Long Jewel Review - 4/17/11 though 4/24/11 Spring/Easter Break

Review of the Jewel April 17th through April 24th

Spring Break week for my family: DH (41) Me (38) DD (9) and DD (6)

Cabin No.: 11018 – AB - 2 bedroom family suite

Arrived at Pier Sunday at 11:30 am by driving from our home on Long Island about 35 minutes away– crowds were heavy, but being suite passengers, we walked right through to the counter. (No line there.)

Went into the Suite waiting area where we were met by Adrian Bica the concierge. This was our 3rd time on the Jewel in a Suite sailing with Adrian, so he greeted the kids and I with a warm hug, a handshake for DH and a “Welcome Home.”

I had a list typed out of the reservations, spa pass and clam shell we would need from Adrian and the priority disembarkation we would need at Port Canaveral.

From the waiting area, a Butler (not our butler) escorted us onto the ship within 5 minutes. He brought us directly to our room. This was around noon time. We had already stayed in this exact room before and it seemed brand new and immaculate again.

In the room, we met Antonio our butler who introduced himself and was very professional. Also, Winnie the room steward introduced herself to the girls as Winnie the Poo. The kids loved that. Winnie turned out to be the most friendly and efficient room steward we have ever had.

Antonio then escorted us to Cagney’s for lunch. I had the sliders with Cagney’s fries. Dh had some sort of steak and the kids had hot dogs. Delicious for us all. By the way, Cagney’s is always packed and loud for lunch on day one, but it was louder and more crowded than usual the first day. We then walked around to explore. The kids wanted to go in the pool immediately, but I said no way because it was 52 degrees out in New York. That did not stop some 50 or so kids from being in the pool anyway. They were already setting up for a sailaway bbq on the pool deck.

We went to the Kids Crew Welcome aboard and Spongebob meet and greet in the Stardust Theatre. The Counselors went over the rules of the club for the week. The also told us that there were more kids aboard this sailing than on the Nick All Access Cruise in February. There were almost 400 6 to 9 year olds alone. Then Spongebob came out. There was a line to get on the stage and get your picture taken with Spongebob. The picture came out nicely and we purchased it the next day.

My husband and I got the soda cards and my husband went and picked up his spa pass, which Adrian had already arranged pursuant to my original typed request.

Teppankayi at 6:30 p.m. The filet mignon was delicious. The chef was great and my younger daughter again got a hot dog. (So sad that she wouldn’t try anything else.)

Dh and I were guests of CAS and we had our drink cards in our room upon arrival. At 8pm we dropped the kids off at the kids club and headed over to the casino. Carey and Hanna are the casino hostesses. This was our 3rd time with Carey and it was great seeing her again. This was her last week on the Jewel so she was really handing off all her duties to Hanna who is very capable and personable. Carey is going on the Pearl to Alaska for the next 6 months. Throughout the week in the casino we lost quite a bit. They paid for a meal at LeBistro, sent us a bottle of wine and took $400.00 off our room charges. Nice gesture, but I would have preferred to win a jackpot or two. (LOL)

Day 2 at Sea: Kids in the club at 10:00 am, Dh and I separate to do our own thing. I went to the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet which was attended by the Captain, Hotel director and other senior officers. Our coordinators had Easter goodies on the tables for us. They also gave a cruise critic lanyard which was very thoughtful. We then went to the slot pull which was well attended and full of energy even though we lost 10.00 each. DH and I both spent some time in the casino. (The free drinks are a dangerous perk.) DH went to the spa and told me it was nearly empty. He really enjoyed the pool and the Steam room. He said there was only one other person on the stone loungers. Lunch and dinner at the buffet which is the kids location of choice. Saw Band on the Run. We all LOVED it. The lead female singer is weak, but everyone else’s voice was great.

Day 3: Port Canaveral: We rented a car, drove to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I purchased the tickets in advance on-line for a discount. We saved $200.00 by doing this on our own as opposed to going with the ship’s excursion. I organized our day in advance and kept our expectations low as to how may rides we would be able to do. Again we split up, Dh taking the 6 year old and me taking the 9 year old. DH and the 6 year went on Toy Story the ride. Sign out front was posted 120 minute wait. (It was right on the money.) I had brought their Ipods in the park with all their movies loaded on it and never once did they complain or misbehave on the lines. My older daughter and I went on Tower of Terror (30 minutes) and Rockin Roller Coaster) (70 minutes). They were done with their one ride after we completed our 2 rides. We then went together to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid Show (20 minute wait) Great live show. Then to the Muppet show. We next went to the stunt show. That is pretty much everything there is at Hollywood Studios. It exceeded our expectations because we thought it would be much more crowded than it was. We did some souvenir shopping and left. Went back to the rental car place where there were cabs waiting to take us back to the ship. Very nice exhausting day.

