Amazing Family Vacation, Service was Stellar

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

CruiselineQ

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 189

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 21, 2014

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8572

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 10 years ago

Review summary

We were a family of 16 that took this cruise to Alaska - ranging in age from 2 till 80 years old. For many in the group, it was their first cruise. I have to say, It was one of the best vacations we've ever taken. Alaska, of course, is gorgeous (1st time visit for all of us) and is a definite bucket list item.

What we didn't expect was the impressive service from Norwegian. One of the kids (2 years old) in our family has severe allergies. Every day a Norwegian server (Michelle) would find us and ask what she would like to eat and how it should be prepared. E.g. butter nut squash, steamed, no oil. And like clockwork, the food show up at the meal time...even if we were dining at a specialty restaurant. Michelle would also take her order for breakfast the next day and show up at the Garden buffet. Our cabin steward was also great. We had a light bulb out and reported it to him. It was fixed in an hour, plus someone in guest services followed up with a phone call.

Other highlights of the trip included:

- Going through Tracy Arm Fjord and seeing Sawyer Glacier (captain did a nice job of getting us close and spinning the ship around)

- Dining at the specialty restuarants - food was excellent, on par with great restaurants on land. I highly recommend Le Bistro (had 2 orders of escargot!), Moderno and Teppanyaki. I would pass on Chin Chin.

- Karaoke!

- Watching world cup soccer at O'Sheehan's on the big screen. Was pretty happy that they had every game on!

What could be better? The glass in our cabin (8572) was frosted. There is no light in. We knew going in it would be 'obstructed', but didn't realize it is completely frosted. The main dining room dinners were average. Great service (one of the waiters serenaded us!), but food was about average.

Overall, it was a bucket list vacation we are going to remember for a long time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Don't miss the lamb chops at Moderno and escargot at Le Bistro. And get reservations at Teppanyaki - only 32 seats!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Between watching world cup, eating and gym, didn't have much time to do the organized activities.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Shows were ok. Karaoke was awesome.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Neice loved splash academy

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Michelle who helped us with meals for allergy prone kid was amazing. Norwegian, promote this lady!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship was very clean (washy washy was a running joke).

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

The mid-ship location was fantastic. Easy to get everywhere and didn't feel the ocean moving. We didn't spend much time so was fine, but definitely no view to the outside! The glass is 100% frosted.