We thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise ever with the NCL Jewel. I think she is a beautiful ship and her crew was so friendly. Captain Kenneth was excellent at the Q&A too.
For us it was about relaxation and we did lots of that! Great food, great drinks (we took the beverage package) and smashing entertainment.
We particularly liked all the smaller bars that always had some live music playing.
Sean (guitar) and Prism (band with good singers) were our faves.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Smooth with a shortish queue at the end.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Buffet choice was huge and food of good quality - hot and cold when it needed to be. Busy at usual meal times but always able to find a seat. Main dining rooms were very good except for Tsars which we found to be very slow one breakfast time. Speciality dining was excellent - menus good and service spot on.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The main pool was fine and we always managed to find a sun lounger to lie on. We didn't use the pool (my choice) or the spas around the pool but did frequent the mandara Spa on Sea days. Relaxed most of the time so didn't go to the gym etc.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I thought the entertainment was good overall.
Children's Programs
We were child free :)
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room Steward was lovely and very efficient so our room was always clean and made up when we returned to it. Waiters were 95% cheery, professional and courteous. I think the 5% were just having a bad day - nothing awful. Everyone aboard the ship was friendly, polite and helpful when we needed them.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was immaculate. Clean and tidy. No smell of smoke anywhere.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
As first time cruisers we selected an inside cabin as we didn't expect to be in it much. We weren't but it was fine for our needs. It felt like we were in a well appointed caravan.
It was very clean, quiet and dark at night.
There was enough wardrobe space (never enough coat hangers for me though). Five large open shelves for clothing and storage and another three drawers under the vanity mirror. The hairdryer was right next to the mirror and was good quality.
The bathroom was compact but had plenty of hanging space, towel rails and hooks, shelving under the sink, space around the sink and a glass shower door to the decent sized shower.
Our bed was very comfortable and there were two bedside table with space for storage either side.
Under the tv there was a small space for writing.
Each night we had a new towel animal on our bed which was cute.
May try and oceanview next time just for a change as I don't think there's much difference size wise.
Ship tip
Learn to dance! I wish I could have danced more in the Spinnaker lounge. Try and have your evening meal at 7pm when a lot of the passengers are at a 7.15 show - less busy. Same for the buffet - eat slightly before or after everyone else. It's not horrendously busy but is nicer without the crowds.
Very pretty little place. We took a bus tour to the top of the hill and stopped off for coffee and cake. Then visited the cheese factory briefly and sampled some cheese.
Did the ship excursion here - good tour. Chatty, entertaining and knowledgeable driver (slightly political and preachy at times). Stopped at the sheep farm and saw shearing and dog trials - excellent. Followed by tea and scones. Drove up to the high point with superb views. COuld have done with longer here to explore the town and shop.
Again we could have done with more time here. Visited the Polenesian Spa and village at Rotorua on and independent tour and enjoyed it. The Spa needs a bit of a upgrade decor wise and a treatment would have been bliss while there but no time.
Despite overnight stay we didn't like Auckland. Not a pretty city. Couldn't get a hire car (our fault for not thinking ahead) We were directed to Avis and Hertz by the information kiosk - quite a walk away when there were at least six smaller companies nearer who may have had cars available.
Smooth but I think we were lucky getting off the back end of the ship as the front had a long queue. Picking up suitcases was easy. I'm not sure about travelling on a bigger ship though with more passengers I reckon it would be a nightmare.
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