Day 4: Private Island. Beautiful day. Weather was perfect! 85 degrees sun shining all day. We were on the first tender and had rented our clam shell on day one on the ship. We got a clamshell in the front row which was perfect. We also rented a large circular float. I had already booked 2 excursions for the island. Parasailing for the 9 year old and I and the Waverunner for the 9 year old and DH. We also got the hippo slide for the kids. The line for the Hippo slide was very long and they only went on it 2 or 3 times. All of the activities were great. I really love the island. One point I want to make; We all applied 50 sunblock before we left the ship, then 3 more times on the island as we there all day. The 6 year old’s legs and my back still got sunburned. She and I spent the most time in the water laying on that raft. I saw people leaving there BEAT red. You really need to be careful. The 9 year old got her hair braided on the island. They did not do a good job. They made the braids too large and they looked terrible the next day. The larger the braids the quicker they can be done. It seemed they were too interested in getting the job done quickly as opposed to properly. I recommend waiting until Nassau at the pier for hair braiding. They do a better job. (Smaller tighter braids that lasts weeks instead of 1 day.) ($30.00 on the island as opposed to $25.00 in Nassau.)

Day 5: Nassau: We booked the ship’s excursion for Atlantis Dolphin Encounter and Aquaventure. The pool areas were jam-packed and there was chair hogging all over the place. The kids really enjoyed it though. The dolphin encounter was amazing. The 6 year stayed on Dh’s back the whole time and wouldn’t touch the dolphin. She was a little frightened but still wanted to be there. As long as we didn’t make her touch the dolphin, she was fine. We did all the water rides and Dh and 9 year old did the giant water slide. Another exhausting, fun day. I was looking forward to some relaxing time over the next 2 days. That night we saw “Art in Motion” It is an acrobatic couple. Pretty boring for the kids and me. DH like the music they played during their stunts.

Day 6: We ate at Cagneys for breakfast and went about our day doing some activities. The kids went in the pool and I sat in a chair next to the pool. (Not a lounge chair.) DH again went to the empty spa and enjoyed himself. He also got a massage which he said was ok, but during the massage, the girl was talking about the products he should buy. (Not cool during your massage.) We played Bingo together as a family. The $69.00 package was perfect for the 4 of us. I entered the slot tournament and qualified for the finals! We fed the kids at the buffet then sent them to the kids crew. Dh and I went to LeBistro. Delicious meal and desert. I had steak and he had escargot and some fish meal. (I forget, but he did like it.) The chocolate buffet was from 7pm to 10pm. Much better than in the past when it was too late for the kids. There was no line. The kids went with us and we took alot of pictures. We also saw the magician that night. The kids liked it, I thought it was just OK. Mostly card tricks not very exciting.

Day 7: I immediately got knocked out of the slot tournament. That’s Ok, I had fun doing it. We went to the Easter Vigil Catholic Mass in the Spinaker lounge which well attended. We went to the crew talent show. Most of it was boring but the Fountains Skit, HYSTERICAL. The kids went to the kids club for the final time as it was pajama night and they colored t-shirts to bring home. I then picked them up to watch Cirque Bijou which was fantastic and the farewell song is always very touching. I went to QUEST alone and hooked up with a larger group. Boy was that fun! After Quest, I went back to casino still chasing my jackpot dreams!

Disembarkation: We chose easy walk off by meeting Adrian at Chin Chin at 7:20 am. We said our goodbyes and were walking off the ship at 7:35. First group off the ship. We were home at 8:45 am. Perfect!

Overall it was a great trip for us all. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. :D

I enjoyed your review my daughter and I will be on the Jewel in two weeks. This will be our second time on the Jewel.

Thanks for the review.

Susan, loved your review, we had a great time too! Thanks for organizing the slot pull, it was great meeting you!:)

Mary

We were in that exact suite last year--and isn't it just georgeous? And totally perfect with children. What a great family vacation, and yet everyone gets to do some of their own stuff as well.

Nice review. Thanks! :)

Thanks so much. We leave on May 10th. When you arrived at the pier, how did you find the suites line? Was there a separate entrance from outside or did you have to wait in line to get inside before you could get to the suites line?

Thanks!

Thanks so much. We leave on May 10th. When you arrived at the pier, how did you find the suites line? Was there a separate entrance from outside or did you have to wait in line to get inside before you could get to the suites line?

 

Thanks!

