Jewel of the Seas Review

A nice ship and trip but small caution on cabin

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Jewel of the Seas
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LvLawyer
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jan 2013
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

This was our first cruise on RCI. We departed on January 10 on the Jewel of the Seas on a short 4-day Cozumel and back cruise from Tampa. A word about Tampa - it is the easiest departure I have ever had on a cruise. The facilities are new, the staff friendly, signage is clear and hotels and shuttles are close by. The parking garage (we flew) is across the street. We went from shuttle to buffet lunch on the ship in less than 30 minutes. Our bags made the room in less than an hour. Returning, we went from breakfast on the ship to the Tampa airport in 45 minutes and that was only because of construction on the freeway that slowed us down. TPA is also a great airport for service. The Floridians are friendly and eager to help. (It took me 5 1/2 hours to get off a Carnival ship in Los Angeles last year, with some of the rudest porters and customer reps I have ever encountered.)

First, my ONLY SMALL complaint was the cabin's balcony. Our cabin, 9048, had the window washing equipment secured outside it. It appears to be permanently stored there. This does not show up on any deck plans of the ship that I saw. The equipment blocks about 2 feet of the balcony. Not a major hindrance but it should be disclosed by RCI. The next-door cabin, 9050, also gets a small piece of the equipment.

Our room steward, Donna, learned our names immediately and was charming and efficient. I left her an extra tip above the pre-paid gratuity because of her efficient service.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin E1

Our cabin, 9048, had the window washing equipment secured outside it. It appears to be permanently stored there. This does not show up on any deck plans of the ship that I saw. The equipment blocks about 2 feet of the balcony. Not a major hindrance but it should be disclosed by RCI. The next-door cabin, 9050, also gets a small piece of the equipment.

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