paulgraff

Sounds like a very fair review. All sounded fine except the MDR not being able to handle your larger group of diners. Maybe something for NCL to look at then. Otherwise, if you are sailing sometime , just the two of you, with all else that you did enjoy, perhaps you would enjoy NCL again. But for large groups, yes, go to a line that does have the assigned dining times and assigned seating. Because we do have so many choices, it does make cruising great. Something for everyone. Sounded like a good cruise and good ship otherwise.

Sometimes it was just my wife and I in the MDR's at lunch or breakfast as we did not always eat as a group of 11.

Walked out once because it took over 30 minutes for us to get our drinks. Twice we were first into the MDR's for lunch and at least 30 minutes to receive food. During dinner once at waiter walked by and took my Dad's soup, he was still eating it, without even asking him if he was finished.

Seriously, worse MDR service ever in over 20 cruises.

NCL not for us.

PG

I believe you had problems because of the size of your party.

So its OK to treat us poorly because of the size of our party? And we've never had these issues on the other cruises we have been on.

PG

58% approval came from members reviews right here on CC.

This was our second cruise on NCL and have cruised many times out of New Orleans (our home port) on CCL and RCL.

We (wife and I) have been on over twenty cruises and have never had a bad time.

Getting on the Jewel was very fast, get to the pier around 10:45 or 11 and you will be on board around 11:30. Don't forget if you are a latitudes member there is a special quicker line for you. Parking is $112 in the outside lot called the whale lot.

Food on this ship in all areas is very good and some of the best I've had on a cruise ship. However, the service in the main dining rooms for either lunch or dinner is some of the worst and slowest service ever. I believe because they already have their tips and the staff does not really work for them anymore as they did back in the day of tip envelopes. Many cruise lines are going with the prepaid tips and service is really suffering because of this.

Dress on this ship anywhere is VERY casual and the majority simply wear slacks, nice shorts, polo style shirts or simple sun dresses. Leave your formal items at home.

Multiple times we waited in MDR for either lunch or dinner for over 30 minutes before we were served ANYTHING, and several times we were the first ones into the MDR.

Our main problem with NCL is the Anytime Dining which is anything but "anytime." We had a group of 11 and the only time we could ever get a reservation was either 5:00 or 9:00. Then when we showed up for our time we were given a pager and told they would beep us when the table was ready. usually this wait would be from 15 to 30 minutes. This also seemed to be happening for others with groups for two or more.

The two specialty restaurants we ate in were outstanding, The Brazilian restaurant where they served all the carved meat is not to be missed and the fry table is outstanding.

Overall the food is excellent, but repeats items often, but the service is some of the worst ever.

The ship is very clean and the staterooms are your average cruise line type in decent condition. The shower is larger than most other lines and the hairdryer is the best hairdryer I have ever used. The TV is horrible with no ability to access your account online and the channels come and go for no reason.

Our room steward was excellent and most of the other cruise staff are friendly.

We did not like the lay out of the ship and found it flowed poorly with us always having to go up or down and front or back, it seemed like a boxy old house and not planned very well.

Had a great time, but due to the anytime dining we won't cruise NCL again.

If you have additional questions please ask and I will try to respond.

Thank you,

PG

Once you go balcony you will never go back.

As the OP thanks to all who left their comments I appreciate your time and advice.

The crowds don't bother me, our family usually sails at Christmas so full cruise ships never with tons of kids never really bother me.

I was just concerned with the low 58% approval rating on CC of this ship, I mean thats below failing.

FYI I called CCL and expressed my concerns and they will allow me to change ships without losing any money at all. Nice! However, I have not made up my mind yet on what to do.

We chose this cruise because we want to go to Paradise Island over the July 4th holiday, any other CCL suggestions on "better" ships?

Thanks again, PG

Cruised many Christmas cruises, never had any shops closed on Christmas on any of the Islands. PG

I am getting worried about my Sunshine cruise coming up in June, the reviews are bad all over the net about her! What to do?

My vacation time and money are few and far between....

I am starting to think I should cancel, but hate to lose the deposit. Can I get my money back without losing my deposit?

Thank you,

PG

Kids all get presents and the parents get a nice bill on day seven.

Both our boys, ages 15 and 13, have been in Karate for over 8 years, both are 3rd degree black belts and can they fight if they have to so we don't worry about them to much on a ship.

I have been hearing that the NOV out of NO is now offering a alcohol plan for a fee, I heard $55.00 but don't know if thats per week or per day.... is this true?

Also, I know we can bring two bottles of wine aboard, but can I bring the larger bottles of wine, I think they are 1.5 liters.

Thanks... PG

How does this fee apply to box wines???