Cruise Critic's Jewel of the Seas Ship Review -- Five Stars!

[cruisinfever]

The Jewel was our third RCI cruise. I thought it was the most elegant ship we have been on thus far. We've been on the Voyager and the Majesty. We were on the 8 day cruise in February. Our two sons also loved it. There was so much for them to do. We are going on the Mariner next year (my husband prefers the Voyager class) If it was just up to me, I'd go back on the Jewel.

[mspeg]

I was on the Jewel March 20th for the 6 day Western. It is indeed a beautiful ship and would sail her again the next time it matches our availability. We loved every minute of the trip.

 

The disembarktion was a bit harried but we made our 10:50 filight from FLL airport. We were out of our rooms before 8AM but for some reason they kept calling people to go to different conference rooms as well as the front desk. We had beige tags which was the third group off (after handicap and some special valet service) and I was getting nervous but we finally exited the ship, grabbed our luggage and a porter (it seemed the customs people barely looked at the paperwork) and were in the van by 9:15 - I would say we were in the airport by 9:30. Luckily we didn't have to spend to much time waiting as there isn't any room at the gates - it is a small regonal airport that does not appear capable of handling the cruise crowds. Even though it was a bit nerve wracking I would book an early flight again just because it gets you out of there before it must get totally swamped.

 

Our friends who exited at the same time as us made a 10:30 flight from Miami. They had reserved a car service which was ready and waiting to take them.

[ruby13]

Hi Emmy

 

You will love the ship..

the disembarkation let everyone off at the same time..they weren't making any calls .. just to say you were cleared and that was around 9 am..We also had an 11:45 flight, but due to the storms in the east .. we were delayed an hr.

 

all the luggage was pretty much together by color, but people were all over the place looking for luggage and trying to get through customs at the same time..

make sure you have picture ID to get out at every port also.

 

You also have to show your seapass card now when you disembark the last day. I left mine in the cabin, so I am sure they are still looking for me.

 

The solarium also was covered .. the sun came through but they never opened the top .. so not that many people were around that pool except the elderly or people going for the food.

 

We usually dine out during caribbean night, but if you can, the first nights food was not great so perhaps you can make a reservation for Chops which was also delicious. My husband said next cruise we will change off and never eat in the dining room.

 

Take your own tours, don't sign up for the ships because they are overally expensive ..but do get a drink card -for $55 (including tax) all the soda you can drink, or bring it on in Puerto Rico and then you are set for the rest of the week.

 

Emmy, it was really a beautiful ship.. make sure you get to see it all. Took me the last day to know there was a Seaview Cafe at the top. Food was ok there, but they did do a great chocolate shake .. they have ruben sandwiches, grouper salad, etc.

 

Don't get me wrong, the food is not horrible, its pretty good, but the selection was limited ..

lobster night was Friday night... the two dress up nights were Sunday and the Friday .. they have cute picture taking scenes now .. nice black and whites on a couch, and old fashion dress up.. make sure they cover your husbands legs .. or it shows in the picture .. photographer was not too bright..

 

All in all .. was a nice change from the larger ships, I did miss the promenade and will go back on the Adventurer for next April and the summer will try the Freedom ..

the Mariner is out of the way in Port Canaveral.

 

Feel free to ask me any questions .. and never tip the head waiter .. we saw him a few times .. only for him to look at my grandson ...

 

Have a great day

Ruby;)

[emmy]

Ruby ~ thanks for all our comments...the solariums on the Voyager class are patially open...think I might like that better but we will see. In past cruises we would call the solarium the 'snoozarium' ...lots of people taking a nap. :)

 

Wonder why they just called everyone off at the same time...hmm ???

 

Will pay particular attention to the food...I did find on our last cruise on Mariner the food had slipped a bit....nothing drastic but just not quite what I had remembered.

 

Interesting that you missed the Promemade.... we have sailed Navigator and Mariner and have Freedom booked for June 4/06 so am anxious to experience the Radiance class....any not to miss spots ?

 

Do you remember what time your approach to San Juan was...want to be up on deck for that as we sail past El Morro.

 

Emmy

[ruby13]

Emmy

 

We got into Puerto Rico a little earlier I think.. around 2 pm .. so it was nice to be on the ship and have lunch, and then go off shopping. Wait till you get to St Maarten to buy anything of value, the prices there I have found to be much less expensive and different.

