Our May 31, 2014 cruise to Alaska on the Jewel

[brunolvr]

Certainly agree with you that all of that "stuff" would have been a turn off to me as well! I do have a different opinion though of whether the Jewel or the Pearl is in better shape. We were on the Jewel in October for 16 days and it seemed in BETTER shape (even before the drydock!) than our Pearl experience this May. We were on the Pearl for 14 days right before the Alaska run.

 

And I prefer the top deck of the Haven on the Jewel as you are able to go from one side of the ship to the other - which you are not able to do on the Pearl Especially for a trip such as Alaska - it would make sense to be able to view both sides of the scenery. We were of each of the mentioned ships for the Panama Canal and I found it frustrating to not just be able to walk to the other side of the viewing deck (#16) of the Haven on the Pearl as we had been able to do so on the Jewel.

 

Crews cone and go.....learn to love them all BUT I did NOT love the Concierge on the Pearl either! I am not going to mention any names but we found John De Sousa on the Jewel to be among the best! Although we have been fortunate enough to sail with John when he was still a butler.

 

Just my two cents on our thoughts regarding the Pearl and the Jewel. We are returning to the Jewel in October for a B2B Caribbean run out of Houston...so will let you know if they have gotten rid of all of that "junk!"

 

Again....that "mess" would have been off-putting to me as well! And I agree with fellow posters that your review was stellar! As were your photos!

 

Hmm, we were on the Pearl last September and thought she was in excellent condition. I do like the Haven's viewing deck 15 better on the Jewel than the Pearl. Like you say, it's so nice having both sides for viewing.

 

I wonder when the Pearl's drydock is scheduled so they can move Moderno's and put in O'Sheehan's.

 

I would think by October the Jewel should be in "tip-top" shape!

Thanks for the compliments -- I'm still working on the review and hope to have some more time in a couple of days to finish it up.

Edited July 13, 2014 by brunolvr

[brunolvr]

After our fantastic train ride, we got back to our suite to find a late afternoon treat from our butler. We enjoyed that as we got ready for our 6:30PM dinner with Captain Kenneth Harstrom.

 

 

When we got back to our suite after dinner, we found this towel animal but couldn't quite decide what it might be. Maybe a penguin?

 

 

As we got ready for the Chocoholic Buffet, we enjoyed beautiful scenery from our balcony.

 

 

Snow-covered mountains at 9PM and good whale-watching area

[brunolvr]

We got in about 15 minutes early for the Chocoholic Buffet so we could take pictures and were greeted by singing and dancing wait staff.

 

 

Lots of pretty ice sculptures to enjoy

 

 

And lots of chocolate goodies to choose from

 

 

This one wasn't for eating!

 

 

Another pretty ice sculpture

[brunolvr]

You will get your fill of chocolate!

 

 

One of my favorites -- chocolate-covered macaroons!

 

 

Singing (and dancing) wait staff greeting those coming into the Chocoholic Buffet

 

 

Didn't get a chance to try these. But there's always next time!

[brunolvr]

Dining area outside by the pools is empty! Everyone is in the Chocoholic Buffet!

 

 

"The Grill"

 

 

Pretty sky at 9:50PM

 

 

Beds are ready for us!

 

 

and the bed in the 2nd bedroom

[brunolvr]

10:20PM and it's still light out

 

 

Beautiful view off the back of the promenade deck

 

 

At 10:30PM, we encountered the Norwegian Sun on her way to Juneau.

 

We had a great day in Skagway, a wonderful dinner with the Captain, and got our share of chocolate at the Chocoholic Buffet! Now tomorrow would be a relaxing day at sea.

[Linda the Book Lover]

Beautiful view off the back of the promenade deck...ahhhh Nirvana :)

[brunolvr]

I just rescheduled from 09/15 to 05/15 and I'm dying with jealousy and anticipation!

 

Did you book the rail trip through NCL or on your own? And was your car as full as the others?

 

We booked through NCL. All of the cars were filled to maximum number for the afternoon time.

[littlelulu01]

Thank you for the wonderful review. What site did you use to upload your photos? They look uniform and are easy to view. Kim

[rosiej]

Simply loving all your pictures and notes. We sail on the Jewel 7/19 and I am in the last days of planning. Having NO IDEA what to expect in Alaska, your thread has been the most help so far. With a family of 4, we're cruising on a budget, and I was pleased to see all there is to do just by walking around the ports, especially since the port times are so short. Hoping to see more!

