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Embarking on a New
Zealand Adventure Aboard the Norwegian Jewel
As the Norwegian Jewel glided out of the harbor, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The ship, a sleek and modern vessel, was our floating home for the next two weeks. Ahead lay a breathtaking journey through the fjords of New Zealand, a land renowned for its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. The promise of exploring towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and quaint coastal towns was enough to make any traveler's heart race
Norwegian
Cruise Line Embarkation Sydney 2019
The day had finally arrived;
today we leave for Sydney to cruise to New Zealand. One of the best things
about cruises is that there is so much choice. Gone are the days that going on
a cruise meant long voyages with set dining times and formal dress. These days
no matter what sort of experience you want from a cruise, there is a ship and
itinerary for everyone.
Sydney was beautiful. We
love watching the harbor, relaxing in the gardens, and wandering the city’s
walking trails and beaches.
“A Journey is best
measured in friends, rather than miles.”
Pre-cruise we stayed
at Great Southern Hotel Sydney, which is a heritage listed hotel dating back to
1854 located in the vibrant heart of the city. With easy access to the city’s
entertainment, shopping and tourist attractions, it’s an ideal location. In the
foyer was our dear friend from our Europe Trip to great us. We dropped our bags
and dropped by Paddys Market for a chat and look around. Paddy’s Markets,
Sydney’s biggest markets have a wide variety of stalls; food, fashion, gifts
and gadgets in a true market atmosphere, with over 1,000 stalls.
The next day bright
and early the renovated and refreshed Norwegian Jewel made her way into Sydney
Harbour in the morning for her second season with amazing new facilities and
new shows. The refreshed ship features redesigned staterooms, renewed public
spaces and recreation areas, new and updated restaurants, bars and lounge and
two brand new shows “Rock You Tonight” and ship exclusive “Velvet”. Nearly all
dining, bar and lounge offerings on Norwegian Jewel were updated, and two new
venues were opened – The Pit Stop and Bliss Ultra Lounge, replacing the Sky
High Bar and FYZZ Cabaret Lounge.
We swiftly dropped our
bags off and quickly moved pasted the Norwegian desks to a lengthy line at immigration.
What a stupid set-up this process was. There were 4 immigration officers checking
two and a half thousand cruisers, to then finally pass that hurdle to then meet
lengthy lines with three x-ray machines.
We picked the
Norwegian because of the 16 impressive dining venues, and 15 bars and lounges
including champagne, sake, mojito, whiskey and cabaret, as well as a poolside
bar for afternoon cocktails at sea. Norwegian Jewel’s arrival breaks the mould
when it comes to freedom and flexibility, ushering in a new style of cruising
with no set dining times, no pre-assigned seating and no dress codes, giving
Australian travellers the unique opportunity to create bespoke cruise holiday
experiences any way they want. We were keen to explore the raft of dining
possibilities like Brazilian steakhouse Moderno, sizzling specials at
Teppanyaki Room, authentic American fare at the ever-popular Cagney’s
Steakhouse, Tuscan country flavours at La Cucina, and sushi and sake at Chin
Chin Asian.
“Life has taught us
that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking together in
the same direction.”
“Actually, the best
gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.”
Whether you’re a
veteran cruiser or a first timer still getting your sea legs, you’ll know that
sailing the high seas is about much more than shuffle board and sun beds. We
dumped our backpack in the room and took a quick tour around the ship and
ventured to deck 12 for the sail-way party. One of the boons for Aussie
cruisers is the increase in ships sailing down under. Not only do you have your
choice of itineraries, you also have the chance to sail out of one of the most
spectacular harbors’ in the world. A sunset sail away past the Opera House is a
must-do for any cruiser – it’s the best view in town. The Sail Away party always
kicks off a cruise; and cocktails as you pass by Sydney’s most iconic location
is a spectacular way to begin any holiday. Drinks for flowing, cameras were
flashing, and Kim was chatting to some fellow travelers. It seemed the ship was
made up of Americans on top followed by Australian and patchy English-Canadians-Asian-Europe
travelers.
“To live is the
rarest thing in the world, most people exist. That is all.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Embarkation
Sydney 2019
Check out the video:
“If happiness is the
goal – and it should be, then adventure should be top priority.”
⚓ Leaving Sydney: Essential Embarkation Tips & Things to Be Aware Of
Setting sail out of Sydney Harbour on the Norwegian Jewel is one of the most magical experiences in cruising—gliding right past the Opera House and under the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge is a memory that stays with you forever. But before you raise your glass on the top deck, here are a few local tips and things to be aware of when embarking from Sydney:
Choose Your Terminal Wisely: Depending on port traffic, cruise ships in Sydney generally depart from either the Overseas Passenger Terminal (Circular Quay) or the White Bay Cruise Terminal. Always double-check your ticket documents beforehand so your taxi or rideshare drops you off at the correct side of the harbor!
Respect Your Arrival Window: NCL and local port authorities operate on strict staggered check-in times. Avoid arriving hours early, as security regulations and terminal congestion mean you won't be let inside until your designated slot. Aim to arrive right around your selected time for a seamless flow.Pack a Handy
Carry-On Bag: Your larger checked luggage will be handed over to the porters at the curb and delivered straight to your stateroom later that afternoon. Make sure your carry-on backpack has your passport, e-docs, medications, chargers, swimwear, and a pair of sunglasses so you can start relaxing by the pool immediately.
Pre-Print and Secure Your Luggage Tags: Save yourself a massive headache at the terminal by downloading, printing, and attaching your NCL luggage tags before you leave home. Secure them tightly to your bags so your gear makes it safely to your cabin door without a hitch.
Savor the Sailaway on Deck: Once you're onboard, drop your carry-on, grab a welcome drink, and head straight up to the open decks. Passing underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a breathtaking milestone—you’ll want your camera and your favorite travel companion right by your side as the journey truly begins!
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