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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Jewel

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Reviewed by: Matt Sudders
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: August 9, 2005
Itinerary: Europe

What a pleasant surprise all around. I decided to try this 2 night taster inaugural cruise on the Jewel before booking something more substantial with them. Reading other comments on the line I expected a gaudy ship, mediocre food and okish service. What I got was much much better. The Jewel is a nicely laid out spacious vessel, the food was the match of all other cruise lines I've tried and the service was superb.

Designed for Freestyle cruising, the Jewel has 10 restaurants, 12 bars, a very spacious theatre, 2 swimming pools, library, card room and all the other standard features of a large cruise ship. She is fitted out in bright, but not gaudy colours which add to the holiday atmosphere onboard. The walkaround promenade is spacious and there is a continuation of the hull art- which is not as tacky as expected. The ships has 2 small atriums, each being a focal point for some bar or food area. The forward one links the Asian restaurants - including a very popular Tepanyaki - to Bar City (3 bars with Champagne, Whisky and Martini themes). The theatre is impressively large, but lacks something in that large rows are only accessible from one end - giving the seagoing equivalent of the airline seat from hell, beyond 20 people.

Most places are very comfortable, with clear design rationales.

In summary excellent. Dinner in Tsars Palace main restaurant was lovely, but topped by Le Bistro French speciality restaurant the next evening which has sumptuous, authentic french dishes, served by a superbly friendly and enthusiastic staff.

Freestyle dining means literally eat anytime you like with dinner running from 5:30 to 10ish. Throughout the ship are screens showing the level of fill of the restaurants, including behind most bars - a great idea to avoid you trailing all around the ship. You can make reservations for the entire cruise upon boarding and it is advisable to reserve for Chin Chin Asian, Tepanyaki, Le Bistro.

Only minor niggle was that more of the restaurants were 'supplementary' than the original brochure had suggested. If however you are travelling alone, consider carefully the implications of freestyle dining in that it takes away your chance of meeting new companions over dinner in most respects.

The cheapest inside cabin was nicely fitted out, wood finish, spacious bathroom and closet. Ample shower, TV, mini fridge and drawers made this a great value choice. Other cabins were available on this inaugural cruise for viewing and they ranged from the good inside, through to the sumptuous owners suite and villas. Seeing is believing for the size and facilities of those cabins.

In a word dire. Unfortunately NCL booked a dreadful British comedian for the 1st night (Mike Goddard) who failed to raise a laugh in his entire show. In various parts of the ships there were singers, and little groups. The Pianist was very good but the rest were not singing in their native language and it showed in passionless delivery. The show on the 2nd night 'Band on the run' was good and had the audience raising the roof with cheers, it was a highlight in an otherwise dire selection.

Being a taster this was Dover - Amsterdam return. A pleasant run for the ship which also got her first decent storm when a force 10 was encountered on the way back to Dover.

30s upwards, a relaxed holiday crowd with a lot of NCL and other cruise regulars. Generally very friendly and nice, but freestyle means you don't get to know people too well.