February 2015 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Houston Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel - The Haven
Calitexar
Third Mate
Los Angeles to Dallas to Northwest Arkansas
Joined 04/2015
1
Cruise1
Review38
Helpful VotesI've been in the travel industry for over 30 years, with the majority of time spent in leadership positions with a major travel technology firm. After navigating the corporate ladder, I took an early retirement and followed my passion for travel by becoming a CruiseOne Franchise owner. I've been to six continents and over forty countries. I get great satisfaction from helping others realize their dream vacation.
Past cruises
Norwegian Jewel
Sail date: February 21, 2015
Embarkation – quick, easy, priority embarkation for Haven guests
Haven Experience – as background, we booked a two-bedroom suite last July for five of us girls. The prices dropped SIGNIFICANTLY and included all the great perks within a few weeks of sailing. Oh well! We all know how that works. For anyone who has the flexibility to wait – you cannot beat the current fares on the Haven right now.
Room Steward “Alex” – OK, not great.Our second time in a suite and both times we had “lack-luster” room stewards.Kind of strange.
Butler “Erlindo” – good
Concierge “Florentina” – good
Haven Attendant “Jon” – outstanding.Took care of the Haven from sun up to late afternoon.Always had a smile on his face and the five of us loved his “copy that” and “happy” responses to all requests.He’s a keeper!
Mini gym – recumbent bicycle and treadmill.Great for me, since I cycle each morning.Deck 15 (only accessible from the Haven I think) provided the perfect spot for my stretching and core building exercises so I never had to fight the gym crowds.
Food –
Specialty restaurants
Teppanyaki – excellent, great quality and huge quantity.Chef was very entertaining
La Cuchina – excellent salmon, pasta carbonara – friendly service
Moderno – very good food, but extremely slow service.After 1.5 hours – decided to quit
Complimentary dining
Azura – nice casual atmosphere.Fair service and fair food
Tzar’s – beautiful atmosphere.Fair service and fair food
O’Sheehans – nice casual atmosphere – good for people watching.Fair service and fair food.
Buffet – nicely laid out with a great selection that should meet anyone’s needs.Only ate there for lunch.
Entertainment
“Band on the Run” – good, not great
Comedian - OK
Russian Couple – AWESOME!
Cirque – AWESOME!
Splash Academy – We had my 8-yr old granddaughter with us. She loved Splash Academy. They put a Circus production on the last sea day. It was great!
Excursions
Cozumel – Fury Snorkel & Beach tour – GREAT!!! Snorkeling was good and the beach time with all the large water toys was great for all ages.
Banana Coast – Tranquility Bay was awesome.Quiet, serene, excellent massage ($45 for an hour).The name fits – enjoyed a beautiful day there.
Overall – a very nice cruise. I’m a freestyle fan and really enjoyed the relaxation.
Cruise tips
Head to Tranquility Bay for a beautiful, relaxing experience.
Good diving, but not much else.
Easy in and out. Beware, though, the port is far from either airport, so transfers are expensive.
Nice port with something for everyone. Panchos backyard restaurant and market is a favorite.
Norwegian Jewel
If you want to get away -head to the Thermal Suite. It is so relaxing and rejuvenating. Also - with full shower facilities and hair dryers, it's a great alternative when several folks need to get ready for meals.
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Embarkation – quick, easy, priority embarkation for Haven guests
Haven Experience – as background, we booked a two-bedroom suite last July for five of us girls. The prices dropped SIGNIFICANTLY and included all the great perks within a few weeks of sailing. Oh well! We all know how that works. For anyone who has the flexibility to wait – you cannot beat the current fares on the Haven right now.
Room Steward “Alex” – OK, not great.Our second time in a suite and both times we had “lack-luster” room stewards.Kind of strange.
Butler “Erlindo” – good
Concierge “Florentina” – good
Haven Attendant “Jon” – outstanding.Took care of the Haven from sun up to late afternoon.Always had a smile on his face and the five of us loved his “copy that” and “happy” responses to all requests.He’s a keeper!
Mini gym – recumbent bicycle and treadmill.Great for me, since I cycle each morning.Deck 15 (only accessible from the Haven I think) provided the perfect spot for my stretching and core building exercises so I never had to fight the gym crowds.
Food –
Specialty restaurants
Teppanyaki – excellent, great quality and huge quantity.Chef was very entertaining
La Cuchina – excellent salmon, pasta carbonara – friendly service
Moderno – very good food, but extremely slow service.After 1.5 hours – decided to quit
Complimentary dining
Azura – nice casual atmosphere.Fair service and fair food
Tzar’s – beautiful atmosphere.Fair service and fair food
O’Sheehans – nice casual atmosphere – good for people watching.Fair service and fair food.
Buffet – nicely laid out with a great selection that should meet anyone’s needs.Only ate there for lunch.
Entertainment
“Band on the Run” – good, not great
Comedian - OK
Russian Couple – AWESOME!
Cirque – AWESOME!
Splash Academy – We had my 8-yr old granddaughter with us. She loved Splash Academy. They put a Circus production on the last sea day. It was great!
Excursions
Cozumel – Fury Snorkel & Beach tour – GREAT!!! Snorkeling was good and the beach time with all the large water toys was great for all ages.
Banana Coast – Tranquility Bay was awesome.Quiet, serene, excellent massage ($45 for an hour).The name fits – enjoyed a beautiful day there.
Overall – a very nice cruise. I’m a freestyle fan and really enjoyed the relaxation.