Norwegian Jewel Panama Canal Cruise Review
February 19-March 4, 2017
Just the Facts:
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Captain: Pelle Fredriksson
Cruise Director: Iain
Ports: Miami - Cartagena - Panama Canal Transit - Puntarenas - Corinto -
Puerto Quetzal - Acapulco - Cabo San Lucas - Los Angeles (San Pedro)
This cruise is the forth of five consecutive cruises for me. This is my 6th Norwegian cruise and first one in many years, my first time on the Norwegian Jewel, and 126th cruise overall. I am cruising as a solo.
Sunday / Embarkation / February 19th / Day 1
I left the Carnival Vista my cruise home for eight days about 9:50 am and walked over two berths and around a construction area to the Norwegian Jewel dock arriving outside the Terminal about 10:15 am. I dropped my large bag with a porter ($3 tip) and took my carry-on and backpack with me. They opened the terminal about 10:45 and I proceeding through security and check-in was a breeze. However there was a long hour + wait before we could board the ship. I was an early zone and boarded about 12:15.pm. I made it to my cabin and dropped my bags then proceeded to the Garden Cafe for the lunch buffet. First impression with the food is very good. I fixed two plates: one with a variety of Asian Foods from a Mongolian Grill station and the Steak from the carving station. The Salad Bar looked good as did the Pastry area. I’m sure that I will find my buffet favorites and other food venues during the cruise. My cabin, located aft on deck 11, is very spacious with nice decor and wood trim. I set up my cabin with my cruise hack items and what clothing I did have. This being a new ship to me I reviewed the Freestyle Daily, Deck Plan, and other information carefully. Soon my luggage was delivered so I finished cabin set up and I have ample storage, I am very pleased with the cabin. I did my first walk about and made a call home from upper decks while I have phone service in Miami, but soon was interrupted by the announcements for Boat Drill set to begin at 4:15 pm. I continued my tour but headed towards my muster station located in the Tsar Palace MDR on deck 6 aft. I really like the decor of this room. Following the drill I returned to the cabin and prepared some laundry for the ‘Press Only’ special, purchase the unlimited internet package (expensive), and reviewed the dining options. With ‘Freestyle’ dining we do not have a set time or dining room so learning this system will be different. I do have the UBP Unlimited Beverage Package as a bonus to the cruise fare so it will be interesting to see how that works over the next 14 days. I met friends for cocktails in the Shakers Martini Bar on deck 6, then we proceeded to Tsar’s Palace for dinner. The beautiful room and elegant tablecloths were very refreshing compared to what I have experienced the past three cruises, For dinner I ordered the New England Crab Cake, a Green Salad, the Prime Rib and Sliced Pork Loin entrees. For dessert I enjoyed the Pistachio Crème Brûlée and the Cherries Jubilee. It was a great meal. The primary entertainment tonight is the Welcome Show, but it didn’t fit into my freestyle schedule so didn’t attend…it did seem to be a bigger show than other lines. I personally retired to the cabin soon after dinner. As I perused the TV channels I noticed that they have both Fox News Channel and MSNBC as news options, something not seen on Carnival…a nice variety. It was a interesting day of discovery on board the NCL Jewel.
