From standard insides to balcony suites, interconnecting cabins to luxurious villas with butler and concierge service, the Jewel offers a tremendous variety of living quarters. All cabins are furnished with cherry wood finishing, televisions, refrigerators, safes, duvets, and bathrooms with showers and hair dryers.
In-cabin Internet access is available with an Ethernet cable. (Our connection wasn't working initially and had to be established through the Internet manager). TV programming includes a rotating selection of movies, as well as CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and ESPN. Ship-to-shore calls from the cabin to the U.S. run $5.95 per minute. Mobile phones are another option, thanks to a roaming network, with rates determined by home carriers. (Europeans should note that all calls are routed via Bermuda, and the charges are enormous.)
Suites and penthouses on Decks 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 (272 square feet and larger) feature glass doors with private balconies. Most suites have queen-size beds, separate living areas with dining tables, bathrooms with showers and tubs, and excellent concierge service. Oceanview staterooms with balconies on Decks 8, 9 and 10 (200 - 205 square feet) offer sets of two chairs on private balconies. Oceanview staterooms on Decks 4, 5, and 8 (150 - 161 square feet) include picture windows or portholes.
Our balcony stateroom on Deck 10 was cheerful and welcoming, decorated in vibrant Caribbean hues. An orange and purple love seat and blue drapes combined to create an appealing space. Mirrors outside the bath, beside the closet, and above the beds helped to create a spacious feel. A pair of plastic chairs on the balcony was practical, but unexciting.
A mini-suite on Deck 11 was more conventional, with a burgundy sofa bed -- separated from the main sleeping area by a thick drape -- and metal balcony furniture. Those cabins also had the added benefit of a bathtub.
With our luggage tucked under the twin beds, we found the closet space sufficient with a convenient safe, shelves and shoe storage. The well-stocked mini-bar had everything from Veuve Clicquot Champagne to Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier. Reading lamps over each bed worked well, and there were two power points (110v) -- adequate for most but tricky when you have two Nintendos, one laptop, one DVD player, three cameras and two cell phones!
The tropical theme continued in the well-designed bathroom with shell-shaped lamps and aquamarine, mosaic floor tiles. Separate toilet and shower areas (with a handy Elemis shampoo and soap dispenser, Elemis moisturizer and retractable clothes line for wet bathing suits) flanked a central white sink and vanity with ample shelf space. Kudos to our amiable housekeepers who never failed to freshen the cabin, turn down the beds and fill our ice bucket.
Families can choose from about 300 interconnecting cabins in a range of categories, from standard insides to suites. Different grades of cabins can be linked to create two- to five-bedroom areas for immediate families, extended families and family reunion groups.
If you're craving a butler and concierge, as well as your own piano, hot tub and silver toothbrush holder, look no further. The Jewel offers 10 stylish horizon villas and two 5,000-square-foot garden villas. In addition to the ritzy decor and furnishings, the luxe digs share a lounge with Internet access, a private sun deck and a gorgeous central courtyard, featuring a retractable roof, rattan sun beds, swimming pool, hot tub, treadmill and Stairmaster.
Cabin clean but small two single beds made up into one no room to walk on either side of the bed.Shower largest I have had on cruise ship rest of bathroom small toilet at a funny angle forcing you to sit sideways? Room well serviced by attendant...continue
Excellent value for money. Bigger bathroom than our balcony cabin on last cruise (Costa Pacifica). Bed was awesome. Slept so well. Air con great. Spotless and well maintained. Enough storage space once unpacked, and luggage just goes under the beds....continue
