This review is based on my likes and dislikes, so keep in mind that you and others may have differing opinions, which is fine.

I thought overall that the Jewel of the Seas (JOS) and the cruise were excellent. But as I review the cruise I will mention things that could be improved or that I disliked. I will also try to let you know about some tips I might have about the cruise.

Pre-Cruise: We arrived in Miami two days before the cruise. I highly recommend arriving at least one day before the cruise. I had originally planned to arrive one day before the cruise and had made reservations at the Holiday Inn at the Port of Miami. Our plans changed and we were to come in two days in advance. However I could not get the Holidays Inn for the extra night. I thought it was because of the Pro Bowl in Miami that weekend but it turned out that the Miami Marathon was that weekend and all of the downtown hotels were booked-up. So the first night we spent at the Embassy Suites near the Miami Airport. This is a very good hotel with big 2-room suites and a free happy hour and free breakfast included in the hotel rate. There is a restaurant and bar in the hotel for dinner but nothing within walking distance of the hotel to go to. The second night we were at the Holiday Inn at the Port of Miami. I highly recommend this hotel. I was able to get a room overlooking the port and could see the cruise ships at dock and watched them leave in the evening. The next morning the JOS was at dock waiting for us. The Holiday Inn is across from the Bayside Marketplace which has many restaurants and shops. We had lunch and dinner at the marketplace and breakfast at the restaurant in the Holiday Inn. There is a CVS drug store about two blocks away for any last minute supplies. Read more