A Disappointing Voyage aboard the “Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

1 out of 5
Norwegian Jewel

10 Night Asia: Singapore Philippines & Vietnam (Bangkok To Manila)

Sail date: November 20, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10016

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 month ago

Review summary

To summarize everything, the Norwegian Jewel Cruise Line failed to live up to its name. Instead of a jewel, it proved to be a fool's errand. We caution all prospective travelers to steer clear of this company unless they wish to endure a similar ordeal.

Embarkation

1 out of 5
My recent experience aboard the Norwegian Jewel Cruise Line was nothing short of a nightmare. As part of a group occupying six suites, we anticipated a luxurious and enjoyable journey. However, our expectations were shattered from the moment we stepped on board. Overall, the level of service provided by Norwegian Jewel Cruise Line was profoundly disappointing. Their lack of empathy, disorganization, and unethical treatment of passengers transformed what should have been a memorable vacation into a regrettable ordeal. As frequent travelers who embark on biannual trips with large groups, we unequivocally declare that we will never patronize Norwegian again. Our grievances were not limited to the confines of the ship; we made every effort to escalate our concerns to the highest levels of the company, reaching out to both the President and CEO. However, our attempts to communicate with them were met with obstacles and indifference. It is abundantly clear that customer satisfaction is not a priority for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5
To add insult to injury, the quality of food provided was abysmal. Basic breakfast essentials were inexplicably concealed in the kitchen, necessitating constant requests for items such as prunes, dates, cottage cheese, and bananas. This inconvenience only highlighted the disorganization and lack of attention to passenger needs.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5
we did not take kids with us

Service and Staff

1 out of 5
Further compounding our frustration was the poor quality of food and service. Staple breakfast items such as prunes, dates, cottage cheese, and bananas were inexplicably absent from the buffet and had to be requested repeatedly, underscoring a clear disarray and lack of foresight in catering to guests' basic needs. Equally distressing was the crew's overall demeanor. Throughout our voyage, from Bangkok to Manila, the treatment we received was far from the warmth and hospitality expected at sea. The hostile attitude of the crew made us feel more like burdens than honored guests, which is unacceptable in any hospitality setting.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
The initial disappointment stemmed from significant maintenance issues within one of our suites, particularly with the bathroom plumbing and drainage systems. These problems emitted an intolerable foul odor, rendering the suite unusable. Despite our persistent requests for a resolution, the response from the cruise staff was lackluster at best. We received a series of unfulfilled promises and ineffective solutions, which only intensified our discontent.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5
The initial disappointment stemmed from significant maintenance issues within one of our suites, particularly with the bathroom plumbing and drainage systems. These problems emitted an intolerable foul odor, rendering the suite unusable. Despite our persistent requests for a resolution, the response from the cruise staff was lackluster at best. We received a series of unfulfilled promises and ineffective solutions, which only intensified our discontent.

Ship tip

the service and experience aboard the Norwegian Jewel were not only a monumental disappointment but also a stark departure from the expected standards of a reputed cruise line. This cruise was supposed to be a luxurious escape and instead turned into a regrettable ordeal. Based on this experience, I strongly advise potential travelers to reconsider booking with Norwegian Cruise Line, as their commitment to passenger satisfaction appears superficial at best. This was not the sparkling "jewel" experience promised, but rather a tarnished one, best avoided.

Ports of call

Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand

1 out of 5

Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

1 out of 5

Singapore

1 out of 5

Muara, Brunei

1 out of 5

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

1 out of 5

Puerto Princesa, Philippines

1 out of 5

Boracay, Philippines

1 out of 5

Manila, Philippines

1 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5
the attitude displayed by the crew members during our voyage was nothing short of disdainful. Whether departing from Bangkok or arriving at Manila, their demeanor towards passengers bordered on hostility. We were treated more like prisoners or circus animals than valued guests, further tarnishing the already dismal experience.
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