Norwegian Jewel

by **pauline wales** on Tue Jun 13, 2006 09:05 am

we will be sailin on the norwegian jewel in august. our first BIG boat. Anyone have any information or tips for us. thanks

by **HW Techie** on Tue Jun 13, 2006 09:08 am

Hi,

reviews are here...

http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/20504-No ... eview.html

only one at time of posting!

I'm sure tenpin will be along shortly with some wise words of advice.

HW Techie

by **HW tenpin** on Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:01 am

Although it has been some time since we enjoyed the pleasures of NCL it remains one of our favourite Cruise lines, of the less formal types.
You can expect to be pampered without them �being in your face' one of the first lines to feature �Freestyle Cruising' which basically means dress how you like, from posh to very casual, with many restaurants to choose from the dress code for the evenings is up to you.
Being mainly American passengers who mostly eat early there tended to be a rush around 6.30pm for the favourite restaurants, but this is not a real major problem.
Activities on board were in the main Ok, with the usual daily quizzes, demonstrations and fitness programs for the Sea days, the shore tours again worth studying before you go, very informative but pricey, so choose the ones you do carefully.
Can't comment on the cabins on the Jewel, but I expect them to be even better than the one we sail on, as it is a lot newer ship.

by **pauline wales** on Fri Jun 16, 2006 19:18 pm

thanks for your information.would you happen to know if the 10$ a day service charge is an option and ibligatory

by **HW tenpin** on Fri Jun 16, 2006 19:41 pm

You may have this charge stopped at any time during your cruise, but it only comes into force from the day its stopped. You do this at reception, were you can also pick up envelopes for staff you may wish to reward.

I disagree totally with this enforced charge, but do like to reward those who give us the personal touch.

by **carol bozward** on Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:34 pm

hi, tenpin..

just to let everyone know, I loved my cruise on the Ocean Village, and I am definately hooked now... did write an extensive review but has not appeared on HW yet.. looking for 7/9 day cruise in september now.. but as this will be our second holiday, prices have to be keen. I would like any other recommendations of ' freestyle' cruising, was impressed with Ocean Village, but as it was my one and only cruise, have nothing to compare it with.

CarolB

by **HW tenpin** on Sun Jun 18, 2006 15:11 pm

Hi Carol,
Couple of cheap cruises spotted this weekend, Thomson Destiny Idyllic Iberia 7th Sept �729, Thomson Spirit, Jewels of the Med 13 Oct �579. and Red Sea Magic Nov/Dec on the Celebration �439.
You might also like to take a look at MSC Monterey �549 inside cabin for Med Delights Sept.
Worth buying daily Mail on Saturdays to have a look at late offers.

by **carol bozward** on Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:53 am

thanks tenpin, ME WITHOUT MY MAIL ON SATURDAY, UNHEARD OF,..NEVER TELEPHONED ANY OF THE OFFERS , AS I GET A LITTLE NERVOUS, AND THE PRICE YOU SEE IS VERY RARELY 'REAL', AND SOMETIMES THERE CAN BE THE 'HARD SELL'...I AM IN CONTACT AT PRESENT , WITH YOUR OTHER FRIEND,CAROL.

REGARDS

CAROLB

by **pauline wales** on Wed Jun 21, 2006 14:29 pm

hi tenpin. thanks for infomation. I rang my local Thomson shop and was told it was obligitary which really annoyed. I then rang ncl and the informed me to go to recepction as you did

by **HW tenpin** on Wed Jun 21, 2006 15:51 pm

"hi tenpin. thanks for infomation. I rang my local Thomson shop and was told it was obligitary which really annoyed. I then rang ncl and the informed me to go to recepction as you did" --- pauline wales

Glad I could help Pauline,[/FONT]

Like most Cruise lines, this so-called service charge is added to your cabin account and it is up to you to have it removed. I guess they figure you will be too embarrassed to do so at reception.[/FONT]
Well for one, as I am paying up to �160 per day for my cruise I figure I deserve good service.[/FONT]

Since this practice came in a couple of years ago, there has been a drop in standards, which although very slight we have seen a few times during recent Cruises. Also I much prefer to reward those who go out of their way to make our cruise a pleasure, rather than those that hang back and let others do the work.[/FONT]

There is however a 15% charge added to all drinks, which I have only ever once had removed, crossing it out on the receipt before signing, and explaining to the bar manager that waiting 20 minutes to be served and a further 10 minutes before my Bud and a glass was plonked in front of me did not consist of service.[/FONT]
But then I'm OLD and grumpy so that excuses me.[/FONT]