Puerto Rico has the same type of stores at home, and not sure I completely trust their jewelers, even though RCCL recommend them. Nicer by far at the other ports.

The promenade was nice .. I loved the coffee shop for after the show bite, even though we do have concierage usage, at that time they had just cappucino and tea or hot chocolate, there was never a cookie to be had .. and going to the windjammer at night, after eating there for lunch and snack was tiring ..

You will have a great time with all the ports of call.. St Maarten also had the nice beach right at the pier .. go left .. and enjoy cushioned seats. The prices now are $10-15 for chaise lounge .. depending if you wanted an umbrella or not.

Bahamas, you can just stay on bored, or take a taxi for $6 a person to the Atlantis and walk around the grounds and go to the aquarium. They wanted $78 for a day trip to Breezes, even though there was unlimited drinks, to me that was a waste of money.

Antiqua is a very poor place, there is nothing nice about it, even the shopping there in its downtown district, where there is all pot holes in the streets and the beach was full of shells, even the water. We went to Dickens Beach and it was OK..

St Thomas, a trip to Maghens Bay is the best .. or take a water taxi to St Johns and Trunk Bay is excellent for snorkeling. Shopping is wonderful there, but everything looks the same after awhile. I use Crown Jewelers and they are great, disappointing this trip with nothing out of the ordinary. But at Riise they now carry MAC cosmetics at 15% off and NO TAX ... David Yurman there is now only 10% so nothing special.

My, I didn't realize I can write pages ..

:cool:

ruby

[dc-snoopy]

Well, I was on the Jewel 2/6 - 2/13 for dc-diva's wedding. I have to say that my experiences were different from ruby13's. If you want the long version, feel free to visit my diary (the link is in my .sig) and read our day-to-day experiences. The one thing I do agree is that you will love the cruise on the Jewel.

 

We were in a group of 58 traveling for dc-diva's wedding. Despite having 58 seated at 8 tables who kept table hopping different nights so that the wait staff had to deal with at least one new face every night at their table, we all had a wonderful time. The waiters food recommendations were excellent and we did well when we followed their suggestions. Our waiter mentioned that they had to sample a taste of all of the dishes on the menu that evening so that they could talk answer questions from the pax. DW and I were planning on going to Portofino's one night, but because we were travelling with a group and none of them wanted to go, we skipped it for the company. And we didn't miss it. I'm sure the food is wonderful there, but we had very good meals in the DR and didn't have to pay extra for it. Some meals were only "good" and not excellent, but I have to say that I've paid a large amount of money for worse meals in smaller chic restaurants. Considering that they were feeding approximately 1000 pax at the same time as I was being fed, I was very impressed. And I've eaten at a lot of fine dining and my best friend is a culinary teacher and caterer part-time. I have many friends who are gourmets (and gourmands) and we all appreciate food. Just go looking fo "good" food and not "best food" and you'll enjoy it.

 

And obviously the food in the Seaview Cafe varies a great deal (perhaps based on who is cooking). Everyone we knew who tried the Seaview loved it. It was a great pick-me-up snack in the late afternoon for those of us with late dinner seating. I didn't try it at lunchtime as they were swamped. But the onion rings are fantastic and the fish and chips were good. There's also a great selection of "kid food".

 

Regarding getting off the ship, they were very good about the debarking. 2 days before sailing they had a questionnaire that you filled out to get your luggage tags. The times were slotted by request from pax. They were very good about getting everyone with early flights out first. Since we stayed in Ft Lauderdale one extra day, we were in the 9th out of 13 groups to disembark and we were still called at 10:30 and off by 10:50. And they didn't waste much time since someone who boarded the cruise immediately after ours said she was on the ship at 11:10. Since it is only 10 minutes to the airport, if you are in one of the first groups (that was leaving around 8:00-8:30 AM), you should be out and getting a cab around 9:00 AM and fine for an 11:00 AM flight. You will probably be at the airport before 9:30.

 

I may be weird, but I don't think I would like the Voyager class. I loved the Jewel as a beautiful ship that never felt crowded. But it did feel huge. I'm not sure I'd want to be on a larger ship. If anything, I'd like to try some of the smaller ships for a more intimate, personal feel. So I doubt that I would really need to do the Voyager class, but we'll see. We are more likely to select a cruise for the itinerary, but we'll see.

[AkSusan]

Thanks everyone for the great reviews and comments. I'm on the 4/23/05 sailing with Emmy as well as the rest of our Jewel Crew family and just can't wait.....

