OCD Planner's ~ Jewel ~ 8 Night Pacific NW Vancouver to LA w/San Francisco Overnight

We booked this cruise way back in February 2014 pretty much as soon as the itinerary came out. RCI hadn't done any west coast cruises as far back as I could remember. We were excited for the chance to do this special 8 night cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC traveling down the west coast to Los Angeles with an overnight in San Francisco along the way. There was only one sea day and lots of port days, just the kind of cruise I love!

The itinerary:

09/18/15 - Friday - Vancouver - Boarding Day

09/19/15 - Saturday - Victoria, BC

09/20/15 - Sunday - Astoria, OR

09/21/15 - Monday - Sea Day

09/22/15 - Tuesday - San Francisco, CA (overnight)

09/23/15 - Wednesday - San Francisco, CA

09/24/15 - Thursday - Monterey, CA

09/25/15 - Friday - Santa Barbara, CA

09/26/15 - Saturday - Los Angeles, CA

When we booked we got a great deal on an 8 night cruise in aft balcony on deck 9 for $1079pp with $100 onboard credit. Along about July 2014 I caught a price reduction down to $773pp for an AFT BALCONY for 8 NIGHTS!!! We were super excited that we got such a great deal... now to wait 19 1/2 months for the cruise to get here.

Luckily we had an a few cruises in between to tide us over until time to head out on this one.

Let me just preface the report by stating:

1. All of the comments are my personal experience. You may have a different experience or opinion and that's ok.

2. Reporting Style - I tend to ramble. If you don't like reading long reports, skip the reading and check out some of the pictures of what we saw. I will post tons of pictures and give information on our DIY excursions. If I have information or links on where to buy tickets or book tours I will provide that info as well.

3. Itinerary - All I can say is that it was fantastic. All of the ports with the exception of Vancouver were new to us, so we enjoyed each and every one of them. We would be happy to return to any of the ports to see things that we didn't have time to see on this trip.

4. Ship - We love Radiance class ships. Jewel has not been thru dry dock yet but overall she was still a nice ship with a great captain & crew! Sure some of the upholstery is looking a little tired, especially in the Centrum where it is in constant use, but it did not detract from our wonderful trip.

5. Food - is subjective. Overall the food and the service we received was fine. Not 4 star food but there was a good choice on the menu and the staff went above and beyond to please us. We tried My Time Dining for the first time during this trip and also tried WJ for dinner for the first time ever.

6. Cruising Style - Cruising for us is all about the port stops. That's how we choose our cruises. We really don't participate much in ship activities, shows, karaoke, trivia, games, etc. To us the cruise ship is our floating hotel. Get on, unpack once and wake up in a new port every day.

7. CC Roll Call - We had a great time talking to folks over the past year and a half while planning the cruise. We even meet up with two couples for dinner a month or so ahead of time. We shared a private tour with 11 others we linked up with on the Roll Call. It was a great time and we enjoyed meeting everyone. If anyone has anything to add to the report, feel free to jump and add your two cents worth.

Now on with the report:

Having already visited Vancouver on two separate occasions, we decided to work all day on Thursday, fly in late and then just board the ship on Friday.

We flew Alaska Airlines from DFW to Seattle and then on to Vancouver using our companion fare thru Alaska Airlines. For the trip home from LA we had enough American Airline points to both fly for $5 each.

We decided ahead of time not to exchange money. We would only be in Canada overnight at the hotel, which was prepaid, board the ship and then one day in Victoria where we had pre-purchased our entry tickets to Butchart Gardens. Anything else we needed we used our Barclay Arrival card with no international fees to accumulate points. The taxis, food vendors and such accepted credit cards or US cash. Any change however is given back in CAN$.

Coming from Texas, I didn't stop to think that our arrival time in Vancouver of midnight would actually be 2am our time! Luckily we had booked a hotel room at the River Rock Casino & Resort which was only 3 stops from the airport. I had booked several months ago thru AMOMA (advertised on TripAdvisor) and gotten a great rate which with the exchange rate in our favor it barely cost us over $117USD.

