Setting sail on an Alaskan adventure aboard the Norwegian Jewel is an incredible experience exploring breathtaking glaciers, delightful ports, and untouched landscapes. I’m excited to share our experience with you, including the highlights that were amazing and some aspects that didn’t quite hit the mark for us. Check out our Norwegian cruise line review for the Jewel, an honest take so you’ll be ready to make informed decisions for your own Alaskan adventures!
What makes the Norwegian Jewel great is its awesome itinerary and port options. This ship offers both northbound ( Vancouver to Seward) or southbound cruise ( Seward to Vancouver) and because it is one way, the port times are longer. This ship also visits awesome Alaskan spots like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and the big seller for us – Glacier Bay National Park.
Why We Went with the Norwegian Jewel
One big reason we went with the Norwegian Jewel for our Northbound Alaskan Cruise was the chance to explore Glacier Bay National Park and end our journey in Seward. We were eager to take some extra time to explore Seward, check out the stunning Kenai Fjords, and experience Coastal Route on the Alaskan Railroad. We really appreciated how each port stop gave us plenty of time to wander and soak in the surroundings. Those extra days in Seward? They were amazing, one of our favorite spots in Alaska!
Don’t miss going on the Alaskan Railroad, either heading to or from Seward – it’s a must! I’d totally suggest treating yourself to the Gold Star ticket. It comes with a delicious meal and reserved seats in the glass dome car – so worth it!
Honestly, Seward and the Alaskan Railroad made it to the top of our favorite memories list. And let me tell you, Glacier Bay National Park? Absolutely jaw-dropping and unforgettable. If you’re planning a cruise, go for one that spends a day here – totally worth it!
Once you step onto the Norwegian Jewel, prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure filled with fun and entertainment! From a variety of restaurants and stylish bars to cozy lounges and a lively casino, there’s something for everyone. If you’re in the mood for some pampering, indulge in the spa, hit the fitness center, or take a dip in one of the sparkling pools. As the sun sets, enjoy live shows at the theater or unwind in one of the relaxed lounges. It’s all about soaking up every moment on board!
Here’s the lowdown on what we loved and what could be better in this Norwegian Jewel review, especially when it comes to cruising through Alaska.
Things We Loved About This Ship
Recently Updated Ship with Modern Amenities.
We thought the ship looked great and we loved all the cozy spots where you could just sit back and soak in the amazing views. Our favorite hangouts were definitely the Spinnaker Lounge and the Maltings Whiskey Bar. The spa wasn’t the most upscale I’ve visited, but it had a nice vibe. The massage I got there was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. Even though the therapy area was on the smaller side, the design was nice, and everything was super easy to navigate.
Great Alaskan Itinerary
The Jewel takes you on both Northbound and Southbound Alaskan cruises. Now, Norwegian does have closed loop cruises on newer, bigger ships with more bells and whistles than the Jewel. But because of the longer distance from Alaska, those ones usually have shorter port times and you miss out on sailing through much of the Inside Passage, and those were two things we really wanted to experience. The Northbound adventure starts in Vancouver, BC, and wraps up in Seward, AK. If you’re going Southbound, it starts in Seward, AK, and ends in Vancouver, BC. One big perk of these one-way cruises is that you get more time to explore in each port, and that was a big deal for us.
Exceptional Crew and Service
Overall, we had a great experience with everyone being super helpful and friendly wherever we went. The only hiccup was in the main dining rooms, Azure and The Tsar’s Palace – it felt a bit rushed and impersonable, but I get it, it’s part of the whole Freestyle dining thing with Norwegian. I did miss having the same servers for our dinners there every night, though. However, we loved the crew in the Maltings Whiskey Bar & Shakers Martini Bar. They were hands down our favorite crew to hang out with on the ship!
Absolutely Delicious Food at the Specialty Restaurants
The specialty restaurants were a hit! Each one treated us to mouthwatering dishes and top-notch service. We loved our food at every meal and were so pumped that we got to try four out the five specialty restaurants on board. The only bummer was missing out on Teppanyaki due to a reservation glitch with Norwegian.
Make reservations for the Specialty Dining Restaurants on the App as soon as they open up so that you get the times and days that you want!
We purchased Norwegian’s Free at Sea Plus, which included four dinners at the specialty restaurants, and it was such a smart move for us. It made being able to experience all this delicious food easy, and that’s a big part of what makes our vacation so special. We ended up using all of the perks that come with the package – 4 specialty dinners, $50 off each person for excursions, no limits on cost of drinks – we both love whiskey, so this was a win for us & free wifi. It was really nice to have prepaid for the package and not have a huge bill at the end of the cruise.
Plenty of Activities and Entertainment
We really enjoyed the mix of activities on board. We treated ourselves to the Wine and Chocolate Pairing event and had a blast with several rounds of Bingo. Trivia games were an offered on board, but we never quite made it to one. Just to note, if you’re traveling with kids, it didn’t seem like there were loads of activities specifically for them, so that’s worth considering.
Overall we thought there were lots of great positives and since this is a cruise focused on the destination, we didn’t mind not having waterslides or bumper cars on the ship.
