Underwhelming at best

Item: Norwegian Jewel
Rating: 3.7
Author: tamatha223

Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

tamatha223

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 10

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway (Vancouver To Seward)

Sail date: September 16, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8608

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 month ago

Review summary

We won't be cruising NCL again unless it's the only option for a destination in which we are interested. My husband and I played cards in our room when we weren't spending time disappointed with the food or entertainment/activities. Overall just disappointed in the cruise line.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Fantastic getting to the ship and embarking. No trouble at all

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

We are at most of the restaurants and had only one good meal- at la cucina- the best filet and risotto was to die for. Otherwise really not enjoyable food.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

No really fun things to do except gamble (which we don't) and drink (one night was enough of that). The staff wasn't personable except "Marie" I. The Bliss lounge ..

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Circus da Bijou was fantastic! We enjoyed the duo show "memories" and the final night show. Rock show was lacking.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

The staff were not personable - they would not speak unless spoke to. Maybe that was on purpose but it was not to our liking

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Smaller ship which is our preference but it was clean and well kept.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We liked our cabin. Again small but all our other cruises had similar sizes rooms.

Ports of call

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

5 out of 5

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5

KETCHIKAN (WARD COVE), ALASKA

3 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Glacier, rainforest tour and hatchery were fantastic! Probably the best excursion on this trip.

Thumbs Up 0

Skagway, Alaska Did not visit port

My husband got sick on the boat.

Thumbs Up 0

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Really enjoyed this!!

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Cruise Hubbard Glacier Did not visit port

The captain decided not to go there because of weather? He tended to ramble on the PA and it was somewhat disturbing as he was "in charge" of the boat.

Thumbs Up 0

Seward (Anchorage), Alaska

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

13 Comments

TravlingCharles 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🏖

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Cruisers4Lyfe 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing

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Sogmoore 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 1 month ago

Thanks for the review

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RC2cruises 1 month ago

You have to remember that the staff is working. They don’t have time to chit chat and have random conversations with all of the passengers. Talk to your travel companions and other passengers. All of the staff that I’ve encountered on cruises have always been pleasant in the context of their job.

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Gwbigdog 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing

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badlcho 1 month ago

How many cruises have you taken? The captain is in charge of everyone's safety. You should be thankful he made the decision not to visit the port due to adverse conditions instead of complaining. I take all reviews with a grain of salt. I've learned to just see for myself.

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1960cruiser 1 month ago

I cruised on the Jewel last year and had a great time with great food. Perhaps cruising isn't for you if all you do is complain about everything. Anyone who goes to Alaska, and isn't amazed is a person who is hard to please. BTW, the captain does have the last say so on the ship. If he or she feels it's unsafe to risk ship and passengers, then that's the way it is. My guess is if he did go against his better judgment, and risked the ship, causing an emergency, you would be first in line, accusing him of negligence.

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LauraRussellMT 1 month ago

I’m sorry to hear you weren’t a fan of the Jewel. My family sailed on the Jewel in June 2023 and loved our stateroom host. She was so friendly and interacted with us the entire week. I wonder if yours maybe didn’t feel confident in their English, which can come across is being rude? Not they didn’t want to interact, but because the language is difficult for them if that makes sense.

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24MyLuckyDragon 1 month ago

Thank you for sharing your experience, albeit what sounds like a disappointment. Happy cruising on your next😎⚓️🤩❣️‼️

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cruising2004 1 month ago

Glad you enjoyed the Alaska ports, just wish the ship experience would have been up to par.

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HeavySeas 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience

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DACruiser57 1 month ago

Sorry you did not like the ship, but personally, on Alaskan cruises I am not sailing because of ship, but the destinations. I do not expect the ship to be the centerpiece of the cruise. One item on my bucket list is to "cruise" to Alaska on the Alaskan ferries. Comfy bed, some decent food, and an outdoor deck where I can take in the gorgeous scenery.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Terrible!!!! Will not sail on NCL again. Will be researching other cruise lines itineraries