Jewel Repositioning May 11-18 Review - the No Prep cruise

[windjamming]

DAY 7 - ST. MAARTEN

 

Sniff, sniff. Last day. Where did the time go? The first day on a cruise always seems to take a long time, with each day progressively getting faster. By Day 7, I can hardly remember Day 6 and am always convinced they've given me the wrong Cruise Compass.

 

This is a nice time for an aside about stateroom attendants. I am not picky. Give me some clean towels, take out the trash, make the bed, and I'm good to go. Kumar, not only did all of that but was thoughtful. You know why I think that?

 

He gave me my own Cruise Compass.

 

Sometimes, cabin stewards only give one Cruise Compass per stateroom. I don't see the logic in that. It's not like there's a shortage. There are always extras near GS. I like having my own to look at when I get back from dinner.

 

OK, onto the port.

 

Coming to St. Maarten was important. You see, to me, St. Maarten is one of the "core 4" ports. It was on the itinerary of my first cruise, which also went to San Juan, St. Thomas, and Nassau. To this day, I still think a proper E. Caribbean cruise has those 4 stops.

 

One year, we did a spring cruise on the Voyager, which went to San Juan, St. Thomas, and Nassau, but instead of St. Maarten, it went to Labadee. I had never been to Labadee up to that point, so I was thrilled but at the same time was bummed to miss St. Maarten.

 

I got over it but never really forgot "the time we missed St. Maarten."

 

Today's visit filled that gap, and it was all good again. Balance has been restored in the cruise itinerary universe now.

 

We didn't do an excursion and wanted to play it by ear in St. Maarten. It was also the last day of the cruise so we didn't want to be tied down to an excursion if there was something we needed to get done. All right, all right, what really happened was we didn't plan.

 

Excursion: N/A

Port: Excellent

Content: Excellent

Presentation: N/A

 

We had breakfast in the Windjammer and then hung out on the balcony watching people leave so we could know when the crowds had thinned. I noticed 2 guys carrying boxes of gouda cheese back to the ship. It was only around 8:30 so very early to be returning. I thought it was odd but, hey, you see odd things occasionally.

 

We left the ship at around 9 with the goal of picking up some souvenirs for friends and ourselves, of course. :) Up until now, there wasn't much opportunity to shop for interesting little keepsakes. Key West was pretty much it.

 

Our goal was to start in the port area and, if we needed to, go into town. We had taken the Water Taxi the last time we were in St. Maarten, and it was very easy. The shops in port were just opening, and my Dad eyed a nice bamboo shirt, and I spotted a cute top made by the brand "fresh produce". We also saw a few possible gifts for friends at home but decided to walk around a bit before buying anything. We found ourselves in a store in the little plaza in the port called "Admirals Cafe". It is like a bodega, selling food and toiletries, and what's neat is they carry some Dutch cookies and European chocolates.

 

They also have a fridge full of wheels of Gouda - I think something like $35 for a large/ $30 for small (or something like that). The plot thickens. Remember those 2 guys walking back to the ship at 8:30 with boxes of Gouda? Well, there were tons of people buying Gouda here!

 

I found it a bit odd, because I didn't think you could bring dairy products back on the ship, and even if you could bring it back on the ship, I didn't think you could bring it into the US, where we were ending the cruise the very next day. People couldn't possibly be eating that much cheese in one day, could they?

 

Since we were in there to shop, I put that thought aside, and we found all sorts of interesting fun cookies and candies to bring for the folks back home and left with a nice large bag. By then, it was past 11, and time to go back to ship for lunch, because you know what happens on the last day of a Jewel of the Seas cruise?

 

IT'S RIBS FOR LUNCH AT THE WINDJAMMER!!!

 

Some of you may have seen my posts raving about the ribs on the Jewel on the last day. I know they have ribs elsewhere in the fleet, but these ribs are amazing. Tender, moist, flavorful, full of meat. And it's all you can eat for real (no waiting) because they serve it in this humongous pan which gets replenished anytime it goes under, say, 85% full.

 

When I said at the beginning of the review that there were 2 reasons we wanted to sail on the this cruise (itinerary and the ship), and then added a third (Seaview), I should now add a fourth, and that is the ribs.

 

And yes, you're thinking, "But Windjamming, you just had ribs on Labadee. What's the big deal?"

 

Well, these are special. Trust me. They're made with magic.

