A review from the Aft of the Jewel - January 17, 2015

This will be a long review of our cruise on the Jewel from Houston to Cozumel, Belize city and Roatan. I have lots of pictures to share so please be patient.

Introduction

Three days prior to our cruise someone asked me “where are you going on your cruise this time”. I simply replied in a less than excited voice “same places we went last year, but this time departing from Houston”. And then she continued and asked “but why do you continue going to same places every year”. And so I replied, “Well, it is just something for us to do to escape the winter”. Although, it may sound like I am not excited about cruising, I am and look forward to each cruise as if it was my first. While on this cruise my dear partner (DP) gave me a copy of Rick Steves’ Northern European Cruise Ports (one of future cruises) and I found two quotes that really help to explain why we travel and love to cruise.

“Globe-trotting destroys ethnocentricity, helping you understand and appreciate different cultures. Among your prized souvenirs will be the strands of different culture you choose to knit into your own character. The world is a cultural yarn shop, and Back Door travelers are weaving the ultimate tapestry”

“Travel is intensified living-maximum thrills per minute and one of the last great sources of legal adventure. Travel is freedom. It is recess, and we need it”

Although one of our closest friends, RK, always says that we “often cruise to the same places”, cruising for us has become an easy way to get-away, explore the world and give us an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying what we love – cruising, fine dining and wine, and relaxation.

To conclude this introduction, here are some things about us to keep in mind while you read this review. We are a couple in our late 30’s (soon to be 40). We took our first cruise in 2010 and have since taken a total of 8 cruises (7 on NCL and one on Royal Caribbean International). We are loyal NCL cruisers, but are not afraid (at least me) to point out areas where NCL can improve. This was our 4th winter cruise to the Western Caribbean, second cruise on the Jewel, and the last Western Caribbean cruise for at least two years.

Next – Selecting this cruise and why we are going back to the Western Caribbean again.

Looking forward to reading more!

Can't wait to read more

Just 2 1/2 weeks and we will be on the Jewel. Can't wait to read the rest of your review:)

Selecting another cruise to the Western Caribbean

As we always book our cruises at least 18 months in advance, I started looking at cruises for January 2015 when the itineraries were released in December 2012. At the time it seemed like a long time to wait, but we already had cruises booked for January 2013 and 2014, so waiting two years was not a big deal for us. When the itineraries were released, there were not too many choices for our desired cruise date (third week in January). We always pick that week because we only have to take four days off from work due to the MLK holiday. Our two choices were the Epic out of Miami or the Jewel out of Houston – both sailing to the Western Caribbean. We liked the idea of doing the Epic, but booking a Haven suite required a very large deposit. As you will learn throughout the review, we like traveling in suites because of the perks, the larger room, the amenities, and of course breakfast and lunch at Cagney’s (now Moderno). Although the Jewel out of Houston was our second choice, it was a better fit for our budget and plans for several reasons:

1) The cruise departed from Houston – a new port for us and a city that we had not visited together.

2) There were three days at sea contrary to the typical two days at sea for a Western Caribbean cruise.

3) The same aft penthouse (10166) that we had booked for our January 2014 cruise (New Orleans) was also available on this cruise.

Note: Aft penthouses on deck 10 have the largest balconies (more on that later).

4) Lastly, we only paid $1319 per person for an Aft penthouse, which also included over $600 on OBC from NCL and our TA.

While onboard our 2013 cruise, we purchased a future cruise credit and shortly after our return from that cruise we booked our January 2015 on January 24, 2013. Booking another cruise right after returning from a cruise really helps with the post-cruise depression. My post-cruise depression was also alleviated when we received our booking confirmation from our TA which indicated a lower fare ($1269) per person because we were booked as part of a group. As you can imagine, I was a happy with the realization of another cruise and more money in my pocket.

Next - Planning travel arrangements and excursions

Planning travel arragements and excursions

Contrary to previous cruises, we did not spend a lot of time planning for excursions for this trip. As mentioned before, having had visited the ports of Cozumel, Belize city and Roatan for three straight years, we were happy with just having a fun and relaxing vacation. Planning for the transfer from the airport to the port was more of a challenge because the port of Bayport is not actually in Houston, but about 55 miles from the Houston Bush Intercontinental airport (IAH). Hobby airport is little bit closer to the cruise terminal, but we were limited to IAH because US Airways does not fly to Hobby. In the end, we decided to fly into Houston the night before the cruise, spend the night in Houston and travel to the Bayport cruise terminal the following morning.

In terms of excursions, we discussed either doing a beach break in Cozumel or a tour of the island where they take you to four different bars. However, after looking at the excursions on the NCL site, we decided to do the Mexican Cuisine Cooking Class and Beach Break at Playa Mia (more to come later on including lots of pictures about the excursion and what we cooked). In Belize, we decided not to do an excursion because we wanted to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day and also had plans to meet up with some friends that we had met on the 2014 cruise. In Roatan, we discussed booking the Spa package at Spa Baan Suerte or a beach break with Victor Bodden, but at the end decided not to plan any excursions and see what we wanted to do once we got to Roatan.

