sunnyskies67 Cruise Review on Norwegian Jade on Feb 17, 2019

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 26

Review summary

DH and I have enjoyed every cruise we’ve taken since our first in 2007, whether with family, friends or just by ourselves. Until this time, we’ve always wished the cruise could last longer, even after a 12-night sailing. Our first time on NCL was several months ago with our six young adult kids (sons, niece and significant others). All of us had a fantastic time, so DH and I were really looking forward to this sailing. The ship was a nice size, laid out well and clean. The crew was friendly and hardworking, but there were fewer of them than needed. The officers were rarely seen, disorganized and generally seemed unconcerned with passenger comfort or convenience other than Haven guests. One big negative was a newly revised smoking policy that was unfair to both the smokers and those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle at sea. The casino didn’t have any non-smoking areas that I found. Smoking was restricted to three small areas on open decks—forward decks 13 and 7, aft deck 7, all starboard. The walkers were forced to go between smokers at the narrowest part of deck 7!! For the record, I smoke but felt this was unfair to all passengers. Food was plentiful, but those who didn’t book specialty dining pre-cruise were out of luck unless in the Haven. Many, many unused tables on the three nights we ate in those restaurants because they were being held by Haven concierge according to a couple Haven guests. NCL purchased airport transfers and Customs clearance in Key West were both hot messes. Ship officers made the Customs process an absolute nightmare with a line that stretched twice the length of the ship!! In the hot sun. Will cruise again, but likely not with NCL.