Jewel of the Seas Review
Jewel is lacking, but the group made it an A+ vacation
Rating by category
Additional details
We booked this cruise in June of 2016 for the Feb sailing on Jewel. My wife and I sailed on Adventure twice but never on Jewel, and the most of the group (17 others) had never cruised before.
Upon boarding the ship, the first impression was that the ship did NOT show her age. Everything seems as it should be. Upon entering our balcony cabin, (first in 8 cruises), it was as expected (and I'd do it again). Interiors are nice, but the added light is a plus.
Food was again, as expected with just mediocure cuisine. While there was a variety, the taste lacked in the spice department. Many of our first time cruising group was very content with what was available, some venturing to the buffet for dinner (we stuck to the main dining room).
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
The cabin was as expected - excellent. In 8 cruises, we always booked an interior, however, we decided to go with a balcony this time around and do not regret it at all. We had breakfast each morning out there, and quite often sharing with our friends who were first time cruisers. There was plenty of room for 4 on the balcony.
It's a cruise ship cabin....can't compare it to the room in a hotel, but while small, it certainly served the purpose.
A+++
Port Reviews
San Juan
Having been to San Juan 9 times prior, we guided ourselves around to local restaurants (Raices), and visited Bacardi.
Antigua
As in each port, we shopped for an hour, and then negotiated a taxi and headed to the beach. The town has deteriorated, having been there 4 times prior, but still very enjoyable. Since their economy is based solely on tourism, can't blame the way the town looks if the ships don't go in often enough.
St. Thomas
We negotiated a taxi for our group and headed to Megan's Bay. Great day.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
We negotiated a taxi for our group and headed to a beach (Can't remember the name but 9 cruises later, they all look the same)
St. Maarten
Same as usual..... shop around the port and head off to the beach via water taxi. Fun was had by all.