Have so much fun!! When you enter the building from the curb you will see a long line to the left. Don't get on that line. On the Right hand side you will see a sign that says: Suites and Villas. Go and stand over there and an attendant will come to you if there isn't one already standing there. The attendant will have your name on their clipboard.

We were in that exact suite last year--and isn't it just georgeous? And totally perfect with children. What a great family vacation, and yet everyone gets to do some of their own stuff as well.

 

Nice review. Thanks! :)

You are so right. We all had our family time together and each of us had our own separate activities. Cruises are the best of both worlds for families.

Hi Susan, how easy did you find it to do the car rental, did you take it back after they had closed?

Thanks

Kathy

Hi Susan, how easy did you find it to do the car rental, did you take it back after they had closed?

 

Thanks

Kathy

I reserved on-line in advance with Hertz. I reserved a mid-size for $43.00 for the day! (Corporate discount.) (With taxes and gas it came out to about $60.00 in full)

There is a free Hertz shuttle right on the pier that takes you to the hertz office which is about 5 minutes away.

The Hertz office closes at 5pm, but you can drop the car off after hours without an additional charge. The free shuttle runs up to 7pm back to the ship. We dropped the car off after 7pm knowing that there would be cabs waiting. There were 3 cabs lined up waiting for people to drop their rentals off and take them back to the ship. This is apparently very common for them.

The cab costs about $6.00 back to the pier.

Have a great time!!:)

Great review, we sail on June 11th. Our kids will not be in the same age group on this cruise as they had been previously. What did your kids think of the 6-9 age group activities. DD is 7? Was the kids' crew ever at capacity or are they able to accomodate a large # of kids? Thanks so much.

Thanks! Really looking forward to the trip and very much appreciate your review and info.

Kathy

Great review..we did the 2 bedroom courtyard in January and again in March...I am a HUGE Adrian fan. We cruise very often but nothing beats the "suite life" on NCL. January was the 10 day..it was heaven! Glad you had such a good time.

Great review. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Great review, we sail on June 11th. Our kids will not be in the same age group on this cruise as they had been previously. What did your kids think of the 6-9 age group activities. DD is 7? Was the kids' crew ever at capacity or are they able to accomodate a large # of kids? Thanks so much.

They actually had to re-arrange the kids club drop off and pick up point due to the amount of 6-9 year olds. They were the only age group signed into the main room for a least 2 days. The other age groups had different drop off points. They never turned anyone away. I imagine if you have that volume of kids, they will make more venues or have back-ups to help with the capacity. I'm just glad that isn't my job...lol

Great review!!! We are leaving 11/26 on the Jewel to the Bahamas, Deck 11 MB 11020. As far as the lines go to get on the ship, is the suite line also for mini-suites? We might try & upgrade to something bigger, but I don't know what to expect from a room, since this will be my first cruise.

Great review!!! We are leaving 11/26 on the Jewel to the Bahamas, Deck 11 MB 11020. As far as the lines go to get on the ship, is the suite line also for mini-suites? We might try & upgrade to something bigger, but I don't know what to expect from a room, since this will be my first cruise.

Unfortunately, Minisuites don't get Suite perks. You would have to go to the long line on the left. If you are there early (around 10:30 am, the line isn't long at all.) If you can swing a full suite, I say: GO FOR IT. The priority boarding is only one of many amazing extras like a Butler and Concierge.

Hope you have a great time!

Great review!!! We are leaving 11/26 on the Jewel to the Bahamas, Deck 11 MB 11020. As far as the lines go to get on the ship, is the suite line also for mini-suites? We might try & upgrade to something bigger, but I don't know what to expect from a room, since this will be my first cruise.

Sorry, no minisuites, just full suites in the suites line.

Thank you for the very nice review. I will be sailing on the Jewel in November. Your information is very helpful. Sounds like the entire family had a wonderful time!

Thanks for the review. We will be booking the Jewel soon.

Review of the Jewel April 17th through April 24th

 

Spring Break week for my family: DH (41) Me (38) DD (9) and DD (6)

 

Cabin No.: 11018 – AB - 2 bedroom family suite

 

Arrived at Pier Sunday at 11:30 am by driving from our home on Long Island about 35 minutes away– crowds were heavy, but being suite passengers, we walked right through to the counter. (No line there.)

 

Went into the Suite waiting area where we were met by Adrian Bica the concierge. This was our 3rd time on the Jewel in a Suite sailing with Adrian, so he greeted the kids and I with a warm hug, a handshake for DH and a “Welcome Home.”

 

I had a list typed out of the reservations, spa pass and clam shell we would need from Adrian and the priority disembarkation we would need at Port Canaveral.

