Jewel of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I recently returned from the Pacific Coastal cruise I went on with two family members, with only one who had been on a cruise before (he sailed on Celebrity). We were very disappointed with Royal Caribbean's customer service on this ship and off the ship. First of all, we waited in the check in line in San Diego for two and a half hours. It was a cattle line, and there were not any chairs to sit in once you were in line. I am in my twenties and it was hard enough to stand that long, but I can't even imagine how others must have felt. There were people with walkers who had to stand the whole time! The workers directing everyone to the lines were confused and downright rude. By the time we actually got on the ship it had been three hours. HORRIBLE. Only 1 out of 3 suitcases got to the room early. The other 2 were late.
Positives:
We loved the ports. San Diego, Catalina Island, and San Francisco were incredible. Canada was ok. We had so much fun. We did not buy any shore excursions, as we preferred to tour around and do our own thing. We found a good deal online for the hop on hop off bus tour in San Francisco. Warning: It can get extremely cold if you sit on the upper outside deck of the bus. We went over Golden Gate Bridge at 40 mph and it was 20 degrees cooler up there. I can't remember the last time I was that cold. There wasn't room on the bottom inside deck of the bus where everyone was warm, so plan accordingly.
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
This was a good room- we did not feel a thing. We were able to see the land when we pulled into the ports, so I would definitely recommend that side of the ship. The only issue was that it is difficult to fit three people into this room. I was in the sofa bed, and it kept detaching itself at night, which hurt my back. However, it was bigger than we thought, and we loved how the shower had a door instead of a curtain. Lots of space to hang or store clothes and luggage! That was surprising!
Port Reviews
San Diego
We got to San Diego a day early, since we love the city. We took the tram to Old Town and ate at Cafe Coyote. It is a terrific Mexican Restaurant with great margaritas. We toured the USS Midway, and it was one of the best museums I have seen. Very interactive, interesting, and fun. We walked through Seaport Village, but it is very extravagant. We stayed at Hampton Inn right next to the port, and it was a great location. We were able to walk to the port. The breakfast was outstanding, and they always had free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and orange water in the lobby.