the VIP express debarkation, left the ship at 8:30 and easily made an 11 AM flight out of Miami. But the airport and AA was a nightmare even at that early hour!!!! I can see how it could all get progressively worse as the morning went on. We were taking a chance with that early flight. We landed promptly at LGA with no luggage problems.

[mississauga]

Did you happen to notice if the cigar lounge is still open on the Jewel? Some threads a while back made suggestion that it may not be used for this purpose anymore.

 

The only inside location you can smoke in is the casino and your cabin. As redlef indicates in his response, the cigar bar is still there with no smoking signs. The hotel director did tell us it will be modified at a later date but for now since there is no doors to enclose it, it is no smoking.

 

I was on the repo too. I wasn't aware of any norovirus problems. The hotel director said they would lift the buffet self-service restrictions after 72 hours of "no outbreak," which I believe he defined as less than 1-1/2% of passengers being infected. By the third day, everyone's dirty, greasy fingers were into the buffet as normal. they were still very proactive about asking passengers to disinfect their hands, and early in the morning and late at night you would see crew hands with disinfectant working on the bannisters in the stairways as well as anything else you might touch.

 

The cigar lounge is physically there, with the cigars in the display cases, but there are "no smoking" signs. The room was pretty vacant most of the 12 days that I remember.

 

I ate in Tsars twice and Asura 5 or 6 times. I can't remember any problem with the service any time. Even on the lobster nights, food was quickly and promptly served. One night in Asuras, it took the waiter 10 minutes to get our orders, but on a 12 day cruise, I don't feel that those 10 unproductive minutes impacted my impression of the service.

 

I think the Jewel is a very well managed and maintained ship, and I am definitely looking at booking it for one of the repo's next spring or fall.

 

If someone could just get that cruise director to stop screaming over the intercom every ten minutes . . . :D

 

I agree. Food and service were very good. I was especially surprised that the buffet food in the Garden Cafe was so good and had lots of variety. I usually avoid the buffets but enjoyed lunch and 2 dinners there during our 12 day cruise. This was the first time we have had dinner in a buffet area on a cruise ship.

 

Disembarkation was pretty slow. There were 7 ships in port that morning and I think customs / immigration was overwhelmed. They started calling by colored tags around 9:45. Express Disembarkation began a little earlier, but still later than expected.

 

I was in the 10:20 disembarking group, and didn't get off the ship until they called us around 11AM. Then it took almost an hour to get through customs, an entire ship of passengers funneled down to just 5 customs agents.

 

Then, 7 ships full of people went outside to the taxi stand/ passenger pickup areas. And just to make it extra exciting, there was a bicycle rally in Miami around the port and many roads were closed or one-way. It took us twenty minutes to get from the Port to Hertz, which was actually only 8 blocks from the Port entrance.

 

We rented a car to tool around Miami for the day, and quite a few other people had the same idea. We waited at Hertz close to an hour for a car. I was in the car driving around Miami by 1:30 PM.

 

 

We have learned that if you don't want to be stuck on the ship and around the pier all morning, it's best to do the self disembarkation. It was a long walk to immigration/customs but other than that, everything else went well. Express disembarkation did start about 8:30am but there were a lot who chose to do this so that may have delayed the colored tags being called. We went to line up about 8:00am and there was a long line-up from the back of the ship to mid ship already. We were off the ship, shuttled to Hertz and in our rental car by 9:30am and in Fort Myers to visit our friends by 1:30pm

[i luv the sun]

We were also on this cruise, NY to Miami. My DH and I enjoyed the cruise very much. We only ate in the main dining rooms or buffet. Only one night did we need a pager. The wait time was 15 minutes which gave us enough time for a drink in the bar. We had slow service in Tsars once, and one other night when everyone landed at Azura at the same time after the show, it was slow. But the other nights the service went from good to excellent.

 

We found the food to be good, never had a meal that we didn't enjoy. I found the buffet layout to be very efficient and for most breakfasts and lunches didn't have to fight crowds.