 

From the waiting area, a Butler (not our butler) escorted us onto the ship within 5 minutes. He brought us directly to our room. This was around noon time. We had already stayed in this exact room before and it seemed brand new and immaculate again.

 

In the room, we met Antonio our butler who introduced himself and was very professional. Also, Winnie the room steward introduced herself to the girls as Winnie the Poo. The kids loved that. Winnie turned out to be the most friendly and efficient room steward we have ever had.

 

Antonio then escorted us to Cagney’s for lunch. I had the sliders with Cagney’s fries. Dh had some sort of steak and the kids had hot dogs. Delicious for us all. By the way, Cagney’s is always packed and loud for lunch on day one, but it was louder and more crowded than usual the first day. We then walked around to explore. The kids wanted to go in the pool immediately, but I said no way because it was 52 degrees out in New York. That did not stop some 50 or so kids from being in the pool anyway. They were already setting up for a sailaway bbq on the pool deck.

 

We went to the Kids Crew Welcome aboard and Spongebob meet and greet in the Stardust Theatre. The Counselors went over the rules of the club for the week. The also told us that there were more kids aboard this sailing than on the Nick All Access Cruise in February. There were almost 400 6 to 9 year olds alone. Then Spongebob came out. There was a line to get on the stage and get your picture taken with Spongebob. The picture came out nicely and we purchased it the next day.

 

My husband and I got the soda cards and my husband went and picked up his spa pass, which Adrian had already arranged pursuant to my original typed request.

 

Teppankayi at 6:30 p.m. The filet mignon was delicious. The chef was great and my younger daughter again got a hot dog. (So sad that she wouldn’t try anything else.)

Dh and I were guests of CAS and we had our drink cards in our room upon arrival. At 8pm we dropped the kids off at the kids club and headed over to the casino. Carey and Hanna are the casino hostesses. This was our 3rd time with Carey and it was great seeing her again. This was her last week on the Jewel so she was really handing off all her duties to Hanna who is very capable and personable. Carey is going on the Pearl to Alaska for the next 6 months. Throughout the week in the casino we lost quite a bit. They paid for a meal at LeBistro, sent us a bottle of wine and took $400.00 off our room charges. Nice gesture, but I would have preferred to win a jackpot or two. (LOL)

 

Day 2 at Sea: Kids in the club at 10:00 am, Dh and I separate to do our own thing. I went to the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet which was attended by the Captain, Hotel director and other senior officers. Our coordinators had Easter goodies on the tables for us. They also gave a cruise critic lanyard which was very thoughtful. We then went to the slot pull which was well attended and full of energy even though we lost 10.00 each. DH and I both spent some time in the casino. (The free drinks are a dangerous perk.) DH went to the spa and told me it was nearly empty. He really enjoyed the pool and the Steam room. He said there was only one other person on the stone loungers. Lunch and dinner at the buffet which is the kids location of choice. Saw Band on the Run. We all LOVED it. The lead female singer is weak, but everyone else’s voice was great.

 

Day 3: Port Canaveral: We rented a car, drove to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I purchased the tickets in advance on-line for a discount. We saved $200.00 by doing this on our own as opposed to going with the ship’s excursion. I organized our day in advance and kept our expectations low as to how may rides we would be able to do. Again we split up, Dh taking the 6 year old and me taking the 9 year old. DH and the 6 year went on Toy Story the ride. Sign out front was posted 120 minute wait. (It was right on the money.) I had brought their Ipods in the park with all their movies loaded on it and never once did they complain or misbehave on the lines. My older daughter and I went on Tower of Terror (30 minutes) and Rockin Roller Coaster) (70 minutes). They were done with their one ride after we completed our 2 rides. We then went together to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid Show (20 minute wait) Great live show. Then to the Muppet show. We next went to the stunt show. That is pretty much everything there is at Hollywood Studios. It exceeded our expectations because we thought it would be much more crowded than it was. We did some souvenir shopping and left. Went back to the rental car place where there were cabs waiting to take us back to the ship. Very nice exhausting day.

 

Day 4: Private Island. Beautiful day. Weather was perfect! 85 degrees sun shining all day. We were on the first tender and had rented our clam shell on day one on the ship. We got a clamshell in the front row which was perfect. We also rented a large circular float. I had already booked 2 excursions for the island. Parasailing for the 9 year old and I and the Waverunner for the 9 year old and DH. We also got the hippo slide for the kids. The line for the Hippo slide was very long and they only went on it 2 or 3 times. All of the activities were great. I really love the island. One point I want to make; We all applied 50 sunblock before we left the ship, then 3 more times on the island as we there all day. The 6 year old’s legs and my back still got sunburned. She and I spent the most time in the water laying on that raft. I saw people leaving there BEAT red. You really need to be careful. The 9 year old got her hair braided on the island. They did not do a good job. They made the braids too large and they looked terrible the next day. The larger the braids the quicker they can be done. It seemed they were too interested in getting the job done quickly as opposed to properly. I recommend waiting until Nassau at the pier for hair braiding. They do a better job. (Smaller tighter braids that lasts weeks instead of 1 day.) ($30.00 on the island as opposed to $25.00 in Nassau.)

