Back from the Jewel 1/9/05 - Some Comments

(I intended this to be short, but somehow it grew.)

I was on the 1/9/05 Jewel of the Seas 6 night cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, stopping at Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman (and one day at sea). I’m not going to write a day-by-day review, just some comments and observations.

I loved the beauty of the ship. Just gorgeous. Lots of glass and chrome. The Centrum is stunning. So different looking from daytime to night time.

I thought the food in the Tides Dining Room (where we ate every night) was fair. Not great, just fair . . . and I’m not a particularly fussy person when it comes to eating. Our wait persons (Laarni and Michael) were just great. Very accommodating and friendly. I was disappointed that (unlike Holland America) there are no more flaming desserts prepared in front of you anywhere on the ship. HAL stopped doing them in the dining room as has RC, but HAL still does them in a separate lounge following dinner for all who want them. Also, HAL still has the Parade of Baked Alaska. Jewel did not, or even offer it on its menu. I know it’s corny, but it is tradition. RC did have the wait/kitchen staff gather on the stairs two different nights and sing a song which was fun though.

I had originally requested late dining, table for 2. The late dining was confirmed when I got my cruise docs. However, when we went to the maitre’d at the entranceway to the Tides D.R. as soon as we boarded, I was told that we could NOT get a table for 2 at the LATE seating, but if we wanted to switch to early seating (6:00-6:45 sit down) we could. We agreed to switch to get that table for two, and it was a nice one on the main floor (deck 4) right next to one of the large porthole windows where we could watch the ocean go by. Glad we did that in the long run since I deal with a great many people during my normal business day and on vacation I would just as soon eat with just my traveling companion.

Re bringing sodas on board, we had absolutely no problem. I bought a rolling cooler from Wal-Mart for $20 before leaving for the cruise, put some sodas in it (as well as some snack size munchies) and rolled that sucker right on there. As someone here posted earlier, security belt that you put your carry-on’s through are NOT RC personnel run, but hired by the Port and they are not looking for soda, etc., only harmful items. I really don’t think RCCL cares one way or the other was the impression I got about sodas/water. The only time I saw a sign posted about bringing liquor back on board after being at one of the port stops was posted at the entranceway at the gangway.

We got to Port Everglades at 1:15 p.m., took us all of maybe 15 minutes tops to get on the ship. Plenty of people rolling regular carry on suitcases with them so ours didn’t stand out at all, if you’re worried about that, but it’s really no problem.

I was glad we did bring sodas since I like to have one in the cabin and it’s easier than ordering room service and, no, it’s not because I don’t want to spend the money. My traveling companion and I both bought the soda card, which were $41.40 per person total, including the gratuity that they tack on. Although you never “need” to add anything else when ordering a soda (which I didn’t do at the stand in the Windjammer buffet), I did throw in a dollar in cash when I ordered from a waiter in the theater or at the Seaview Café. I know it means a lot to them and a buck here or there isn’t going to kill me.

We had the “famed” 9256 cabin and yes, the aft corner balcony is wonderful! Had two loungers, two chairs, and small table. Now, I must tell you that upon the suggestion of another poster here on this board, before I left for this cruise I ordered over the Internet a thing called a ROLL-A-TABLE, and boy was I glad I did. It’s basically a camping table (about the size of a card table) that completely rolls up to a small carry-on and sets up in about 2 minutes. We set it up the first day on the ship, put it out on the balcony and ordered room service for breakfast every day and ate on it. Let it sit out there all week. It never got in the way. Was just terrific. Even without having the larger size balcony of this corner aft cabin, I can see that this table would fit on the regular size balcony too. Trust me, if you enjoy having meals out on your verandah, then order yourself one of these. The cost was around $40, but I think it was worth every penny as I will use it on all future cruises as well.

Speaking of room service, we ordered breakfast every day and it was there hot and on time every day. Plus, they give you a call on the phone about 5 minutes before they are delivering so you have time to pull yourself together in case you are still sleeping. That was a nice touch.

The cabin attendant Virginia was very nice, made the towel animals, and overall did a very good job. When we boarded she asked if we had any special requests (which we did, being I wanted to get two robes). Also, told her I had brought some of my own sodas and could she keep us in ice. Gave her $20 up front when I made these requests. The first night – no robes, no extra ice. The next day there the robes were when we came back to the cabin at one point, along with extra ice. Some days she would remember the EXTRA ice, some days not, but that was okay. She always filled the regular ice bucket each time she was in the room. I put some of my sodas in the refrigerator and just pushed “theirs” back. No problem. Had read they can empty it, but didn’t bother with that.

A comment about some of the ship’s furniture. The beige metal chairs used in the outside portion of the Windjammer at the very back of the ship are designed wrong, as are the loungers in the Solarium (which is beautiful by the way). The chairs in the back of Winderjammer hit your back too high and the arms are just slightly too high as well. The loungers in the Solarium are hard (not as comfortable as they look) and somehow don’t hit you right when you’re lying on them. I’m 6’3” and my friend is 5’10” and both of us thought this about the furniture.