Some Things That Aren’t as Amazing
The Cabins are on the Smaller Side
Just a heads-up, the cabins on the Jewel are a bit on the smaller side, so keep that in mind when you’re booking. The interiors, especially, are cozy, so you better really like the folks you’re sailing with if you go for that option! I initially felt a bit frustrated by the smaller cabins compared to other ships, so I splurged on a Club Level Veranda Cabin, and it turned out to be great for us! Surprisingly spacious bathroom, a handy extra seating area, and the added bonus of included laundry services – it really made our stay more comfortable. If you’re looking for more space, I’d totally recommend upgrading to the Club Level rooms. For us, it was a fantastic choice, and we took full advantage of all the extra perks they had to offer.
Food Quality in the Main Dining Rooms and the Buffet
I’ve got to be honest; the included food was my biggest letdown on this trip. It just didn’t live up to what I was expecting. There was one meal in the dining room that was so inedible that I ended up heading to the buffet to find something else to eat. I’m usually a fan of dining in the main dining rooms on cruises, but the one on the Jewel was my least favorite, especially Azure – I’d suggest giving it a pass. On the bright side, there were a few tasty highlights, like those morning buns at the buffet that changed daily. Plus, the afternoon snack buffet at 3 pm was a winner, with scones, finger foods, and a different cake each day, it is found on the Great Outdoors buffet.
The Locations of the Docks in Port
When I booked this cruise, I knew that Princess Cruises and Holland America get the prime docking spots in Alaska, and that became pretty evident during our trip. It didn’t bother me too much, but if you’re not ready for it, it can be a bit of a hassle. In Ketchikan, the port is a 20-minute bus ride from town. Since it was our shortest day, I booked an excursion through Norwegian, and it was fantastic. You just need to be aware and plan ahead. In Juneau and Skagway, the docks are about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the ship. If you prefer, there are shuttles available too.
Nightly Performances in the Theater
I get that Norwegian is working on spicing up their theater lineup, but to be honest, this part fell a bit flat for me. The variety was lacking, and the quality wasn’t up to par. Surprisingly, we found more enjoyment in the smaller shows happening in the Spinnaker Lounge compared to the main theater. I’m crossing my fingers that they step up their game in the future because live performances are usually one of the highlights I eagerly anticipate on a cruise.
Tips for Booking an Alaskan Cruise on the Norwegian Jewel
Alaska offers a bunch of incredible cruise options, and for us, the Jewel turned out to be the perfect match. If your main interest is soaking in the destinations rather than a ton of activities, you might find it’s the right fit for you too. Check out these tips to make the most of your Alaskan cruise – they’ll work for any cruise line you choose. If you’re unsure which one suits you best, feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to help you pick a fantastic one!
Book your cruise as early if you are traveling during peak season.
To make sure you snag the rooms with the best views, especially if you’re eyeing spots like the cabins that face the land side of the inside passage or a specific location, it’s key to book early. I’m prone to getting seasick, so I made sure to lock in my cabin well ahead of time for the smoothest sailing.
Even if you don’t normally get seasick, I recommend packing something just in case the waters get a little rough. Trust me, you do not want to be seasick on your vacation!
Given how sought-after Alaska cruises are, I’d recommend booking at least a year in advance to secure your ideal accommodations.
Consider Booking a Suite or Balcony Cabin.
Getting a balcony for our Alaska cruise was a definite must for us. We spotted a bunch of animals right from our balcony and had stunning views in the morning while sipping on my coffee. I can’t stress enough how worth it was for the price – it truly elevated our cruise experience. Highly recommend it!
Consider Buying an Upgrade Package
For those who love exploring various onboard restaurants, I’d suggest going for a specialty dining package. The Free at Sea Plus package is a winner if you’re into trying out specialty restaurants, booking your excursions through Norwegian, and enjoying top-shelf liquor. We went for it, and it was fantastic! We even scored free Goldbelt Tram tickets on a whim in Juneau, as they were under 50 dollars per person. Turned out to be an awesome experience!
Avoid Disappointment by Booking Shore Excursions in Advance.
We chatted with some folks who waited too long and had to settle for something else. Lesson learned: if there’s something you’re super excited about, don’t procrastinate! An Alaska cruise is a bucket list adventure, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on those dream experiences you’ve been imagining. Plan ahead and make it happen!
The must-do excursion for us was definitely the whale watching. We went with Jayleen’s Alaska, and it was absolutely awesome! With a max of 6 people per boat, everyone had plenty of room to catch amazing views of the whales!
Pack for All Types of Weather
Alaska’s weather can switch up in a heartbeat, so being ready is key. We found that packing layers and waterproof gear was a game-changer for fully enjoying our time in port. As the saying goes among Alaskans, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear! Curious about the must-have items we packed for our Alaska cruise? Check them out!
Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews Alaska | Overall Thoughts
In our overall take on the Norwegian Jewel, it’s a fantastic choice for an Alaskan cruise. There’s a ton of things to do and enjoy, the crew and service are top-notch. If you’re looking for a mid-sized ship with a variety of Alaskan adventures, the Norwegian Jewel is a great option. We’d absolutely go for another Norwegian cruise, being prepared to splurge a bit on the Free at Sea Plus package and an upgraded cabin to enhance the overall cruise experience. Our Alaska cruise was truly amazing, and we’re already gearing up for another trip there!
Let us know if you had any additional thoughts about our Norwegian Jewel review or if you are ready to start planning your next cruise. We can help you plan one – we will take care of the details and you can start dreaming of what you are going to do while on your vacation!
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