Monday / Sea Day / February 20th / Day 2
Smooth seas overnight. I woke at 4:00 am so did some internet work and worked on this review for a few hours before sleeping again. I was lucky to wake about 9:00 am in time for a proper breakfast in the Tsar’s Palace MDR. I ran into a couple I knew so we shared a table. I ordered an Eggs Benedict breakfast exact items as yesterdays on the Vista for comparison. The wonderful crisp tablecloths let me know that this would be a superior breakfast irregardless of the food. I met my cabin steward Maggie this morning, she took the press-only special laundry she left last night.Time to explore the ship and I ended up out most of the day. I dropped a form off at the Future Cruise Desk, NCL’s is a great concept, a difference is that you receive OBC for the cruise you are currently sailing then the voucher will cover any future deposit in full. So there will be NCL cruises in my future. I then went out on boat deck to get a coke and air, but alas NCL has Pepsi so I got two Ginger Ales and sat at a table to drink one and I was going to continue to explore with the other. I ended up enjoying my table location, the sea air, texting with the DW back home, and viewing the Carnival Splendor that has been sailing along side of us all day. So it's now mojito time. Then a Caribbean band performed and the old folks began dancing away…great people watching. Mojito time again. A German gentleman sat with me to eat his BBQ that gave me the opportunity to get a nice plate of grilled chicken and a grilled pork chop for my lunch. Good food and for dessert I allowed the cocktail server to pick a cocktail of his choice and he brought a Mudslide. Nice...this UBP (unlimited beverage package) may work just fine. So after a nice day by the pool I had a brief nap in my nice dark cabin before another walk about the ship. I wanted to checkout O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill on deck 8, it’s a great place. They have a nice bar and a nice limited comfort food menu. I had a couple of Pilsner Urquell beers and an order of Mozzarella Sticks. Yes hot appetizers at the bar. At 7:00 pm I went to the Stardust Theater for Showtime featuring singer Jeri Sager a former Broadway performer. Her show featured various Broadway hits and was very entertaining. After dinner I met friends in Fyzz a nice little show venue on deck 7 then went to dinner at Tsar’s Palace. There was no wait at all and it was only 8:15 the normal time for late seating on most cruise lines. We may have a plan for the rest of the cruise. Dinner was good, I ordered: Fried Brie Wedges, Creamy Mushroom Soup, and the Yankee Pot Roast entree. For dessert I ordered the Creme Carmel from the menu and a Mudslide from the bar. It was a fun spontaneous day on the Norwegian Jewel.
Tuesday / Sea Day / February 21st / Day 3
Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well. I went up one deck to ‘The Great Outdoors’ food area where in the mornings they have breakfast items. Very easy for me as it’s directly above my cabin. I enjoyed a light breakfast as sat out on the aft rail and enjoyed the sun and wake of the ship. Afterward I went down on pool deck and got a table in the shade.. I took my Tervis tumbler and started with ginger ale just as yesterday. I was able to message the DW back at home on the iPhone and did some people watching. All friends eventually found me so we had a good visit. I tried to order a Hugo Spritzer a perfect poolside drink and they made a valiant attempt, but a bit short. I was saved by Louis a bar server who had previously worked on MSC. Woo Hoo perfect drinks for all. I again had the BBQ from the grill. Today it was Chicken and Sirloin Steaks with Paella and a Corn Relish. Very Good. The same Caribbean band performed a set but not as many dancers today. It was another relaxing day by the pool but still deserving of a nap back in the cabin in afternoon. Friends and I met in O’Sheehan’s at 6:00 for drinks. I also had some tasty Chicken Wings. About 7:10 we went down to Tsar’s Palace for dinner…seated almost strait away. I ordered: Fried Scallops, Green Salad, Veal Bratwurst, Sliced Sirloin Steak, and Apple Pie for dessert. I also had a Bushwacker as a dessert cocktail. Very nice service on NCL…very pleased. We even had time to catch the 9:00 feature show, but I retired to review my private tour for Cartagena. It was another nice sea day on the Norwegian Jewel.
