Jewel of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We are now one cruise shy of Diamond Plus status so this review of Jewel of the Seas takes our prior cruises that were all with Royal into consideration.
Embarkation remains very easy. We arrived by taxi at 12:30 after 3 days at the Condado Plaza hotel. We were on the ship in 5 minutes. First stop, reserve a window seat at Portofino's for Wednesday, the second formal night. (First formal night on Royal cruises is almost always Sunday) We had half of our luggage by 2 and the rest by 3.
Lunch in the Windjammer with a seat on the stern was as expected. Not much changes in the Windjammer. Food was hot, the area was immaculate. Food choices could be expanded with the elimination of a pasta dish or two and expansion of salad choices. Breakfast in the Windjammer is excellent and the egg station lets you enjoy your eggs exactly as you prefer.
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
9224 was immaculate, our cabin steward Reta was perfect. The location is good and I prefer port side as the ship docks port side to at all ports and I enjoy watching the activitiy.
Port Reviews
San Juan
We always come a few days early and stay at the Condado Plaza, a Hilton hotel. Ropa Viella almost next door is an amazing restaurant. While pricey, this is a nice hotel. Request an ocean view room. Don't get one on the second floor.
St. Croix
The port has virtually nothing to offer cruise passengers. Next time I will either avoid this stop, or stay on the ship, or book an excursion of some sort.
St. Maarten
Orient Beach is one of my favorite beaches anywhere! Skip the offered "tour" and just get a cab. Most will bring you to Kon Tiki and it has all you need......beach chair and umbrella, bar service in you beach chair. Did have a sewer smell occasionally.
Martinique
Shopped here and didn't do much else. The cab drivers and other "greeters" at the entrance to the town are a riot We bought a beautiful table cloth in the linen shop.