The itinerary of this cruise was just incredible. Jewel of the Seas was just the right size to visit these smaller ports and navigate the beautiful fjords. Our ship was nearly at capacity, but rarely did it feel crowded. Definitely a "bucket-list" level cruise.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We walked from Central Station to the cruise port, though we could have taken the tram. Check in was a breeze and we were on the ship in no time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The new menus were good, but could be improved upon. There were some disappointments, for sure; but we generally enjoyed our meals.
Izumi
5 out of 5
Excellent.
Tides Dining Room
4 out of 5
Service and attention from staff here was impeccable. Food was usually pretty good, but a few items here and there were terrible.
Windjammer Café
3 out of 5
This is one venue that frequently felt crowded. There is limited seating and it was frustrating trying to find a table. At peak times, the buffet items seemed picked over and in limited supply, and they struggled at times to keep a supply of clean coffee mugs, resorting to paper cups.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The activities staff were exceptional and did an excellent job.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The production shows were some of the best we have seen at sea. Other special acts, like the jugglers, hypnotist, etc. were ho-hum.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Stellar service and attention from nearly all staff.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Overall, the ship was very clean; but she is an older ship, and her age is showing.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Our oceanview cabin on deck 3 was clean and very comfortable for two people. The furniture had some scratches, and the bathroom cabinets and mirror had some water damage. Needs an update.
Ship tip
Weather permitting, the outdoor seating to the aft of the Windjammer Cafe is usually quieter and more scenic than the indoor seating.
We took the hop-on/hop-off bus from the port and visited the Aksla Viewpoint, the Sunnmøre Museum, and the town center. Most of the town is easily walkable from the port, though.
The Loen Skylift is a must! The panoramic views from the top of the mountains were absolutely breathtaking! Varied options for hiking at the top of the mountain.
Independent shuttle bus tours to the North Cape were available, and much cheaper than the excursion offered by the ship. The town was charming and we enjoyed walking around in amazing weather.
Don't miss the incredible views of the fjord as you are arriving and/or leaving. The only negative of this port was that we had to use tender boats (the dock was occupied by another ship).
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