Wednesday / Cartagena / February 22nd / My Birthday / Day 4
Smooth seas overnight, but I was up early as I thought I needed to be for my excursion. I had a nice omelet from the omelet station then prepared for the day and discovered I
really could have slept in as my meet time was 9:45. At least I was
able to miss the big push to get of the ship early. About 8:45 I
debarked as I knew there was a nice park area at the cruise terminal. I
was able to enjoy a very nice Coca-Cola Light and sit with the
Flamingos for a while. About 10:00 my tour was off and I was grouped
with four couples from the Island Princess on a nice small bus. Our
first stop was one of the two primary places I wanted to visit: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas a fortress on a high hill guarding approaches to the old walled city. We didn’t go in it was a photo op experience but fine for me. The next was my second priority: Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa on the city's highest hill dates to 1607 & offers a leafy cloister & sweeping views of the area. We stopped at a souvenir area in the old city and an Emerald Museum/Jewellry Store then walked through the old town passing: Cartagena Cathedral, Teatro Heredia, Plaza de Bolívar, and a stop at the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, an elegant 1580s church with a museum dedicated to its namesake, a canonized early abolitionist. From here I left the tour and took a taxi back to the pier as the Jewel leaves at 2:00 pm. I was ready as I had seen what I wanted. I made it back to the ship about 1:40 (10 minutes late) along with many others returning from tours. While standing in the line to board the ship we were given: cold washcloths (nice ones), water, or lemonade...then once past security fresh bowls of ice creme to cool off....I'm liking NCL. In addition to the sites I did make some bargains with local vendors: new sunglasses ($5), new straw hat ($5), and new Panama hat ($36) . It was a snack from O’Sheehan’s then rest and clean up time in the cabin for the rest of the afternoon. At 6:00 pm I met friends in Shakers Martini Bar for cocktails. The seven of us went to the Teppanyaki Restaurant, as they say: “It's not just a meal, it's an experience”. It was a very entertaining show by the Chef and the food was fantastic. I had a Filet Mignon / Sea Scallop combination. They even brought out a birthday cake. It was a wonderful day in Cartagena and evening on the Jewel.
Thursday / Panama Canal Transit / February 23rd / Day 5
Smooth seas overnight and I slept well and awoke early to the Captains voice over the TV. The forward camera on TV that I most always leave on in my cabin also allows announcements from the Bridge. As we were entering the Panama Canal early this morning the Captain began his comments. Soon my friends called and I watched us enter the canal and the first Gatun lock from their balcony. Then to breakfast an lucked out with table on window. So watched us go through second and third locks then into Lake Gatun. Very interesting process. I had lunch in O’Sheehan’s and again a viewing window as we sailed upper Gatun Lake. I had a walk about after lunch and went to the deck 8 viewing area (normally the crew deck) far forward, then up to the Spinnaker Lounge on deck 13 forward, and deck 13 and 12 outdoors as we passed through the Culebra Cut and under the Centennial Bridge. Most guests were very interested in watching us pass through the Panama canal and they did have a running commentary of what guests were seeing as we passed through. I ran into Louis on pool deck so I had a couple of Hugo spritzers. It was late when we passed through the final three locks at Miraflores and dark when we went under the Bridge of the Americas. It was impressive viewing the skyline of Panama City at night. The Jewel is now in the Bay of Panama and the Pacific Ocean. Our group of seven met at 8:00ish at Cagney’s Steakhouse for dinner, I ordered the Iceberg Wedge Salad, a Baked Potato, and the Rib Eye Steak. It was excellent…two great meals in two days. After dinner I retired to the cabin as I was out and about on the ship most of the day. It was a very educational day transiting the Panama Canal today.
Friday / Sea Day / February 24th / Day 6
Very smooth Pacific seas overnight and I slept well. We turned our clocks back so we are now on Texas time for a few days as we sail northwest along the Pacific coast of Central America. I went up to the Garden Cafe for a light breakfast with English bacon about 8:00 am. Today’s goal is to do nothing other than rest and relax. I did take a walk about around lunch time and enjoyed some BBQ from the pool deck. Afternoon was cabin time and some work online until 3:30 when I went to the theater to watch the movie: Deep Water Horizon. A very good movie. About 6:30 pm I met the group at Shakers for a cocktail. Five of us ate at Azura another of the MDR’s (included) located mid-ship on deck six. I ordered: Risotto with Artichokes, Crab Louie, Tomato Salad, a Greek Meatball entree with Tzatziki sauce, and a Carmel Bread Pudding for dessert. I did not discover the daily afternoon movies until today, they are consistent with entertainment with the primary daily shows at 7:00 and 9:00 pm in the Theater. Tonight was Comedy although I have an early excursion so retired after dinner. It was an easy relaxing sea day on the Jewel.
