MITSUGIRLYS JEWEL OF A CRUISE review and pictorial

[soccersharon]

Thanks for posting your thoughts about M. Sanchos. We'll be in Cozumel for a week next month, and we were thinking about visiting there again. Since we've also "been there, done that", I'm trying to figure out "plan B". I'll have to review the Coz page here, for other options - there are so many!

 

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Edited January 7, 2014 by soccersharon

[mitsugirly]

Thanks for the info and review.

Do you have pictures from Mr. Sanchos?

 

I...um...errr...is this a for real question? Did you read this review? :confused:

 

Thanks for posting your thoughts about M. Sanchos. We'll be in Cozumel for a week next month, and we were thinking about visiting there again. Since we've also "been there, done that", I'm trying to figure out "plan B". I'll have to review the Coz page here, for other options - there are so many!

 

Sent from my GT-S5830D using Forums mobile app

 

If you look in my signature line, there are tons of reviews for other places in Cozumel that might help you. :)

[soccersharon]

 

 

 

If you look in my signature line, there are tons of reviews for other places in Cozumel that might help you. :)

 

Thanks, Kim. I sure will :)

 

Sent from my GT-S5830D using Forums mobile app

Edited January 7, 2014 by soccersharon

[mitsugirly]

I almost forgot to add...

 

We received this card from customer service on our last night of the cruise. I kind of found it odd because the only time I went to customer service was once mid way through the cruise to get an idea of our balance and the second time would have been the last night on the cruise (which I had already received this card before then) to get our total balance and check on our cruise rewards.

 

 

 

I just thought it was a little strange for them to send out a card (complete with envelope) just because I went to the service desk. Has anyone else received anything like this before just for visiting customer service? :confused:

[ahaught]

Not me. Wow, they were really trying to impress you.

[mitsugirly]

Not me. Wow, they were really trying to impress you.

 

 

LOL, I guess. Too bad our room steward wasn't trying to impress us this time around. :p

[mitsugirly]

Just found another picture I didn't post and should have been one of the first in the review....LOL and of course the most important. :D

 

I told you I would forget things.

 

[mitsugirly]

Our room on the ship. :D

 

 

[bebe1977]

I almost forgot to add...

 

We received this card from customer service on our last night of the cruise. I kind of found it odd because the only time I went to customer service was once mid way through the cruise to get an idea of our balance and the second time would have been the last night on the cruise (which I had already received this card before then) to get our total balance and check on our cruise rewards.

 

 

 

I just thought it was a little strange for them to send out a card (complete with envelope) just because I went to the service desk. Has anyone else received anything like this before just for visiting customer service? :confused:

 

 

 

We got one the 2nd day of our cruise. It was for someone else though. We figured the guy went the first day and gave the wrong cabin #.

[ferfoodle]

Kim,

 

Another marvelous review! I always so look forward to them. They have just the right amount of detail imbedded in your good humored narrative. And WOW - always the best pictures to go along with your story. Thank you for taking time to post this one and all your previous ones as well. I for one, value your information - even though we all have our own opinions, I feel you simply tell it like it is. Makes for a great read.

 

Hoping you can squeeze in another one (or two) cruises before my next cruise (tear, not until January 2015, tear) so I can spend some of my down moments in this hectic life reading your work.

 

Thanks again!

[david_sobe]

WOW

Thanks for ANOTHER fantastic review. With every review, I see your daughter grow like a weed and turn into your mini-me :)

Looks like you all had a great time. So now the questions:

I know you were not crazy about the Pearl cruise and the Jewel is almost identical so how did they stack up? I know the balcony probably made a huge difference.

6 months ago, I did catch your Breeze review on the Carnival page. I don't spend too much time there so I was not sure if you got my message there. So here is the million dollar question: If you were given a free cruise with a balcony room, which would you choose and why? NCL Jewel or Carnival Breeze?

[mitsugirly]

We got one the 2nd day of our cruise. It was for someone else though. We figured the guy went the first day and gave the wrong cabin #.

 

Well now I don't feel like a movie star and special anymore. hehe :p

 

Kim,

 

Another marvelous review! I always so look forward to them. They have just the right amount of detail imbedded in your good humored narrative. And WOW - always the best pictures to go along with your story. Thank you for taking time to post this one and all your previous ones as well. I for one, value your information - even though we all have our own opinions, I feel you simply tell it like it is. Makes for a great read.

 

Hoping you can squeeze in another one (or two) cruises before my next cruise (tear, not until January 2015, tear) so I can spend some of my down moments in this hectic life reading your work.

 

Thanks again!

 

Thanks so much for your kind words.

 

I hope to squeeze another one in some time this year and hopefully a second one (since I've kinda grown accustomed to cruising twice a year now). My oldest daughter is trying to talk me into a March cruise for spring break like we did last year, but I have searched NCL, Carnival, and RCL and just can't find much that appeals to me during my time frame for the right amount of $$. :(

 

I definitely plan on trying to book something after this semester is over. I just have to get everything in order first. It's going to be a hectic next 6 months or so...starting next week. :eek:

[mitsugirly]

WOW

Thanks for ANOTHER fantastic review. With every review, I see your daughter grow like a weed and turn into your mini-me :)

Looks like you all had a great time. So now the questions:

I know you were not crazy about the Pearl cruise and the Jewel is almost identical so how did they stack up? I know the balcony probably made a huge difference.

6 months ago, I did catch your Breeze review on the Carnival page. I don't spend too much time there so I was not sure if you got my message there. So here is the million dollar question: If you were given a free cruise with a balcony room, which would you choose and why? NCL Jewel or Carnival Breeze?

 

I know, I look back on our Spirit cruise and think "WOW has she grown".

 

Well the Pearl versus the Jewel...basically the same. There were only a few differences (like the set up and actual location of places like the kids club area was different, the shops were different, and I believe a few other places). I think if I had to pick, I would pick the Pearl over the Jewel. Just for the fact that I thought it was a little prettier with the decor. At least they had 2 pool slides, so they weren't "as" crowded when you wanted to use them. I liked the artwork in the stairways better on the Pearl. I loved the Chihuly in the atrium and actually liked the ceiling better in the atrium on the Pearl. Another added plus was the Pearl has a bowling alley. There were a lot of weird, but yet neat chairs in different areas on the Pearl that I liked. The service was a lot better on the Pearl as well. I liked that they had the White Hot party starting out on the pool deck until midnight...and THEN brought it in to the Spinnaker. It seemed like there were a lot more people at it on the Pearl. If I remember correctly, I think the shows on the Pearl were probably better as well. But I would have to confirm that with my Pearl review. lol

 

The only thing I noticed that the Jewel had and the Pearl didn't was the "kids only" hot tub in the toddler swimming area. I also didn't notice the Pearl having a bridge viewing area. They might have, but if so, I don't think I found it.

 

 

I haven't been on the Breeze yet. It was the Dream. ;)

 

As for your Million Dollar Question...I don't even need time to think about it. If given the chance and a balcony...the Dream (or even Breeze would work as you said). We had a blast on the Dream and I just think the ship was absolutely beautiful. Crowded...but beautiful with all the bells and whistles. Yea, there shows aren't as good, but I can deal with that. :) We would make up for it at the water park area and the casino. hehe :p

[ohiotek]

I'm not looking forward to the rain today and then the snow that is going to be dumped on us tonight with the added temp drop. I will be a bakset case when I make it home tonight. Ugh. I'm in Grove city btw so we are close.

 

I have enjoyed your reviews. I was on the Star a week before you last year and even though we have never been on the Jewel, I couldn't resist reading this years review.

 

I have wondered where you were in Ohio and low and behold you live in the same city as I do. (Grove City). I am a retired teacher from South-western City School district. It really is a small small world.

 

I look forward to your future reviews! Best of luck finishing your nurses training. It will go fast now!

Edited January 8, 2014 by ohiotek

[caissonqueen]

I hope to cruise someday with you MItsugirly. Too bad I can't convince you to try RCCL. I'm sailing on the Oasis on Halloween 2014. ;) Five day cruise to Cozumel and Nassau though. :rolleyes:

[mitsugirly]

I have enjoyed your reviews. I was on the Star a week before you last year and even though we have never been on the Jewel, I couldn't resist reading this years review.

 

I have wondered where you were in Ohio and low and behold you live in the same city as I do. (Grove City). I am a retired teacher from South-western City School district. It really is a small small world.

 

I look forward to your future reviews! Best of luck finishing your nurses training. It will go fast now!

 

 

Well thanks for coming over and joining in.

 

Wow, how neat. I graduated from Franklin Heights (84) any chance you were my teacher? :D

 

 

I hope to cruise someday with you MItsugirly. Too bad I can't convince you to try RCCL. I'm sailing on the Oasis on Halloween 2014. ;) Five day cruise to Cozumel and Nassau though. :rolleyes:

 

Oh you could definitely convince me to do RCCL. You wouldn't have to twist my fingers for sure. I wouldn't have a problem with that at all. No, no, no. One of my dreams is to try either Allure or Oasis...and then there are quite a few other RCCL ships I would love to try as well. Last time we sailed RCCL was in the 90's. Loved them back then too. They just seem so darn expensive every time I look for a cruise. I actually looked today to see if I could find anything for March. It was well over what we have ever paid. I think it was either Independence or Freedom, I can't remember which it was. Do they ever have any specials like NCL with the kids sail free? That would entice me to book.

[mitsugirly]

I'm sailing on the Oasis on Halloween 2014. ;) Five day cruise to Cozumel and Nassau though. :rolleyes:

 

Yikes, see I just checked that date out and they want more for that 5 day cruise than what I have ever paid on any of my 7 day cruises. :(

[FF Woman]

 

Oh you could definitely convince me to do RCCL. You wouldn't have to twist my fingers for sure. I wouldn't have a problem with that at all. No, no, no. One of my dreams is to try either Allure or Oasis...and then there are quite a few other RCCL ships I would love to try as well. Last time we sailed RCCL was in the 90's. Loved them back then too. They just seem so darn expensive every time I look for a cruise. I actually looked today to see if I could find anything for March. It was well over what we have ever paid. I think it was either Independence or Freedom, I can't remember which it was. Do they ever have any specials like NCL with the kids sail free? That would entice me to book.

 

Mitsugirly, our favorite ship is actually the Independence of the Seas but it is just too expensive for us to cruise her compared to NCL. We think NCL and RCCL are pretty comparable over all but enjoy the size and layout of the Indy. That said, we're looking forward to being on the Jewel again in a few weeks.

[jessination]

Glad I could entertain you on your ride home. :D How did you like the Magic? I want to sail her.

 

The Magic was a GREAT ship! Our family would definitely (and hopefully will) sail on her again! The staff is the friendliest I have ever experienced anywhere, and the she was CLEAN!

 

I'm sure our cruise was near or at capacity with it being winter break, and it rarely felt crowded (aside from NYE when everyone was packed like sardines in the Atrium waiting for the balloons to drop :D the Magic's Atrium isn't the largest around either... ;)

[luvcruzing]

Kim, this is the second review of yours that I've read, and it was just as fabulous as the first one.

 

You are amazing. As I started reading (around Christmastime), I couldn't believe that you could return from a cruise, get ready for the holidays, and start writing a review (with pictures, no less), not to mention unpack, do laundry, and go back to work. I think you have the wrong moniker, it should be SuperWoman or SW for short.

 

While reading, there were many times I wanted to comment, but I was so far behind that I thought I'd wait until I finished. I think that service on NCL is slipping with every cruise I take, which is two or three a year. I cruised on the NCL Pearl in November, and I never got the latitudes chocolate mints at turndown. I didn't receive the daily treats, either. I only got the towel animal toward the end of the cruise. When I requested a bathrobe (sailed in a balcony), the room steward argued with me that I already had one. He actually opened the closet door and bathroom door to look for one. He also left dirty glasses near the ice bucket, as yours did, and did not replace with clean ones.

 

Service was so bad in the MDR one night that I approached the dining room supervisor and complained. My entree was placed before me, but the soup bowl/salad plate was not removed. Had to practically beg for my water to be refilled, and then wait 10 or 15 minutes. I never was asked if I would like dessert. At that point, I didn't care. The supervisor offered me a glass of wine at my next dinner, but I refused her offer. As a solo cruiser, there is no reason why my meal should take 1-1/2 to 2 hours. And, I go to the MDR early, 5 or 5:30.

 

Regarding locking the refrigerator door on the last night, mine has never been locked. And, the plug (outlet) behind the ice bucket is there because on some ships that's where the coffeemaker is.

 

You seem very patient - maybe a good nurse's trait? If my young daughter had completed her meal before my starter had even arrived, I'm sure I would have made a racket.

 

By the way, the pictures and stories of your daughter make me wish I had one that young again. Precious.

 

Best wishes on your last semester and good luck taking the exam.

[caissonqueen]

I have no clue if RCCL has kid specials. I never pay attention since I sail solo. :o I know the Freedom has the flow rider. I am nervous about the Oasis. I have never sailed on a mega ship. I just hope I do not get overwhelmed by the crowds or size.

[NSinMG]

I read your review over the last several days and really enjoyed it. Your details are great and the photos very well done. We were on the Jewel six years ago and I didn't even remember some of the places on the ship that you photographed.

 

Thanks for taking the time to give such good information.

[mitsugirly]

Mitsugirly, our favorite ship is actually the Independence of the Seas but it is just too expensive for us to cruise her compared to NCL. We think NCL and RCCL are pretty comparable over all but enjoy the size and layout of the Indy. That said, we're looking forward to being on the Jewel again in a few weeks.

 

It looks like a beautiful ship. Maybe once I'm done with school, I will be able to pick any date I want for cruise and not be limited to only the days I'm out for school break. That way I can cruise her during the lowest sailings. :D

 

The Magic was a GREAT ship! Our family would definitely (and hopefully will) sail on her again! The staff is the friendliest I have ever experienced anywhere, and the she was CLEAN!

 

I'm sure our cruise was near or at capacity with it being winter break, and it rarely felt crowded (aside from NYE when everyone was packed like sardines in the Atrium waiting for the balloons to drop :D the Magic's Atrium isn't the largest around either... ;)

 

That's awesome to hear. When we were on the Dream, I'm not sure if it was completely full or not (I would imagine that it was since it was Spring Break) and boy was it the most crowded ship I have ever been on. But that didn't stop me nor will it stop me in the future.

[mitsugirly]

Kim, this is the second review of yours that I've read, and it was just as fabulous as the first one.

 

What? Only the second? You're slacking. :D Just kidding.

 

You are amazing. As I started reading (around Christmastime), I couldn't believe that you could return from a cruise, get ready for the holidays, and start writing a review (with pictures, no less), not to mention unpack, do laundry, and go back to work. I think you have the wrong moniker, it should be SuperWoman or SW for short.

 

SW it is then. :p I was really rough. I worked day and night while multitasking trying to get this thing done. :o

 

While reading, there were many times I wanted to comment, but I was so far behind that I thought I'd wait until I finished. I think that service on NCL is slipping with every cruise I take, which is two or three a year. I cruised on the NCL Pearl in November, and I never got the latitudes chocolate mints at turndown. I didn't receive the daily treats, either. I only got the towel animal toward the end of the cruise. When I requested a bathrobe (sailed in a balcony), the room steward argued with me that I already had one. He actually opened the closet door and bathroom door to look for one. He also left dirty glasses near the ice bucket, as yours did, and did not replace with clean ones.

 

So are balcony rooms supposed to have robes? For some reason we didn't have any and I know last time we received VIP status, they brought us robes in our interior room. But then again, we have to look at who I had as a room steward. :rolleyes:

 

Service was so bad in the MDR one night that I approached the dining room supervisor and complained. My entree was placed before me, but the soup bowl/salad plate was not removed. Had to practically beg for my water to be refilled, and then wait 10 or 15 minutes. I never was asked if I would like dessert. At that point, I didn't care. The supervisor offered me a glass of wine at my next dinner, but I refused her offer. As a solo cruiser, there is no reason why my meal should take 1-1/2 to 2 hours. And, I go to the MDR early, 5 or 5:30.

 

Regarding locking the refrigerator door on the last night, mine has never been locked. And, the plug (outlet) behind the ice bucket is there because on some ships that's where the coffeemaker is.

 

 

You seem very patient - maybe a good nurse's trait? If my young daughter had completed her meal before my starter had even arrived, I'm sure I would have made a racket.

 

I was getting there, trust me. If we had waited and been served all together, I would have been a little more at ease with the waiting situation (other than I was missing my show). But trying to entertain a 5 year old that has her belly full and only wants to leave so that she can go visit her friends at the kids club isn't an easy task at times.

 

By the way, the pictures and stories of your daughter make me wish I had one that young again. Precious.

 

Best wishes on your last semester and good luck taking the exam.

 

Thanks so much for the best wishes. I really appreciate it.

 

I have no clue if RCCL has kid specials. I never pay attention since I sail solo. :o I know the Freedom has the flow rider. I am nervous about the Oasis. I have never sailed on a mega ship. I just hope I do not get overwhelmed by the crowds or size.

 

Last night I was thinking about if we were to go on the Oasis or Allure. I was looking at a photo commentary online that beyond cruises does and the pictures just amazed me. I seriously started thinking that if I was to sail either, I would probably just be going on that cruise FOR THE SHIP. I started wondering if I would even get off the ship in ports because there's so much to do on there and I would be afraid I might miss something. :eek:

[mitsugirly]

I read your review over the last several days and really enjoyed it. Your details are great and the photos very well done. We were on the Jewel six years ago and I didn't even remember some of the places on the ship that you photographed.

 

Thanks for taking the time to give such good information.

 

Well thank you so much for joining me with the review. I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed it. :)