Norwegian Jewel Review
3kidsncats
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s
Rating by category
Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service
Additional details
Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Courtyard Villa with Balcony
Traveled with children
After a very stressful year, we had the opportunity to sail on the NCL Jewel in the Haven. Not our first NCL cruise, but our first time in the Haven, and hopefully not our last. We traveled as a family of 6 -- Myself (48), husband (60), 3 daughters (19, 17 and 14) and one boyfriend who is part of the family. We live in Southern California, so this was an easy itinerary requiring no flights, just $16 per day parking (although it went up to $17 per day while we were gone). None of the kids had ever cruised before, and they ended up loving it. We booked about a year in advance, and received all the promos while they were still amazing -- UDP for all 7 nights for everyone in the cabin, UBP for 2 adults, soda for everyone else, 3-8 sail free, and $300 obc.
I've done a full photo review here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2299718
Embarkation was very easy -- about an hour from parking to dining in Modernos. The suite lounge in the terminal is nice, and the snacks were delicious. We had about an hour and a half drive to the port, so we were hungry by the time we got there. We were escorted up to the restaurant, and received wonderful service. The cabins were ready by about 1:30, and bags were delivered by 2pm.
Cabin Review
Courtyard Villa with Balcony
Cabin H4
Love the newer carpeting and furnishings from the drydock in 2014. The new color scheme is more soothing. The cabin is beautiful, and in very good condition. Amenities were excellent, space more than adequate. Beds were comfortable -- adore the down comforters! Bathroom is well designed (except for the knob on the shower door -- hard to grip when it is wet). Coffee machine was a welcome perk, and we enjoyed the spacious balcony, which offers a reasonable protection from wind, even when sailing.
Port Reviews
Los Angeles
Easy drop off of bags at the porter tent prior to parking, and parking lot is right there next to the ship. Security screening was smooth, and well managed. Terminal is clean, and suite lounge area was nice.
Cabo San Lucas
Beautiful -- took a water taxi to Lovers Beach and the Arches. Very close to the ship/marina, so easy to do on your own and not worry about being back on time. Most expensive of the three ports, so not a shopping destination. Lunch was very expensive.
Mazatlan
Was nervous about this port, but it's obvious that they have made a big effort to make it safe and convenient for visitors. Handy blue line from the port so that you can easily walk into the Historic District. Best shopping prices of all the ports. Got a very affordable massage, and visited the beautiful Cathedral
Puerto Vallarta
Easy to grab a public bus (the white and blue ones) from the port south to the Malecon, which is beautiful and an enjoyable outing. The port area is the nicest, but the little shopping mall nearby has the most aggressive vendors.
4 Helpful Votes
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