Saturday / Puntarenas, Costa Rica / February 25th / Day 7
Smooth seas and I slept very well. I woke early and watched us dock at the pier about 6:00ish for our scheduled 7:00 am arrival. I went up to The Great Outdoors for a quick breakfast and take in the views of this beautiful port then down to the pier for my 8:00 am meet time for my private tour. The tour operator was Gio Tours and soon we were on our way in our 12 pax van on our 8-stop tour. After a 20+ minute drive towards the Tárcoles River area, the first stop was to view White-faced Monkeys, they are amusing and one dropped down from a tree onto my head. Second stop is at a Fruit Stand…a popular thing to do as there were many of them in this area. I had a fresh fruit smoothie and some mangos. The third stop was a two hour cruise on the Tárcoles River well known for it’s crocodile population. We saw many croc’s including some really big ones as well as many birds, iguanas, and other wildlife. Stop four is for a nice lunch at a local open air family restaurant: Rice & Beans, Salad, Vegetables, Chicken (fish was gone), and a unique fresh Pineapple drink. I had a very nice Pilsen Beer. Stop five is at the private Nativa Resort (condominiums) were after a drive through the beautiful grounds came to an overlook of the Pacific coast, jungle, mountains, and Tárcoles River. Next stop was a large souvenir complex with clean toilets and snacks. Stop number seven is a grocery store…interesting and I did buy some candy. After a drive by tour of the town of Punta Arenus our final stop was at the lighthouse. We were dropped at the ship about 4:00 pm...I highly recommend this tour operator...the van was nice and they had even had wifi. There was some delay boarding as the tides required the ship to change decks of the gangways, but there was a very colorful local performance group (music & dance) on the pier. I was quite tired, but a hot shower revived me. I wanted an easy night so I went up to the Garden Cafe, it was Chinese night, but I found the Roast Pork at the carving station and had a quick meal. I attended the production show: Band On The Run with 80’s music and dance in the Stardust theater. It was a very good show. After the show I returned through the Garden Cafe and got a very nicely made Crepe for dessert. It was a long and busy day in Costa Rica and the NCL Jewel.
Sunday / Corinto, Nicaragua / February 26th / Day 8
I woke early and watched some news on TV and worked on this review. About 7:00 am as we entered the channel we encountered some rolling enough to make it
difficult to walk and the pool flooded the Library below it. Exciting. I
went down to the Tsar’s Palace for a nice breakfast: Three fried eggs,
Scottish Kippers, bacon, ham, and more. My meet time for today's tour
is 9:30 in the theater and soon I was off on my Old & Colonial
Leon NCL excursion. There are 39 on a nice 46 pax bus and we off on a
1.5 hour drive to León Viejo founded in June 1524 by the Spanish and covered by a volcanic event in 1610. It has been called the Pompeii of the Americas. My favorite site was the location of the original fort with a view of Lake Managua and the Momotombo Volcano (photo). I was surprised by the number of active (smoking) volcanoes in the area. Following the tour we had lunch next door in a family outdoor restaurant consisting of: Frijoles, Slaw, Beef, Chicken, Rice, & Plantains. After lunch we were off to Leon 25+ miles away and toured the main Square and Cathedral of León, also known as Our Lady of Grace Cathedral. The Cathedral's construction lasted between 1747 and 1814 and was consecrated by Pope Pius IX in 1860. The Cathedral has maintained the status of being the largest cathedral in Central America and one of the best known in the Americas due to its distinct architecture and special cultural importance. Both the Cathedral in León and León Viejo are UNESCO Heritage sites. I did have time for a very nice mojito in Leon before boarding the buses at 4:10 for the journey back to Corinto. We arrived back just after our due time of 5:30 pm later than expected due to losing an hour with some bus problems earlier, but we made it and sailed at 5:45 pm during a beautiful sunset. After cleaning up I met the gang at Shakers then we went to Tsar's Palace for dinner. I ordered: Spanish Gazpacho, Braised Stone Fruits, Mixed Garden Salad, and the Grilled New York Strip Steak entree. I skipped dessert and retired to the cabin to rest & prepare for tomorrows early excursion. It was a great excursion day in Nicaragua.