Next - We travel to Houston and go cruising

This will be a long review of our cruise on the Jewel from Houston to Cozumel, Belize city and Roatan. I have lots of pictures to share so please be patient.

 

Introduction

 

Three days prior to our cruise someone asked me “where are you going on your cruise this time”. I simply replied in a less than excited voice “same places we went last year, but this time departing from Houston”. And then she continued and asked “but why do you continue going to same places every year”. And so I replied, “Well, it is just something for us to do to escape the winter”. Although, it may sound like I am not excited about cruising, I am and look forward to each cruise as if it was my first. While on this cruise my dear partner (DP) gave me a copy of Rick Steves’ Northern European Cruise Ports (one of future cruises) and I found two quotes that really help to explain why we travel and love to cruise.

“Globe-trotting destroys ethnocentricity, helping you understand and appreciate different cultures. Among your prized souvenirs will be the strands of different culture you choose to knit into your own character. The world is a cultural yarn shop, and Back Door travelers are weaving the ultimate tapestry”

“Travel is intensified living-maximum thrills per minute and one of the last great sources of legal adventure. Travel is freedom. It is recess, and we need it”

Although one of our closest friends, RK, always says that we “often cruise to the same places”, cruising for us has become an easy way to get-away, explore the world and give us an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying what we love – cruising, fine dining and wine, and relaxation.

To conclude this introduction, here are some things about us to keep in mind while you read this review. We are a couple in our late 30’s (soon to be 40). We took our first cruise in 2010 and have since taken a total of 8 cruises (7 on NCL and one on Royal Caribbean International). We are loyal NCL cruisers, but are not afraid (at least me) to point out areas where NCL can improve. This was our 4th winter cruise to the Western Caribbean, second cruise on the Jewel, and the last Western Caribbean cruise for at least two years.

 

Next – Selecting this cruise and why we are going back to the Western Caribbean again.

Thanks. We are leaving on Saturday!

Following! We leave on March 7th....I am in 10164 and friends in 10166 and 10168....can't wait!

I'm excited to read the rest - we too have sailed the W. Caribbean too many times, but being from Texas - it is nice to finally be able to cruise from a port somewhat close to home.

We're in the same boat - have nothing planned as far as excursions go. We've done the Mexican Cuisine and Cooking class twice - enjoyed it, but wouldn't do it a third time!

MNH - we'll be your neighbors in 10666 on March 7th!

I'm excited to read the rest - we too have sailed the W. Caribbean too many times, but being from Texas - it is nice to finally be able to cruise from a port somewhat close to home.

 

We're in the same boat - have nothing planned as far as excursions go. We've done the Mexican Cuisine and Cooking class twice - enjoyed it, but wouldn't do it a third time!

 

MNH - we'll be your neighbors in 10666 on March 7th!

Fantastic! I am so excited....taking my 2 GD...16 and 11. They both love to cruise and have been on 24 and 14 cruises respectively!

We are going to Nachi Cocom in Cozumel (we went there for the first time in October and loved it) other than that we have not idea what we are doing in the other ports.

Friday before the cruise and Embarkation day

And finally it was time for us to fly to Houston. We flew from Baltimore to Houston (Bush Intercontinental) with a stop in Charlotte the night before the cruise. DP is a US Airways preferred member and we were upgraded to first class on the flight from Charlotte to Houston. The flights were uneventful and after some complementary inflight drinks and a small, but tasty sandwich, we arrived in Houston shortly before midnight. After a quick shuttle ride from the airport to the hotel, we arrived at the Embassy Suites Hotel and quickly turned in for the night.

As it is always the case, I never sleep well the night before a cruise and so I woke up early and finished some up work (yes, I brought my laptop with me) while DP was still sleeping. We quickly got ready and enjoyed some complimentary breakfast (who doesn’t love free food) before heading to Enterprise to pick up our rental car to drive to the cruise terminal. The hotel shuttle driver dropped us at the rental car terminal instead of at the airport, which we really appreciated.

So, why did we decide to rent a car instead of taking the NCL shuttle from airport to the Pier? Well, the reason is simple – cost. I did not think, and DP and I disagree, that $45 per person was a good price to go from the airport to cruise terminal. I understand that it is a 50 minute ride from the airport to the pier, but I found that renting a car was cheaper for us. Why? Well, thanks to the Discover Card Cashback promotion, the one-way car rental from the Airport to the Webster, TX Enterprise car rental location was only $32. We enjoyed the 45-minute drive from the airport to the Enterprise car rental location, and then took a taxi to the pier for an additional $32 (including tip). Although the total price for the rental car, $64, was not significantly different than taking the NCL shuttle ($90), it gave us an opportunity to stop by a Dollar store to pick up some last minute essentials including 24 bottles of water. I find the opportunity to be on your own time and being able to stop for last minute essentials to be priceless considering that there are not store around cruise terminal. The Bayport cruise terminal is located in the middle of nowhere so plan accordingly if you need to buy something before the cruise. Overall, it was a smooth ride from the airport to the pier. We left the car rental airport location at 10:15 am, stopped at the Dollar store, and arrived at the cruise terminal at 12:05 pm.

