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Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 119

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 23, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11604

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

The only problem with the cruise is the time difference. I am from the East Coast and couldn't get my biological clock adjusted. We only had a week, but if we had more time I would have loved to do a land tour/cruise and gone to more ports. Highly recommend splurging and taking a helicopter ride to walk on a glacier. We went to the dog camp and had a great time. Everyone was very helpful. Alaska is amazing, and cruising is a great way to get from place to place. The snow/ice from winter was still melting so we saw many waterfalls. Investigate shore excursions outside of the cruise line. We did a sea cycle tour in Ketchican. It was a blast, small group, got up close to seals and jelly fish. Did a bicycle/train tour in Skagway. Again, a small group and got up close with the scenery. Our helicopter/dogsled tour was with NCL. Pricy but worth it. We lucked out with the weather, very little rain (in May, 2015), not too cold. Bring layers, as it can get cold at night.

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
We did not upgrade to any specialty restaurants. Our third NCL cruise in 2 years and they haven't changed the menu.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
There were plenty of activities offered.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
I really like the music, on stage and in small venues. Very similar shows to what we saw on the Gem out of NYC.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Of course, we are good guests.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
The Jewel needs refurbishing, looks a little worn. This does not detract from the service.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Some chipping on the sink and the curtain cord was frayed. I like the mini-suites because they give just enough extra room that you don't feel cramped. If more than 2 in the cabin, someone should get a spa pass so you can use the spa and the showers there. Got that tip from a fellow Gem cruiser.

Ship tip

Learn you way around the ship early on. The fish in the hallways "swim" upstream (aft to forward) and the rugs near the stairways are color coded (aft, mid, forward). I never could tell starboard from port, but if you can remember and know which section of the ship you are in you won't get lost.

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

5 out of 5
You can buy flowers at the Pike Place Market and bring them aboard.

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5
Very quaint, lots of shops. Sign up for the Sea Cycle Tour (not offered on ship).

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Go to a glacier, see them from the air. You won't regret it. Do the dog sled tour on the glacier.

Cruise Sawyer Glacier

5 out of 5
The glacier is a "river of ice" at the end of a passage between 2 cliff walls. Dress warmly in layers and bring binoculars.

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5
Take the train ride. You can arrange for a train/bike tour before your cruise (not with NCL). It is worth it.

Victoria, British Columbia

3 out of 5
Can't give it a "great" as we stayed on the ship. Too tired on the last day to do much more than go to the spa and rest. Very pretty watching the harbor and the sea planes.
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