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NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Jewel
Western Mediterranean Cruise Review

Anthony Harverson
Age: 59
Occupation: Civil servant
Number of Cruises: 2
Sailing Date: August 10th, 2005

If the term "State of the Art" is properly interpreted then it may be fairly applied to the latest addition to the NCL fleet. I had the significant privilege of sailing on the Norwegian Jewel during her inaugural voyage from Dover to several ports in the western Mediterranean. In fact , my wife and I have only set foot in our house a few hours ago following disembarkation, so my impressions are truly fresh and untainted by the passage of time.

A wonderful ship and a credit to the German shipyard (Meyer Werft) that were responsible for her construction. Of course, being absolutely new the vessel sparkled in all respects. The estimated construction costs of $420 million will come as no surprise to anyone fortunate enough to spend some time aboard. This is obviously a huge investment of shareholders cash. The projected returns over many years are likely to repay their investment many times over.

My only regret is the impression that NCL tried to achieve this return during the inaugural voyage. This voyage was an expensive experience. A compulsory $10 a day gratuity per passenger. A compulsory 15% service charge on top of all purchases ( including water!! ) . Oh, by the way , this additional 15% is described on the bar bill as being "for your added convenience". And the drinks prices themselves were elevated to unreasonable levels. As the cruise director himself admitted during the introduction to a stage show. ' Drunkenness will be no problem on this ship - no one will be able to afford it!"

As my original bill for a balcony suite for two was just under $7000 the additional swingeing costs of a few drinks were certainly knocking the gloss off my sense of "value for money" After a few days, I had the feeling that everything was geared to wring as much money as possible from the guests.

The cruise was magnificent. The crew were drawn from over sixty countries ( many of them were existing contracted employees of NCL transferred from other ships in the NCL fleet). They were helpful, friendly, efficient, hard working and cheerful. It can`t be a particularly well paid job for the bulk of the catering, waiting or cabin staff but their efforts were unstinting and very much appreciated. The entertainment in the magnificent theatre was as good as any shows that I have witnessed in the West End of London.

Finally. The disembarkation at Dover was chaotic. Two reasons.

One. Dover is not equipped to deal with the arrival of 2,300 passengers ( particularly as 2,300 new passengers were arriving for the next cruise before disembarkation of the Jewel had been completed) The car parking is inadequate and you may expect to park at an overflow location over a mile away.

Two. NCL support and advice to disembarking passengers appeared to stop at the foot of the gangway. The quayside was jammed with coaches, the drivers didn`t have a clue who they were supposed to be picking up. The location of the coaches to ferry the overflow car park passengers to their cars was a very well concealed secret. I ended up walking the mile to my car having waited fruitlessly for over an hour. What a sorry finish!!

Dover Cruise Terminal and NCL need to rethink their strategy for any future cruise from this port.

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