Norwegian Jewel Alaska Review 2024 [Podcast]

In this podcast episode, Amy discusses her seven-night Alaska cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel. She shares her pre-cruise experiences in Vancouver, the smooth embarkation process, and her impressions of the stateroom.

Amy talks about the dining options, entertainment, and her participation in the “Newlywed Show.” She describes the ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, and highlights her Glacier Bay experience.

Amy also provides tips on packing, saving money, and making the most of the cruise. She concludes with her overall positive impressions of the Norwegian Jewel and the Alaska itinerary.

Timestamps:

• The pre-cruise thoughts (00:00:29): Amy’s decision to cruise to Alaska, her travel history, and the factors influencing her choice.
• Travel to Vancouver (00:01:20): Amy’s travel from Nashville to Vancouver, including flight experiences and a hotel stay in Vancouver.
• Embarkation (00:03:59): The embarkation process in Vancouver, including customs clearance and boarding the ship.
• Stateroom (00:06:47): Amy’s choice of an inside stateroom, the stateroom’s features, and her experience during the cruise.
• Dining (00:09:03): Discussion of the buffet and main dining room experiences, including the flexibility of freestyle dining.
• Entertainment (00:13:53): Overview of the entertainment options on the seven-night cruise, including shows, movies, and comedy performances.
• The Newlywed Game (00:14:36): Amy shares her experience of participating in the ship’s version of the Newlywed Game, including the embarrassment and fun.
• Cruise Ship Crowds (00:16:27): Discussion of the lack of crowds on the ship and her experiences during sea days, including the availability of entertainment venues.
• Casino Experience (00:17:46): Amy shares her casino experience, including the heat and the level of smoke in the casino.
• Port of Call: Ketchikan (00:19:02): The docking situation in Ketchikan and her excursion to a rainforest wildlife sanctuary and totem park.
• Port of Call: Juneau (00:22:06): Amy talks about her bike and brewery tour in Juneau, the visit to Mendenhall Glacier, and the tram ride.
• Port of Call: Skagway (00:24:13): Discussion about the summit scenic drive, brewery visits, and the unique Alaskan liquor laws.
• Glacier Bay Viewing (00:27:59): Amy shares her experience of viewing Glacier Bay from different spots on the ship and the crowded crew pool area.
• The balcony dilemma (00:29:01): Discussion of her wish for a balcony stateroom and the price difference.
• Navigating the Gulf of Alaska (00:29:42): Amy talks about the navigation through the Gulf of Alaska and the experience at sea.
• Disembarkation logistics (00:30:27): Amy shares her experience with disembarkation, transportation options, and excursion choices.
• Alaska Tour Saver benefits (00:32:45): Discussion of the benefits of using the Alaska Tour Saver book for discounts on tours and transportation.
• Cruise ship amenities and packing tips (00:34:37): Amy talks about the amenities on the Norwegian Jewel and gives tips on packing for an Alaska cruise.
• Flight arrangements and tips (00:37:03): Amy shares her experience with flight arrangements and provides tips for finding good deals on flights.
• Cruise highlights and final thoughts (00:38:17): Amy reflects on the highlights of the cruise and shares her final thoughts on the Norwegian Jewel.