A review, with pics, of my first Royal Caribbean cruise on the Jewel of the Seas.

[tdmullins]

Great review so far, wonderful pictures, i am sorry the waters got rocky and you weren't feeling well on the formal night, my wife had a night or 2 like that on our last cruise, she was pregnant at the time too which i am sure didn't help the situation at all. Can't wait to read the rest of the review, thanks for posting.

 

Thanks Poorplaya! I am sure being pregnant didnt help. But it is worth it!

[tdmullins]

Please do post pictures of 9256. We have that on the Brillance on the NE/Canada trip!

 

Tampa should have had a separate area for suite guests that provided drinks and snacks.

 

"TDMULLINS"

 

Thank you for all the Pictures. Glad you enjoyed the RCCL. we just came back from a GS on the AOS. hard to get back to the real world.

 

we are in the 9256 on brilliance next year for a b2b2b. So we would be interested in any pictures as well.:):)

 

Small world esp. when you Cruise.:)

 

I posted the pics of the balcony from 9256, Sam and Mashonnas cabin. They are at post #18. They did not take any of the cabin because they said it was the same as any other balcony cabin, it was the balcony that made it so great.

 

You know Tampa may have had a area that I didnt notice since we zipped through the line and was on the ship so fast. I guess I noticed it more on Carnival because you basically had to go to the lounge where there were desks you sat down out to do everything. But like I said, "Big Whoop" compared to everything RCI offers for suites!

[tdmullins]

She already posted the pictures from the balcony of 9256. My wife and I were the ones in 9256 on this particular cruise. We didn't take any pictures of cabin itself because it's identical to other balcony rooms. It was hard to take a "good" picture of the balcony just because of the layout. But, let me assure it was wonderful. There was 2 chairs, a small cocktail table and 2 recliners. I would say there was about 10 x 16 usable space. They was enough space that we joked we could of setup one of those small kiddie pools. Plus, due to the angle of the back of the ship you get direct sun all day. It was wonderful.

 

My wife and I had never sailed in a aft cabin, but were hooked now. My only issue was that I had to take the coat hangers out of the closet on the last night of the cruise. The subtle vibration of the engines caused them to rattle against the closet door without the weight of clothes on them.

 

Sam, it just wasnt the Aft. I remember the hangers banging and waking me up but I was just to lazy to get up and remove them.

[tdmullins]

I woke up mad the next morning. Mad because I had not intended to sleep all night. Mad because I did not get ONE formal night picture. Mad because I felt like I had lost a night. I didn’t stay mad too long because I knew I had a great beach day ahead.

 

We had docked in Cozumel that morning. The water looked beautiful but rougher than I had ever seen it in Cozumel.

 

We weren’t leaving the ship until 11. So I ordered breakfast, and sat on the balcony and watched them test the lifeboats.

 

A little bit of a funny moment occurred before the lifeboat tests. While waiting for breakfast the 7 short beeps and one long beep they had mentioned during the muster drill came screeching thru the speakers. It was shocking for sure. I ran out into the hallway and ran into our room steward where she laughed and told me it was only for the crew. How was I supposed to know that? Maybe they annouced it, but you dont get those daily announcements while you are in your room. I guess I missed something somewhere.

 

I started not to write much about our day in Cozumel since the Jewel is moving to San Juan. But then realized that there could be somebody interested in what we did there.

 

On our last cruise I had booked us Nachi Cocum, and we feel in love with it. So we decided we wanted to spend the day here again this cruise. We left the ship around 11. We had to be back on board at 6:30.

As we were leaving I stopped to take a picture at the end of the pier. This is the one picture I always try to buy. I have designed a bathroom in my house beach themed and I have placed several cruise mementos in it, included our pier pictures. We had to wait for two other couples before we had ours took. Sam and Mashonna just stood there waiting on us. After we finished the photographer asked them if they wanted him to take their pictures and they just said, “no thanks”. The Photographers response was, “ then why were you standing there?” I have never had a photographer be so rude on a cruise. But here is the pic.

 

 

We ended up being the only ship in port that day since the Carnival Triumph is still out of commision. It did look weird looking over at the empty Carnival port.

