Jewel of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We travelled on a back to back cruise on the Jewel of the Seas in September 2016. The cruises had excellent itineraries of the Western and Eastern Mediterranean both of which were different with amazing ports of call. The ship was well maintained and beautifully appointed. Many spaces had been newly renovated. All the staff was exceptional both friendly and efficient. Nothing was too much for them to do. Guest Services provided excellent service as did the Concierge. The food in the dining room was very good but the food in the buffet was excellent. The entertainment was also very good. We also enjoyed the cruise director who spoke many languages, was able to help out with port advice and even gave Italian lessons. We thoroughly enjoyed both of our cruises!
As people have said there are not enough pool chairs for sea days so get there early! Also the shore excursion desk should be able to provide more local information other than just sell ship's tours.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
The cabin was very good. It was well appointed and the room steward was excellent.
Port Reviews
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We used NCC Plus to go from Rome to the port and port to the airport.
Excellent service
Taormina (Messina)
We walked the old town, went to see the noon Bell Tower mechanical clock perform, walked up to the Madonna de Montalto church for the views and to the war memorial of Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re for amazing views of Messina and Mount Vesuvius. but this closes for lunch at 13:00.
Santorini
Took the tender into port from the ship and the funicular up to Fira. Then we walked both left and right of the tram for different views of the area and shopping.
Athens (Piraeus)
We took the local X80m bus just outside the port to Syntagma Square. This is a very convenient bus with only 3 stops - port - Acropolis-Syntagma Square. It runs from 7:00am-9:30pm every 30 min from May- October. This performance was very good as it was Sunday and there were bands and a large contingent of marching soldiers.
Naples
We decided to stay in Naples this time so toured the Palazzo Reale Singoli which was very good and included free head sets with the reasonable entrance price. Then headed along the promenade to Castle dell' Ovo, an old fort, which was free with amazing views of Naples.