Great staff, excellent views, food not great

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska

Mjpreston70

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 18

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Inside Passage Southbound (Seward To Vancouver)

Sail date: July 03, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin number: GTY

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 10 months ago

Review summary

Beautiful scenery. Something checked on my bucket list and many lovely photos to capture the picturesque views. Very rainy, two of three ports were just down pours. The on-ship glacier viewing was the best. Tour to Mendenhall Glacier disappointing. Can't get close and the down pour was miserable. 12 ft of rain per yr so the chances will be high that you'll experience that too. Felt privileged no rain during the on-ship glacier viewing as that truly was the highlight. Loved the White Pass/Suspension Bridge tour by bus, as well as the bus tour by coach from Seward to the airport. I could've skipped the nature center as it was a down pour again and a muddy mess. Loved the staff, from the "Happy-happy-washy-washy" guy in the buffet to Stefan our solo cruise coordinator, to my cabin steward Benjamin. All just fantastic. The spa could use an extra person at the counter to take and return cards for the limited 100 people going in and out of the thermal spa. Hated waiting for that when it was such a simple transaction and complicated things happening ahead of me. Should be a better, automated, check in/out swiping system. Stefan coordinated our solo events. He booked restaurant reservations for the standard dining rooms (tough to get into specialty so book before the trip), and held a row for us in the Stardust Lounge for entertainment which I loved. Had a special champagne and cheese set up for us on the last night and took a group pic behind the Captains area where all the action is. Very cool. He also provided a cake and champagne to celebrate the b-day of one of the guests' husband who died a yr ago. She had been on the Jewel several times with him and it was very emotional for her. I have never seen anyone do anything like that on a cruise. Not only will she be a customer for life, but NCL is #1 with me now. I just know the food isn't very good, but I don't go for food so its all good with me. If I have to pick between good staff and food, I'll always take good staff/service. Thank you for letting me provide input.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Staff were awesome, food was basic buffet style at Golden Corral. Kept me fed but not good. They had a nice cobbler, but everything was just low grade. Ate at French Restaurant, slightly better, still not high quality, and they charged me for 5 glasses of wine which I had to wait in line to get taken off bill. I only had one.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

LOVED, and I mean LOVED the solarium/thermal spa and will pay for that on every cruise moving forward. Saved me on several days when I wasn't feeling great.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Great singing duo/piano (Bambi and gentleman), entertainment events were ok, though I am told the aerialists were good and I missed that show.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Stefan and his solo sailor coordination. He was a wonderful host and helped a group of 12 or so connect. He made all the difference in this otherwise mediocre cruise. My steward, Benjamin, was excellent and provided me several things I needed to make my stay comfortable: extra hangers, mattress topper, a bath robe. Very accommodating and cheerful each day.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

I like the small ship. Easy to get around. Loved where my cabin was located. Only once did I see a dirty bathroom and it was right at onboarding. After that, every bathroom was spic and span and the kitchen areas too. Staff want to bus your table before you've taken the last bite!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Clean, comfortable, no issues. Everything worked. Liked the larger shower w/glass doors. A plus.

Ship tip

Don't expect much from food experience. Engage with staff and take part in activities. Painting, wine tasting, bingo...there was a lot to do for a non sunny cruise. It surprised me.

Thumbs up