 

The activities were a bit erratic. E.g. the night of the white hot party was also the chocoholic buffet. One other night there was only a movie in the stardust theater. I think the cruise director was new to the Jewel. He did have one bad habit, during announcements he would say "as well as" in between each sentence.

 

The entertainment was very good: Cats Pajama's, Nadeen the hypnotist, the cast with Band on the Run, Country and Cirque Bijou.

 

I found the staff to be friendly and the service good.

[mississauga]

Would have to say that this is the worst NCL cruise I have ever been on except for my cabin stewards who were fantastic.

 

Dining service was sooo slow at the Azura. They don't give you the attention that waitstaff used to give. It's a pity. And there is usually a wait in the non-pay dining areas for a table.

 

Always trying to sell something. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

We never had to wait to be seated in the non-paying restaurants. We usually went about 6pm or a bit earlier and there might have been a short line once or twice but never more than 5 minutes at the most. We were always greeted with smiles and courtesy at all times in Azura, Tsar's Palace, Tango's and the Garden Cafe.

 

I was also on this cruise, and of 14 cruises, this was the worst I've ever been on. Service was horribly slow, embarkation and debarkation were a nightmare. Staff was outright rude at times. Drinks were horribly overpriced, as were most onboard activities. While the cruise line can't be held accountable for the lousy weather, there was very little to do onboard (that didn't cost extra). Food in the main dining rooms was very, very poor quality, seemingly to encourage passengers to use the specialty restaurants. I'll be giving up cruising in the near future because of this cruise. The price and value of land-based all-inclusive vacations has gotten my attention and truly can't be beat.

 

It sounds like we were on different cruises. Whenever we needed to be at a show for 7pm, we let our waitstaff know and had very quick service. One of our wait staff did tell us that they did not like to rush the guests as they want us to enjoy our dining experience.

 

Check in at embarkation was very quick and we did have to wait to board but we were kept informed at all times and told it was because of the extra intense sanitization measures that were taking place. As per my previous post, self disembarkation went on schedule but there were a lot of us which may have delayed the colors being called.

 

The one thing I do agree with you is the lack of activities planned and especially during bad weather, no alternate activities were announced to take the place of those for outdoors. That was my only complaint on this cruise. The CD and his staff were not as active as on other cruises. However, it did not spoil my cruise. We made our own fun and enjoyed this cruise.

 

I too was on this cruise and I was pleasantly surprised by the food in the main dining rooms. I enjoyed almost everything. Service was usually good but there was an occasional sour waiter. Service was slow at times. I found service in Azura to be qiucker.

 

I too felt we were nickled and dimed but I'm getting used to that on cruises. The activities I was interested in all had extra fees. The sea days did not have a lot of activities but I was content to read on a quiet deck. That's what I look forward to doing on cruises.

 

I enjoyed the entertainment on board particularly Cats Pajamas and the hypnotist.

 

We did the VIP express debarkation, left the ship at 8:30 and easily made an 11 AM flight out of Miami. But the airport and AA was a nightmare even at that early hour!!!! I can see how it could all get progressively worse as the morning went on. We were taking a chance with that early flight. We landed promptly at LGA with no luggage problems.

 

I guess some of us were on the same cruise. LOL. :D:DBesides the entertainment you named, the musical groups on board were fantastic.... Caribbean Wave and 60280. RJ Red was also very good.

[mississauga]

The activities were a bit erratic. E.g. the night of the white hot party was also the chocoholic buffet. One other night there was only a movie in the stardust theater. I think the cruise director was new to the Jewel. He did have one bad habit, during announcements he would say "as well as" in between each sentence.

 

 

 

Agree!! My one comlpaint with this cruise. Late activities scheduled when there was a port day the next day and nothing planned for late hours when the next day was a sea day.:confused: Because we wanted to see the hypnotist and attend the White Hot Party, we had to miss the Chocoholic Buffet ( not that we neede the extra calories anyways ) It would have been a shame for a first time cruiser to have missed it though. Luckily I have my pictures from last year on the Jewel.