We caught the Skytrain at the airport and arrived in just three short stops at the hotel. Cost for the tickets from YVR airport to Bridgeport (3rd stop) was $7.75CAN/person. By the time we checked in and arrived in our room at 1am (3am Texas time!) we were exhausted and ready to collapse in bed. In no time we were sleeping soundly on their comfortable beds.

We slept in until around 9am on Friday morning and then headed out on the Skytrain to the end of the line (Waterfront Station) a couple of blocks away from Canada Place. The boarding platform was just across a bridge from the hotel and tickets were easy to purchase with a credit card using a self assist kiosk similar to an ATM machine.

Tickets from Bridgeport to Waterfront were $4pp. Since we were only traveling with a carry on each and a back pack the transfer was easy enough.

After arriving at Waterfront Station we stopped by Starbucks for some much needed nourishment of morning drinks and pastries. We took time to sit down to eat and did a little people watching while we were at it. About 10:00 we headed over to Canada Place arriving about 10:15am.

The check in process began about 10:30am and there were probably about 30 people in front of us. After breezing thru security, getting our SeaPass cards & skipping the souvenir picture line, we were onboard easily by 11am.

We headed to Chop's straightaway to book Portofino's and Chop's for the two formal nights and then I spent some time taking pictures of the ship. Afterwards we had a light lunch in the Windjammer and headed to our stateroom at 1:30 when the cabins became available.

Since we did carry-ons we were able to unpack right away. At 2:30 our Roll Call had planned an informal meet and greet at the Skybar, weather permitting. Mother Nature was not cooperating that day so we had alternate plans to meet in the Schooner Bar. It was a great turnout and I enjoyed meeting about a dozen or more folks who joined us.

I have all of the Cruise Compasses for this itinerary, however since it is a limited run and most of the others are 7 nights I'm not going to the trouble to scan and post them. If anyone is really interested in them just ask and I will email them to you. I do not have any of the menus for any of the dining venues.

I am happy to answer any questions that you might have. If I don't know the answer I am sure that one of the other members who was on this cruise will chime in.

In my next post I plan to post pictures of the ship first and there are a lot of them. Then I will report on the rest of the trip day by day as it happened.

I hope that you will join my on my cruise. Feel free to comment and ask questions, at least that way I know that some one out there some where is actually following along. For those of you who have never done a trip report, let me just say that it is VERY time consuming uploading pictures. I work full time and this was a port intensive cruise with lots to see and do so it will take a while for me to get everything posted.

Also if you prefer to read the report "blog style" the link to my travel blog is in my signature. I will have a separate post for each day with pictures and basically the same information. However, it will be in one place without all the comments and questions separating the posts.

Enjoy!

So excited to read this, ace1zoe2! We also booked this cruise back in February 2014 but sadly had to cancel due to a conflict. Can't wait to read about the ports.

Subscribing. Thanks in advance for doing this review. I had to cancel this earlier in the year. Now I can see what I missed.

So excited to read this, ace1zoe2! We also booked this cruise back in February 2014 but sadly had to cancel due to a conflict. Can't wait to read about the ports.

Sorry that you had to cancel. It truly was a fabulous itinerary. I hope that my pictures and report will do it justice.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Subscribing. Thanks in advance for doing this review. I had to cancel this earlier in the year. Now I can see what I missed.

Karen,

Thanks for subscribing! I hope you enjoy the pictures and descriptions. I'm sorry that you had to cancel your trip. I think they are offering it again in 2016 but not sure if any are 8 nights or not.

Cindy

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

This cruise was different from most. First it was an 8 night on the west coast. It was a fall cruise and weather was diverse, from coats in British Columbia to shorts in Los Angeles.

