My family returned from the July 15 Scandinavian cruise on the Jewel of the Seas. It was our second cruise with Royal Caribbean, and I must say it was the best.

I would like to second the observations by VATraveler that almost all the little negative comments I had read prior to going on the cruise weren't true. By this I mean (1) there were towels by the pool (2) we had turn-down service on the first night, and although there was no Johnny Rockets, the food items at the Seaview Cafe were made fresh, they tasted very good and were free. (They charged for milkshakes and smoothies). The dining room menu remained the same for breakfast for the whole cruise. The same was true for lunch but there was always an additional selection each day that changed. We ate in the dining room for breakfast and lunch for three days each and were not disappointed. We found the food to be excellent.

Pre-cruise: We booked our own air and hotel, using frequent flyer miles. We flew for free on US Airways from Phoenix to Philadelphia in First Class and from Philly to Gatwick in Business/Envoy class. Aside from delays in Philadelphia, the flights were very nice. We carried on our entire luggage (three 22 inch carryon suitcases and three "personal items/backpacks." Immigration and Customs in the UK was a breeze. We took quick showers in the US Airways Envoy Arrivals lounge. We purchased tickets for the Gatwick Express in the arrivals Terminal and took the escalator down to the platform where the train was waiting. Placed on bags on the racks near the doors and sat down for a quiet, smooth ride into London. We arrived at Victoria Station 35 minutes later and took a cab (10 pounds) to the Hotel. Read more