 

Susan :)

[happycruzer]

Hi snoopy,

having read your diary on a daily basis whilst you were on board... thank you it was excellent....I gleaned every bit of info I could as we are sailing on her next March and so far I am delighted at what I have read about her.

I too had looked at the voyager class but was weary that it seem too big JMHO.

I noticed that you have extended your stay in Fort Lauderdale and wonderd if you could recommend an area near the beach or any nice hotels, as we too plan on staying an extra couple of days before heading back to Scotland.

We have visited Florida on many occasions but have never visited the FLL/Miami area so really dont know one area there from another.I would value your opinion on this , also how long did it take you to get to your hotel from the port.

Many thanks

happycruzer

[dc-snoopy]

Hi snoopy,

having read your diary on a daily basis whilst you were on board... thank you it was excellent....I gleaned every bit of info I could as we are sailing on her next March and so far I am delighted at what I have read about her.

I too had looked at the voyager class but was weary that it seem too big JMHO.

I noticed that you have extended your stay in Fort Lauderdale and wonderd if you could recommend an area near the beach or any nice hotels, as we too plan on staying an extra couple of days before heading back to Scotland.

We have visited Florida on many occasions but have never visited the FLL/Miami area so really dont know one area there from another.I would value your opinion on this , also how long did it take you to get to your hotel from the port.

Many thanks

happycruzer

 

Well, we originally scheduled to leave Sunday (after our arrival back in FLL on Saturday) because my parents were originally going to drive down to FLL to visit with us for a day or so...then something important came up and they couldn't leave town. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Air/Sea Port which is a new hotel very close to Port Everglades and the FLL airport. We came out of the RCI terminal came ot the curb and called the hotel from my cell phone and they came to pick us up. Due to the crowd, the driver didn't find until until his second pass so we had to wait about 25 minutes. It then took about 5-7 minutes to get to the hotel.

 

We looked at several wonderful options for spending Saturday evening and Sunday but some were complicated by not having a car. If we had wanted to, we would have ended up going to see OLIVER at the Broward County Center for the Performing Arts that evening. Apparently it was only a couple of miles away and less than $10 cab ride. There were several restaurants that looked good within walking distance of the BCCPA. However, that afternoon, we decided we just wanted a quiet night together. We had a portable DVD player with us and had a TV series that we were watching (QUANTUM LEAP), so we order take-out Italian from a restaurant recommended by the hotel and had dinner and watched three episodes that evening. It was so nice not to have to go anywhere.

 

Sunday, we looked into going to the Discovery Museum which is one of those hands-on type science museums and nearby. We wanted to do the Butterfly World for the gardens, but it was cost prohibitive. It was about 20-25 minutes away and would have cost about $30 each way by cab to get there. There were two boat trips, one of which was a riverboat style boat that sounded wonderful. Finally, we were having problems with the Southwest Airlines web-site, so we ended up getting the shuttle out to the airport to get our boarding passes. When we got back, it was too late to get out to the pier to catch the boat so we walked across the street for lunch, then came back to the hotel and spent 2 hours lying out at the pool with only about 5 other people before we caught our shuttle to the airport to catch the flight. Since we don't like the crowds around the pool on-board, we didn't do that on the ship, so it was nice for us.

 

FYI, both the Hampton Inn and the HIE Air/Sea Port are located in an area without a lot of dining options. Although the HIE Air/Sea Port is nicer than the HIE Conference Center, the latter has a number of good lunch/dinner options within easy walking distance (it is only 3 blocks from Port Everglades so getting to and from the cruise port is simple). If you are renting a car, you have more options, but we didn't. If you are staying for a while, then driving up the coast to Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Center is well worth the time . We did that like 2-3 years ago and loved it...but without a car, it's hard to get to. It's still about 3 hours up the coast from FLL. FYI, there are a ton of decent hotels very close to Port Everglades or the Airport (which are only 10 minutes apart by shuttle) so you have many good options.

 

Have fun!

[ruby13]

dc-snoopy

 

I am sure that we did share different experiences, considering that you have only sailed with RCCL once, and you did choose a beauiful ship to start with. Being on a number of RCCL cruises, there is definitely a difference in ships and the food on the ships. I am sure you know alot of chefs and been to the very best restaurants, but seriously..and yes, cooking for 2200-3600 is a feat in itself..but foods varieties and tastes due vary from ship to ship... especially when you are a conniseur of RCCL food. Take a few more trips with them, and then see the difference.

