Cruising through the Panama Canal

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

mgpomerantz

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 70

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

14 Night Panama Canal Westbound (Miami To Los Angeles)

Sail date: February 19, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9569

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Our favorite part of the cruise, of course, was the ride through the canal. It was fascinating and interesting to learn of its history. Other than the canal, we most enjoyed having 2 weeks to unplug, relax and enjoy each other's company.

As for improvements, overall it was a wonderful experience. The staff was great. The entertainment was top notch and the ship itself was comfortable. The only negative for us was the food offered for vegetarians. We ate mostly in the Garden Cafe and while there was always something to eat, it wasn't really special. Some days, the only entree was Indian and while we love Indian food, it didn't vary much over the 2 week cruise. I got monotonous. The selections in the main dining room, either didn't appeal to us or on the two occasions when we went there, one of the meals was pitiful. It consisted of a plate of rice with two teaspoons of an Indian vegetable dish. When I looked around at the nice dinners served others, I was very disappointed. This is the only negative aspect of our experience on board.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

As vegetarians, we were disappointed at the food selection. While we always had something to eat, most days it was either average or some days even sub-average. On the days where there were themes in the dining room, some simple tweaks to the menu could have accommodated vegetarians. For instance, on the Asian day there was a soup bar that only offered chicken broth. If you wanted veggie broth, you had to wait 15 minutes for it to be brought from the kitchen. Had there been a tureen with veggie broth sitting there, we could have participated in the fun. Another day was a Mexican theme and there were fajitas offered. If there had been a roasted veggie dish and refried beans (sans lard), vegetarian could have participated. Some days the only entree for us to eat was Indian and the Indian dishes did not vary too much for the entire 2 weeks we were on board. No one likes to eat the same thing every day. I wanted a veggie burger and was told the only place to get it was up at the sky bar. Why not keep a few in the place where the other burgers were made? We tried the dining room a couple of times but one meal consisted of a plate of rice with, I kid you not, 2 teaspoons of an Indian vegetable dish. The other meal we had there was good. I have to say that the food experience was underwhelming and the only bad experience we had on board.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

N/A

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We were satisfied with the cabin. It was comfortable and adequate for our stay.

Ship tip

There are some wonderful blue loungers in the Spinnaker Lounge on deck 13. Perfect for reading and looking out to sea. Get there early, though, as there are only 4 and much in demand!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

3 out of 5

Acapulco, Mexico

5 out of 5

1 Comment

ItaVero 7 years ago

Good Review - thanks for taking the time to post it. People with unique dietary needs are rarely 100% satisfied. It reads like they met you more than half way.

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Norwegian Jewel - 14 night Panama Canal Cruise