 

We go back to the ship at around 11:15, but, disaster! Kumar was cleaning the room. Where do we wash up? We decide to head up to the little drinks area outside the Windjammer and hang out. At approximately 11:25, we see a woman walk out of the Windjammer with a piping hot plate full of ribs. She was in the know!

 

We go back downstairs and Kumar has finished just in time. We wash up and head back up and go straight to the ribs. It is just past 11:30 so the Windjammer is still empty. In a couple of hours it would be packed.

 

I have a funny story. My dad ended up with ribs that didn't have bones somehow. When he finished, it looked like he ate the bones, just like the KFC commercial! So of course, we had to spend 5 minutes doing our version of the commercial. "Dad, you ate the bones!" "What? I ate the bones?!" Mom ignored us.

 

Ribsated, we went back to the room, where Dad decided to nap while Mom and I would head out again. We would go pick up the bamboo shirt Dad liked for a surprise, and I wanted to get that fresh produce top. We got both and then found ourselves back in the bodega, where we hear our name called out. Again, it's Percy, our stateroom attendant from our last cruise, who also spotted us in Key West. What are the chances!

 

We see more people buying wheels of cheese. Too curious not to ask, I finally get the scoop from a couple who are holding 2 wheels of cheese. Apparently it is ok to bring back a wheel of sealed cheese, and it doesn't need refrigeration. She was planning to split it with friends and family back home. I had no idea you could do that!

 

In all, we find out from the bodega staff, they have sold 600 wheels of cheese that day!!

 

We bought a few more cookies, and as we start walking towards the ship, the little tram taking people back to the ship is right there. We hop on. Instead of heading back to the ship, though, the tram heads towards the entrance of the pier.

 

No one says anything, so I turn around to the guy and girl behind us and ask, "Isn't this supposed to go back to the ship?"

 

He says, "What? You don't know we're heading back to town?" and then breaks out into a big smile to let me know he was joking. He then ask/comments to me "Youth Club?"

 

"Excuse me?"

 

"Don't you work in the Youth Club?" (pause) "Where on the ship are you?"

 

"Uhh…Deck 9?"

 

"Oh, well, you have a twin in the Youth Club"

 

"Sweet, I need to find her so I can stay on the ship!"

 

We get back on the ship for the last time on the cruise. By then it is time to pack, always a sad time.

 

Next…Day 7 dinner and wrap up.

[out2sea]

Love SXM. Been to Maho and Orient before. Thought about the Americas Cup Sailing but somehow got the feeling not enough people would be signed up and we never saw the boats go out that day ! Our luck. Anyway great shopping port. Scored jewelry I didn't need :) made it back to the bar area where I fell and broke my ankle last crew and got to personally thank everyone. That was my goal and I managed to walk that far. Ankle wasn't impressed! Lol. Cannot pass up my fav Amstel Bright stops 6 for $9 yay!!!!! Love it.

Didn't know about the ribs but we did stumble on them for our late lunch about 2:30 or so Very sad day then had to pack. Boooo

The weight game begins keeping each suitcase about the same and under 45 pounds. Then do a quick trip around the ship for last min pix. Loved a few prints but I'm not into the art auctions.

Are we even moving? Did you say 1 knot, Captain? We really have no where to go again tonight.

Only a few hours left ... Sad face!

[windjamming]

DAY 7 - ST. MAARTEN (continued)

 

Sorry for the delay - work got busy and then there was the long weekend.

 

Where were we? Let's see…we were in St. Maarten and learned that, yes, you can bring a sealed wheel of cheese (or is it a wheel of sealed cheese) into the US, and that it is popular to buy a wheel of Gouda at the Admiral's Cafe in port.

 

I did not buy cheese so had to resign to entertaining myself with the farewell show that night. During the cruise it became increasingly apparent that no one went to the pre-dinner show, and the Cruise Compass even started encouraging people to try to attend the early show. It was a little sad to see the theater mostly empty, which the comedian duly pointed out, numerous times.

 

The theme for tonight's dinner was POMODORO.

 

Appetizer: Pan Seared Sea Scallops and Chorizo

Excellent

One of the best appetizers I've had on a ship. It was 2 scallops and what looked like crumbled, fried chorizo sprinkled atop, similar to how you'd expect crumbled bacon to look. Beautifully seared, juicy, savory. It is by no means a large appetizer but did the job for me.

 

Entree: Lamb Shank

Fair

One of the recommended dishes was the lamb. I liked the lamb chops earlier in the cruise so took a chance to go 2 for 2. Sadly, it was dry, much like the duck was on the first formal night. Perhaps the oven had some issues?

 

Entree (Shared): Fish, Seafood, and Mash

Fair

I believe this is the replacement for the tempura mahi mahi on the old menu, which was offered on the last night. It included fried fish and shrimp, some mashed potatoes, and those peas and carrots again. It was okay but more like something I'd get at the shore than in a dining room.

 

Dessert: Chocolate Sensation

Excellent

OH MY GOSH. This is one of the "everyday" dessert selections. If I'd know it was so good, I would have gotten it every single night. It's a chocolately fudgey type thing with a thin layer of marzipan which elevates it from just good to OMG. I am by no means a chocoholic, but I loved this. Probably one of the best desserts on a ship, ever.

 

Dessert (Shared): Frozen Strawberry Souffle

Very Good

I split this with my mom, to whom I gave half of my Chocolate Sensation. It's a terrific choice. Good strawberry flavor, with real strawberries. Very frozen, though. Nice palate cleanser after a heavy meal. It would be appropriate after both the lamb and the fried platter.

 

The was the second night the waiters sang, and it was a new song. I realize I am sharing an unpopular opinion, but I am not a big fan of the parade and singing. The waiters work hard enough without having to stop and sing a song in front of the entire dining room. Who knows, maybe they like the break? I just feel bad for those who don't necessarily want to do it.

 

We said our goodbyes and thanks to Edwin and Ivan, who were simply spectacular. We promised that they were "excellent" and also tipped them extra. Note - they only give one "Wow" envelope, and GS won't even give extras. We ended up using blank envelopes and wrote our own exclamations of "Wow" on them because we couldn't give one to either Edwin or Ivan and not the other. They truly were a team and worked so well together.

 

After dinner we hit the slots, where I came out about even. And then…it was time to hit the sack. :(

 

DAY 8 - SAN JUAN

 

Our flight was not until the afternoon, so we ended up with a late departure number - I think 20, which wasn't scheduled until 9:15. We spotted self-departure folks off the ship by 7:15, and it appears the first wave of "numbers" were called at around 7:30. We took our time getting ready in the morning, and when we got to the Windjammer at around 8:00, the food was running out! I've never seen anything like it. Empty pastry trays, no more boiled eggs.

 

We went back to the room, picked up our carry-ons, but it was still only 8:45. We tried to get an elevator anywhere - either up to the Vortex, where the D+ lounge was, or else down, where the waiting area was for our number. After 20 minutes of full elevators, we finally got one that could fit us - going up, and we headed into the Vortex. We barely were there a few minutes before one of the Loyalty Ambassador's assistants called for us to go and escorted us down to the gangway, where there was a special line for us to "bong" out of the ship.

 

Note that there is no luggage valet offered. If you flew with American, you used to also be able to check in right at the pier. This is no longer available, although the empty check in counters are still there.

 

Once in the terminal, it was easy to find our bags, and we get into the long line to clear customs. It moves relatively smoothly, if not quickly, and in about 30 minutes we find ourselves on the outside of the Pan Am Pier. It is a bit chaotic, but tons of people helping, and at least 2 people ask us if we need directions finding whatever we need to find.

 

This is where, again, I just loved Puerto Rico. Every person working at the pier - at least that I saw - was friendly. Our transfer driver smiled to each of us when we got on. He was great, though perhaps not the most knowledgeable about the airport:

 

"OK, 1st stop: everyone on Delta…and…umm"

 

(pause)

 

"OK, 2nd stop: American Airlines. 1st stop, everyone else."

 

At the airport, we picked up our luggage and went into the terminal, where someone directed us for USDA inspection, which was right near the doors. It's hard to miss. They scan your luggage and stick a tag on it.

 

We then proceeded to check in and then went to go through security. Now, the last time we flew out of SJU, I admit we had a horrible experience. The airport was crowded, the security lines were long, and people - including crew - kept cutting in, mostly because there wasn't any order or queueing ropes.

 

This time, it was wonderful. The lines were a bit long, but very orderly and moved quickly.

 

My only issue with the airport? It is COLD inside! Hot outside, warmish near security, ice COLD near the boarding areas. No biggie if you have something warm to wear, so, pack a sweater in your carry on!

 

We grab a sandwich at Subway ($7 footlongs) and a coffee at Starbucks ($2.90 for tall coffee), and before long it is time to board, concluding our wonderful trip.

 

In conclusion, we wanted this cruise to be plan-free, and for the most part, it ended up that way and worked out well. I am not sure I would do the same for something like the Mediterranean or Asia, but for the Caribbean, the go with the flow attitude made sense. I slept about 8 hours every night, didn't feel like I needed to do everything (mostly because I wasn't aware of it happening since I didn't plan!) and we only spent as much time in port as we wanted to, for the most part.

 

For those of you sailing Jewel soon, you are in for a treat. I truly believe she is the Jewel of the fleet. The crew - on average - is head and shoulders above the other ships, and I always get the feeling that they truly care about us passengers having a good time. Go to the Seaview, try the ribs, and just enjoy the ship!

[Beth C]

We say we'd like a Next Cruise and ask if she had any additional information about the Quantum. She asked what level we were with C&A and then told us bookings would be open for us on May 29. That should have been my first sign that she may not have had the latest info.

 

While we filled out the NC form that she handed us, I then tried a few more questions:

 

Me: Any idea what itinerary she'll offer?

LA Asst: No, no one knows

Me: So what will happen to the Explorer?

LA Asst: Not sure, no one knows

Me: Thoughts on what rooms are best?

LA Asst: No one knows

 

I got pretty much the same responses last Thursday from the LA on Rhapsody... I checked my email shortly after for my NCC's which were there along with an email from another CC'er with all the info on Q from a Royal Caribbean pdf- dates and itineraries... had to go back and let her know that she should probably check in with Miami as she might not be on the Quantum email distribution list ;)

 

We had 8:30 dining on that cruise and pre-gamed the WJ every night... some nights was just a 'drive-by'... some nights was just a snack... some nights was a whole pre-dinner dinner :D hey it was 2 more hours until the MDR! lol

[windjamming]

As promised, posting a few photos from the cruise. I took very few photos of the ship since I'd just been on her in December. If you are interested in the ship, though, DarthGrady did a really super job with ship shots in his review, so check out his thread! (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1848042)

 

My photos will be of the "off the beaten track" variety.

 

Here is a pic showing what happens when 2 ships dock at Labadee. Freedom arrived a little after we did, and as soon as they docked, it was like a little army on the pier. Windjammer waiters and bar staff from both ships worked together in teams to bring supplies to Labadee. It was pretty amazing to see how well orchestrated they were.

 

 

A beach wheelchair. Porters were available to push these wheelchairs, which seemed to do pretty well on the sandy terrain.

 

 

Here you can see the relative difference in size of the Freedom class vs the Radiance class.

 

 

This was the helicopter that landed right on the pier to evacuate the woman on the Freedom.

 

 

Crew members from the Freedom saying goodbye, as they left a little earlier than we did. (Does anyone know if the larger ship is required to leave earlier?)

 

[windjamming]

Love SXM. Been to Maho and Orient before. Thought about the Americas Cup Sailing but somehow got the feeling not enough people would be signed up and we never saw the boats go out that day ! Our luck. Anyway great shopping port. Scored jewelry I didn't need :) made it back to the bar area where I fell and broke my ankle last crew and got to personally thank everyone. That was my goal and I managed to walk that far. Ankle wasn't impressed! Lol. Cannot pass up my fav Amstel Bright stops 6 for $9 yay!!!!! Love it.

Didn't know about the ribs but we did stumble on them for our late lunch about 2:30 or so Very sad day then had to pack. Boooo

The weight game begins keeping each suitcase about the same and under 45 pounds. Then do a quick trip around the ship for last min pix. Loved a few prints but I'm not into the art auctions.

Are we even moving? Did you say 1 knot, Captain? We really have no where to go again tonight.

Only a few hours left ... Sad face!

 

You *always* need jewelry, so yes, that was jewelry you needed. :) I also couldn't believe the Amstel prices in the bodega. $9 for a 6 pack - same as Bud Light!

 

I got pretty much the same responses last Thursday from the LA on Rhapsody... I checked my email shortly after for my NCC's which were there along with an email from another CC'er with all the info on Q from a Royal Caribbean pdf- dates and itineraries... had to go back and let her know that she should probably check in with Miami as she might not be on the Quantum email distribution list ;)

 

We had 8:30 dining on that cruise and pre-gamed the WJ every night... some nights was just a 'drive-by'... some nights was just a snack... some nights was a whole pre-dinner dinner :D hey it was 2 more hours until the MDR! lol

 

Haha, it's one of the best parts of 8:30 dining - the Windjammer pre-whatever-you-are-in-the-mood-for. I have even been known to have a pre-dinner dessert. :)

[windjamming]

That's all for tonight, folks. Be back tomorrow night - if anyone is still following along at this point!