Monday / Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala / February 27th / Day 9
Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well. I ordered room service as my wake up call this morning and it arrived perfectly between 6:30 -7:00 am as requested. I watched us arrive and dock on the cabin TV as I prepared to meet my tour at 8:00 am. My NCL excursion was Antigua On Your Own and soon I was on my bus for the 90 minute drive to the Colonial city of Antigua established in 1524. We passed several coffee plantations on the drive up into the mountains and actually drove between the Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Auga. You could see the old lava flows and one is still active. Antigua is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture as well as a number of ruins of colonial churches. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and at it’s height had a population of 70,000 in 1770’s less than half that now. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My favorite site was the Cathedral of Saint James San José Parish originally built in 1541 and reconstructed following several earthquakes in 1680. It was severely damaged in earthquake of 1773 and only partial rebuilt. I was able to tour the ruins of the original ($1 donation) located directly behind existing Church. It had to have been amazing...largest in the Americas. I also enjoyed: the Captain General Palace, La Merced Church, the Santa Catalina Arch, and the very active main Plaza of the old town. I had a very nice lunch at Restaurante El Arco located at the Arch in the old Convent building: Mango Mojito, Agua, Guacamole, Frijoles, Chips, and local Salsa. I did a bit of shopping, but perhaps the better values were from the street vendors and there are a LOT of them. One could easily spend a few days here in this unique location. Too soon I met our bus for the return to the ship and we were back by 4:30. There are a lot of nice craft vendors at the port area. I went up to watch sail away and enjoy a mojito at the Great Outdoors Deck 12 aft…it was a pleasant evening. Later I went to the Tsar’s Palace for dinner, it was good, I ordered the Mixed Green Salad, the Beef Brisket (weak), and the Grouper fish entree. For desert a great Banana Soufflé and the Mojito Fruit. I needed a good rest night after three intensive excursions so I retire early. It was a wonderful day in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua.
Tuesday / Sea Day / February 28th / Day 10
Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well. The sea surface is smooth with just a bit of rolling, the Captain has said it’s a good day to watch as Turtles, Dolphins, and Whales have been seen this morning. I went to the Garden Cafe for an omelet and I’m loving the English Bacon. I had my Yeti filled up at the Great Outdoors with Ginger Ale and good for a relaxing morning. The ship had a laundry special: one bag for $19.95 flat fee, so I stuffed a bag full...we'll see how that works out. I was heading to the Pool deck BBQ when I saw them making fresh Cuban Panini sandwiches so I had one with some great beet roots for lunch. I met friends at O’Sheehan’s at 1:00 and enjoyed a Pilsner Urquell. We saw quite a few large sea turtles in the calm seas. The afternoon was cabin time, nap time, and work/internet time and it was productive. I went to Shakers and had the best cocktails so far: an Elderflower Cosmo, I will only use that bartender now. Our group had dinner in Cagney’s steakhouse again, I ordered: the Iceburgh Wedge Salad, a perfect Ribeye Steak, Beet Roots and shared Baked Potato & Mushrooms. It was all excellent. For dessert a Mudslide cocktail and on my late walk about had a strawberry & vanilla swirl ice creme from the Great Outdoors. It was an easy yet productive day on The Norwegian Jewel.
Wednesday / Acapulco, Mexico / March 1st / Day 11
Smooth seas continue and I slept very well. I went up to the Garden Cafe for breakfast and have a nice view of Acapulco Bay. I met friends who are the same excursion
as I this morning at 9:00 am and proceeded to the meet location in the
cruise terminal. After waiting for others in group, (about 25) we were
off in full size bus on our excursion. This was my first visit to
Acapulco and I was not fully aware of the typography or size of the
crescent shaped Bay itself. Such a beautiful location. The city is
best known as one of Mexico's oldest and most well-known beach resorts,
which came into prominence in the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars
and millionaires. Acapulco is still famous and still attracts many
tourists, although most are now from Mexico itself. The resort area is
divided into two: The north end of the bay is the "traditional" area,
where the famous in the mid-20th century vacationed, and the south end
is dominated by newer luxury high-rise hotels. We drove the Boulevard
towards and through the new Acapulco observing the high rise hotels,
modern restaurants, nightclubs, international businesses (Office Depot,
Walmart, etc.), and more. We then drove through the Puerto Marqués area
of exclusive resorts and the ‘Beverly Hills’ area of Acapulco with
magnificent homes overlooking the bay. We reversed our route passing
back through our original route and beyond the cruise terminal in
opposite direction into the traditional area where the 1950’s era
hotels, fish market, and Zócalo (main square) are located. Then we were
off to see the La Quebrada Cliff Divers. It was a very interesting show and tradition since the 1930’s. Following the cliff diving we returned to the cruise terminal. Located directly across from the ship is Acapulco's most historic building: the Fort of San Diego, originally built in 1616 to protect the city from pirate attacks. It was rebuilt in 1776 and 1783 and parts of the moats remain as well as the five bulwarks and the battlements. Now the fort serves as the Museo Histórico de Acapulco (Acapulco Historical Museum), which shows the port's history from the pre-Hispanic period until independence. Very easy and convenient to visit. At 4:15 the ship hosted a Mexican Folkloric Show with a local professional dance troupe. It was a fantastic show, but I love traditional cultural shows. I watched a beautiful sail away from the aft facing Great Outdoor Bar as we sailed out of Acapulco Bay. I had a simple dinner from the Garden Cafe and retired to cabin soon afterward. Acapulco was a very pleasing and enjoyable port.
