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We are a family of 4 with 2 middle schoolers. We flew from the Midwest to London for 3 nights pre-cruise stay in London at the Premier Inn near Euston Station. After a whirlwind jaunt throughout City of London, we prepared to embark on the lovely Jewel of the Seas. We took the cruise train from Liverpool Street to the pier at Harwich and easily brought our bags several yards to the cruise baggage staff. The Diamond check in line was short and efficient, though they did not give my husband charging privileges as requested. We found our rooms and lunch ready to go.
My children are 11 and 14. The 11 year old wanted to be allowed into the 12-15 Fuel group at the Adventure Ocean. This was allowed with my permission, and he was very happy with this privilege. The children in the group enjoyed the prgramming and begged to stay up late every night in the club.
The Jewel is a great sized ship, easy to find people. Our 4th floor inside cabins were convenient to the Main Dining room, the Lobby bar for soda refills, the internet terminals, and the Customer Service desk. Sometimes even the gangway came into the 4th deck. Easy. The noise from the parties at night somehow did not come into our rooms.
The string quartet played for us each eafternoon and the singers each evening. The piano was great in the schooner, as well as the dining room accompanied by the violin. We appreciated the night club DJ as well.
Diamond Lounge each evening with wine complimentarty served by a friendly personable staff member. The champagne bar also provided some horsdoevres and caviar with evening cocktail service by excellent staff. They all anticipated our needs and knew what we wanted before we sat down.
The weather was slightly cool, 60 ish F. Hot tubs were hot but the pool expectedly was cool. The solarium was always packed and rarely could we get a chair there.
The gym was rarely packed and we could always get equipmenmt there.
The fellow cruisers were generally retirees, and only 90 children on board.
Service was excellent, even the children got excellent service on their own in the SeaView and the Windjammer Cafes.
The Salon staff was friendly and professional, though could not remove nail polish they applied when it started to chip one week later. Really? No nail polish remover?
Cabin staff was efficient and excellent, laundry service was appreciated, and we took advantage of our Diamond perks such as free internet, discounted laundry, and free photos. The customer wservice desk changed some money for us into local currency, and the 2 ATMs provided Euro and dollars.
We enjoyed meeting plenty of British and US cruisers from Florida, played the Quest game and attended the 70s party.
All in all we had a great cruise, the children were never bored, the mix of ports and sea days was good. The food was excellent everywhere and esp the Chops which we attended for Fathers Day Dinner. Highly recommend!
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