 

[tdmullins]

We then grabbed a cab outside of the port. The cost was $16 there, and $17 return trip. Not sure why the dollar difference. The entrance to Nachi Cocum had been remodeled some, and it was a lot nicer than the last time I was there. I had to actually warn Tony last time not to want to turn around and run when we pulled in.

 

The cab drops you off at a little wooden bridge where someone greets you and tells you little bit about the beach club. They also take this time to snap a picture, which is not included in the price.

 

 

What is included in the $50 a person price is admittance to the beach, where they do not accept over 100 people a day. Also included is all you can eat and drink, including alcoholic beverages.

 

We were escorted to our piece of paradise for the day.

 

 

I kinda figured it wouldn’t be very busy and not be totally booked to its max since we were the only ship in port that day. But after getting settled in and looking around I counted a total of 12 people there that day including us.

 

We had the Caribbean to ourselves.

 

(That’s Sam enjoying the water)

 

We had the pool to ourselves.

 

My husband enjoying the pool. Behind him is a swim up bar and the hot tub, where one of the other couples was enjoying at this point.

[CanadaDeb]

Thanks so much for posting. I am sailing on the Jewel ( first Radiance class for me ) in October and am just loving your review!

[tdmullins]

Thanks so much for posting. I am sailing on the Jewel ( first Radiance class for me ) in October and am just loving your review!

 

You are going to love her!!

[ahecht]

We weren’t leaving the ship until 11. So I ordered breakfast, and sat on the balcony and watched them test the lifeboats.

 

Ahh, so that's why the port side of deck 5 was soaking wet that afternoon.

[tdmullins]

Our view from the pool

 

 

They had this awesome little bench you could sit on at the swim up bar. It was awesome sitting there sipping on a beverage with a view to kill for. I decided to snap another “feet” picture.

 

They will either deliver food to your papalya or you can go to this cute little dining area they have. Here is Sam and Mashonna ordering. We got out of the pool at this point and decided to join them for some grub.

 

The Nachos

 

I ordered some cheesesticks, at which my husband responds, “You come to Mexico and order cheesesticks?”

 

Well these ended up not being just your average run of the mill cheese sticks. These were squares of creamy Mexican goodness. They were soooooo good.

[tdmullins]

I also had the chicken fried tacos

 

And Tony had the tortilla soup

 

Everything was very very good. I would love to be there right now chowing down on it.

 

 

Another “feet” photo

 

The beach at Nachi Cocum

 

There was quite a bit of seaweed that had washed to shore. But they had beach combers in the area we were in sweeping it up.

 

It really was a fantastic beach day.

 

We packed up around 4 to head back.

[tdmullins]

They called a cab for us and it was there within 5 minutes. We did a little vanilla shopping at the port then headed back to the ship.

This is the point I really feel how big the ship is.

 

And of course Sam had to be a rebel while getting pics of the ship

 

I wasnt too worried about him falling in, but I was a little concerned with a couple of the guys beside of him that seemed to have a little bit too much fun in Mexico.

 

 

Royal Caribbean had water and cold towels waiting.

 

I headed back to the room to shower and get all the sand out of all the crevices. I ended up sitting on our deck when we sailed away at 7. We had reservations at Chops this night, so I avoided all snacks so I wouldn’t be full.

[tdmullins]

We were seated right at 8:30, and the restaurant really is beautiful. You are really reminded once again how the Jewel was designed to make the sea part of the ship. There was a view where ever you went.

 

I got the crabcake for an appetizer

 

Tony and Sam got the mushroom soup.

 

This is what Mashonna ordered. If I remember correctly it was the beef carpaccio.

 

This is the ceaser salad.

 

I ordered the petite filet mignon.

 

 

The potatoes with cheese and prosciutto.

[tdmullins]

Green beans

 

Our waiter in Chops was a little uptight when dinner first started but he relaxed as the meal progressed. I think he got mad because he had to go to the dining room to get the wine that I wanted. But he loosened up the more we joked with him.

 

Now its time for the desserts. The desserts through out the cruise so far has been pretty blah. But tonights were fantastic.