Also, one of the two styles of loungers around the ship are not quite right. We had one of each on our balcony. The most predominant one around the ship’s pools and decks have this high curved arch for each arm rest, which are basically useless since they are really too high to rest your arms on. Strange. I can’t imagine what the designer of this furniture was thinking when they were designed.

I went to most of the shows. Again, fair. I thought one of the best shows I ever saw at sea was back in 2000 on the Sea Princess. The singers and dancers here give it their all, but there really were no “knock-out” voices or “outstanding” personalities. I kept thinking so this is where Miss Runner-Runner up goes from Miss America pageant. You gotta give it to them, they work really hard and do their best. Saw them one night when they were off stage up in the gym doing a dance rehearsal at 11:00 p.m.! The costumes – the usual glitzy stuff.

Oh! I did end up booking on Tuesday on the ship for Thursday for the Grand Cayman Swim for $45. I debated doing it spontaneously at the pier, but wasn’t up to running from place to place or not knowing who I’d be going with. It turned out just great. The guys on the Tortuga boat (sponsored by RCCL) were wonderful and made sure everyone got a chance to hold and kiss a stingray, if they wanted. I’d say there were about 50 on our double-decker boat. Yes, it had a bathroom if you needed it. At the sandbar, there must have been at least 15 boats gathered in a loose circle, but everyone had plenty of room and was lots of fun splashing around and feeding the rays. Yes, they provided squid to give them as well. Tipped one of the boat guys $5 for the two of us upon getting off.

Well, I could prattle on but just wanted to put some thoughts to paper. If anyone has any question, please ask and I’ll see if I can answer.

Oh, with regard to dress for dinner. There was one formal, one smart casual and the rest casual. Formal I wore my black suit. I think I saw about 2 men in tuxes at the early seating. That was about it. Smart casual in the daily Compass guide was Wednesday so I wore nice khakis, white shirt and tie, no jacket. Well, boy was I over dressed. Almost all men were in casual. Now, here is what’s strange. On Thursday, which was listed as Casual in the Compass (and what we wore), many men AND women were dressed Formal. I didn’t get it. I know on 7 night cruises usually the Thursday night is one of the two Formal nights, but here it specifically listed one of each, so I didn’t get what was happening. I just assumed they didn’t check their Compass for the day. No problem, just strange. Better over dressed than under, I guess. I did actually see one old man in his 70s dressed in shorts on night at dinner and another night a Brazilian woman had on skin tight jeans. Whatever, just too bad people can’t at least TRY to comply with the suggested dress code.

All in all, it was a great week. Cabin 9256 verandah is great. Sold on aft cabins now, especially corner ones. Left the door propped open almost all week and the noise from the wake was like sleeping to a white noise machine. Wonderful!

Well, any questions or comments, fire away.

Bob

Sounds like a wonderful vacation. We too will be having an aft cabin. Would you please refresh our memories as to what site you bought the fold-up table? It sounds perfect!:)

Did you happen to notice if Portifinos or Chops were open for Lunch?

Thanks

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M&M

How rough were the seas and how did the Jewel handle them?

Nice review. We'll be on the Jewel next year. Too bad about the dinner reservations. A two-top at the late seating is exactly what we request also! :(

We will be on this cruise 2/22 also 6 night. So far everyone has said there were two formal nights, Monday and Thursday so I found your comments interesting> I wonder if the original plan was for 2 formal nights but they (RCCL)have found most don't dress so changed it in compass? Who knows but you also confirmed my suspicion that it is not worth my husband and son bringing their tuxedos. Thank-you for your comments. What did you do in Costa MAya by the way?

Great report and very helpful too. We are sailing in one month. I was just discussing the rays w/hubby. Sounds awesome. I guess I am only packing one formal outfit! ;)

Thank you - your review was great! I'll be on the 6 night Jewel sailing on March 20th and counting the days ........ I'm also going aft and will be in JS#1100 so also enjoyed your aft comments!

My question - did you have a lobster night?

gret review. reading your review reminded me of what a wonderful time i had on jewel in september! she is an absolutely stunning ship!

I know Chops was open for lunch when we were on Jewel 11/6/04 sailing. Not sure about Portofino...

tell me more about acquiring an upgrade ;

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a review. We leave in 23 days for 8 nights on the Jewel. I am so looking forward to it, and it is always nice to read positive comments along with some things you honestly thing could be better.

I am sailing this Sunday on the 6 night Western on the the Jewel. I was confused as to the amount of formal nights and called RCCL. They informed me that there were 2 formal nights. Monday and Thursday, now I'm really confused.

Nice Review. Thank you for taking the time.

