Beautiful boat, comfortable public areas, easy to get around, wonderful balcony cabin, great food in a variety of dining areas, fantastic shows with very talented performers, , interesting itinerary, plenty of scheduled and unscheduled activities, spectacular service from staff (cabin attendants, wait staff, cruise director staff, kitchen staff, even security. Extremely well-trained and attentive employees aboard.)
Negatives: NCL needs to improve embarkation process in New York; Specialty restaurants are good, but way overpriced; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are exhorbitant; restaurant reservation system was mis-managed; non-stop cajoling for money is off-putting (art auctions, ship's store sales, future cruises, shore excursions, spa treatments, hypnotist).
Embarkation
1 out of 5
It took over 2 and a half hours to pass through security, wait for an attendant at the embarkation counter and leave the embarkation hall at the New York City Pier. No chairs, no "waiting numbers", no water, no opportunity to leave the Disneyland-style waiting line. Terrible experience.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food on the Jade was fantastic in all the venues we tried: Garden Cafe Buffet, Grand Pacific Dining Room, Jasmine, O'Sheehans, Cagney's Steak Restaurant and the Alizar Dining Room. Beverages are exhorbitantly overpriced, a rip-off, actually.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We jogged, attended the cooking demonstrations, participated in the Veteran's socials, participated in the Latitudes reception, mostly relaxed and read. However, there were plenty of activities scheduled on this boat to keep anyone busy and occupied.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The shows, performances and performers were absolutely fantastic in every way. The Stardust Theater is a million-dollar facility.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
For the most part, every member of the crew was pleasant, friendly, welcoming and dedicated to making our vacation a great experience, except for the Restaurant Reservations staff, whose main purpose in life seemed to be to make passenger's lives miserable.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We loved the Jade.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was spacious, well-designed, with many amenities and very comfortable. Our cabin attendant was attentive, friendly and provided us with great service.
Ship tip
Brace yourself for the non-stop cajoling for money, which is off-putting (art auctions, ship's store sales, future cruises, shore excursions, spa treatments, hypnotist). Other than this, prepare to have a great time.
We liked this port. We walked around the town, took photos, familiarized ourselves with its history, shopped for souvenir clothing and had another lobster lunch. We did not do an excursion.
We loved Quebec and plan to return. We walked all around the town, took photos, familiarized ourselves with its history, shopped for souvenir clothing and had an enjoyable dinner. We visited many of the notable sights. We did not do an excursion.
We loved Halifax and plan to return. We rented a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the train station, within walking distance from the Dock and drove to Peggy's Cove, Fisherman's Cove, the Titanic Cemetery and the Citadel, among other attractions. We also walked all around the town, took photos, familiarized ourselves with its history, shopped for souvenir clothing and had an enjoyable lunch on the road. We did not do an excursion.
Our disembarkation at each port (Sydney, Charlottetown, Quebec and Halifax) was smooth and hassle-free. As well, we were surprised with how smooth the disembarkation in New York City was. Our bags were waiting for us on the Pier and we were able to find a cab easily in order to catch our transportation home.
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