 

Try the Portofino and the Chops (Mortons style) and then tell me the food in the dining room is the same.

Remember DC.. these reviews are just opinions...my taste is probably different then yours ... and as far as the Voyager class ships, it is like no other way of cruising for some...I just happen to love the promenade, the pubs along the streets, the shops, the parades, the cafes, and the decor. The casinos are even adorned with great design.

 

but glad you had a great time and sail again with RCCL.. as you can see, its the only line I travel:rolleyes:if it was so bad, I wouldn't have traveled with them so many times ..

 

ruby 13

[over the edge]

Emmy, we will be doing the 8 day Jewel sailing in March next year. Did you buy your airfare from RCCL? If so, are they flying you into FLL the day before your cruise?? We too are Canadian and worried about the weather if RCCL doesn't fly us in until the day of the cruise.

 

MSpeg, others are talking about all the kids on some of the sailing during spring break. Because we'll be sailing on the Jewel this time next year, how did you find the kids on your sailing?

[emmy]

over the edge ~

 

We arranged our own airfare to Fort Lauderdale and will fly in the day before. We live on a border and will fly out of Detroit a 5 hour drive but even with the drive and hotel stay we will save money. Airfare per person US funds was $246.00

 

You could book Custom Air with RCI for a price of $50.00 more per person . A Custom Air request must be made through the Custom Air department. If you are a Diamond or Platinum member they receive complimentary Custom Air.

 

I am reading that info at the back pages of my RCI brouchure under Air arrangements.

 

I always go in day prior now.... what airport do you fly out of? good luck

 

Emmy

[mspeg]

over the edge,

 

Unfortunately, I have to agree with most of the posts about the kids - I found some were quite troublesome and without basic manners. They would congregate in the elevators stretched out as if they were in lounge chairs and not even make an attempt to pull their legs up when people would try to board. Of course there was the pushing the button to stop at every floor when they did finally tired of riding up and down.

 

I find it amazing that an earlier poster even mentioned in her review how her young (I believe one was 13) sons enjoy cruising since they were allowed a late (2AM!) curfew and found it a game to attempt to get alcoholic drinks and gamble!! This was something the mother was apparently proud of. IMHO, the cruise line should have security to enforce the rules and establish reasonable curfews for parents who shirk their responsibilities and think there children should be able to roam free and are the responsibility of the ship employees. I am glad to hear that on other ships they removed families when their children vandalized the ship.

 

Of course, none of this ruined my cruise – I was in aft cabin #1100 and it was quite and peaceful - I found the Jewel to be an amazing ship and would sail her again the next time I can match her schedule with mine.

[over the edge]

Emmy, I have to be honest, I don't really understand "custom air", does that mean they have a fee of $50 for me to pick my own airfare schedule? I have received a quote for airfare, but they only asked what airport, which, is Halifax. I guess what I'm trying to find out is: if we book RCCL's airfare, will they fly us in the night before and pay for the hotel, or will they arrange for us to fly out the day of the cruise (which could be trouble due to weather). On our last cruise we booked our own air, which of course saved money, but then you must look at the hotel precruise and taxis to hotel, then to pier and then to airport again. I don't know, thats why I need everyone's expertise!!! :p

[over the edge]

mspeg, I would hate to have to change my plans. Anytime before March isn't good for us, and when it comes to April, well, the flowers are blooming and we don't feel the need to get away from Old Man Winter as much anymore. This particular year, March just seems like a really good time for us. I am hoping since DH and I spend a lot of time on our balcony, ordering room service and at the ports of call, that the kids won't bother us. I would really hate to think that it would ruin our cruise considering how much we are looking forward to it and also the $$$$! (I just upgraded ourselves to a JS) I guess we will go for it with the best attitude and we'll see. The following year (07) we picked the Freedom, IN FEBRUARY!! oh oh.......................:eek:

[mspeg]

Well all my cruises have been at spring break due to my DD's college schedule. The kids have never ruined my cruise. You have the perfect attitude - just sit back and enjoy your balcony when the crowd gets to much. It's times like this that I believe it is worth getting the best cabin you can afford so you can enjoy that space too.

