Jewel of the Seas Review
Hope I'm never too jaded to enjoy myself.
Rating by category
Additional details
Maybe the fact I haven't cruised in 17 years (so I'm practically a newborn when it comes to cruising) is why I loved being on Jewel through the Southern Caribbean. From the moment I stepped off the plane to the moment I stepped back on, it was nothing but smiles, fantastic service, and a really beautiful ship to enjoy. I don't have much to compare it to, so maybe that's why I loved it so much and didn't dwell on "what it used to be like" (or any of the 10 versions of that phrase I heard last week).
I spent a few days at the Condado Hilton prior to sailing and will be very happy to return to there. Yes, it's a little tired on the outside, but once you're in the lobby, it's sleek and very modern. My room wasn't ready, so a Cubano sandwich and a fruity drink were in order at the Cafe (great lunches - not so great breakfasts). My room was an ocean view with a balcony, and boy did it deliver! Waves breaking on the rocks is so soothing and the view on my floor (10th) was amazing! Dinner in their restaurant, Pikayo, Saturday Night was beyond amazing. The Chef's Tasting Menu (with wine parings) was expertly prepared, beautifully plated, and tasted fabulous!! The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.
I left the hotel at 12:15 and was on-board at 12:45. I enjoyed a drink with a nice British couple who were at my hotel as well and was in my cabin by 1:00. I wasn't done jumping around the cabin when my luggage arrived. From that point forward, I saw nothing but smiles and friendly greetings from all the staff. Did it have all the bells and whistles, like the larger ships?...nope. If that's what I wanted, I would have booked it. Was the decor of the cabin the most modern?...nope, not my taste. It was clean and comfortable with a flat screen tv (Love ESPN/ESPN2) and my balcony was fantastic to enjoy all week. Was the food a true gourmet experience?...not really. It was hot, tasty, and pleasing and that was what I was expecting. Edmon and Manju were a great wait team. Windjammer did a great breakfast buffet and a pretty good lunch one too. Designer?...not at all. It was fun and relaxing and what a good buffet should be.
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Clean, comfortable, and nicely done up. Balcony was a pleasure to sit on and listen to the waves. Very quiet and room attendant, Xavier, was a terrific guy.
Port Reviews
San Juan
I been to the city before and love it's laid-back, friendly vibe.
St. Lucia
Roads are very narrow and wind through the mountains - slightly dizzy. Mountain top views were spectacular. The rain forest had a magical quality of it's own.
Antigua
Very "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" feel - on vacation, a very good thing!! Beaches were beautiful and pristine. Grilled lobster was tasty and expertly grilled (although not as tasty as New England Lobster - not as flavorful. Sorry, I'm from New England).
St. Maarten
Beach was beautiful and enjoyed the rougher surf and waves. Buffet lunch was disappointing in the fact it was geared towards a typical American palette - I personally would have enjoyed more regional dishes and flavors. Saw a bunch of Harley-Davidson bikers while there - very cool! Those bikes are incredible and they were the coolest people to talk to.
St. Croix
The Cruzan Rum Factory was smaller than the Barcardi Factory, but to me had more character. The young man who led the tour had a sense of humor that I appreciated, but not all did.
St. Croix
I pictured botanical gardens with lots of flowers - not even close. Trees, trees, trees...and wait a sec...more trees. Appreciated the history of the grounds.
Barbados
My particular excursion was cancelled the night before, so I chose to be a pool-baby and that was very relaxing as well. Some other excursions were cancelled that morning (through no fault of Royal's) so the ship stayed an extra hour.