 

Mashonna and I both ordered the mud pie cake.

 

Tony and Sam ordered the crème brulee. Which came out in flames.

 

During this meal unfortunately one major sore spot happened. While waiting on our appetizers we realized a lady at a table beside of us had a dog in her lap. Before I go further I want to say that I am a huge animal lover and have rescued several during my lifetime. I love my animals. This dog was wearing its little vest to show that it was an assistant/service animal. I am also fully aware that people have needs to where they need these little bitty dogs. I'll be honest and say that I am not knowledgeable of those needs, though.

 

We weren't too put off about this...UNTIL.... she got up to take it somewhere and carried it pretty well OVER my table. Again, I love my animals, but I do not want them hanging over my table while I eat. I was very unhappy about this. A guy at another table was even more. He got very upset with the staff because he was highly allergic to animals. He kept saying this and that his eyes were all red already. Of course this could have been from the bottle of champagne and couple round of beers they had beforehand...lol. But regardless if he really was it could have been a horrible for him.

 

Ok My rant is over...lets move on.

[S&Slovecruises]

Love your review and pictures. I'm getting hungry looking at the food. :)

[janabm81]

Great review...Can't wait to read more! Thanks! :)

[BecciBoo]

Please do post pictures of 9256. We have that on the Brillance on the NE/Canada trip!

 

quote]

 

Same here, we're in 9256 to Alaska on Radiance..woopee hope we have the new table and chair set toooooo:p

 

We were at Nachi in April and it seemed crowded, but we had 7 ships on island that day...the bartender Jose told me they had 126 people that day because the next day they were expecting only 24 people! I understood though and we didn't really notice the extras....after 8 times at Nachi, we just love it.

[tdmullins]

It was 70's night in the Centrum. Oh how fun!!

 

The dancers in their 70's attire.

 

Then the Village People made an appearance.

 

Everyone was having a blast and it was so much fun grooving to the music. Yes I said grooving.

After we left the party and ran back to the room to change and found my second towel animal.

 

I ended up spending the rest of the night in the casino. I was winning enough that I was able to play for a while andl leave with $20 to start with the next day. Not a bad night. But it wasnt as good as the person a couple of machines down from me who hit $1200 that night. I quit after that.

 

I had purchased the grand romance package and it included breakfast in bed. I bought the package before I upgraded and thought that this would be neat. But it wasnt nearly as special since we had the awesome suite room service. They give you a card to fill out and tell you to give it to your head waiter the night before you want it to be delivered. I did not receive this card until after dinner the night before and we had Chops reservations that night, so I was unsure what to do. But never fear the trusty concierge Karen, came to my rescue. She took care of it.

[tdmullins]

Please do post pictures of 9256. We have that on the Brillance on the NE/Canada trip!

 

quote]

 

Same here, we're in 9256 to Alaska on Radiance..woopee hope we have the new table and chair set toooooo:p

 

We were at Nachi in April and it seemed crowded, but we had 7 ships on island that day...the bartender Jose told me they had 126 people that day because the next day they were expecting only 24 people! I understood though and we didn't really notice the extras....after 8 times at Nachi, we just love it.

 

I guess that means they don't actually cut it off at 100 like they say. But yeah 7 ships in port is a LOT!

[tdmullins]

I am going to take the time now to give a few more details on the grand romance package. Besides the breakfast, we also got robes to keep (which I wear everyday and is very soft), a silver photo frame and a free print, canapes before dinner and petit fours after, a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses.

 

It also came with vanilla cupcakes which were very, very good. They are worth buying.

 

Most of it was in the room when we got there. The canapes and petit fours were delivered to our room during the day of elegant night. That night when I got back to the room certificates had been left for the frame and print, and breakfast in bed. It was fun the getting it one time, but I wont get it again. At least not that package. How many bathrobes do I need?

 

 

The next morning at a little after ten, our romantic breakfast in bed arrived. I had asked for french toast, which ended up being the same french toast I had ordered every morning. Tony had marked scrambled eggs with caviar. We ended up getting two of each.

 

Eggs with Caviar

 

The French Toast ( the same as every morning, but still very good.)

