We left Ft. Lauderdale on 28 April. At the port we checked in and as we had suites, we avoided the lines and were whisked right on. After unpacking, we went to the concierge lounge and made our dinner reservations for specialty restaurants. New rule on the Jewel – you can only use the BOGO on nights 1 and 2. This sucks because no one wants to eat big meals two nights in a row, especially at the start. It used to be as long as you booked and charged your card the first night you could book any night. Another benefit bites the dust.
After the boat drill we beat feet to the Concierge Lounge. What chaos!! Although it was added with the refurbishment, there were 141 DP, Pinnacles, and Suites. Many guests ignored the boat drill and stayed hidden in the lounge to save their precious seats.
We went to the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle and there were about 200 there. Prizes were really lame with a couple bottles of wine. On our last TA on the Brilliance, they gave out Chef’s table, Chops, Giovanni’s, and many neat items.
Too strong glue smell from new carpet. Carpet fibers got all over clothes and in ventilation system. Required daily Allegra and Flonase. New replacement chairs reeked of chemical dye small and we had to cover with sheets.
Easy to embark.
Good cheap food and drink