The passengers on this cruise were older than your average Caribbean cruise. I guesstimated that 95% of the passengers were over 50 years old. When I gave Dennis, the cruise director, my guess after the Meet & Mingle he just laughed and said that it was actually even higher!

There were a total of 26 kids on this cruise. I personally saw 4. I'm sure that they were there somewhere but I never saw them. The ones I did see were all very well behaved.

Since Jewel has no designated Diamond Lounge or Suite Lounge the nightly events were held on Deck 13 in the Vortex for the Diamonds and then the Suites were on the opposite side of the ship where the game room or Izumi is on other ships.

The Diamond event began at 5pm each night and lasted until 8:30. There were both cold and warm appetizers as well as the usual beers, wines and mixed drinks that are normally available.

Following are pictures of the ship's public areas:

Deck 11 Pool Deck

Solarium, the adults-only pool area. There are lots of loungers available to relax and read, or sleep as some people do. It is generally considered a quiet area and is only open to those 16 or older. On some cruises in cooler weather it may be opened for a few hours each day to younger children.

There is also a Solarium Bar and Solarium Cafe available here at various hours throughout the day. The Cafe serves fruit smoothies ($) at the breakfast hours and then has small sandwiches, wraps & salads available at lunch time.

Solarium Spa & Fitness Center:

Hair Care, Up-do's for formal nights, manicures, pedicures and more happen here:

The Relaxation Room were you can wait in comfort until your spa appointment time:

The Thermal Spa Room is available throughout the day ($) for a weekly fee per person. I believe that I was told if you purchased it on the first day it was $99 per person or $179 per couple plus an automatic gratuity of 18%.

The Steam Room. There were three different steam rooms available. One was moderate heat, was was very hot and the other was a cooler room with aromatic steam.

Rinse-off shower located in the thermal and steam areas. Ice machine to cool yourself down, not eatable.

Fitness Center, just above the Solarium Spa. An ocean-view workout everyday! Various classes were offered throughout the week ($) for anything from a boot-camp, spinning, yoga and more.

Future Cruise Consultants on Deck 12:

There is an opening in the middle of the floor that you can look down in the Centrum and see the star in the middle of Deck 5:

Looking the opposite way from Deck 5 up to the circle in the Cruise Consultants office:

Karen,

 

Thanks for subscribing! I hope you enjoy the pictures and descriptions. I'm sorry that you had to cancel your trip. I think they are offering it again in 2016 but not sure if any are 8 nights or not.

 

Cindy

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Actually I changed my booking to Sept 16 next year on the Explorer out of Seattle. Not exactly the same itinerary but close, so I will be closely watching and learning from you. Thanks.

Loved, loved, loved your Alaska review - which is what inspired us to even put Alaska on the radar!

This one is on my list, too, as I grew up in Northern California. I can't wait to follow along with your adventures. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Main Dining Room:

Mosaic Artwork in the Dining Room:

Chop's Grille:

Loved, loved, loved your Alaska review - which is what inspired us to even put Alaska on the radar!

 

 

 

This one is on my list, too, as I grew up in Northern California. I can't wait to follow along with your adventures. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Thank you so much for taking time to post & follow along!

I should be thru the ship pics soon and on to the ports.

Feel free to correct me if I mis-state anything about California along the way.

Cindy

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Portofino:

Entrance to Schooner Bar / Chop's / Portofino:

Self-leveling pool tables that you can play for free and seating area opposite of the the billiards area:

Seating Area around the Schooner Bar. Notice the TV with game console at the back. We saw lots of people playing the games each night:

Entrance to the Safari Club just past the Schooner Bar. Most of the times throughout the day there were various classes (some $) and demonstrations going on. This is also where Bingo, Quest and some of the dancing goes on.

Within the Safari Club there is a bar, a dance floor, comfortable seating and huge windows looking out the back of the ship. There are many time throughout the week that this venue is completely empty and makes a great place to enjoy some quiet time watching the wake of the ship.