[Ronni G]

We just returned from a wonderful repostioning cruise on the Jewel. I would be happy to answer any questions I can concerning the ship, embarkation (NYC)/debarkation(MIA), restaurants, entertainment, and in particular, Courtyard Villas (A3).

 

Hi -

 

We are considering the 14 day repositioning cruise in 2009 on this ship. Am an NCL cruiser having been on the Majesty (didn't like), Crown (liked alot), Spirit (liked alot), and Dawn (loved!!!!). Does the Jewel compare to any of these? My only complaint with the Majesty was that the cabin (at least ours) was unbelievably small. Had to climb over the bed to get in once the beds were pushed together. Also, felt the seas an awful lot and wondering if that was because of the size of the ship. All else was great. Anyway, any info on the Jewel would be appreciated.

 

Ronni G

[4evrwild]

I was on the repo too. I wasn't aware of any norovirus problems. The hotel director said they would lift the buffet self-service restrictions after 72 hours of "no outbreak," which I believe he defined as less than 1-1/2% of passengers being infected. By the third day, everyone's dirty, greasy fingers were into the buffet as normal. they were still very proactive about asking passengers to disinfect their hands, and early in the morning and late at night you would see crew hands with disinfectant working on the bannisters in the stairways as well as anything else you might touch.

 

The cigar lounge is physically there, with the cigars in the display cases, but there are "no smoking" signs. The room was pretty vacant most of the 12 days that I remember.

 

I ate in Tsars twice and Asura 5 or 6 times. I can't remember any problem with the service any time. Even on the lobster nights, food was quickly and promptly served. One night in Asuras, it took the waiter 10 minutes to get our orders, but on a 12 day cruise, I don't feel that those 10 unproductive minutes impacted my impression of the service.

 

I think the Jewel is a very well managed and maintained ship, and I am definitely looking at booking it for one of the repo's next spring or fall.

 

If someone could just get that cruise director to stop screaming over the intercom every ten minutes . . . :D

 

Redlef,

 

Good news about the Norovirus being stopped in it's tracks, thanks for the update. The Jewel was really suffering from it during the Baltics runs and NS/NE cruises as well. Maybe there is something to the heat killing the nasties. At any rate, service would be greatly improved by not having so many waiters/waitresses up in the buffet. Glad you had good food and service.

 

I agree with you about the cruise director being a bit much on the intercom. Soozy was the CD on our Baltics trip and she was a doll. Only made announcements when necessary. Rich is a bit of a frustrated actor and likes to be seen and heard.

 

I like the layout of the Jewel class ships and hope to sail on the Jade next year. We were on her as POH and had a great time --- even with the American crew. She was the best ship NCL had in Hawaii and it's a loss for them to just have POA there now. Oh, well.

 

Ruth ;)

[Cruise_More_Often]

Hi -

 

We are considering the 14 day repositioning cruise in 2009 on this ship. Am an NCL cruiser having been on the Majesty (didn't like), Crown (liked alot), Spirit (liked alot), and Dawn (loved!!!!). Does the Jewel compare to any of these? Ronni G

Ronni, the Jewel is similar to the Dawn, but it has a Great Outdoors Cafe that the Dawn lacks. I think you'll realy love the Jewel since you loved!!!! the Dawn. :D

[i luv the sun]

Hi Ronni G,

 

We did find our inside to be much smaller than the one we had on Princess (Emerald), and yes - to get to one side of the bed you did need to crawl on the bed. It was a shock at first, but we did find we had enough storage space and got used to our "cozy" cabin.

 

I really like the ship size and layout, but haven't been on any other NCL ship except the Sun which we also liked.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Nancy

[Steph27]

We will be on the Jewel next month. For those that took the Hertz Shuttle, where did they drop you? The Hertz at the Miami airport or is there a Hertz pickup location closer to the port?

