Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

I just booked a 7 day cruise out of NYC on this ship. Any thoughts or advice. We've never cruised before so we are very excited!!! Thanks!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

I never took NCL, but I've been on RCL to the Bahamas and it seriously was one of the best vacations I ever had. The cruise it self was great and the Bahamas was an extra bonus. You will have a great time regardless! Have a great trip!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

I was on NCL last week (the Spirit) and had a great time.

I will say, however, that we were VERY disappointed in the food in the main dining rooms. It was average, at best, and many things tasted like they came out of a nursing home cafeteria.

I'm sure the restaurants that charge a cover charge are MUCH better, but we were too cheap and stubborn to try them.

The Freestyle aspect of it all is awesome though.. no eating with strangers! Let me know if you have any NCL-specific questions!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

I have to agree with the PP in regards to the food...really just eh but the ship itself and the time in the Bahamas makes it worth it...sometimes they have half price covers in the specialty restaurants, so that might be a more affordable way to access the restaurants. Have fun! We did the that cruise on NCL Gem last February and had a great time!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

Posted by melbalalala

I was on NCL last week (the Spirit) and had a great time.

I will say, however, that we were VERY disappointed in the food in the main dining rooms. It was average, at best, and many things tasted like they came out of a nursing home cafeteria.

I'm sure the restaurants that charge a cover charge are MUCH better, but we were too cheap and stubborn to try them.

The Freestyle aspect of it all is awesome though.. no eating with strangers! Let me know if you have any NCL-specific questions!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

food is just egh..we went on our honeymoon adn I begged my husband to do the specialty restaurants and they were the only good dinners we had!

they have x-ray machines as you enter..so I doubt your DH will get away with it!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

Posted by HolyBabyFever09

Posted by melbalalala

I was on NCL last week (the Spirit) and had a great time.

I will say, however, that we were VERY disappointed in the food in the main dining rooms. It was average, at best, and many things tasted like they came out of a nursing home cafeteria.

I'm sure the restaurants that charge a cover charge are MUCH better, but we were too cheap and stubborn to try them.

The Freestyle aspect of it all is awesome though.. no eating with strangers! Let me know if you have any NCL-specific questions!

That stinks about the food being bad! We are also way too cheap to go the specialty restaurants.
DH is so cheap he wants to sneak alcohol onto the ship. Im scared of getting caught!

Anyone ever do this and get away with it?

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

Posted by melbalalala

Posted by HolyBabyFever09

Posted by melbalalala

I was on NCL last week (the Spirit) and had a great time.

I will say, however, that we were VERY disappointed in the food in the main dining rooms. It was average, at best, and many things tasted like they came out of a nursing home cafeteria.

I'm sure the restaurants that charge a cover charge are MUCH better, but we were too cheap and stubborn to try them.

The Freestyle aspect of it all is awesome though.. no eating with strangers! Let me know if you have any NCL-specific questions!

That stinks about the food being bad! We are also way too cheap to go the specialty restaurants.
DH is so cheap he wants to sneak alcohol onto the ship. Im scared of getting caught!

Anyone ever do this and get away with it?

I'm pg so I easily brought on some O'douls

BUT, I have some good news for you. My parents went on an NCL cruise in '08 and I put a bunch of vodka and other clear liquors in water bottles for them. They packed it in their carry-on luggage and no problems whatsoever! The only trick is mixers.. the only time juice is free is at breakfast, so you'd have to hoard then. Or you can easily bring juices/sodas on, you're allowed to bring non-alcoholic bevs.

If you get caught, no big deal, they confiscate it and give it to you at the end of the trip.

I highly recommend the Cruise Critic website for tricks/advice/ideas.. it's really great!

Re: Norwegian Jewel to the Bahamas

We got engaged on the Norweigan Dawn to the Bahamas back in 2004. I really liked the ship and the route. I think the food was fine. I loved their chilled blueberry soup. It was fantastic. I would do at least one meal in a specialty restaurant so you have the experience and can compare it for yourself.