I've sailed many times with Royal Caribbean, and this was my second time aboard Jewel of the Seas, a ship I absolutely love. Previously it was in an interior cabin with my brother on a family trip, this time it was with my GF in a balcony on Deck 9.

The ship itself is wonderful, very well laid out and easy to get around, and seemingly never crowded in any area. Our stateroom was everything we could have asked for, having never stayed in a room with a balcony before, I had no idea what I was missing - the ability to have an outdoor area entire to ourselves was a welcome addition to our vacation. In our location near the front of the ship, we heard very little noise besides the chit chat of our neighbors on either side when our sliding door was open, very peaceful and quiet. Assuming I cruise again, I'm inclined to book the exact stateroom or something as close as possible.

Since the GF and I purchased the premium liquor package, we went to work familiarizing ourselves with the bar staff on board - we had no idea we'd made such an impression on Day One until we showed up at the Schooner Bar after dinner on Day Two and were greeted (by name) by Deepu, a bartender who took fantastic care of us all week long in the evenings. It's a great feeling to have someone who barely knows you ask you if you'd like your "usual" before you even are comfortable in your stool. If we're able to track him down, he's going to be a bartender at our wedding. Read more