 

The meal was also served with your choice of Mimosas or Bloody Marys. We chose the mimosas.

[tdmullins]

After breakfast we went out exploring the ship and just basically hanging out where ever we ended up. I took Tony around and showed him some of the areas he had not made it to yet that I had discovered during my exploring.

 

We gazed upon the water from the elevators some more.

 

We went to the solarium, but the pool was closed.

 

We hung out in the Centrum and remarked some more on how beautiful it was.

 

 

We analyzed and explored until we figured out how the steps lit up.

 

We went to the dining room to take some pics of it.

[pink roses]

Thanks for sharing! I have not been on this ship but am enjoying reading about the beach and suite.

[tdmullins]

Some more dining room pictures.

 

 

We went up to the Vortex lounge to take some pics but ended up walking into a wedding. Where one of the crew members was holding the infamous dog from dinner. So its owner was either getting married or in the wedding party.

 

By this time it was lunch time. So we headed to the Seaview Cafe one last time to enjoy our last lunch with this view.

 

I ordered the Cuban this time. Remember Day one when Tony ordered one and I mentioned the type of meat on his. Tony had mentioned that day that he thought cubans had a different type but we had shrugged it off.

 

Today mine looked like this

 

Which I believe is the correct way. We figured they were out of pork on embarkation day and had to substitute. The Cuban by the way was AWESOME.

[tdmullins]

Now on to a highlight of the cruise for me.

 

The day before Karen, concierge extraordinaire, called and asked if I would like to tour the bridge the next day. UH Yeah! So I was told to meet at the lounge at 2:15. You know how you kinda loose all track of time while on a cruise. Well as Tony and I sit and soak in the sun and sea at the seaview cafe, Tony looks at the time and says..hey its 2. So I jump up and ran to the room so that I could change. I made it without a second to spare. Good thing I was just right next door..lol.

 

Anyway, there was agroup of about 9 of us that were asked. They led us through the hall and then up one flight of steps where we were handed off to a couple of security. They were pretty strict with security. No bags were allowed and we were all wanded.

 

The view forward from the bridge.

 

The area where they steer the ship from when docking.

 

So that they can look thru these windows in the floor under them and see how close they are to the dock. The crew member also said that there are markings on the docks to let them know how close they are.

 

 

This was the view from the windows on that wing.

 

Made me realize not many balconies are truly private..lol.

 

The main navigation area.

 

Then the silly crew let ME drive the ship...lol

 

I absolutely loved this tour and hope that I get asked back on our Enchantment cruise in August.

[tdmullins]

While we were out earlier in the day the room steward left us this towel animal with all of our disembark info. (first sad moment when you have to face the cruise is almost over.) I didnt have time to snap a picture of it before I left for my tour, so Tony left it intact for me when I got back.

 

We both went our separate ways at this point. Tony headed to his favorite spot.

 

And attempted some self photography.

 

I spent some time in the casino which I was winning enough to keep me playing.

 

We then met back in the room where we ended up chilling in the room. Tony fell asleep on the lounger on the balcony for awhile. And I sat in bed and read after a Starbucks run.

 

I also took some time and started packing. (second sad cruise is almost over moment)

 

The sun setting the last night.

[tdmullins]

We got ready for dinner then headed to the MDR for our last meal there.

 

Tony's turkey

 

And his key lime pie.

 

My chocolate sensation

 

For my entree I had ordered the fish and seafood mash. I am one of those weirdos that cant stand for mash potatoes to be touching anything. Well the meal came out with all of the fish and seafood on top of a heap of mashed potatoes. So in my rush of getting the seafood off of the potatoes as fast as humanly possible I did not get a pic.

 

After dinner the wait staff sang their farewell song. (third sad cruise is almost over moment)

 

So after dinner we ran back to the room, stuck our disembark tags on our luggage, and stuck them out in the hall (THE saddest the cruise is almost over moment) And this is by far the saddest cruise pic of a cruise.

 

So after taking care of that stuff, we headed to the main theater to catch the late night comedy, I snapped this pic of some weird art in the stairwell.

 

You know that guy fell in the water when he tried to get up.