DarthGrady Posted May 23, 2013 Author #101 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Day 6: Tortola, BVI We didn't have anything planned in Tortola, so the day started later than usual. We did eventually go ashore after breakfast and a trip to the gym. There isn't a whole lot to do around the pier area in Tortola. We wound up just having a few drinks at a cafe with some folks that we'd met onboard. After a little shopping we went back to the ship. Another early dinner at the Sea View Cafe was followed by the nightly Diamond event and watching sail away. We stopped into the casino before watching the 70s Dance Party in the Centrum. After the party was over it was time for The Quest. They did a pretty good job with The Quest on this cruise, without much watering-down for the sake of decorum. I've noticed too many cruise directors trying to make it less racy, and I was glad to find that (cruise director) Carly wasn't. It would be another late night in the Vortex, ending somewhere around 3 am. The view from the balcony in Tortola Everyone got repositioning cruise certificates delivered to their rooms Beer of the Day My wife was enthralled by the wandering chickens at Tortola. It was suggested that she take one back onboard to be a "comfort chicken". Good luck figuring this one out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 23, 2013 Author #102 Share Posted May 23, 2013 She was really interested in the chickens I was really digging those Schaefer beer cans. I need to find a place that sells them around here. They're even more trashy-retro-chic than Miller High Life! Returning to the ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 23, 2013 Author #103 Share Posted May 23, 2013 70s Dance Party Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowbird1 Posted May 23, 2013 #104 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Day 6: Tortola, BVIWe didn't have anything planned in Tortola, so the day started later than usual. We did eventually go ashore after breakfast and a trip to the gym. There isn't a whole lot to do around the pier area in Tortola. We wound up just having a few drinks at a cafe with some folks that we'd met onboard. After a little shopping we went back to the ship. Another early dinner at the Sea View Cafe was followed by the nightly Diamond event and watching sail away. We stopped into the casino before watching the 70s Dance Party in the Centrum. After the party was over it was time for The Quest. They did a pretty good job with The Quest on this cruise, without much watering-down for the sake of decorum. I've noticed too many cruise directors trying to make it less racy, and I was glad to find that (cruise director) Carly wasn't. It would be another late night in the Vortex, ending somewhere around 3 am. The view from the balcony in Tortola Everyone got repositioning cruise certificates delivered to their rooms Beer of the Day My wife was enthralled by the wandering chickens at Tortola. It was suggested that she take one back onboard to be a "comfort chicken". Good luck figuring this one out My sister and I got off the ship first thing and caught the first Ferry to Virgin Gorda on our own. I went last Feb so I knew the drill. This time we snorkeled there an it outstanding. Once back to Tortola we went to Pusser's for a bite to eat and a drink. Thanks for all the great pictures. Funny I don't remember seeing you with a Camera. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 23, 2013 Author #105 Share Posted May 23, 2013 A couple of late night shots Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 23, 2013 Author #106 Share Posted May 23, 2013 My sister and I got off the ship first thing and caught the first Ferry to Virgin Gorda on our own. I went last Feb so I knew the drill. This time we snorkeled there an it outstanding. Once back to Tortola we went to Pusser's for a bite to eat and a drink. Thanks for all the great pictures. Funny I don't remember seeing you with a Camera. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD I think we'll be doing an excursion there next time, the baths do sound nice. This day I was using our little camera, just a point-and-shoot. I usually just keep it in my pocket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfd_2 Posted May 23, 2013 #107 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Thanks for sharing the pics and the review! We'll be on the Jewel in Feb. '14 - looking forward to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrFunInTheSun Posted May 23, 2013 #108 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Wahoo! The long awaited Grady review! I so wish I was able to get on this cruise too. This ship is so beautiful and am glad to see your awesome pictures. Your pictures make up many of the ones I wasn't able to get so well. Thanks again for bringing us along with you on one of your cruise adventures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 23, 2013 Author #109 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Thanks for sharing the pics and the review! We'll be on the Jewel in Feb. '14 - looking forward to it. Wahoo! The long awaited Grady review! I so wish I was able to get on this cruise too. This ship is so beautiful and am glad to see your awesome pictures. Your pictures make up many of the ones I wasn't able to get so well. Thanks again for bringing us along with you on one of your cruise adventures. Glad you're enjoying it! I'll be back on tomorrow evening with St. Maarten. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathykb Posted May 23, 2013 #110 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Wow! Fantastic pictures - bring back great memories of past cruises, and hopes/dreams/wishes for future cruises Thanks Cathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foolishmortals Posted May 23, 2013 #111 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Thank you for posting this review! I've enjoyed reading it and looking at all your pictures! Can't wait to sail on board the Jewel this Summer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamacane71 Posted May 24, 2013 #112 Share Posted May 24, 2013 June 8th, June 8th, June 8th!!!!! :) It can't get here soon enough and your pictures are making the wait some what bearable!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suep Posted May 24, 2013 #113 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Thanks for the awesome pics. Gives me a chance to dream and help the time pass until we're on her Feb. 1 '14..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckiStac13*Majesty* Posted May 24, 2013 #114 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Great review and pics, thanks. Enjoying! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #115 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Day 7: St. Maarten, NA Staying up late the night before seemed like less of a good idea at around 7 am as we were waking up to head out for a shore excursion. We booked through Bernard's Tours, independently of the cruise line. This can save you money. But you do run the risk of the ship not waiting for you if you're late, so schedule carefully. We met John, our tour guide, at the information desk just off the pier. He had a nice air conditioned van; but more importantly he had a cooler full of beer and rum. After a few photo stops, our first big attraction was Orient Beach. He first showed us that one side is clothing optional before dropping us off further down the beach. The beach is very nice, with several bars and restaurants along it. The second main stop was Marigot, the capital city of the French side of the island. This was a brief stop, so we didn't have a lot of time to see the city. We did walk through the marina area and stopped at a French bakery. The eclairs were delicious. After Marigot we traveled to Maho Beach, which is famous for its close proximity to the runway of St. Maarten's airport. The beach itself is fairly narrow and not particularly impressive. The main draw is watching the landing jets pass only a few feet overhead. The brave/stupid can stand behind the departing planes and get a face full of dirt from the jet wash or possibly get blown out into the water. Fun! After leaving Maho we began venturing back to Philipsburg, but stopped en route so that a certain someone could get a very specific chicken sandwich from KFC. We did a little shopping in Philipsburg before returning to the ship for well earned naps. All in all it was a nice "sampler" tour of the island. We saw many new places since we'd never bothered to leave Philipsburg before. I'd like to go back to Orient Beach, I might even get up the nerve to earn my beads someday. Later, we went to the Diamond event one last time and made sure to tip the awesome bar staff. We also had one last dinner at the Sea View Cafe. Since Royal Caribbean is unwisely removing the Sea View Cafes from the Radiance Class ships it may well have been THE LAST time we'll eat there. I made sure to put into my comment card how much that disappoints me. We begrudgingly packed our bags and set them outside before turning in for the night. This cruise was over much too quickly; but it was great to travel with a friend from previous cruises and to meet several new ones at the same time. The itinerary was fast paced with only one day at sea but going to new ports is always a plus. Jewel is still a great ship with a friendly crew, and I'm sorry that she won't be coming back to Tampa. The view from the balcony on our last full day Crossing into the French side of the island Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #116 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowbird1 Posted May 24, 2013 #117 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Thanks for sharing all the great pictures, it definitely was a great cruise. Like you I will miss the Seaview, ate there twice this cruise. Sent from my iPad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #118 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Orient Beach Sorry, no pictures from the nude side of the beach. :cool: We were even warned by a concerned citizen (who noticed me wrapping my Nikon up in a towel) that once upon a time they would just throw your film into the ocean if they caught you with a camera on the nude side. Now with the advent of digital, they just might throw the whole camera in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #119 Share Posted May 24, 2013 (edited) Seen while driving to Marigot Marigot Edited May 24, 2013 by DarthGrady Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #120 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Maho Beach The Sunset Grill A handy Arrivals/Departures board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #121 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Of course the main attraction at Maho is the jets taking off and landing. We arrived to find a 747 about to take off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #122 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Another jet comes in for a landing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #123 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #124 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted May 24, 2013 Author #125 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Some of the local flora The local KFC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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