Great for relaxation and beach excursions, but...

Overall, Norwegian Jade does a great job of catering to personal interests (half as many staff as passengers). Cleanliness, hygiene, friendliness, activities, food variety and diverse excursions were priorities. The design and décor were somewhat dated, but we understand that renovations are planned. The old days of free steak and lobster are gone, unless you are willing to pay $25 extra in the "Complimentary" dining rooms or go to a specialty restaurant. However, the alternative offerings of Chateaubriand, prime rib, rack of lamb and leg of lamb were excellent. Our three families had inside rooms which were very well planned despite their compactness.

The itinerary sounded interesting because it offered four tropical countries for "Northerners" at a time when school vacations made our families available. However, a little study could have told us that these five ports were basically beach ports with a few excursions that gave access to dolphin swims, monkey visits and iguana sightings. There is little opportunity to explore the culture or urban life in these countries because such destinations are not close to these ports. Our grandchildren loved the destinations, so we urban types were happy for them.

Critiques are minor although easy to correct.

1) Excursions could easily have offered interactions/conversations with real locals about their culture/politics/economics as one alternative to fake island paradises (e.g., Harvest Key).

2) Daily events on ship could have offered some intellectual experiences-- book reviews, political discussions, cultural discussions on the countries, local liquors and cigars analyses-- but not one was offered!) along with cake baking, jewelry making and acupuncture consultations with Dr. Lui.

3) Although there were Christmas decorations everywhere beginning on Dec. 25 (taken down at disembarkation in Tampa), they clearly had a secular meaning aboard ship. A Hannukah lamp burned each appropriate day at the information desk in the Atrium, and Hannukkah services were regularly offered at sundown, but there was no opportunity for ecumenical worship for Christians on Sunday (the seventh day of the cruise) or at any other time.