Ready for our Jewel cruise - semi live report

Today is the day! Family of four, mid forties parents with 14 year old daughter and 12 year old son.

We flew down from JFK last night - no issues. $19 can ride from airport to embassy suites.

Check in was smooth - they even gave us the room I intended to book (double queen with sofa) but somehow screwed up for the same price.

Up at 630 - my wife and I are fanatical about our workouts but probably won't bother with one this am - but I will be the one on the deck at 530/6 every morning. If you are in the ship and see a shirtless bald guy running and doing burpees, feel free to join the fun.

Plans for today - fix the packing from plane mode to get as little in carry ins as possible - hit the store for wine for the rooms (4th floor connecting view rooms) and make our way to the ship @1230.

Please feel fee to ask questions and I will try to answer.

Left hotel at 12 pm - by 100 pm, was on the boat with my first plate of food at the WJ back deck, having already - made spin reservations, reserved sushi class, made dinner reservations for week and got kids cards clipped for their neck things.

Wife and I split up through security each with two bottles wine - felt like they didn't check anything and I clearly could have smuggled rum runners in cargo pants if wanted to.

After WJ, dropped off stuff in room - need to have connecting door opened and neither tv seems to be working. Haven't seen any room service menu (not sure if it's on tv since not working) but new menu was supposed to start today. Will keep you posted.

Also was supposed to have $95 OBC from RCL and $100 from Costco for each room - Costco only seems to be $50 as per card so need to investigate that.

Set MTD for 730 every night except for tonight because of muster, so 815 tonight.

FYI - fitness options - spin, yoga, Pilates and boot camp - we signed up for two spin classes - bikes look eh - don't appear to accommodate clips - but wanted a break from running everyday.

Will keep you posted.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Looking forward to reading more, we are on the Jewel in June. Thank you for taking the time to post.

FYI - roll out of room service menu delayed - still old menu still free

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Just pulled into St Thomas - recap of last night...

Hung out at pool - bags at room by 5 pm, except for my wife's, which isn't good since "panic" is her first reaction. It showed up half an hour later. As we waited for 8 pm muster, I may or may not have wandered by WJ for a pre-dinner snack. Muster drill seemed long.

Headed for 815 reservations at MDR - only place we will eat, don't do specialty) - took a little bit post muster to open. Dinner was fine, servers were great, nice couple next to us. Kids left to see about WJ for dessert but closed at 9 so came back.

They had dessert and left - we didn't see them again until we returned to room after midnight.

We walked through casino, hung around for raffle and then, it happened - my slightly intoxicated wife smelled popcorn - and the search was on..

We found it at the Pit Stop, bar adjacent to casino.

The rest of the night was a blur - met some cool people, had some drinks and shots, and took our crew to the Vortex night club which could have used our youthful energy - the floor around the bar spins so no it's not just you.

Back around 1230, kids were in bed - end day 1.

Up and on the track at 7 am as pulling into St Thomas, quick 5k - by the way, I think that "on your left" must mean "stop suddenly, do a half turn and thrust your steaming hot cup of coffee directly into my path" in some language...

Heading for a beach today - looks cloudy now but fingers crossed!

Mixplix

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

FYI - roll out of room service menu delayed - still old menu still free

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Did they say when it was going to be released???

Left hotel at 12 pm - by 100 pm, was on the boat with my first plate of food at the WJ back deck, having already - made spin reservations, reserved sushi class, made dinner reservations for week and got kids cards clipped for their neck things.

You sound experienced and efficient. We are looking forward to returning to Jewel next year and will enjoy your posts. Have a good cruise.

Up and on the track at 7 am as pulling into St Thomas, quick 5k - by the way, I think that "on your left" must mean "stop suddenly, do a half turn and thrust your steaming hot cup of coffee directly into my path" in some language...

 

As a semi retired marathoner, I fully understand that statement and had to chuckle a little bit. Sometimes I look at Carnival ships and their dedicated tracks and envy them. Not enough to switch lines though. ;)

Did they say when it was going to be released???

The staff seems to have no idea

Day 2 continued

Had breakfast in WJ

skies were gray, weather was not looking great. Was planning on going to sapphire beach but opted for Meagan

Thoughts on Meagan - 25 minute ride costs 10 per pp each way - that's 80 in taxi costs for the four of us round trip. 5 entry fee per person - 12 year old was free.

