Great sights and beautiful ship

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 7

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 11, 2006

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

We just got back from a Mediterranean cruise on the Jewel and had a great time. The destination cities and cruise-arranged excursions were first rate! The ship was new and very nice. Excellent gym facilities! Generally, staff was very good; although some of the officers at the front desk were a bit snobby. Food was a average, not as good as Disney. Freestyle dining is a great concept, but comes with an additional per meal surcharge for most of the restaurants and although they say that reservations are recommended, we were hassled when we asked to be seated without a reservation, although the restaurant was 75% empty. Bands were very good, but other entertainment was mediocre. We had a "mini-Suite" which was nice, but no bigger than the normal size room on Disney.

Ports of call

Messina, Sicily

3 out of 5
We did the recommended walking tour described on the map you get when you step of the ship. Nice walk (lots of hills) and great view from the top. Clock was nice to see. Siestas taken very seriously -- get your shopping dont before 1:30pm.
Don't Miss: Gelato and canolis are "must haves".

Naples, Italy

5 out of 5
We took the Amalfi coast and Pompeii tour -- Fantastic! Tried to check out the castle in Naples you see when you dock -- not worth the effort of dodging traffic to get there.
Don't Miss: Amalfi coast and Pompeii

Villefranche-Sur-Mer, France

3 out of 5
Cute town but not much to do. Would recommend an excursion or just walk to the public beach.
Don't Miss: Nice public beach

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

5 out of 5
Took the Florence tour. What a beautiful city...we definitely will come back to Florence -- so much to see.
Don't Miss: Michelangelo's David and the Duomo. Great shopping too!

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

5 out of 5
We took Ancient Rome tour -- guides were fabulous and sites unbelievable.
Don't Miss: St. Perer's Bascillica, Colliseum and Forum in Rome

Villefranche-Sur-Mer, France

3 out of 5
Cute town but not much to do. Would recommend an excursion or just walk to the public beach.
Don't Miss: Nice public beach

Messina, Sicily

3 out of 5
We did the recommended walking tour described on the map you get when you step of the ship. Nice walk (lots of hills) and great view from the top. Clock was nice to see. Siestas taken very seriously -- get your shopping dont before 1:30pm.
Don't Miss: Gelato and canolis are "must haves".

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

5 out of 5
We took Ancient Rome tour -- guides were fabulous and sites unbelievable.
Don't Miss: St. Perer's Bascillica, Colliseum and Forum in Rome

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

5 out of 5
Took the Florence tour. What a beautiful city...we definitely will come back to Florence -- so much to see.
Don't Miss: Michelangelo's David and the Duomo. Great shopping too!

Naples, Italy

5 out of 5
We took the Amalfi coast and Pompeii tour -- Fantastic! Tried to check out the castle in Naples you see when you dock -- not worth the effort of dodging traffic to get there.
Don't Miss: Amalfi coast and Pompeii

Pros: The destinations and the excursions -- top rate!

Cons: Food was average; kid programs need improvement; a few quirks with Freestyle dining

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