Service & food were very subpar for a cruise

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Mexico

robal64

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 43

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 01, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11074

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

We had the "Ultimate Beverage Package". It was difficult to get service for a drink without going to a bar. At one point we sat around the pool for 2 1/2 hours without a single server coming by as glasses & plates were stacking up around us. The first 3 days the food on board was poor to average at best. Every guest we talked to readily agreed with us. In fairness it did get better as the cruise went on.

It took 10 hours to receive our luggage. We arrived at the port at 10 am. as selected online a month in advance. We couldn't change for the pool or dinner, unpack & settle in, nothing . We finally got our luggage at 8 pm that night. Every inquiry was met with total apathy. When we did get our luggage 1 piece was missing and we had to go to guest services to get it. One guest we met Boarded at 3 pm & had luggage by 4 pm. Unfathomable how this could happen.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

first 3 day food was Below standard for our other cruises we took. It did get better as the week went on

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Our room service was substandard. At one point we had to ask for our room to be vacuumed for sand on the floor

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ports of call

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

5 out of 5

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5 out of 5

Mazatlan, Mexico

5 out of 5

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5

7 Comments

robal64 9 years ago

Thanks for the packing tips. We are of aware of this tip. Our past experiences of more than 10 cruises had our luggage to us by no later 3 pm. With all the choices available to us to cruise this will not be our last cruise.... just our last Norwegian cruise. We are open to the fact that maybe these were anomalies on a single voyage or a single ship. However we believe when you put this much time & MONEY into a long awaited trip these are unacceptable events, especially sooo many events at once on one cruise. Especially considering how many of our fellow passengers felt the same way. We are happy some people have had good experiences!! Good luck in the future aboard Norwegian.

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kisele 9 years ago

I would have to agree on the fact that the food was, blah at best. Too crowded and not enough too do besides drink. We cruised Jewel and epic, not doing that again.

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budhakitty 9 years ago

We went on the Jewel and loved it!! We had the best bartender, Kumar. We usually self carry our luggage so that we don't encounter issues like you reported. Also we always have access then to our belongings and we can unpack immediately. Let the fun begin!!

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garydubose 9 years ago

We cruise often and know to bring a small bag with us with suit to swim and cloths to change. I am posting because robal64 was unhappy but I want other to know to don that. I wish I could have told them also. We like to go see offers and try to win stuff from spa last 6 NCL cruises we have won average $150 a cruise. Just plan a bit and the first day will go better. robal64 go again and your experience will make the day better. Cruise on people.

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CaKevin 9 years ago

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jtruong056 9 years ago

Sorry to hear about your experience. I would agree with Tatt2ed that luggage can be first in last out scenario, similar to airlines and baggage claim. Also agree with djstephens that most online sources for tips on cruising advise you to bring a small carry-on which includes items (swimwear, etc) you can use on board while waiting for your luggage. However, 8pm is an extremely long wait.

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djstephens 9 years ago

I have been on the Jewel before and 8 other cruises. we have never had problems getting luggage. we also never has troubles getting drinks. we hardly ever went to the bar. always had a great staff. Oswell Raymond was excellent and always kept us full of beverages. we also always take a small bag with us that has our swimming gear in it so we can take advantage of the pool when we board.

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