Note: There is an Enterprise Car Rental location five mile from the cruise terminal, but they don't accept one-way rentals.

Next – The fastest embarkation we have ever experienced.

Looking forward to reading more!

Thanks and stay tuned.

Thanks. We are leaving on Saturday!

You are going to love the Jewel. It is a great ship, and the staff is great.

I'm excited to read the rest - we too have sailed the W. Caribbean too many times, but being from Texas - it is nice to finally be able to cruise from a port somewhat close to home.

 

We're in the same boat - have nothing planned as far as excursions go. We've done the Mexican Cuisine and Cooking class twice - enjoyed it, but wouldn't do it a third time!

 

MNH - we'll be your neighbors in 10666 on March 7th!

MNH and Tricialy. You are going to love the aft and the penthouses. I have pictures of the room coming later in the review.

 

MNH - we'll be your neighbors in 10666 on March 7th!

We were in 10166 which is the same room as 10666.

Nice review so far. My wife and I will be on the jewel on March 28th so we can't wait to read the rest. Although we won't be in a suite.:)

Just posting a picture of the Jewel as we approach the terminal to make sure that the pictures are posting correctly. More pictures of the Jewel and our suite coming tonight.

Embarkation

As I mentioned before, this was the fastest embarkation we have ever experienced. We arrived at the pier at 12:06 pm and immediately drop off our luggage with a porter. The security line was not very long and the fact that they have four security stations really helped to speed up the process. After passing the security checkpoint, we were directed to a table to pay the corkage fee for the wine that we brought onboard. Regardless of where you are consuming your wine (room or restaurant) you have to pay a $15 corkage fee per bottle (750 mL). The process took about 5 minutes because there were two other couples in front of us. When you pay the fee, they ask for your room number and give you a receipt indicating the number of bottles that you brought onboard. They also attach a sticker to each bottle indicating that the corkage fee has been paid. The fee will be added to your onboard account, but you will likely not see it on your account until the second day.

After paying the corkage fee, we checked in at the counter for Silver and above Latitudes members, but were informed that we were sent to the wrong counter. The staff was very nice and checked us in, but told us that we had to go to a separate counter (Haven check-in counter) to pick up our room keys.

Here is a picture of the pier including the parking facilities.

The check-in process was very quick and shortly after getting our keycards, we were escorted, together with another couple, onboard by a butler. The butler wanted to personally show us our room, but since we were familiar with the Jewel, we told him to help the other couple since they were new to NCL.

We arrived at the pier at 12:06 pm and by 12:45 we were already in our suite (room 10166).

Next - A photo tour of the suite including the oversize balcony

Photo tour of aft penthouse suite 10166

Every suite comes with fresh flowers and a bottle of sparkling wine. However, due to Texas state laws, you will not get the bottle of sparkling wine until the second day (First sea day).

Also, in the picture above you will notice a bottle of wine with the sticker indicating that you have paid the corkage fee. After paying the corkage fee, you can take the bottle of wine to any restaurant onboard or drink it in your room.

Also, due to Texas state law, the mini bar in your room will also be locked until you reach international water (day 2). However, as you can see below, the lock is just a piece of tape.

Photo tour of aft penthouse suite 10166

You enter the suite by a long hallway.

As soon as you walk in the door, there is a lot of storage space for towels and other personal items.

In the hallway you will also find a large closet that you can access from the entrace hallway or from the hallway near the bathroom.

As you continue walking into the room, you will encounter the mini bar area and the Lavazza machine. You butler will bring you the coffee/tea pods for the Lavazza machine and milk or cream as requested. You can make anything from espresso to a cappuccino.

Photo tour of aft penthouse suite 10166

Here is the king size bed. There are heavy curtains (orange) around the bed that you can close a nighttime for privacy if you are sharing the room with a third person.

Next to the bed there is a sitting area. The sofa turns into a bed, and as you can appreciate below, the curtain between the bed and sofa can be used for privacy.

Across from the bed there is a flat screen TV and more storage.

And to the right of the TV there is a dinning area.

A photo tour of aft penthouse 10166

Next to the bed, there is hallway with access to the large closet, more storage and the bathroom.

The bathroom has a tub, which is separated from the toilet by the sink. The layout of the bathroom is similar to that of any balcony or mini suite cabin.

The best part of this suite is the balcony.

The balcony is huge.

The view is breathtaking.

I am so ready to go on our cruise. I am enjoying your review especially your cabin photos. Deck 10 aft wrap around was booked so we booked deck 9 (we wanted to try both aft and wrap). I am waiting for your next installment.

I am so ready to go on our cruise. I am enjoying your review especially your cabin photos. Deck 10 aft wrap around was booked so we booked deck 9 (we wanted to try both aft and wrap). I am waiting for your next installment.

I was not able to get an aft PH on 10 either. But will suffer through it. Wink.

Jmele999, thanks for the great pictures.