Thursday / Sea Day / March 2nd / Day 12
A bit of rolling seas overnight. I was up in the night and did some wifi work before returning to sleep. We turned our time back one hour last night so I was ready at 7:30 am when the NYSE opened for a few trades, different. Then to Tsar’s Palace MDR for a proper breakfast: Fruit, Eggs, Ham, Bacon, and Dollar Pancakes. My big bag of laundry was returned and they did a great job, it was delivered in a long basket and all neatly folded. I had a nice walk about and spent some time in a chair outside on deck 7 people watching. This would be an outdoor promenade similar to the old ocean liners and not as common on cruise ships. It’s nice to have a lower deck that you can walk completely around the ship. There are a high number of foreign guests on this cruise, in fact probably the majority, and they really use that outer deck, even playing shuffle board games. Interesting. The weather is also cooling somewhat as we head north. I’m so glad I checked on the pool deck BBQ as they had Pork Fatback today. It was by far the best BBQ on the cruise so far. They also had a great English Trifle dessert in the Garden Cafe. This afternoon I caught up on some needed online work then did some whale watching from the Great Outdoors aft. About 6:00 pm I went to Shakers for a few of my special cocktails and the gang was all there, then to the Tsar’s Palace MDR for dinner. I ordered the Creme of Cauliflower Soup, Tomato Salad, and the Sirloin Steak Diane entree. The production show was an All Star Variety Show with the production cast, dancers, and comedian. It was a nice sea day on the Jewel.
Friday / Cabo San Lucas, Mexico / March 3rd / Day 13
Smooth seas overnight and I again slept well. We arrived early in Cabo this morning before the 7:00 am scheduled time and they began tendering a few minutes early. I went up to the Garden Cafe for an Omelet and English bacon and had a great view of the Cabo point. I was in the cabin just after 7:30 and heard a standard debark/tender announcement from the CD which I interpreted as “if you come now it will be easy” so I did. It was walk down and walk right on the tender, no waiting at all. Of course it put me there very early…well before our tour time but I bought a Coca-cola light, visited with guests, and was able to get the Wi-Fi code from Senior Frogs to pass some time. My tour was a Whale Watching Tour off the coast operated by Magna Oceanus and purchased through ShoreTrips. The double-decker catamaran sailed by sites such as Lover's Beach, Sea Lion Colony, and Cabo Arch. We had a delicious lunch and generous domestic open bar. We did see whales with an occasional full breach, very nice. The Cabo Harbor is a very busy place with boats and tenders of all sizes coming in and out and we were the only cruise ship today. I can only imagine what it would be like with two or more ships. We were back well in time for the tenders and our early scheduled 2:00 pm departure from Cabo. I went up to the Great Outdoors for sail away...and lo the gang was there, I'd been suggesting it as it's perfect location. I had some Pilsner Urquell beers and enjoyed our sailing around the Baja and begin our sailing north up the Pacific coast of Mexico. I went to Shakers, the cocktail bar, and had one of my favorites, then the group went to Tsar’s Palace for dinner. I ordered New England Clam Chowder, a Crab Souffle, Mixed Green Salad, and two entrees: Prime Rib with Baked Potato & a lightly Grilled Flounder. Stardust Showtime featured the show Le Cirque Bijou tonight. It was a fun day in Cabo and the Jewel today.