[brunolvr]

Thank you for the wonderful review. What site did you use to upload your photos? They look uniform and are easy to view. Kim

 

I used Facebook to create some photo albums and it was very easy to download the pictures I wanted to cc.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for the nice review and wonderful photo's.

[brunolvr]

Sorry I haven't finished up the review yet but my daughter had a trip to the emergency room, then emergency surgery and I've been busy with trips to the hospital and taking care of her house and kitties while she's in the hospital. Hopefully she'll get discharged today and things can start getting back to normal.

[Redheel Girl]

Sandy..your Pictures are Awesome as always. I am glad you keep adding to your Review! I sure hope the Jewel is finished by October 18th. That does look like a mess!

[MrUnderdog]

Sandy,

 

Hoping for the best for your daughter!

 

A couple of questions, with no hurry for answers (don't leave until the 26th):

 

- It's been a while since we traveled on the Jewel/Gem, having done the Epic (couple of times... love that ship!!!) and Breakaway. I'm probably kind of spoiled by the larger Haven areas now, so am wondering if there is a small bar/lounge area on the Jewel in the Haven. I don't see one on the floor plan, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's not there with the changes. It's nice at times to have a little chill out spot away from everything.

 

- On the Tracy Arm/Glacier Excursion, which we are also taking, are there snacks and/or drinks (kid and adult)? Was wondering if we should eat before. I'm not big on getting filled up before jumping on a smallish boat for a long trip. I assume with the length of the excursion there are food and drinks, but just checking.

 

- On your trip, were there many kids onboard? We have a 7 year old, is why I'm asking. The last time we took an Alaskan cruise (on Royal), there was no cool little man going with us, so I didn't really notice. I know it's not like a Caribbean cruise in that regard, but wondering what to expect for him.

 

- We don't have excursions (yet, at least) in Ketchikan or Skagway. Are either good for general walking around, shopping, and eating without excursions? I seem to remember thinking Skagway was cool, but again, it's been a while.

 

Thanks!

 

Casey

[amarvel]

There will be kids.not as many as Caribbean but still quite a few during the summer.the kids academy will be plenty busy for the 7 year old!

 

Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

[lv2travel98]

Sandy,

So sorry to hear about your daughter. Hope she is feeling better and on the mend. So enjoying your review. My girlfriend, her husband and myself are booked December 6th on the Jewel in the Haven 2 bedroom Suite 14510. It is our 1st time in a Haven and it's so fun looking at all of your pictures. Really gives me even more to look forward to! Have cruised on the Gem twice once in a midship balcony and once in a Penthouse suite. I loved all the perks of being in a suite, but from it looks like and from what I have read The Haven is a really big step up! Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. :-)

[brunolvr]

Sorry I haven't finished up the review yet but my daughter had a trip to the emergency room, then emergency surgery and I've been busy with trips to the hospital and taking care of her house and kitties while she's in the hospital. Hopefully she'll get discharged today and things can start getting back to normal.

 

Daughter is recovering nicely from her emergency appendectomy surgery. Luckily the appendix had not "burst". She's back home now and is feeling much better. :)

[TwinMommyByGrace]

Daughter is recovering nicely from her emergency appendectomy surgery. Luckily the appendix had not "burst". She's back home now and is feeling much better. :)

 

Glad to hear it! Wishing her a speedy recovery!

[brunolvr]

Sandy,

 

Hoping for the best for your daughter!

 

A couple of questions, with no hurry for answers (don't leave until the 26th):

 

- It's been a while since we traveled on the Jewel/Gem, having done the Epic (couple of times... love that ship!!!) and Breakaway. I'm probably kind of spoiled by the larger Haven areas now, so am wondering if there is a small bar/lounge area on the Jewel in the Haven. I don't see one on the floor plan, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's not there with the changes. It's nice at times to have a little chill out spot away from everything.

 

- On the Tracy Arm/Glacier Excursion, which we are also taking, are there snacks and/or drinks (kid and adult)? Was wondering if we should eat before. I'm not big on getting filled up before jumping on a smallish boat for a long trip. I assume with the length of the excursion there are food and drinks, but just checking.

 

- On your trip, were there many kids onboard? We have a 7 year old, is why I'm asking. The last time we took an Alaskan cruise (on Royal), there was no cool little man going with us, so I didn't really notice. I know it's not like a Caribbean cruise in that regard, but wondering what to expect for him.

 

- We don't have excursions (yet, at least) in Ketchikan or Skagway. Are either good for general walking around, shopping, and eating without excursions? I seem to remember thinking Skagway was cool, but again, it's been a while.

 

Thanks!

 

Casey

 

Thanks, Casey! My daughter is finally home and recovering nicely. We're so lucky this didn't happen 6 weeks earlier when we were on our cruise! :eek: Although it would have been a good test to see how our travel insurance worked.

 

1 - No bar or lounge area in the Courtyard area of the Haven on the Jewel (or Pearl). There is a buffet breakfast set-up every morning (coffee, tea, juice, ice water, assorted fresh fruits, Danish rolls and muffins) and afternoon snacks of cookies and other goodies. There are a few tables where you can have the courtyard butler serve you meals.

 

2 - Since we had lunch just before our Tracy Arm Fjord excursion, I didn't pay too much attention to what foods they had available for purchase. They did pass around a very small snack of smoked salmon & Ritz cracker to tempt you to buy some of their smoked salmon.

 

3 - I thought there were a lot of children on our cruise and was very surprised that there were as many children as there were especially since around here our schools were still in session until mid-June (or later). Since the Jewel is big on Nickelodeon there was always something going on related to that.

 

4 - All the ports are good for walking around but after a couple of hours, it may get pretty boring for your 7 year old. In Ketchikan you might think about the "Duck Tour" or the "Lumberjack Show". Both of those are pretty reasonable and don't last a long time and the kids seems to really enjoy them. In Skagway you can always go mining for gold or drive up into the Yukon to see the sled dog puppies. Some of the kids like the train up to White Pass but it's pretty long and it seemed like the kids in our car got pretty bored with the scenery.

 

Hope this helps you a little.

[brunolvr]

Sandy,

So sorry to hear about your daughter. Hope she is feeling better and on the mend. So enjoying your review. My girlfriend, her husband and myself are booked December 6th on the Jewel in the Haven 2 bedroom Suite 14510. It is our 1st time in a Haven and it's so fun looking at all of your pictures. Really gives me even more to look forward to! Have cruised on the Gem twice once in a midship balcony and once in a Penthouse suite. I loved all the perks of being in a suite, but from it looks like and from what I have read The Haven is a really big step up! Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. :-)

 

You are going to love the Haven and be so spoiled! After our first time, my husband isn't interested in booking anything less. This was our 3rd time in a Haven Suite and since we want to go back to Alaska at least one last time, we'll probably book another. He loves the peace and quiet in getting away from the crowds. And, of course, since I'm a "good wife", I'll go along with it!

[brunolvr]

Glad to hear it! Wishing her a speedy recovery!

 

Thank you! and we're so thankful that it didn't happen 6 weeks earlier on our cruise!

[Hikini]

Yes, Sandy - it's a good thing you are a "good wife" and let your husband have his own way. Ha! ;)

 

I'm glad your daughter is OK and I thought of that this morning - good thing it didn't happen on the cruise! Not the kind of memorable event you really want to test out!

 

She's lucky - mine did burst when I was a kid and I was in the hospital for a very long time.

Edited July 19, 2014 by Hikini

[brunolvr]

Yes, Sandy - it's a good thing you are a "good wife" and let your husband have his own way. Ha! ;)

 

I'm glad your daughter is OK and I thought of that this morning - good thing it didn't happen on the cruise! Not the kind of memorable event you really want to test out!

 

She's lucky - mine did burst when I was a kid and I was in the hospital for a very long time.

 

 

Nicole started having severe abdominal pains at work (she works at KIRO-TV in Seattle) and called us. We suggested she go to emergency at a hospital there, but instead she drove herself home (50 miles to Steilacoom) and then we took her to emergency because she was in dire pain. 4 hours later they finally diagnosed "appendicitis" after a CT Scan and got her ready for surgery.

 

We always buy "cruise insurance" but have been very lucky that we haven't had to use it.

[brunolvr]

Thursday, June 5, 2014 - Day at Sea

 

I awoke early again this morning to beautiful blue skies and calm seas. We were planning a relaxing day today just hanging out and maybe doing some reading.

 

At 1:30PM there was “Q&A with your Senior Officers” followed by the “International Crew Talent Show” at 2PM in the Stardust Theater which we wanted to attend. And we didn’t want to miss tonight’s show, “Le Cirque Bijou” followed by an officers, staff & crew thank you. At 5:45PM the “Exclusive Gathering” for Silver, Gold & Platinum Latitudes was being held but we decided to skip that.

 

 

4:50AM sun just coming up

 

 

 

6AM and nice calm seas this morning

 

 

 

7AM and such a beautiful morning to be at sea, around 50F

 

 

 

Both my husband and I had Eggs Benedict in Moderno's

so good!

 

 

 

Blue sky, blue ocean and no wind!

 

 

Looking down from our balcony