Impressed (Generally)
Norwegian Jade Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Houston Roundtrip)
Sail date: January 23, 2016
Ship: Norwegian Jade
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 8564
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
My wife suggested this trip only a week before we sailed. Although we have been on five previous cruises on Carnival, this was our first time on Norwegian. We were very impressed by the new Houston Cruise Terminal and the ease of getting on (and off) the ship. We got free parking because I am a disabled veteran. Our parking spot (not disabled) was right in front of the terminal! Norwegian has assigned arrival times and we were within our time frame. We were on the ship in half an hour. We were somewhat disappointed at the size and location of our stateroom - it looks out at a life boat. We were used to a bit larger rooms with a divan on Carnival but our room had one chair and a stool. However, we spent most of our time when we were in the cabin laying on the bed watching TV or reading. The cruise was great. I had never been to Roatan and my wife had never been to Belize.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
A small ship but very comfortable ride, even in heavy seas. We loved it!
Ports of call
Belize City, Belize Did not visit port
Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras Did not visit port
Traveler Photos
3 Comments
SamC130 8 years ago
As I understand it, Norwegian and Princess weren't paying port costs. They claim it was due to lack of casino revenue due to the time to get into international waters and fog. At least that is what is reported on a cruise site. As far as infrastructure around the port, look at Progresso. Houston is an originating port, not a stop.
BDRebel 8 years ago
I think the financial concern was the cost of running the Port, not filling the ships. Because the Houston (Bayport) port had very little (read none)infrastructure local to the port, few lines offered a contract to the port.
Personally, I preferred Bayport to Galveston, especially the facilities, but many prefer Galveston for the town.
Princess and NCL have both pulled out of Texas due to this.
Hopefully, something happens to bring them back.
SamC130 8 years ago
Now I am really upset! I just learned that Norwegian is pulling out of Houston and there will be no more ships sailing out of Bayport! Now we'll have to endure the Galveston run-a-round if we want to go on another cruise. They claim its due to finances but the ship was full. A lot of people are going to be upset with NCL.