Leaving the Casino Royale heading in to the Pit Stop Bar & Lounge:

These next few areas are little nooks located on each deck off of the Centrum area and are available 24/7 to anyone who wants to use them. You can access RCI sites using the computer areas for free. If you want internet connection outside RCI sites then there is a fee. You can pay by the day or week.

The Business Center located on Deck 7 off the Centrum:

The Explorer's Court - Loyalty Ambassodor / Crown & Anchor Sign Up Location on Deck 8:

The Library located on Deck 9 off the Centrum has books available to loan and comfortable seating while waiting for cabins to open. Books to loan and daily trivia papers are available throughout the cruise.

The Yacht Club is on Deck 10 off the Centrum and makes a great place to meet up or just relax and people watch. There are several card tables for cards games as well.

The Concierge Club is located next door to the Yacht Club. The CC is opened by a Gold Sea Pass card belonging to suite guests and Pinnacle Club members. Diamond Plus guest I believe are also welcome in the CC.

Thank you so much for taking time to post & follow along!

 

I should be thru the ship pics soon and on to the ports.

 

Feel free to correct me if I mis-state anything about California along the way.

 

Cindy

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am sure you will do a great job! I haven't been back in a long time, and the last time I was in SF was 1990. Can't wait to see your photos! I loved Astoria, and am looking forward to see what it looks like now.

The Vortex is located on Deck 13 and is where the nightly Diamond/Diamond Plus event is held each night from 5:00-8:30pm. The views are wonderful out the expansive windows. We were treated on several nights with whales spouting and even a tail just about 20-30 feet away from the ship.

Champagne Bar:

Latte-tudes Coffee Bar ($), everything here costs if it's drinkable... however all the pastries in the case are free of charge whether or not you purchase drinks.

The Coral Theater:

The Shop's of Centrum are open anytime that you are at sea. There are several different shops featuring jewelry, cameras, alcohol & tobacco, logo merchandise, purses, cosmetics and more. There is also "necessity" type items in one shop with things you may have forgotten and medicines at $$ prices. Just a word of advice if you find yourself needing aspirin, antacids, sea sick medication, etc. - go to the medical center on Deck 1 where on most ships you will find a self service dispenser where you can buy small individual packets of pills for $0.50-$2.00 instead of having to pay $10-$14 for a small box at the stores onboard.

Park West is the official Art auctioneers. There are various events held throughout the cruise which offer "free champagne" to entice you to attend.

The Video Arcade is available ($) for kids of all ages. Word of warning: make sure you set limits on your kids Set Sail accounts or you may owe a small fortune by the end of the week!

A few of the kids areas for various ages:

Small kiddos swimming and water slide area. Only open at specific times throughout the day. These pictures were taken about 5:30am so I apologize now for the darkness.

That's about all of the photos that I got of public spaces. Next I'll take you on a tour of our cabin. First the long, long, long hallway to the very aft of the ship. It's a walk, certainly not for everyone, but we love being on the back of the ship watching the wake from the balcony. It also helps burn off some of the calories we consume throughout the cruise.

Finally we arrive. Cabin 9260 center aft cabin. Our door sports our custom magnetic sign that our daughter made us from her business "Making it Personal".

Standard balcony cabin:

Love your review, thanks for taking the time to post!

Love your review, thanks for taking the time to post!

Thank you so much for following along!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Teeny tiny bathroom with the capsule shower... at least it had sliding doors and not the vinyl shower curtain that tries to molest you as you shower. There is plenty of storage space for all of your toiletries located behind the corner mirrors.

Most aft balconies are quite a bit deeper than a regular balcony which allows a lot of space to spread out. Especially the corner aft cabins, you can actually entertain on those they are so big. Ours had 2 newer lounge chairs, 2 regular chairs and a small table which I put to use several times to have breakfast on the balcony.

That's it for the tour of the ship! The beautiful Jewel of the Seas:

Great review and pictures of the Jewel we sail on her in November :)