Saturday / Final Sea Day / March 4th / Day 14
Smooth seas overnight and I slept off and on then up too early. I did go to the Tsar’s Palace MDR for a very nice Eggs Benedict breakfast. I went up to The Great Outdoors for a Yeti size ginger ale and saw friends that had a table so it was whale watching from deck 12 for a good while. We saw several whales breach, kind of rare from a cruise ship, but we are in the prime time of year and the migrating lanes sailing up the Pacific coast of Mexico It’s getting cooler but it was very nice sitting in the sun. We stayed until after noon then got grilled baby back ribs from the pool deck BBQ. They were excellent, perhaps not as good as the Fat Back, but they did save the best two items for the last two sea days. After lunch it was movie time, I watched The Magnificent Seven (2016), a new very good ‘western shoot ‘em up’ movie. After the movie it was cabin time. I went for a cocktail as usual at Shakers on deck 6, then met the group at the Teppanyaki Restaurant for dinner. Thought we'd make our final dinner a memorable one at the best restaurant on the ship. I again ordered the Filet Mignon / Sea Scallop combination. It was another great show by the chef and another great meal. It was a great final sea day on the Norwegian Jewel.
Sunday / Debarkation / March 5th
I was up early and watched us back into the channel and port terminal on TV and later from on deck. The terminal looks much better than when I was here last and we are docked next to the USS Iowa battleship. I had my final breakfast with English bacon from the Garden Cafe on lido deck and tested the cool weather outside. Much different weather than I have had for a month+ at sea. I completed my packing then to meet friends, debark, and begin another wee adventure.
Ship
Cabin
I had cabin 11147 an interior located on deck 11 far aft. When I booked this long ago I was still recovering from my tropical disease Schistosomiasis (caught in St. Kitts) so I had booked a handicap cabin. I had forgotten that I had, but will enjoy it. Basically the difference is: more floor space, emergency buttons, and bench in bathroom. The cabin has a double bed, a push button safe, three-section closet, two chairs, two electrical outlets on counter/dresser and two at TV, Telephone on nightstand, Hair dryer at counter/dresser, and small flat screen TV. There is an empty refrigerator. My cabin steward, Maggie from Columbia was very good, the cabin was always clean.
Dining / Food / Bars
Huge difference for me with the Freestyle dining on NCL. There are NO set dining times anywhere, but the option to dine in six or seven dining venues or six premium venues with an extra cover charge. I really like the Tablecloths in the primary dining rooms…very classy compared to Carnival Cruise Line. They also have one MDR with stricter dress code and one MDR with more casual dress code. Something for everyone. I like it. The food was very impressive, but also different to me so change is good. They did have a REAL steak, among other nice entrees offered every night on a set menu if you wished, or the daily menu that changes with special entrees. Very impressive menus. The pool deck BBQ on sea days is great. Two 24 hour ice creme machines. There are 16 bars on board, my favorites were Shakers the martini bar and The Great Outdoors bar on Lido aft.
Crew / Other
Most crew were friendly, helpful, and efficient. The NCL iPhone App is wonderful, especially for checking your account balances.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRUISES
Antiquia, Guatamala
Teppanyaki Restaurant
Costa Rica 8/1 Tour
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Tsar’s Palace Main Dining Room
Cabo San Lucas Day
Acapulco Day
Old & Colonial Leon in Nicaragua
Cartagena Columbia Excursion
Transit of Panama Canal
UBP
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Captain: Pelle Fredriksson
Cruise Director: Iain
Ports: Miami - Cartagena - Panama Canal Transit - Puntarenas - Corinto -
Puerto Quetzal - Acapulco - Cabo San Lucas - Los Angeles (San Pedro)
This cruise is the forth of five consecutive cruises for me. This is my 6th Norwegian cruise and first one in many years, my first time on the Norwegian Jewel, and 126th cruise overall. I am cruising as a solo.
