Internet connection sucks!

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 76

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 27, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8098

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Ports of call : Mazatlan was awful nothing much there to do, we had lunch downtown in Shrimp Bucket and cost us $8 for taxi instead of only 50 pesos;

our waiter was demanding for his tip👿, after they screw us over with exchange rate instead of 18 pesos per $1, they only gave us 15pesos per $1.

they did pay for our taxi fare back to the port because that's what they advertise on the back of their brochure but it wasn't easy when we asked for it!

overall experience with Norwegian staff was great, from drinks and specialty dining, there's so much to do while at sea. Our big concern was the INTERNET CONNECTION, we expected high speed but it's not (we paid $209 for unlimited internet but it was a waste, my husband was really frustrated because he wasn't able to do and catch up most of his work stuff..

Also we purchased the text/messaging and calling plan ($7.95) flat rate so we can call & text each other from the Iconcjerge App through Norwegian, it works fine for a few days then later on it keep saying "unable to make a call due to some technical difficulties". A bit frustrated when we wanna call each other just to keep in touch to see  where we at because most of the time we have separate activities while on board.

Beside than that everything else was great, there's some crew member that are kinda rude and snotty, but we met this one bartender and he made up for all those negative attitude of his crew member "his name is Dionisio Valenzuela( from Chile) he was the best bartender and he made our drinks extra special every time we come up to his bar...

Our cabin crew was also very sweet "Socorro" from India he always kept our room clean and made our bed twice a day, never have to worry having dirty towels and dirty room!

We had fun altogether specially our 13 years old daughter, and we will cruise again with Norwegian in the future, hopefully they can improve their internet connection!!!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Obviously was obstructed oceanview, in front of our window was the emergency boat so we're not able to take photos at all, no view to look at and enjoy! I had to get out from our cabin to take good photos. Lesson learn about Obstructed View!

Ship tip

If you enjoy drinking make sure you explore and try different bars and drinks every night, that's what we did and we're able to judge which bar and bartender to come back to. If you have specialty dining make sure you're hungry before going because it was worth it!

Ports of call

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

5 out of 5

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5 out of 5

Mazatlan, Mexico

1 out of 5

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 76

15 Comments

Albertacruiser    8 years ago

The central square is actually within walking distance of the dock if you head down Angel Flores.  The volunteer guides can point you in the right direction.  There is a green tourist bus that you can catch from the Mercado (the big market) that will take you to the Golden Zone for about 10 pesos.  It's actually quite modern looking compared to the regular buses. It has stops downtown but if you see it coming on the malecon stick your arm out for it to stop.  Always bring pesos so you don't get ripped off.  The pulmonia (white open cars) drivers will charge you what they can get away with but you can negotiate.  We spend time in Mazatl¡n every year so we've learned some of the tricks.

rdavis123    8 years ago

You can get a small tour for 4 people for pretty cheap . Don't forget to haggle the price.

rdavis123    8 years ago

If it's your first trip I'd go down to the cathedral area and the golden zone. Both of those the little jeeps are great way to get there

v34fire    8 years ago

Other suggestions for Mazatlan?

rdavis123    8 years ago

There are a few but not as bad as some beaches. The vendors usually hang out where the cruise excursions are dropped off.

rdavis123    8 years ago

We never have issues eating down there. Just make sure to drink bottled water. My rule of thumb is make sure you use hot sauce kills the bugs!

v34fire    8 years ago

On that island, are there vendors, etc?

v34fire    8 years ago

Any good ideas for good Mexican food there? Do you get sick from the food or water? I've heard to bring some nausea/diarrhea meds. Lol

rdavis123    8 years ago

They will take you wherever you want to go. The port area is full of vendors and stores. Just ask one of the American volunteers where to go. Believe they have striped the roads with a green stripe to show tourists where to go

rdavis123    8 years ago

Take one of the little jeep type taxis . They used to be about $10

v34fire    8 years ago

My son wants to do some shopping and looking around the area. Are there lots of street vendors around?

rdavis123    8 years ago

Believe it's called stone island beach. The ship has excursions going over there but you can walk down the channel to the water taxi stand and I believe for $2 get a round trip ticket across the channel. Go up the little hill where the water taxi parks and you'll see miles of pristine white sand beach. We usually get one of the little cabanas from one of the restaurants . They'll let you Stay there all day for buying some food and some drinks. You'll see the tour busses coming to the resorts down the beach. Just ask one of the volunteer guides when they shuttle you to the gate how to get there. We found it from some other cruisers a few years ago.

v34fire    8 years ago

What's the name of that beach?

rdavis123    8 years ago

We love mazatlan and love the beaches. You missed a great beach just across the channel from where the ship docks. Lots of activities from Para sailing boogey boarding horseback riding, atv's and some great little restaurants on the beach. Oh well if you go back try it out.

babygrljaz    8 years ago

When paying with US dollars you almost always get screwed no matter where you go

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