Jewel Review

[NMLady]

My wife had both the meatloaf and the chicken pot pie at O'Sheehan's and thought they were very good. So each to their own as to what is good or not.

 

That is true. Food also sometimes can vary from day to day. We have experienced that.

[Spanky My]

Agree on the food. But I have to say we never got what we consider a bad meal in any venue on the Jewel. Some folks maybe are much pickier than us.

 

Only one night in Azura did our meal take awile to get there. But that could be explained as our waiter dropped all the main courses of the 8 of the folks at our table on the ground and had to re order...Go figure.

 

Anyway I think you will be satisfied with O'Sheehans food and service. Atleast we were :)

[apmecruise]

Spanky my: how was the snorkeling in Belize

[Spanky My]

The snorkeling in Belize was OK but not as good as we thought it would be. The water was choppy but clear. Bigger fish but not very colorful. The stop at Shark alley was fun though.

 

They throw anchovies in the water and the nurse sharks and stingrays swim all around you. The sharks let you touch them and their skin is really rough. We had to laugh as the guide on the boat trip said do not worry the sharks will not bite ...They do not like imported meat!

 

You can snorkel right from the beach in Roatan. Lots of colorful small fish out by the rocks and coral. Have fun.... :)

[ThePriceO'Mince]

This has been a really interesting topic to read. Im a Solo traveller doing and Alaskan Cruise on the Jewel in September and its been nice to read about her.

[Spanky My]

I think you will find the CREW on the Jewel very friendly and helpful. The ship overall was in good shape . Folks can always find things to pick on if they feel a need. But our experience was good. Have fun :)

[ThePriceO'Mince]

Thank you Spanky, I fully intend to have a great time and truth be told something would have to be pretty bad to bother me. :)

[Spanky My]

from reading this FORUM helped us and I enjoy sharing our experience with others.

 

opinions vary for sure but we Found the Jewel to be just that :)

[apmecruise]

How was the best western? We are looking for something convenient.

[Spanky My]

The Best western Seabrook suites was good. There is a decent size convience store within walking distance as well as a Subway.. No restaraunt for dinner however.

 

The hotel was quiet and had a good breakfast included. So for us it was a good choice and you just sign up for the shuttle to the port ahead of time. Hope that helps.... :)

[apmecruise]

The Best western Seabrook suites was good. There is a decent size convience store within walking distance as well as a Subway.. No restaraunt for dinner however.

 

 

 

The hotel was quiet and had a good breakfast included. So for us it was a good choice and you just sign up for the shuttle to the port ahead of time. Hope that helps.... :)

 

 

Thanks for the info, we are staying there. Good to know about dinner though!

[NMLady]

The Best western Seabrook suites was good. There is a decent size convience store within walking distance as well as a Subway.. No restaraunt for dinner however.

 

The hotel was quiet and had a good breakfast included. So for us it was a good choice and you just sign up for the shuttle to the port ahead of time. Hope that helps.... :)

 

When it was Comfort Inn there was a free Friday night shuttle to nearby restaurant. Under the new ownership has this been discontinued?

[Spanky My]

I was told the shuttle driver would go anywhere within 10 miles of the Hotel. So apparently there are a few choices for restaurants in that area. So ask the front desk folks.... :)

[roger001]

How was the best western? We are looking for something convenient.

 

 

We stayed at the Best Western about a month ago. Very nice. Isolated. Unless you want the shuttle to take you somewhere, just Subway or convenience store it. The guests were mostly cruise persons. Do be sure to sign up for the shuttle time you want. We took the early one. After booking, you can call the hotel and book the shuttle then.

[NMLady]

I was told the shuttle driver would go anywhere within 10 miles of the Hotel. So apparently there are a few choices for restaurants in that area. So ask the front desk folks.... :)

 

Thank you. That is good to know. We are booked there April 10.

 

We stayed at the Best Western about a month ago. Very nice. Isolated. Unless you want the shuttle to take you somewhere, just Subway or convenience store it. The guests were mostly cruise persons. Do be sure to sign up for the shuttle time you want. We took the early one. After booking, you can call the hotel and book the shuttle then.

 

Thank you for letting us know we can sign up before we get to the hotel.

When it gets closer to our April date we'll call and book the shuttle.

 

Does anyone know if the Bayport cruise port has a Special Needs line for those who have trouble standing in line? My husband has a cane, and his back hurts if he stands for long periods. Miami lines didn't seem to have this for non-wheelchairs. Copenhagen put people with canes in same check in as wheelchairs and that really helped since it was a much shorter line.

 

Or will the CAS priority check in be a short line? We've never been CAS before.

Edited February 20, 2015 by NMLady

[LesaL]

Does anyone know if the Bayport cruise port has a Special Needs line for those who have trouble standing in line?

 

Yes. My Mom is in a wheelchair and we sailed from that terminal last November. There was a bit of a delay because of an issue with the gangway so the terminal got very crowded. Although there are seats along both sides of the line to the special needs counter, they were packed with those who needed them and everyone else in their party, leaving some people standing who really needed the chairs.

 

Now this was when the Princess ship arrived for the first sailing from there. Since it was a much larger ship they had to make adjustments to the gangway to accommodate the different location of the embarking deck. But if there are weather delays that cause the terminal to fill up before passengers are allowed to board, it may put available seating to wait at a premium

[Bossladyn]

For those interested in the Seabrook area, there's a Kroger not too far from the hotel you are staying at. Walmart and Target are available, but several miles further down the road. If the shuttle will take you anywhere within 10 miles, ask them to take you to the Kemah boardwalk if you want seafood (a bit touristy, and a bit expensive) but we eat there all the time. They have a Salt Grass steakhouse, Landrys, Aquarium, Lillie's Noodle House and a few other restaurants. Theres some touristy shopping and a pretty good pizza place. We love the Aquarium and Lillies. They also have some amusement rides. If you want a good burger, go to Tookies. Its usually crowded on Fridays, but definitely worth it. Otherwise, Seabrook doesn't have much, a McDonalds, Popeyes, whataburger, Neptune subs, Taco Bell, KFC and a Mario's Pizza. There's a walgreens next to Kroger if you forget a prescrip or a CVS before you get to Kroger.

 

HTH! We will be on the Jewel in just a few weeks! Looking forward to it!

[NMLady]

Does anyone know if the Bayport cruise port has a Special Needs line for those who have trouble standing in line?

 

Yes. My Mom is in a wheelchair and we sailed from that terminal last November. There was a bit of a delay because of an issue with the gangway so the terminal got very crowded. Although there are seats along both sides of the line to the special needs counter, they were packed with those who needed them and everyone else in their party, leaving some people standing who really needed the chairs.

 

Now this was when the Princess ship arrived for the first sailing from there. Since it was a much larger ship they had to make adjustments to the gangway to accommodate the different location of the embarking deck. But if there are weather delays that cause the terminal to fill up before passengers are allowed to board, it may put available seating to wait at a premium

 

Thank you. I can hope that he is able to find an empty chair to wait in. Some terminals don't even have any chairs so I'm glad to know that Bayport has some.

[NMLady]

Yes. My Mom is in a wheelchair and we sailed from that terminal last November. There was a bit of a delay because of an issue with the gangway so the terminal got very crowded. Although there are seats along both sides of the line to the special needs counter, they were packed with those who needed them and everyone else in their party, leaving some people standing who really needed the chairs.

 

Now this was when the Princess ship arrived for the first sailing from there. Since it was a much larger ship they had to make adjustments to the gangway to accommodate the different location of the embarking deck. But if there are weather delays that cause the terminal to fill up before passengers are allowed to board, it may put available seating to wait at a premium

 

Thank you. I can hope that he is able to find an empty chair to wait in. Some terminals don't even have any chairs so I'm glad to know that Bayport has some.

[apmecruise]

Yes. My Mom is in a wheelchair and we sailed from that terminal last November. There was a bit of a delay because of an issue with the gangway so the terminal got very crowded. Although there are seats along both sides of the line to the special needs counter, they were packed with those who needed them and everyone else in their party, leaving some people standing who really needed the chairs.

 

 

 

Now this was when the Princess ship arrived for the first sailing from there. Since it was a much larger ship they had to make adjustments to the gangway to accommodate the different location of the embarking deck. But if there are weather delays that cause the terminal to fill up before passengers are allowed to board, it may put available seating to wait at a premium

 

 

 

Thank you. I can hope that he is able to find an empty chair to wait in. Some terminals don't even have any chairs so I'm glad to know that Bayport has some.

 

 

Thanks for the info, enjoy the cruise then come back and let us know!

[Spanky My]

Good information for those who arrive EARLY to Seabrook. We were too tired to venture out coming from Portland Oregon the Night before. But the front desk did tell us if we wanted to go within 10 miles the shuttle at the Best Western suites would take us.

 

So if you come early take advantage of their shuttle !

[kscruiseaholic]

I was "solo" on the Jewel this week as well. Was my first time sailing solo ever. I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I thought the jewel to be a fine ship. Much better than the others I have sailed on. Including NCL Sky. CCL ecstasy, elation and RCCL Magesty OTS

 

I didn't eat in the MDR but took all my meals at the Buffet and Sheehans. Also ordered room service a few times. I thought the meals were really good in comparison to the other ships buffets. I was always looking forward to what was being served next and always left satisfied. Loved the Pretzel Rolls :-)

 

I thought the drinks were rather on the weak side. Never got a "buzz" on any of the fruity drinks, but ordered a rum & coke and a beer to get my buzz on LOL.

 

Entertainment, was top notch. I loved the fact that their were 2 main shows each night and they were really good.

 

Lots of things to do on the ship throughout the day, There were even movies showing in the starlight theater every afternoon.

 

BTW - I drove down from KS, and stayed at the quality Inn and suites. It was about a 5 minute drive from the port. Easy in and easy out.

 

Lots of areas for us "smokers" to use.

 

Casino slot machines were "TIGHT"... either that or my luck flew out the door each time I entered the casino :-(

 

I was in cabin 10115. I started with an interior Guarantee and was very pleased with the cabin assignment "midship". Didn't feel much movement at all. My room steward was Reggie. What a great guy! Always cheerful and had a smile on his face. (as did most of the staff).

 

All in all a great cruise!

 

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Edited February 21, 2015 by kscruiseaholic

[NCMtnGal]

This has been a really interesting topic to read. Im a Solo traveller doing and Alaskan Cruise on the Jewel in September and its been nice to read about her.

 

What date in Sept are you going? We are on the Jewel on Sept. 12th.

[Spanky My]

By the way I brought home the freestyle dalies from our cruise if someone has specific questions.

[apmecruise]

What were your favorite things on board?