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Taking your children |
| Reviewed By: Osborne, pevensey on 20th Aug 2008 |
| Cruise Line: NCL Cruises |
Times cruised before: 0 |
| Cruise Ship: Norwegian Jewel |
Sailed:
August,
2008 |
| Destination: Northern Europe |
Age: 36-45 |
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Having two young daughters, aged 7 and 4, a cruise had never entered our thoughts for a family break. I had assumed that cruise guests prefer all children to be seen and not heard if they really had to accompany their parents, that the childrens facilities would be a small guesture for kids with little thought and inspiration, that the pool would be too deep for minors to play and that the 'family friendly' restaurants would be further up deck than the main restaurants, offering fast food and self service.
I could not be further from the truth.
On entering Dover and having passed through security, our party was ushered to the front of the check in que because we had children with us - the Representative said 'no matter how well behaved, children do not 'do' waiting, please follow me!' All passengers with children were checked in and on board ship within 30 minutes. A very good start.
Staff were attentive and friendly towards the children and made them feel like princessess from the moment we embarked. Having the wonderful opportunity to celebrate my brothers birthday, as a family, for the weekend, the trip was going well.
The balcony rooms are totally safe and extremely comfortable for parents and kids alike, so no worries there.
Having made an evening dinner reservation by telephone in the afternoon, we were all able to dress for dinner in plenty of time, allowing half an hour for pre dinner cocktails in the cocktail lounge. Ladies, you can dress in long, cocktail or contemporary, guys you can wear black tie or polo shirt, you will not feel out of place.
Wearing their best party dresses and glitter, the children were now in full swing of the princess thing!
The children's meals were served prior to the adults main course, allowing hungry kids to fill their tums without the wait.
The shows were absolutely fantastic and enjoyed by all ages.
Pool side was perfect and the girls could even enjoy a 'children only - no adults' spa and pool! There was food in abundance, so the active would not go hungry. Even by the pool side.
There was a full children entertainment programme adapted to various age groups and to be honest, you need to on board ship for several days in order to take advantage of the activities. We did not have the time to experience the kids clubs but they were fully loaded and went on 'til 1am in the morning!
The only low points of this trip was the ratio of staff to passenger in the restaurants. A fair deal of queing was experienced at breakfast and lunch and like wise when disembarking. It appeared that the full quota of staff was not employed. A frustrating factor but quickly overtaken with the thoughts of a fantastic family weekend.
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