 

Day 5: Nassau: We booked the ship’s excursion for Atlantis Dolphin Encounter and Aquaventure. The pool areas were jam-packed and there was chair hogging all over the place. The kids really enjoyed it though. The dolphin encounter was amazing. The 6 year stayed on Dh’s back the whole time and wouldn’t touch the dolphin. She was a little frightened but still wanted to be there. As long as we didn’t make her touch the dolphin, she was fine. We did all the water rides and Dh and 9 year old did the giant water slide. Another exhausting, fun day. I was looking forward to some relaxing time over the next 2 days. That night we saw “Art in Motion” It is an acrobatic couple. Pretty boring for the kids and me. DH like the music they played during their stunts.

 

 

Day 6: We ate at Cagneys for breakfast and went about our day doing some activities. The kids went in the pool and I sat in a chair next to the pool. (Not a lounge chair.) DH again went to the empty spa and enjoyed himself. He also got a massage which he said was ok, but during the massage, the girl was talking about the products he should buy. (Not cool during your massage.) We played Bingo together as a family. The $69.00 package was perfect for the 4 of us. I entered the slot tournament and qualified for the finals! We fed the kids at the buffet then sent them to the kids crew. Dh and I went to LeBistro. Delicious meal and desert. I had steak and he had escargot and some fish meal. (I forget, but he did like it.) The chocolate buffet was from 7pm to 10pm. Much better than in the past when it was too late for the kids. There was no line. The kids went with us and we took alot of pictures. We also saw the magician that night. The kids liked it, I thought it was just OK. Mostly card tricks not very exciting.

 

Day 7: I immediately got knocked out of the slot tournament. That’s Ok, I had fun doing it. We went to the Easter Vigil Catholic Mass in the Spinaker lounge which well attended. We went to the crew talent show. Most of it was boring but the Fountains Skit, HYSTERICAL. The kids went to the kids club for the final time as it was pajama night and they colored t-shirts to bring home. I then picked them up to watch Cirque Bijou which was fantastic and the farewell song is always very touching. I went to QUEST alone and hooked up with a larger group. Boy was that fun! After Quest, I went back to casino still chasing my jackpot dreams!

 

Disembarkation: We chose easy walk off by meeting Adrian at Chin Chin at 7:20 am. We said our goodbyes and were walking off the ship at 7:35. First group off the ship. We were home at 8:45 am. Perfect!

 

 

Overall it was a great trip for us all. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. :D

Great to know everything is still wonderful on board the Jewel. We're scheduled for this September again.

Winnie was our cabin steward last year. She and Gusti kept our cabin impeccably clean and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.

DH is looking forward to the slot machines again and we've got his cousin going with our group for his first cruise. I think he's already packed!!! He may get comped with CAS for his first cruise if he doesn't watch it in the casino:eek:

Glad you enjoyed yourselves.

Kathy

Great to know everything is still wonderful on board the Jewel. We're scheduled for this September again.

 

Winnie was our cabin steward last year. She and Gusti kept our cabin impeccably clean and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.

 

DH is looking forward to the slot machines again and we've got his cousin going with our group for his first cruise. I think he's already packed!!! He may get comped with CAS for his first cruise if he doesn't watch it in the casino:eek:

 

Glad you enjoyed yourselves.

 

Kathy

Tell him to stay away from Wolf Run.....Thanks to this machine alone, I am getting another comped cruise!

Some photos from the Island, Teppenyaki, Spinnaker and the Chocolate Buffet.

They actually had to re-arrange the kids club drop off and pick up point due to the amount of 6-9 year olds. They were the only age group signed into the main room for a least 2 days. The other age groups had different drop off points. They never turned anyone away. I imagine if you have that volume of kids, they will make more venues or have back-ups to help with the capacity. I'm just glad that isn't my job...lol

Thanks for the info! I would hate to be turned away. I love cruising with the kids because it is a vacation with the best of both worlds, great family time, but also some adults only time where the kids have fun things to do!

I enjoyed the review!Those funky chairs in the Spinnaker Lounge look really comfy!

I'm considering a cruise on the Jewel with my 15 yr. old niece next April.Thanks for the great review!