Norwegian Jewel out of Houston - Our travel experience
Published Tuesday, January 20th 2015 - Updated Tuesday, January 20th 2015
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We were so excited to hear that Norwegian Cruises were returning to Texas after a very long respite. By their coming to Texas it gives residents and neighboring states another option to select from for their crusing pleasure during the winter travel season. We'd love to see them come here on a year-round basis like our friends Carnival and Royal Caribbean. It is currently only offering 7-night sailings.
It is important that I experience the various cruise lines and their ships that depart from the state I reside in and primarily do business with. It is important because it helps me explain the subtle and unique personalities that each of the cruise lines and ships possess. A cruise is more than a ship that sails to destinations.
The Norwegian Jewel was recently renovated, and we liked the changes. We sailed on this particular ship a few other times many years ago to different destinations. Noteable improvements was the addition of O'Sheehans as a complimentary restaurant. The waterslide by the main pool. An adults only pool. The addition of The Haven. The Haven is an exclusive suites only retreat area that has their own pool and lounge area - luxurious,, peaceful and beautiful.
Our cruise took us to the exotic Western Caribbean destinations of Belize, Banana Coast (Trujillo) of Honduras, and Cozumel.
Our favorite dining room for complimentary dining is the Tzars. An elegant atmosphere with windows that overlook the ocean. We loved getting a table by the window, but also understood that was not always possible. The best chance to get one of these beloved tables was to get there early. The food selection was excellent, and the quality and taste of the food very good as well.
One night we elected to give the buffet a try for dinner. It was TexMex night and we wanted to give it a go. It was good, but we wish they had a couple more selections to choose from. There were other theme nights, ie: Asian, but we like being pampered and served by smiling waiters and waitresses. Oh, did I forget to tell you that they are the only cruise line in the contemporary class that I have experienced thus far that has a custom crepe station in the Garden Cafe. Dessert heaven is what I called it.
We did take advantage of visiting the various specialty restaurants. A personal favorite is Le Bistro for French cuisine. It is truly worth the value for the nominal upcharge service fees required.
The buffet or "Garden Cafe", is where we chose to eat our breakfasts and lunch. Custom eggs and omelet service station awaits hungry passengers who have their unique likes and dislikes. A vast array of eggs styles, cereals, baked goods, meats await you every morning. And for lunch, well....lets just say "Yum"!.
Another treat onboard this ship was when a pool attendent comes around in the late afternoon with a complimentary popsicle for everyone to enjoy. Very refreshing while sitting in the warm sun and working hard at our tan.
Another treat are themed barbeques on the pool deck at lunch.
The fun that Nickelodeon brings on board is a great value for the kids. SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Diego and friends are awaiting you and your little ones as they get ready for adventure and fun! Your child might be the lucky winner of the treasured Green Slime.
It worked out for us to be passengers among the first 5 cruise ships ever to visit the Banana Coast of Honduras as we stopped at the pier in Trujillo. People, this place is a diamond in the rough. A place, that in time, will be a place that people are going to want to escape to for adventure and relaxation. I'm looking forward to returning here to watch it transform to an exotic tropical paradise.
The prices that these cruises are going for are remarkably value-packed and very competitive. The Norwegian Jewel caters to those who are budget minded, but also to those who enjoy the pleasures of luxury travel with the Haven Suites. Norwegian is the industry leader of the "Freestyle" concept. They were the first to introduce the freedom to dine where you wish to dine, with whom, and when. Other lines have been adopting this dining program but have yet to perfect it to the degree that Norwegian has.
Is this the cruise line for you? Give a call or send me an email. I will be glad to explore the options available to you and recommend the one I know you will come home most satisfied with.
Call 940-453-8904 or email me at lkolanko@cruiseplanners.com.
It is important that I experience the various cruise lines and their ships that depart from the state I reside in and primarily do business with. It is important because it helps me explain the subtle and unique personalities that each of the cruise lines and ships possess. A cruise is more than a ship that sails to destinations.
The Norwegian Jewel was recently renovated, and we liked the changes. We sailed on this particular ship a few other times many years ago to different destinations. Noteable improvements was the addition of O'Sheehans as a complimentary restaurant. The waterslide by the main pool. An adults only pool. The addition of The Haven. The Haven is an exclusive suites only retreat area that has their own pool and lounge area - luxurious,, peaceful and beautiful.
Our cruise took us to the exotic Western Caribbean destinations of Belize, Banana Coast (Trujillo) of Honduras, and Cozumel.
Our favorite dining room for complimentary dining is the Tzars. An elegant atmosphere with windows that overlook the ocean. We loved getting a table by the window, but also understood that was not always possible. The best chance to get one of these beloved tables was to get there early. The food selection was excellent, and the quality and taste of the food very good as well.
One night we elected to give the buffet a try for dinner. It was TexMex night and we wanted to give it a go. It was good, but we wish they had a couple more selections to choose from. There were other theme nights, ie: Asian, but we like being pampered and served by smiling waiters and waitresses. Oh, did I forget to tell you that they are the only cruise line in the contemporary class that I have experienced thus far that has a custom crepe station in the Garden Cafe. Dessert heaven is what I called it.
We did take advantage of visiting the various specialty restaurants. A personal favorite is Le Bistro for French cuisine. It is truly worth the value for the nominal upcharge service fees required.
The buffet or "Garden Cafe", is where we chose to eat our breakfasts and lunch. Custom eggs and omelet service station awaits hungry passengers who have their unique likes and dislikes. A vast array of eggs styles, cereals, baked goods, meats await you every morning. And for lunch, well....lets just say "Yum"!.
Another treat onboard this ship was when a pool attendent comes around in the late afternoon with a complimentary popsicle for everyone to enjoy. Very refreshing while sitting in the warm sun and working hard at our tan.
Another treat are themed barbeques on the pool deck at lunch.
The fun that Nickelodeon brings on board is a great value for the kids. SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Diego and friends are awaiting you and your little ones as they get ready for adventure and fun! Your child might be the lucky winner of the treasured Green Slime.
It worked out for us to be passengers among the first 5 cruise ships ever to visit the Banana Coast of Honduras as we stopped at the pier in Trujillo. People, this place is a diamond in the rough. A place, that in time, will be a place that people are going to want to escape to for adventure and relaxation. I'm looking forward to returning here to watch it transform to an exotic tropical paradise.
The prices that these cruises are going for are remarkably value-packed and very competitive. The Norwegian Jewel caters to those who are budget minded, but also to those who enjoy the pleasures of luxury travel with the Haven Suites. Norwegian is the industry leader of the "Freestyle" concept. They were the first to introduce the freedom to dine where you wish to dine, with whom, and when. Other lines have been adopting this dining program but have yet to perfect it to the degree that Norwegian has.
Is this the cruise line for you? Give a call or send me an email. I will be glad to explore the options available to you and recommend the one I know you will come home most satisfied with.
Call 940-453-8904 or email me at lkolanko@cruiseplanners.com.
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