Embarkation: As a solo cruiser, I arrived at the port at 10:45 a.m and at 11:00 a.m. walked onto the ship. After 30 hours on the Jewel, the ship is very clean with a staff that seems to be worn out. My cabin was 2001 and it was always quiet, despite other critics complaining about the noise from the staff's cabins behind ours. It is obvious that staff is instructed to stop you and go out of their way to ask if things are "Ok?" This is my 5th cruise, the general public areas of passage all seem to be tight and narrow, especially the Tides Dining Room. The first two nights in the TIDES, my chair had been hit 10-15 times by the waiter and assistant. The tables are uncomfortably too close. On night two, I presented my coupon from my GOLD member discount booklet, several minutes later, the wine stewart presented himself and thoroughly questioned me. My traveling friends also received the same booklet. The wine stewart said the coupon had expired in 2010, which it did. It was RCCL's problem.

Casino: Enjoyed the games and dealers, however, limited types of table games.

Labadee: The Dragon Breath zip line was terrific. Make sure you are within the height/weight guidelines...A million dollar view too! Snorkeling Safari: a privately owned company running snorkeling for RCCL. The surf had white caps....numerous people argued with the guide (owner) who was dodging the questions, "who is in charge here." Michele, the captain of the boat, told me the guide was the owner. The owner quickly reviewed information...1/2 of the boat had never snorkeled before with the youngest being 6 and the oldest 75. The surf was so rough, the boat should have never departed. Those who bought their tickets directly from him, got their refunds on the spot. We (group of 7) purchased our tickets through the cruise line. We (2) of us, went back on the boat, and demanded a refund. He was going through the tickets and returned all 7 to us. You will need your tickets back to get a credit and the subcontractor not to be paid! We (7) all bee-lined to GUEST RELATIONS. Unfortunately, the guest relations' agent didn't listen to our story. She said a credit will be posted. We said, how and who would credit our rooms? When the person doesn't know what the situation was....she acted as if the snorkeling guide was going to refund the ticket. We said, here are our 7 tickets, we got them back....she seemed stunned. Took our 7 tickets and said the manager of Excursions will credit the rooms. 24 hours later, the credits appeared on our portfolio. Read more