Sunday / Embarkation / February 19th / Day 1
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| Tsar's Palace Dining Room |
Monday / Sea Day / February 20th / Day 2
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| O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill |
Tuesday / Sea Day / February 21st / Day 3
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| NCL Jewel Pool Deck |
Wednesday / Cartagena / February 22nd / My Birthday / Day 4
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| Friends in Cartagena Columbia |
Thursday / Panama Canal Transit / February 23rd / Day 5
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| Panama Canal - gates at locks |
Friday / Sea Day / February 24th / Day 6
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| My Cabin |
Saturday / Puntarenas, Costa Rica / February 25th / Day 7
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| My little friend |
Sunday / Corinto, Nicaragua / February 26th / Day 8
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| Lake Managua and the Momotombo Volcano |
Monday / Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala / February 27th / Day 9
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| Santa Catalina Arch with Volcán de Auga |
Tuesday / Sea Day / February 28th / Day 10
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| The Great Outdoors |
Wednesday / Acapulco, Mexico / March 1st / Day 11
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| La Quebrada Cliff Divers (2) - double click photo to enlarge |
Thursday / Sea Day / March 2nd / Day 12
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| Pool Deck BBQ |
Friday / Cabo San Lucas, Mexico / March 3rd / Day 13
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| Mr.Cool in Cabo (what two locals called me) |
Saturday / Final Sea Day / March 4th / Day 14
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| Shakers Cocktail Bar |
Sunday / Debarkation / March 5th
I was up early and watched us back into the channel and port terminal on TV and later from on deck. The terminal looks much better than when I was here last and we are docked next to the USS Iowa battleship. I had my final breakfast with English bacon from the Garden Cafe on lido deck and tested the cool weather outside. Much different weather than I have had for a month+ at sea. I completed my packing then to meet friends, debark, and begin another wee adventure.
Ship
Tonnage: 93,502 GT - Length: 965 ft (294.13 m) - Beam: 106 ft (32.31 m) - Draft: 27 ft Decks: 15 Speed: 25 knots - Capacity: 2,376 passengers - Crew: 1,100 - This ship entered service on 4 August 2005. She was constructed at Meyer
Werft Shipyard in Germany and was christened in November
2005 at Port of Miami. Her godmother is Melania Trump, spouse of U.S. President, Donald Trump.
Cabin
I had cabin 11147 an interior located on deck 11 far aft. When I booked this long ago I was still recovering from my tropical disease Schistosomiasis (caught in St. Kitts) so I had booked a handicap cabin. I had forgotten that I had, but will enjoy it. Basically the difference is: more floor space, emergency buttons, and bench in bathroom. The cabin has a double bed, a push button safe, three-section closet, two chairs, two electrical outlets on counter/dresser and two at TV, Telephone on nightstand, Hair dryer at counter/dresser, and small flat screen TV. There is an empty refrigerator. My cabin steward, Maggie from Columbia was very good, the cabin was always clean.
Dining / Food / Bars
Huge difference for me with the Freestyle dining on NCL. There are NO set dining times anywhere, but the option to dine in six or seven dining venues or six premium venues with an extra cover charge. I really like the Tablecloths in the primary dining rooms…very classy compared to Carnival Cruise Line. They also have one MDR with stricter dress code and one MDR with more casual dress code. Something for everyone. I like it. The food was very impressive, but also different to me so change is good. They did have a REAL steak, among other nice entrees offered every night on a set menu if you wished, or the daily menu that changes with special entrees. Very impressive menus. The pool deck BBQ on sea days is great. Two 24 hour ice creme machines. There are 16 bars on board, my favorites were Shakers the martini bar and The Great Outdoors bar on Lido aft.
Crew / Other
Most crew were friendly, helpful, and efficient. The NCL iPhone App is wonderful, especially for checking your account balances.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRUISES
Antiquia, Guatamala
Teppanyaki Restaurant
Costa Rica 8/1 Tour
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Tsar’s Palace Main Dining Room
Cabo San Lucas Day
Acapulco Day
Old & Colonial Leon in Nicaragua
Cartagena Columbia Excursion
Transit of Panama Canal
UBP
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| Panama Canal Certificate |
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