Jewel of the Seas Review

Fabulous escape from cold weather

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Jewel of the Seas
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nancynana
First Time Cruiser • Age 2020s

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Sail Date: Jan 2010

Well......we hadn't cruised in 5 years so I will include some observations on changes we noticed but all in all, we had a really great time. We flew in one day ahead in case bad weather might have created problems but the only weather issue was the COLD in Miami. It broke records. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency and wore our coats in the bar to have a drink. While our room was fine, the drinks and food were very pricey! A cosmopolitan was $15 and breakfast for two was $50! Departure day for the cruise was sunny but still chilly. We got to the port at 11:15 and we were on board in 15 minutes and having a drink in the solarium at noon. Lunch in the Windjammer was fine and then we walked the ship. Our other cruises were on Voyager and Explorer so this was our first time on a radiance class ship. We found it easy to navigate and enjoyed the smaller ship. We did My Time Dining and really enjoyed the flexibility that provides. We never made a reservation and were always seated immediately when we arrived. The first two nights we were seated with others which was very enjoyable. After that, the staff seated us alone but we often chatted with others at tables close to us. It did feel like the service is "faster" and there was very little time between courses! Also, an observation that the main entree choices did not seem as good as in our past cruises. But....we certainly always ate well! We always found a place to enjoy on sea days. We did not swim in the pools so we were not as focused on space beside them so we found great relaxing space on deck 12 forward and enjoyed the quiet, sun and breeze. Entertainment - the show City of Dreams was on our last night and it is outstanding. The first night was a singer/piano player and he was very good. In between were some pretty weak performers...sort of like lounge acts so some nights we sat on the decks and looked at the moon on the water and the wonderful stars above. We enjoyed the Safari Club or Vortex for a sunset drink before dinner but we did not see any of the late night shows. Dining - The Windjammer had many choices and we felt the buffet quality was good. We ate in Chops and felt the quality was excellent....like a Ruth Chris Steak House. My husband had the filet both nights and I had the filet once and the rack of lamb which was really good. Departure - the only challenge seems to be getting off the boat without long lines at immigration. We stood for an hour before we cleared. We felt the staff and service were all outstanding.

Cabin Review

Cabin bal

The cabin was good. Plenty of space, good balcony.

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