When we arrived in London we were whisked away to the pier via limousine.  Upon arriving at the dock officials from Norwegian Cruise Lines met and introduced us to Edwin who was going to be our butler for the 12 nights.  He led my family and I right through security, up the gangway and right onboard the Jewel.  No lines, no checking in, no waiting.  I was starting to like this treatment.

Once on the elevator, Edwin explained that our key would allow us to reach floor 14, where the 2 Garden Villas are located as well as the Courtyard Villa rooms.  This private floor, just for suite and villa guests, also has a private pool, private work out facility and private courtyard outdoor dining.  As wonderful as this area was, once I saw our Garden Villa I never felt the urge to leave and visit here.

When we entered the Villa we are welcomed by a large marble foyer with a beautiful fresh flower arrangement.  Also a half bathroom is in the area.  Walking straight ahead down a corridor, you enter the main living room which has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the main pool.  To your left, a large dining room table, huge wet bar with a refrigerator filled with our favorite drinks and a wrap around leather sofa facing a giant flat screen TV.  To the right, sliding glass doors lead out to a large private outdoor sun area with full size Jacuzzi and outdoor dining table to seat 10.  Also outside here you have a private steam room and circular staircase leading up to a second floor sun deck with lounge chairs and hammocks.  Remember this is all yours.  No sharing allowed!

Stepping back inside you head back down your hallway to the back bedrooms.  The master bedroom is on the left with a stupid-sized master bathroom with large his/her shower, sunken tub with flat screen TV, dual sinks, heated towel racks and more.  Our bedroom has floor to ceiling windows, king bed, flat screen, espresso maker, fridge, sitting area and huge walk in closet.  Down the hall a bit further is the bedroom for our 3 girls and down from that room is the back suite where we put my in-laws.  So if you’re counting, that’s 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, living room, dining room, wet bar, 2 story sundeck with Jacuzzi and steam room and 5 flat screen TVs. Oh and a butler named Edwin.  I could write another blog on just the service we received as a Garden Villa guest. Stay tuned.

Having cruised many, many times before I can honestly say nothing will ever compare to my family’s experience in the Garden Villa onboard Norwegian Cruise Line. It really was difficult leaving the cabin to head out into port.  Do yourself a favor and price out a Garden Villa next time you cruise with a large family.  Our team at CruiseNow.com is here to make that dream a reality.

Originally posted 8/30/2010