Awesome Trip

Norwegian Jade Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 58

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Norwegian Jade

11 Night Panama Canal Partial Transit (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 05, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Jade

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9632

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

We had a great time, weather didn't always cooperate but that was okay. Panama Canal was the reason we went, and it didn't disappoint. Highly recommend this trip.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We got to the port early and as Latitude members, it was quick and easy.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We ate at all the complimentary restaurants and two specialty ones, La Cucina and Moderno Churrascaria (this one you have to try, the experience was great and thanks to the couple sitting next to us that showed us the ropes). We ate breakfast at O'Sheehan's and the Grand Pacific on sea days and the buffet on days we had off the ship activities. The desert bar and ice cream station at the main buffet was a must after the shows.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We enjoyed all the different kinds of music that was available, the dance lessons were great to watch (hubby had a bad knee which was operated on once we got home). Game show were hilarious and well worth it. Our weather was cloudy and windy, so taking a walk around the ship was an adventure in itself.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The ship's shows had a variety, magician, aerial group, juggler, comedian and the stage show were all very good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our room steward, Rhayan was great. Did a good job on the room and was in and out without us knowing it. The guy spraying your hands at the buffet, was a great sport and made me laugh every time we walked in.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
We haven't been on a Norwegian ship yet (4th one) that hasn't been easy to get around, clean and well maintained. Seating in all the public areas are well designed and comfortable. Windows washed and after going thru the Panama Canal, hull repaired like it hadn't ever been damaged.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Like all balcony rooms, this one was just as nice as the last. Roomy without tripping over each other. Bathroom layout was good and the shower had quite a bit of space. Closet was a bonus, plenty of room with shelving next to it for clothes, shoes etc. We took a clothes hamper and it fit perfectly under the small desk. TV was excellent with good sound and picture. Balcony was spacious and private at the same time, unless you stuck your head over the railing, then you saw all sorts of people doing the same. Loved the towel animals, went to the class and bought the DVD.

Ship tip

We found that going to different parts of the ship-be it forward or aft- staying on your deck and going the direction you needed to be was less crowded than going to the middle of the ship and going up or down.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Cartagena, Colombia

3 out of 5
We didn't do any excursions as I read many reviews of the street urchin's being pests. We decided to stay on board and I talked with quite a few people that complained that their visit wasn't as nice as they would have liked.

Colon, Panama

4 out of 5
Took the bus to the Pacific Side then got on the train for the ride back. Amazed at the locks, and the lake is HUGE.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

4 out of 5
Went to the market on the port, great deals on coffee.

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5
We went to Maya Key, private island just out from the port. Great beaches, snorkling, pools, wild animal sanctuary and they fed you. Only draw back were the sand fleas, but bug spray worked great.

Harvest Caye, Belize

5 out of 5
Stayed on the island, plenty to do, pools, ocean front beaches, zip lines, shops and we got plenty of rain and wind. Cool chess boards and lots of seating.

Key West, Florida

4 out of 5
We did go into town, but really crowded. Lots of little shops to explore and plenty of people to watch.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
We kept our luggage and walked off. Loved this option, as we didn't have to wait to get it or put it out at night.
Was this review helpful? 58

3 Comments

Dianeski    6 years ago

Thanks for your info.

Shay1920    6 years ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Thanks for the thorough review

4everncl    6 years ago

Thanks for your review! This is our next cruise and I love getting some in sight. 1st time for partial transit of canal.

Other reviews of this sailing