We are a group of 6 ranging in age from 19-61 and have cruised many times before. The Jewel is our favorite ship to date. We were a little concerned after reading some lukewarm reviews on this site, but our experience was top-notch. We have wanted to try this itinerary for a long time since we like to sail in Feb/March at a time when we have had enough of the winter weather.

In the past the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean have not been quite warm enough when we have gone and we have had our eyes on the Southern Route. Because of the unfortunate hurricanes last fall, the price for this cruise dropped enough to make it affordable since we had to fly all the way to San Juan.The weather in February had been mild at home but we were watching it closely and sure enough a few days before our sail date of March 4, we started to get concerned about a huge storm that was impacting the entire Eastern Seaboard, and, as we were to find out on our cruise, the ports we were to visit. Since the sailaway was at 8:30 we booked same day flights. This actually worked for us since we had direct flights from both Charlotte and JFK and the previous 2 days many flights had been cancelled and people were scrambling to rebook. We had early flights out and did not have any problems. We met up at baggage claim and got to the pier without any incident around 1:00 pm. We took a taxi for 6 people which cost $30 plus $1 per bag. This amount was written down on a piece of paper and given to the driver by the dispatcher. During the short drive the driver thanked us for coming to Puerto Rico and told us about the recovery efforts and pointed out damage. Electricity has been slow to return to all areas.They really appreciate and need the tourism dollars.

At the pier the porters told us that the rooms were ready and we carried our bags on and were able to go straight to our rooms- no line at all to check in. Bought wine at the duty free right inside the entrance as well. Read more