[over the edge]

Thanks mspeg, that's just what I'm going to do. Not going to speculate anymore. We will have a good time, we're going on an 8 day cruise, how could we not have the time of our lives, right!!! Gosh, all this talk. I can hardly wait!! Thanks again, I feel great about it now!!;)

[Tex_Jen]

The Jewel is an amazing ship. Enjoy her! I just came back from a major kid week (Easter). There were 698 children on board. When they got to be too much for me, I was back on my balcony like mspeg. They also didn't spend too much time in my favorite bar (Champagne bar).

 

The parents are the problem more than the kids. The things I witnessed really could be fixed by either of the new "nanny shows" ;) . We had 2 moms with their teenage children at our table. They were really cool kids.

 

Anyway, I had a good time despite all the kids on board. Will I do this again? Not unless I have no choice which is what happened this year. Things were a bit tamed for all of the adult activities as parents brought their children to those, too.

 

Jen

[dc-snoopy]

dc-snoopy

 

I am sure that we did share different experiences, considering that you have only sailed with RCCL once, and you did choose a beauiful ship to start with. Being on a number of RCCL cruises, there is definitely a difference in ships and the food on the ships. I am sure you know alot of chefs and been to the very best restaurants, but seriously..and yes, cooking for 2200-3600 is a feat in itself..but foods varieties and tastes due vary from ship to ship... especially when you are a conniseur of RCCL food. Take a few more trips with them, and then see the difference.

 

Try the Portofino and the Chops (Mortons style) and then tell me the food in the dining room is the same.

Remember DC.. these reviews are just opinions...my taste is probably different then yours ... and as far as the Voyager class ships, it is like no other way of cruising for some...I just happen to love the promenade, the pubs along the streets, the shops, the parades, the cafes, and the decor. The casinos are even adorned with great design.

 

but glad you had a great time and sail again with RCCL.. as you can see, its the only line I travel:rolleyes:if it was so bad, I wouldn't have traveled with them so many times ..

 

ruby 13

 

Actually we have sailed twice. Once on the Rhapsody of the Sea and once on the Jewel. I was also with a group of 58 of whom some were experienced cruisers with more experience than we had. They also enjoyed the food in the dining room and since we were travelling together, none of us decided to visit either of the specialty restaurants. And we all felt the food was good. I specifically mentioned that we didn't think it was outstanding, but good and good enough for us to enjoy. If you must have outstanding and good just isn't good enough, then by all means spend the extra, but we felt that it was good enough for us.

 

The point of my post was not to say you were wrong, but to say that we had enjoyed the dining in the main DR more than you apparently did. I wanted to give emmy an alternative opinion. I certainly don't need your condescension. I hardly think that I need to take more cruises to evaluate the food better. As I said, the food was good enough that we felt we didn't need to go to the specialty restaurants. I certainly understand that it probably is better, but we didn't feel we needed to spend more money to enjoy our dining experience. That's what an opinion is all about.

[emmy]

Emmy, I have to be honest, I don't really understand "custom air", does that mean they have a fee of $50 for me to pick my own airfare schedule? I have received a quote for airfare, but they only asked what airport, which, is Halifax. I guess what I'm trying to find out is: if we book RCCL's airfare, will they fly us in the night before and pay for the hotel, or will they arrange for us to fly out the day of the cruise (which could be trouble due to weather). On our last cruise we booked our own air, which of course saved money, but then you must look at the hotel precruise and taxis to hotel, then to pier and then to airport again. I don't know, thats why I need everyone's expertise!!! :p

 

over the edge~

 

Yes the 'custom air' means you pay $50. pp to select your own airfare but you will have to pay the hotel fee for the night before. If you have a brochure it does explain it quite well.

 

I usually book my hotel via Priceline and save money that way and the taxi fares are quite reasonable...$12.00 for the taxi from airport to hotel... and about the same from pier to airport...this is for the taxi not per person...how much are RCI's transfers?

 

If you have anymore questions more than happy to help :)

 

Emmy

[over the edge]

Emmy, my airfare is about $200 per person more than I could pay right now if I booked my own. It says, "airport transfers included". The way I understand it, we won't be told til close to sailing date what time our flights are and that it is very possible that RCCL will choose to put us up in a hotel precruise, although, they may also choose to fly us out first thing in the morning on the day of the cruise. I was looking for some past Canadian cruiser to see what has taken place for them. You have been extremely helpful. Thank you. I do NOT have this brochure that you are referring to. Where might I find one?? :confused:

[emmy]

over the edge ~

 

The brochure I am referring to is the Royal Caribbean Caribbean 2005 brochure that is available at any travel agency..just drop into a local travel agency and pick one up.

 

Emmy