[redlef]

We will be on the Jewel next month. For those that took the Hertz Shuttle, where did they drop you? The Hertz at the Miami airport or is there a Hertz pickup location closer to the port?

 

There is a Hertz location less than a mile from the port entrance. It's downtown Miami, I don't remember the cross-street but it was a block or two in from Biscayne Blvd (Route 1).

[lvz2cruz]

Who is the cruise director on the Jewel now? I think we had Soozy on the Majesty a while ago and are hoping for someone new.

[NOVACruisers]

Just curious' date=' previously when we've been on her in the Villa area they had Sodas, water & creamer in the fridge in the Villa. Do they still have this?

 

Also, do they still serve finger foods during the day in the Courtyard and Breakfast buffet in the lounge?

 

Anything else about the villas to be elaborated on is great too. We've been in the area quite a bit, but things always change. We Love sailing on the Jewel, the staff & service is always Awesome!

Thanks![/quote']

 

Sorry I'm late getting back to this post - I think my boss is seeking revenge for my being gone so long!

 

The Courtyard Villas (not to be confused with the giant Garden Villas) still have water, milk and creamer in the fridge, but it doubles as a mini-bar and the sodas will cost you $1.75 per can. They have finger food in the Concierge Lounge on deck 15 in the afternoon and only a Continental style breakfast in both the Courtyard and Concierge Lounge. Only coffee, water, OJ and cookies in the Courtyard after breakfast. you do get to pick from a list of "Suite Treats" every day for delivery to your room at 5:00 or 10:00 and also fresh fruit of your choice.

 

We paid the extra dough for the Courtyard Villa as we were celebrating my DH's retirement. Everything about it was wonderful with one exception - the balcony and bathroom windows overlook the jogging track (you're set back from the deck below). The most annoying part was that there are big globe lights that go on at night right in front of the balcony which was a big minus for us as star gazing and relaxing on our balcony at night is one of our favorite cruising past times! The espresso machine in room was a slight disappointment for my DH as it only seemed to be a fancy coffee maker (no espresso grind, just regular coffee beans). However, the fancier machine in the Concierge Lounge made great espresso and that kept him happy. Me, I'm a tea drinker and was very happy with the hot water pot provided in the room.

 

The staff couldn't have been more helpful and the Courtyard area proved to be a relaxing place to be when the weather didn't cooperate.

[NOVACruisers]

Wow.....I think I may be in trouble then. We will be going on the Jewel the week of Thanksgiving, returning to Miami on Friday @8am. Our return flight is due to leave at 12pm. Hhhmm..if it takes that long to disembark, I'm not sure we will make it.

 

As Redlef posted earlier, a lot of the disembarkation troubles were due to so many ships returning to port on the same day - most of the Miami cruises are 7-day that come in and out on the weekends. There were also a large number of folks in wheelchairs (U of MD Med Center patients and their caregivers) that were allowed to proceed ahead of everyone. Hopefully your return on a Friday will miss some of the weekend congestion. Just make sure you let them know you have an early flight and you should be alright - now the airport on the Friday after Thanksgiving might be a different story!

[NOVACruisers]

Who is the cruise director on the Jewel now? I think we had Soozy on the Majesty a while ago and are hoping for someone new.

 

The CD was Rich who is fairly new to NCL (three-four years I think) - nice and funny guy, but agree, way to much talky talk "from the ceiling".

[DMH15]

Ronny G

 

I found the Dawn to be so similar to the Jewel (I sailed Jewel first thus the comparison). I thought the Dawn was like a Jewel, Jr. (a little smaller). The differences I found were the Great Outdoors (on Jewel not on Dawn) and Blue Lagoon. Loved Blue on Jewel. Hated it on Dawn. Dawn's was like a 50's diner and LOUD! Jewel's was relaxing and had great atmosphere.