Can you tell me who the Captain and CD where for your cruise.

to the op:

we were on the Jewel 11/14/04 for her first 6 night western car. - we also were surprise about the Baked Alaska and flaming dessert thing - we were told it is now considered a fire hazard and they are not allowed to do this anymore according to the Coast Guard standards. Never really thought about that but it does make sense. The maitre' d was making cherry jubilee in a corner off to the side in the dr - if you wanted some the waiter would bring it to you. Just wanted to let you know why! Glad you had a great cruise we also loved the Jewel.

Sorry, guys, haven't responded sooner. Will check the Compasses I saved from each day and get back to you with the answers. Yes, there was a lobster and steak night, but I didn't have it. I check the answers to all of these questions and get back to you tonight once I get home. Bon voyage!

Lauderdalebob,

how were the waters? What cabin were you in? I heard waters have been rough recently. We sail in a month!

Great review - thanks for taking the time. We have the same aft cabin next Jan. on the Jewel and my Sister and BIL have the aft cabin below us on deck 8. The roll-a-way table sounds great, please provide more info on where you bought it. Also, how heavy is it?

Three more days til we sail on the BOS.

lauderdaleBob,

what did you do in Grand Cayman? Did you go to see the stingrays? If so, who did you go with?

I am sailing this Sunday on the 6 night Western on the the Jewel. I was confused as to the amount of formal nights and called RCCL. They informed me that there were 2 formal nights. Monday and Thursday, now I'm really confused.

We are on this sailing too. We have a "roll call" going on the Meet and Mingle board, pop over and say "Hi" if you want to.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=55732

We are also planning on getting together on the pool deck at 3:30 the day we sail. We would love to have another CCer join us.

Can't wait until we sail.....

Bobbie

Bob, where are you :) Anxious to hear about your trip on the Jewel.

Did I miss your responses?

JOS 2-26-05

I strongly concur with Lauderdalebob's view of the food in the Dining Room - it was good, but not great. My review may answer some of the questions you have. The seas were very calm throughout the entire week.

We had an excellent time!

The Jewel of the Seas is a very nice ship. Well laid out, and nice and clean. We didn’t get to see all aspects of her, but we enjoyed the Schooner Bar, the Centrum, and I went to the Fitness Centre 4 days out of 6. Our cabin was number 9078 a D1 Category, right at the beginning of the hump, and we had the largest balcony available in that category. It had 2 lounge chairs, 2 regular chairs and a little cocktail table. It was on deck 9.

We ate breakfast in the Windjammer 2 or 3 times, and I brought breakfast down to our cabin a couple of times, where we enjoyed a bite on the balcony.

We had lunch twice in the Seaview Café, once at the Windjammer, and enjoyed the BBQ on the pool deck on the at sea day. We ate lunch in port in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman.

In the dining room, at dinner, we were seated at a table for 8. We enjoyed out tablemates, and our waiters, Dave from the Philippines, and Wilder, from Peru.

We didn’t see many shows, just the first night, a Revue type show – (and I fell asleep!), and the last night, where they showed the Video of the weeks’ events, and there was a comedian, which we both enjoyed. We went to see the Karaoke and Quest in the lounge next to the Schooner Bar (can’t remember the name, though)

Our ports of call were: Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman. The last day was at sea.

In Key West, hubby went deep sea fishing, and I rented a bike and went riding around on my own. Very interesting! Loved it!

In Cozumel we went to Paradise Beach. It's a free beach, in that there is no entrance fee and beach chairs with little palapas for shade are no charge, and for $5.00pp you could rent floating chairs, snorkel equipment, etc. The food and beer were excellent! $2.00 Dos Equis. It was $15.00 cab ride there, and $12.00 back.

We really enjoyed Costa Maya. We went to the little booth, just outside of the shopping centre, and got tickets for a tour of the ruins, and hired a tour guide once we got there. Once back to Costa Maya, we went to the town. Mayajual (sp?) is a very poor little town, but I think it'll flourish with the increased tourist traffic. Still "unspoiled".

Grand Cayman is severely devastated by the recent hurricanes. There were many palm trees that were blown over - and still evidence of a lot of damage to roofs and buildings... the beach was nice though. We went to the Turtle Farm, 7 mile beach and to Hell. We booked this tour on our own too. Simply walked off the ship and saw the people there with their sign advertising tours to these places. I think the tour was $30.00 pp, with an additional $4.00 pp to get into the Turtle Farm. The Rum Cake factory is right next door. We were dropped off at Sea Grapes on the beach, and we took a long, leisurely stroll along the beach, back to the ship.

The last day at sea, we caught a couple of movies in our cabin, slept/read on our balcony for a bit, caught the belly-flop contest and packed.

The only word of caution: Our Cruise Documents stated there would be two formal nights, and we packed appropriately, but there was only one formal night. Dress was very casual on-board, but I didn’t see anyone dressed inappropriately – as long as you are OK with jeans in the dining room on casual nights!

thanks, glad to see you had no trouble getting into grand cayman.

Any one know who the Concierge is on the Jewel? :)

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M&M

What ever happened to LauderdaleBob?