The Homecoming

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 95

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Norwegian Jewel

9 Night Alaska Inside Passage (Seattle To Vancouver)

Sail date: May 26, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11040

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

A cruise to Alaska on NCL had all the excitement and nervousness associated with returning to Alaska where my wife and I began our marriage 38 years ago and looking forward to sharing it with our 2 grown daughters. Nervousness, brought on by sailing NCL opposed to 'Brand X' who we exclusively had cruised extensively prior. Embarkation was a disaster in Seattle as shore-side management failed to staff appropriately resulting in close to 3 hours to get checked in. We began to question why we had chosen NCL and were wishing for a do-over. That's the only regret we were to have the entire trip. NCL exceeded our expectations from the outstanding food (did I mention No Waiting ever at any restaurant), or our Attentive Cabin Steward who made very comfortable the mediocre bed accommodations that our grown daughters had to share and our daily refrigerator needs. The wait staff not only helped you to enjoy the experience but they behaved as though they enjoyed being there as well; that it wasn't just a job. Entertainment was excellent but the real jewel was a hidden gem named LEO who made a point of learning your name and greeted you every time you joined the bar area that he was performing. Needless to say; standing room only when he performed and everyone felt like they were the guest of honor. A couple said they FB stalk him and have sailed 5 times with him. I wouldn't discount us doing something similar. Alaska stands on her own. Nothing to add but go explore and enjoy it all. Disembarkation was the most orderly and free of confusion we have ever experienced. Great job to the staff for the smooth operation. If you are looking to see Alaska for the first time or the umpteenth and have never tried NCL - Give it a go!! ACES IN MY BOOK! See you soon.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Azura Main Dining Room

5 out of 5

Restaurant with million dollar view of the ship's wake usually reserved for fee paying restaurants if not high priced suites. Great variety of daily specials as well as every day offerings. The strip steak is not to be overlooked. Quality is comparable to 'For Fee' restaurants on other lines. Appreciated the adherence to dress code requiring collared shirts. The restaurant warranted the respect.

Cagney's Steakhouse

5 out of 5

Outstanding attentive service with top quality food to match. Steaks cooked to perfection including my request for Black and Blue. Chef accommodated to perfection. 5 stars don't provide enough for this stellar restaurant that could stand up against a lot of NY, SF or Chicago steak houses. Check out the wine list for some special offerings or as for Bosco, the ship sommelier for help.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ship tip

Try all the restaurants including the buffet.

Ports of call

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5
So easy to explore on foot. Walk up the hill to see the beautiful totems in the museum.

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Mendenhall says it all. Do not miss the opportunity.

Cruise Sawyer Glacier

5 out of 5
So beautiful. Was worth the price of a mini-suite. Nature even threw in a rainbow which we drove through for free.

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5
Rock slide cancels train ride. Good news is a bus ride inot the Yukon. Go and take in the land based glacial experience.

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska

5 out of 5
Charming. Alaska before tourism. A priviledge to have been invited. Eagles! Eagles! Eagles!; and a bear and cub to boot.

Sitka, Alaska

5 out of 5
The homecoming. Reminded us of Kodiak where we began our 38 year marriage. So nice to be home!

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5
Wouldn't be a visit without Butchart Gardens and recreating a photo of us on our honeymoon in May 1980.

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

5 out of 5
Getting to visit family make Vancouver a special termination place for cruising.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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