This was our first transatlantic cruise, and because it was 12 days we decided to take a junior suite. The price was very good for 12 days. We booked the entire trip through Royal Caribbean, to include the flights, and pre-cruise transfers and the hotel in London. The booking was fairly smooth. The flights were convenient, and we got to choose our own seats on the airlines. The flight to London was routine, but of course due to the security measures, it took us about an hour to get through customs at Heathrow Airport. We thought that was bad until my sister told us that it took them two hours to get through earlier the same morning. In any case, we had no problems, and the Royal Caribbean agent was waiting for us outside customs with a plaque with our names on it. We had our own private taxi driver to the City Inn Westminster, one of the RCCL hotels. The check in at the hotel was speedy and our room was beautiful: clean and modern. We enjoyed some sightseeing that afternoon to include lunch at the Tate Modern Museum Cafe. Later we met up with my sister and brother in law, also staying at the City Inn and we had a delightful dinner at Simpson's in the Strand. The complimentary breakfast provided by the hotel the next morning was impressive. They had something for everyone. We strongly recommend the City Inn Westminster. It is a smart, clean hotel in a great location, five minute walk from Westminster Abbey. The RCCL bus picked up our group at 10 AM and we were whisked off to the Port of Harwich about two hours away. There was a separate check in line for suites, and we didn't have to wait at all. Altogether a smooth trip so far. When we got on the ship we were so impressed. The Jewel is a beautiful ship. The first thing we did was split up, so that I could check out our table in the dining room, and Scott went to find the suite and drop off our carry on bags. Our assigned table was badly placed between a pillar and wall, so I got in line to request a change. This process is not very guest friendly. I was third in line, but the maitre'd told us the only table available was in a far corner. Not a very good spot, but at least it was a quiet area and by a window. We were stuck and had to take it. What irritated us about this is that every night at dinner, there were tables for six or eight in the middle of the dining room that had only two diners. Why they couldn't have put us there we do not understand at all. In any case, I got the table changed and notified our traveling companions of the switch once we got to the suite. The suite was incredible: spacious, well appointed, with a walk in closet and a marble/granite bath, full tub and shower. It had a large balcony which we used constantly, coming into port and departing, as well as with champagne watching sunsets. Our suite had plenty of room for cocktails or champagne with friends before dinner, which we did several times. Our steward Ben was the best; we never wanted for a thing. He was always there within one minute when we needed anything. After the first day he knew that we always wanted fresh ice in our bucket, and for the duration of the cruise it was always there. Our room was always spic n span. Kudos to Ben and his staff.

The public spaces on the Jewel are beautiful. The atrium became our favorite place for our pre-dinner cocktails. There was always music and dancing, and the bartenders got to know our drinks. The atrium is an incredible space, and we have many great photos. We also liked the Safari Lounge, the Schooner Bar, and the Champagne bar but alas these were the smoking areas, so we limited our time there. We always have late dinner seating. Our food at dinner was usually very good. We tended to stick with the special of the day or to follow the suggestions of our waiters. They were usually right. A couple of times when we ordered something he didn't recommend we ended up sending it back and getting a steak. The meat was always a safe bet on this ship, whether it was steak, duck, veal or lamb. But even the fish specials were great. And of course the lobster was wonderful. One of our favorite places was the Seaview Grill which was a well kept secret for the first few days, as it was way up at the top of the ship at the very back. They had the best french fries, and they were open late. For breakfast and lunch we tended to stay with the buffet, which was always good: plenty of choices, and some variation from day to day. On excursion days we ordered room service breakfast to save time. We found it to be very good: it arrived on time, and it was hot and tasty. We did this three times, and it was consistently good. The solarium food was pretty disappointing. After one try of a crepe we never went back. But the pool here was very nice. The entertainment on board was pretty good. We went to most of the shows in the main theater and were never disappointed. Our favorites were the broadway show tune review and the Platters. The chanteuse in the Atrium was terrific. They played all kinds of music from the 40s to the 80s, from waltz to cha cha to disco. People danced a lot here and so did we. We went on several excursions and they were very well done. We especially liked the day trip to Mont St Michel when we docked in Cherbourg. The gray drizzly weather was a perfect complement to a visit to this medieval mountaintop abbey. And the countryside was so beautiful. We also enjoyed our trip to Blarney Castle when we were in Cork, but wished the bus could have dropped us off in Cork after it. We ended up back at the port in Cobh where we had a delightful lunch on the waterfront instead. We went on our own in Plymouth, Dublin, and St. John's. These are great places to wander about and explore, and in each of these places we found that in one day we could see a lot of the main attractions. In Halifax we had arranged for a van for the six of us, and he took us to many hidden places along the route to Peggy's Cove, showing us some incredible seascapes. He dropped us off on the waterfront where we had Digby scallops, Nova Scotia lobster and the freshest fish and chips. After that we were able to walk the waterfront trail right back to the ship. We were very lucky on this voyage as the weather was beautiful. The crossing was fairly smooth and we were able to be out on deck for miniature gold, rock climbing, lunch at the Seaview or just sitting by the pool. The three sea days for the crossing passed so quickly we can't even account for our time!! Spa treatments helped pass the time, and we even went to the gym several times to get on a treadmill. A great facility.

Disembarking in Boston was smooth and uneventful if somewhat slow. Having the last day before arrival as a sea day is great. It gave us time to pack unhurried and prepare for the next part of our trip. All in all this was a wonderful cruise experience. The 12 days just flew by. Jewel of the Seas is a beautiful, well-maintained ship, with lots of bright open spaces. We never realized there were 2,000 passengers on board with us. Royal Caribbean should be proud of the ship and its able, friendly staff. We would definitely sail on this ship again if it had the right itinerary.