jvbushnell

   Our cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel to Alaska was a fabulous experience! Everything went according to the itinerary in a smooth and organized manner.  I'm quite a structured person so I like to have scheduled dinner and show times with assigned seating, etc., however, I was impressed with Norwegian's freestyle cruising concept - overall it worked well for our family of 32 people.  The ship was wonderful and very well maintained, but the staff made the experience.  This was our 6th cruise and we've cruised on many of the competing cruise lines, but I think Norwegian's staff was the most genuinely polite and caring staff I've experienced.  I'm aware that is the expectation for all cruise companies, apparently Norwegian must treat and value their staff above their other competitors as these employees were very genuine.  The only issues our family had are: 1) a lack of seating in the show room if it is the time others also desire (no assigned time) and, 2) the seating in the Garden Cafe (buffet) was limited and was only on one side of the ship rather than have available seating accross the entire deck.  One other item that was amazing to me was that the ship's construction has a water ballast system that made the ship amazingly smooth, even on the open sea.  When I got off the boat I have not had any continuing motion - like I've had with all other cruises I've been on.  

   Although the destinations were beautiful and the experience can't be contained in photos or recitation I can't say enough great things about the wonderful Norwegian Jewel staff.  I completed six "hero" cards prior to disembarking from the ship, but there were so many of the staff who were outstanding - but I did not get their names, I would love to mention all of them.