Bathrooms were fine - one bar prices weren't crazy - one restaurant- prices ok - grilled cheese, fries two slices pizza and two waters 22 -

But, no other options - if you like to have multiple options for bars and restaurants don't come here.

As for view, very pretty once son came out. Lifeguards but not sure how much attention they were paying. Best part - was swimming out by buoys and saw a bunch of see turtles - just floated above them for a while and followed them around, very cool.

Chairs were 8 each, no umbrella rentals but there were picnic tables under trees first come first served. I wouldn't come here again but it was fine for a day.

Back on ship, solarium cafe finally open - tried roast beef sandwich and a couple others, pretty good. Son said pizza a little better than WJ.

Took a nap in shade on pull deck - band playing, really loud but managed to doze off while reading.

Tonight is formal night so I wil be wearing my formal jeans (yeah I brought one pair of long pants for the week and they are nice jeans). But I do have a colored shirt sleeve shirt...

Should play some craps tonight, will report back

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Played craps - odds SUCK - only single x odds unless 25 on pass line - you need to have 50 on line to get 3-4-5 - no thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Missed posting yesterday because was having issues with internet.

Day 3 - st kitts - treadmill instead of track -

Was going to go to frigates bay - cab driver convinced us to go to carambola instead - nice choice - very pretty - 10 per chair and 10 per umbrella - my daughter liked guy with monkey

Water was clear some fun waves - walked to other shacks but not much cheaper than at carambola. They had free wifi but it was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people - by 1230 no more umbrellas available. Bathroom facilities nice.

Cab was 4 pp each way - much cheaper than st Thomas.

St kitts was a beautiful clean Island.

Back to ship - played shuffleboard with kids. Had pre dinner snack at WJ before dinner in MDR. Our waiter is Mehmet and Christopher - love them.

Also big shout out to Winston at Pit Stop bar - right outside casino - follow your nose for fresh made pop corn

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Day 4 - Antigua thinking about beach limerz - will report back just had breakfast at WJ

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

If you have the opportunity - can you find out who the Casino host is and if that person will be continuing with the crossing and the May 6 cruise out of Rome. Thank you.

If you have the opportunity - can you find out who the Casino host is and if that person will be continuing with the crossing and the May 6 cruise out of Rome. Thank you.

Sure

We will be back on the Jewel in October in the Med. Enjoying your report on our favorite ship! The popcorn sounds interesting...my favorite snack!:cool:

 

 

Up and on the track at 7 am as pulling into St Thomas, quick 5k - by the way, I think that "on your left" must mean "stop suddenly, do a half turn and thrust your steaming hot cup of coffee directly into my path" in some language...

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I had the same problem on the Anthem!!

Antigua - beach limerz - do it. Ten minutes from cruise ship, 12 for the for of us in cab.

Nice little beach, umbrellas, chairs, bathroom, restaurant, kayaks, paddle boards, etc - there was no one else on the beach with us all day - like our own private resort.

Total for four chairs, two umbrellas, three drinks, three lunches and use of kayak and SUP for as long as we wanted ....$110.

Mel was working at the bar, absolute sweetheart. Highly recommend.

Tomorrow is St Lucia - doing private tour with real st Lucia tours - a reprise from our cruise two years ago which my son and wife missed because he broke his arm on the ship the night before

Will report back

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Oh, did spin class this am - bikes were ancient - could barely understand instructor - but for 12 plus tip was welcome break from running

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Another question - who is the current Cruise Director and can you find out if that person is going to be the Cruise Director on May 6 Jewel (just a few weeks from now.) If that person is not going to be the CD will you ask who will be. Thanks...

Beensailing - current host is jhonalyn from Philippines and rumor is she's there through June

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Beensailing - current host is jhonalyn from Philippines and rumor is she's there through June

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Thank you for taking the time to find this out. When you say rumor...did you ask her directly and was she being coy with answer?

Wasn't her - asked a pit boss

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

thx...

As a semi retired marathoner, I fully understand that statement and had to chuckle a little bit. Sometimes I look at Carnival ships and their dedicated tracks and envy them. Not enough to switch lines though. ;)

My experience on the tracks on Oasis and Harmony is that it seems to mean I want THEM to MOVE left. Many many close calls. Grrr.