 

Loved both ships though.

[NOVACruisers]

Ronny G

 

I found the Dawn to be so similar to the Jewel (I sailed Jewel first thus the comparison). I thought the Dawn was like a Jewel, Jr. (a little smaller). The differences I found were the Great Outdoors (on Jewel not on Dawn) and Blue Lagoon. Loved Blue on Jewel. Hated it on Dawn. Dawn's was like a 50's diner and LOUD! Jewel's was relaxing and had great atmosphere.

 

Loved both ships though.

 

That's why cruising is so wonderful, different strokes for different folks. We sailed Dawn first and actually bemoaned the Blue Lagoon on Jewel being just like another restaurant - we missed the quick fast food take-out style. But, we loved both ships and will gladly sail either again.

[VUCruiser]

Best kept Jewel secret is the Tapas bar between the Blue Lagoon and the Latin rest. Free Tapas and great margaritas open during dinner hours. Never anyone there and a great bartender. Good option rather than the buffet or Blue Lagoon for a quick bite to hold you over for a late dinner.

[mailbroad]

Are there espresso machines in the buffet? When I was on the Jewel in 2006 there were some. I hope they will be there for my March cruise!

[meaclasact2]

We went to all the restaurants except for the Asian restaurants. The prices were:

 

Tsar's Palace - Free

Azura - Free

Le Bistro - $15

Cagney's - $20

Sushi Bar - $15

Chin-Chin - $15

Mongolian Hot Pot - $15

Tango's - $10

Mama's - $10

Teppanyaki - $25

 

We liked Le Bistro and Mama's the best. They actually prepared a better steak than at Cagney's! The pasta at Mama's is fair, but the Veal Marsala was very good. The main dining room fare was not bad, but service is slow. The Garden Cafe food was exceptionally good for a cruise line buffet with lots of choices.

 

Thanks for posting the prices - I can now plan how to spend my $300 OBC on our 11 night Dover/NY TA next September...now if I can fit in a hot stone massage too I'll be in Heaven's Heaven! ;):):D

[ecclectic-eccentric]

Best kept Jewel secret is the Tapas bar between the Blue Lagoon and the Latin rest. Free Tapas and great margaritas open during dinner hours. Never anyone there and a great bartender. Good option rather than the buffet or Blue Lagoon for a quick bite to hold you over for a late dinner.

 

I'm glad to hear from someone with experience of the tapas bar, as that is one of our favorite ways to eat. Are they hot or cold tapas, both? Do you order specific plates or do they just bring out different dishes at random? You said it was free, I assume that's while you're purchasing drinks at the bar, right? Thanks for the info!!

 

ee

[tokidoki]

Hi, just wondering when the ship arrived in MIami and what time did they start to disembark??? thanks:confused::confused::confused:

[mississauga]

Are there espresso machines in the buffet? When I was on the Jewel in 2006 there were some. I hope they will be there for my March cruise!

 

Still there! About 3 of them.

[mississauga]

Who is the cruise director on the Jewel now? I think we had Soozy on the Majesty a while ago and are hoping for someone new.

 

Be careful what you wish for. His name is Rich and is not one of NCL's cream of the crop.

[VUCruiser]

For the Tapas bar there were both hot and cold tapas and you order them from the bartender who brings them to you and sets you up with napkins, plates and sliverware. They have the tapas in a display case to the left of the bar. They also have a printed menu and the bartender will also describe them. I don't believe there was any drink purchase requirement. As with any of the bars, you can sit and have water or soda or bring your own drink from elsewhere. The bartender seemed happy to have the business as not many seemed to know of it. The spinach espanada was my favorite and he kept bringing them. Also, chips and salsa are on the menu-a staple snack of ours at home so that was great, too. DH loved the chorizo. This is the bar where they make the margaritas for the Latin restaraunt so there was always something to watch. Wished they were open at lunch and afternoon, but they were running by 5:00 it seemed each day.