This was our 3rd cruise, 2nd with RCI and first time on Jewel of the Seas.
We booked our cruise via a travel agent and we decided on the RCI provided pre-cruise and flight packages. We will have to seriously consider whether we take this approach again as the sense of security should you miss your flight baggage, etc. doesn't make up for the brutal connecting flights you are provided.
We had connecting flights with United Airlines on the way down which were tight to begin with, so with some snow and an aircraft circling Ottawa (YOW) dumping fuel for a potential emergency landing, the chances of making our connecting flight Dulles/Washing (IAD) to Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), were slim and none. The good news, if it can be considered good, was that we made our connecting flight as it was delayed as well. Note: we saw that the flight was closed and others trying to make the same flight had turned back to deal with customer service to rebook flights, but we kept going and they let us on the aircraft. Alas, every silver lining has a black cloud and although we made the flight our luggage went MIA. The RCI representative that met upon our arrival was a very nice gentleman and took everything in stride and indicated that missing/delayed luggage wasn't anything new. While waiting to fill out the appropriate missing baggage form, he indicated that our luggage would be delivered to our hotel, but more than likely would catch up to us on the ship.