Norwegian Jade Review
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We’ve always had “side” facing suites or rooms. This time we had a penthouse suite #10166 on the rear of the Norwegian Jade and it was amazing. Because of it’s position, there is only the sound of the retreating water which sounds much like the lapping of waves on the shore. On the side, you get the sound added of the ship cutting through the water, not to mention wind from the forward motion of the ship and actual breezes. In the rear, you’re sheltered from all that. Also, coming back, you’re heading North so you get the sun facign your suite for several hours each day. We found we could sun ourselves on our deck which has never been the case with the side facing.
Freestyle dining: I am sure there are people who like the idea of being able to show up any time for dinner, or even eat at different times each night, but we particularly like the experience of developing a relationship with our waiter during the week. What I’ve found with “freestyle” is a more “impersonal” feeling, in the main dining room. It’s almost like with NCL, the main dining room is an afterthought, in fact. We have found the food mediocre at best on both cruises vs. Carnival. Additionally, the main dining rooms are noisy and hectic, much more so than Carnival’s. I try to keep in mind “different strokes for different folks” but I can’t find a single redeeming value in NCL’s main dining rooms. We always thought Norwegian was a “step up” in quality and class, and for the most part they are, but their food does not support that.
However, on this cruise, we had the luxury of a dining plan that allowed us to eat at any of the specialty restaurants with no additional cover. We will never “go back.” These restaurants were very nice, rarely more than half full, quiet, and you could order a second glass of wine without fear of having it served with your last mouthful of dessert, which has happened to us frequently on both cruise lines. I can honestly say I’ll never go on another cruise where I’m forced to dine in the main dining room or stand in a buffet line.
Cabin Review
Penthouse with Large Balcony
Port Reviews
Houston
Oh dear...our tour guide was a very nice man, but not meant for public speaking. He would pause, correct himself, it was just impossible to stay attentive to him. Additionally, Houston is probably the most profoundly uninteresting place in the universe other than it's got the biggest, first, most, etc. of anything in the world...being texas and all!
Belize City
I took an excursion last time I went and it was nice. However, this time we just toured the port and it was ok, but if you try to wander outside the gates into the city the taxi hawkers just descend on you. I couldn't even have a conversation with the group I was in. We ended up getting 20 steps outside the gates then turned right back around and stayed in the port. Unless you get an excursion, honestly, just stay on the ship and enjoy having the pool to yourself.