Family Trip to Alaska

Item: Norwegian Jewel
Rating: 4.4
Author: beckyk0

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

beckyk0

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 96

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 29, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10052

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

We had a really great trip! I was pleased with our experience with Norwegian and Alaska! The weather could not have been better! We saw lots of wildlife! If you can afford it, a balcony cabin is an absolute must for Alaska! We spent a lot of time early in the morning on the balcony and it was great for glacier viewing without the crowds.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

I arrived a bit late (at 2 for a 4pm sailing) and nearly walked on with little waiting in lines.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

All our food was good and plentiful, but menus were a bit stagnant. The buffet was always crowded, but never had to wait at any of the other dining rooms or restaurants.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

The Freestyle Daily always looked jam packed, but many of the activities were to sell you something or held little appeal to me, like origami folding. Bingo and gameshows were at least $20 a game. Being Alaska, I was hoping for talks from a naturalist or sea day high tea or even to see a movie in the theater, but there was nothing like this. Don't let this dissuade you! Go for the scenery! Those whales cant be seen from the casino, anyway!

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The evening shows were great! There was a musical show, a comedian, a magician, 2 circus/acrobat shows, and 2 variety shows. The comedian was the only one we did not enjoy. He talked to the crowd too much and didn't have enough content.The entertainers were very kind and approachable when you saw them around the ship.

Children's Programs

I did not travel with kids and did not see many kids on board.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

All staff were absolutely great! You can see how hard they work, you will see the same people every day and night, but they were so kind and attentive. Take the time to stop to chat with them for a moment! The captain's messages were lengthy but helpful and gave great advice on wildlife sightings.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

The Jewel is an older ship but was better maintained that I expected. Staff can frequently be seen cleaning every surface and take great strides to keep guests hands clean!

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Deck 10 was quiet. I was pleased by the size of the room. We had 3 in a balcony room, so surfaces were hard to keep clutter free. Bring some magnet hooks for the walls!

Ship tip

If you eat breakfast or lunch in the buffet, take your food into La Cucina. There was always plenty of room and a much better ambiance! Walkie-talkies work great to keep track of a large party. Tip for Alaska- get up early! Great views and wildlife sightings!

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