I'll start out by saying this was my first ever cruise. I don't think that precludes me from writing a useful review, but I do think it's only fair to point out I have no prior cruise experience to compare with. Having said that - wow, what a cruise!

This was Jewel's last Caribbean sail of spring 2006 before she repositioned transatlantic for the remainder of spring and summer. (I am envious of anyone who will be sailing on her over in Europe.) Ours was an 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, and judging from the number of other RCI ships in the various ports, it is a typical itinerary for RCI. We sailed from Fort Lauderdale, had a day at sea, then hit San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Thomas on consecutive days. Then came our second sea day, followed by a stop in Nassau before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

I was part of a group of six traveling companions (TCs) that included my dear partner (DP) and two other couples, one of which was my parents. DP and I live in Baltimore, but our TCs all live in Fort Lauderdale. We followed the excellent advice on this board not to fly in the morning of the cruise, but rather the day before. (An especially easy choice for us since we can stay at my parents' place for free.) It made the morning of embarkation much more relaxing, and getting on board went smoothly enough. We were aboard by noon and our rooms were already available. Luggage arrived mid-afternoon for four of us, late afternoon for the remaining two. Read more