The Homecoming
Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
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: 5 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
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Cagney's Steakhouse
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.
Azura Main Dining Room
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.
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Try all the restaurants including the buffet.
Ports of call
Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia