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

[jmele999]

We had our last dinner onboard at Le Bristro and used our free dinner voucher with a free bottle of wine. DP ordered the mushroom soup and Escargot for appetizer while I tried the seared scallops. The scallops were perfectly seared.

 

 

For entree, we both had the Bouillabaisse (seafood stew). If you have never had the Bouillabaisse at Le Bistro, I highly recommend that you try next time you go to Le Bistro.

 

 

We ended the meal with vanilla creme brulee and chocolate Napoleon. Both were excellent.

 

 

 

The meal was great and the service was outstanding.

[jmele999]

After dinner we enjoyed a final walk around the ship. In the cabin we found some of the things that we were going to miss when we return home like chocolates on the pillow or a towel animal.

 

 

 

We finished packing up and put our luggage outside our room.

 

 

On our way to the Quest show, we noticed that, contrary to other cruises, not that many people had put the luggage outside even at 10:00 pm.

 

 

The Quest show was very good, but we were surprised that it was hosted by the comedian Jean Pierre instead of the cruise director. He was very funny.

 

After the Quest show we decided to visit the casino one last time. Not surprisingly, I quickly lost my $20, but DP hit a small jackpot, and we came up ahead for the week. It was a good feeling to end a great cruise on a positive note.

 

We went to bed shortly after midnight as the Jewel was about to enter Texas water.

 

 

Looking at the map reminded me of how far we had traveled and how much fun we had on another NCL cruise.

Edited February 6, 2015 by jmele999

[radlad68]

I've enjoyed your review, thanks for sharing! My hubby and I sail on her in 2 weeks. Can't wait!

 

 

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[Linda the Book Lover]

I enjoyed sailing vicariously with you. I especially loved sitting have a martini with you and your DP each evening. Ahhhh:D

[zzzztravel]

I also want to thank you for all the information and pic's. I can't wait to go on our cruise.

Please write about San Antonio, as we are going there too.

 

Here is for another wonderful cruise!

[Calitexar]

Thanks for the great review. We sail in two weeks. Getting excited!!!

[runner5]

This is an AMAZING review, THANK YOU! I loved all your pictures! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I especially appreciate the daily activities schedule. THANK YOU!!

[jmele999]

Disembarkation day:mad:

 

The movement of the ship docking at the Bayport terminal woke me up around 6:30 am. I went to the balcony for a few minutes and then went back to bed. Since our shuttle back to the airport was not until 10:00 am, we took our time getting ready in the morning and enjoying our last breakfast at Moderno.

 

On our way to breakfast I noticed that by 8:15 am some of the cabins were almost ready to welcome new guests.

 

 

After enjoying a nice breakfast, we stopped by the cabin to pick up our carry-on luggage, said good-bye to our wonderful room steward, David, and left our room at 9:00 am. We met Florentina at Chin Chin as she was going to help us disembark. After waiting for our butler, Jennifer, to arrive, we said good-bye to both Florentina and Jennifer and thanked them for a wonderful week.

 

Disembarkation was very fast. Luggage was waiting for us and there were at least 5 immigration officers, which really helped to expedite the process. It only took us 30 minutes from the time we left our room to the time we walked out of the terminal.

Edited February 8, 2015 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Prior to the cruise we had decided that we wanted to see more of the great state of Texas and decided to visit San Antonio. The drive from Houston to San Antonio is about 200 miles (3 hours), so we we rented a car after the cruise.

 

So, what do you do for lunch after a cruise and you are in the middle of nowhere. Well, you go to Sonics. It reminded us that we were not on a cruise anymore and that you no longer had a helpful waiter/waitress to take your order.

 

 

After a three-hour drive from Houston to San Antonio our first stop was the Alamo. I must say that we were not impressed with the Alamo - we thought that it was bigger.

 

 

After visiting the Alamo, we took a walk around the riverwalk.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 9, 2015 by jmele999

[jmele999]

We had dinner at a great restaurant just north of the Alamo. The food was great. Here are some pictures.

 

 

 

 

After a great meal we went back to the riverwalk.

 

 

 

Edited February 9, 2015 by jmele999

[jmele999]

 

[jmele999]

After a great day in San Antonio, we drove back to Houston and flew back to baltimore.

 

Overall, this was one of our top three cruises for the following reasons.

 

The crew was great. It is nice going back to a place where people remember you. The crew and staff were the best that we have encountered on any of our previous cruises.

The Aft penthouse suite was peaceful and the view unforgettable.

 

Having two days at sea really made us feel like we were on vacation.

 

Thanks for all of your comments. And until we meet again we say good-bye from the aft of the NCL Jewel.

 

Edited February 9, 2015 by jmele999

[DMH15]

Great picture! You two look really happy. Thanks for posting that picture so we could put a face to the words.

 

Cannot wait to be back on the Jewel. Will think of you both when I am enjoying the sun deck. Thanks to you I know how to find it now.

[Linda the Book Lover]

Perfect picture until next time. Thanks again for letting us enjoy a great review.

[hrslvr142]

Really enjoyed your trip report, thanks for taking the time.

[amarvel]

I have really enjoyed your review. It has gotten me excited for our cruise in three months.

 

Great picture of you guys!

[Kiwis Afloat]

Thank you so much for the time taken to write a great review. :)

[kendal]

JMELE999, thanks so much for posting such a thorough review! It's been so fun to look forward to your daily posts of information and great pictures. :) You have made my anticipation of my upcoming cruise even more exciting.

[mnh]

Thank you so much for a fantastic review...25 days until I will be boarding the Jewel in the PH Suite right next to yours....so excited!

[albertamom]

What a great picture! How wonderful to be able to put faces to your story!

 

I am so sad that your review has come to an end. Checking for updates has been the highlight of my day!

 

Only 5 more sleeps until we board. Thank you SO much for giving us so much to look forward to! :D

[Marion B]

Johan,

I too enjoyed putting a face to the review. Until we meet again smooth sailings to you,

Marion

[medicalma'am]

Thank you so much for a trip down memory lane of the Jewel. It was a wonderful review!

 

 

[BigEasyCC]

Thank you for the wonderful review as usual! Brings back wonderful memories with you guys last year. Can't wait until 2017!

[texastennis]

I enjoyed every minute of this review. Thank you for taking the time to do it. My cruise is in a LONG 33 days and I can hardly wait!

[mysonneedsahaircut]

Love love love your review! We'll be on the 3/7 Jewel cruise.

 

Couple questions (we're in an inside room, so won't have any extra fancy perks):

Were the martini and mojito flights available to everyone everyday, and are they included with the UDP?

 

Also, you mentioned earlier that there are bathroom towels available. Do they offer complimentary beach towels for use at the pool, or should we bring our own?