Wonderful cruise with Exceptional food for our Gluten Free needs

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 51

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 09, 2014

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8050

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 10 years ago

Review summary

The cruise was exactly what we needed.  Our adventures in each town were lots of fun.  But the highlight of the trip was meeting Melanie, kitchen liaison, who was not only knowledge but a joy to talk to.  In the reviews we read prior to the trip, people reported that Norwegian was very responsive to dietary needs.  We tried once to eat outside the dining room.  While the chefs at the buffet stations were wonderful/knowledgeable about the foods they were serving, it was not fun walking around asking questions.  In the dining room Melanie would give us the next days menu for us to preview, make suggestions and would coordinate with the specialized chef to make sure we had great food without worrying about getting sick.  At one dinner my daughter wanted the cajun shrimp.  On the regular menu it was coated in flour and seasoning.  Melanie worked with the specialized chef and it was enjoyed with just the seasoning.  The other thing is that there were always several choices in appetizers, main courses and desserts that met a wide variety of dietary needs.  Their gluten free breads were some of the best we have ever had.  They even had gluten free waffles and gluten free muffins. As exceptional as the food (and food choices) were, Melanie took it over the top and made it an outstanding experience!!!  To people with GF needs - it was a full week of a variety of foods others prepared and not getting sick once.  Thank you Norwegian.  Thank you Melanie!!!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Melanie and the special dietary needs chef got a 12 out of 10. Thank you! They both deserve raises - especially Melanie.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Only one feature movie was played. Bingo and Deal or No Deal were hosted well but terribly short in duration and prizes given the cost of a card.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The piano player in the dining room was amazing!!! Loved some of the other performing groups around the ship.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Melanie.... in the dining room.... it can't be said enough... YOU are amazing, and very sweet!

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Generally beautiful, clean and fun. Appreciated the number of seasickness bags were out on our one rough day. Sadly, a couple days out there was a stench in front of the main dining hall that would not go away despite the crews efforts.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The towel animals were a lot of fun. It was nice being pampered.

Ship tip

If you have special dietary needs, request Melanie and she will make your food experience one of the best ones ever!

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

5 out of 5
everything

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5
snorkeling - the people who do this keep you safe, make you feel good even when things are going wrong (because of your own issues) and really care about making it a wonderful experience

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Mendenhall Glacier - and spawning salmon. Whew - wow.

Cruise Sawyer Glacier

5 out of 5
Find a spot hours ahead of time so you can really enjoy it -don't forget mittens!

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5
dog mushing, even though it wasn't on snow/ice was a blast. The puppies were a hoot and the staff was knowledgeable and fun. Oh and the ghost tour :-)d

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5
The walk into town into town is long but beautiful. There are also great signs to lead you there.
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1 Comment

CruiselineQ    10 years ago

Melanie helped us as well when we were on this cruise in June. She is fantastic and should get a promotion!

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