Jewel OTS, San Juan 12/4

[subtchr]

I'm not sure how many nights escargot was offered, but I do know it was not offered every night. If memory serves, probably at most only three nights. Shrimp cocktail was also only offered for 4 nights. The Caesar salad I frequently order seems to be significantly smaller.

 

Our tablemates ordered escargot every night, and received it. We didn't order it, so I don't know if that was just because our server found it for them or if it was officially offered.

 

I don't believe there is a freestyle soda machine on Jewel. If there is one it's well hidden!

 

 

There are two of them in the Windjammer, toward the back, on the opposite side from the ice cream machines. Which is a bummer because you can only access them when the Windjammer is open. Hubby had a soda package and usually just got a pop from the bars.

[whitshel]

We were also on this cruise, and are now sitting at SJU -- no B2B for us!

 

Disembarkation was so easy. We did express departure. We ate breakfast in the Windjammer at 6:00, then returned to our cabin to get our luggage. We were supposed to be in the theater by 7:00. We headed there about 6:40, and were about 15-20th in line. Started moving right at 7 to take elevators down to deck 2, as directed by staff outside and inside the elevators. Walked into the terminal, waited maybe 5 minutes in the customs line, got a taxi, and arrived at the airport at 7:30. Quick USDA inspection for our bags, checkin with no line for Southwest, and with TSA precheck, we were through security by 7:45. Now reading and relaxing for our 11:15 flight!

 

It was a wonderful cruise. We also had a terrific MDR table group, so much so that I wished we hadn't booked a 3-night dining package! We loved Chops, enjoyed Izumi, and did not like Giovanni's at all. The menu was very different from what is shown on the RC website, and neither of us found the selections to our taste.

 

We don't cruise often, so we booked independent excursions in each port. If anyone is interested, I'll share details when I get home.

 

It was great to meet several CCers, hope everyone has safe travels and/or continued cruising fun!

 

 

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Sue or Max's Mom, I would love to hear your private excursions or beach days. We are going on the Summit in April and are going to Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Martin and St Thomas.

 

We have Silver Moon Cats booked for Barbados (cant wait) heard really good things and I think we're going to do the St Johns(st Thomas's) on you own tour from the ship buts that all we have. Been to ST Martin a few times. Any tips for the others would be great, we love beach days! Thanks, and sorry to hijack the thread :rolleyes:

[steveru621]

Very convenient, I wish all the ships would do that.:)

 

 

I hope they continue doing it in April.

 

For the most part everything went smoothly. Our new seapass cards were delivered the night before, and we met in the Coral theater @ 10am. We 'Bonged' out, CBP checked us out, and we 'Bonged' back in without leaving the theater but...

 

One couple was MIA for almost 90 minutes. Delaying not only us from leaving, but any new passengers from boarding the ship.

 

The poor RCI woman coordinating the consecutive cruisers was absolutely frantic. Passengers in the theater were getting angrier by the minute. This couple was actually loudly booed when they finally were found and escorted into the theater. Security was combing the ship looking for this couple! I understand they didn't attend the consecutive cruisers meeting, and had no idea they had done anything wrong. It's funny now, not then. :)

 

Lunch was just OK. The special menu was very limited.

 

Overall it was a great B2B cruise.

[steveru621]

Our tablemates ordered escargot every night, and received it. We didn't order it, so I don't know if that was just because our server found it for them or if it was officially offered.

 

There are two of them in the Windjammer, toward the back, on the opposite side from the ice cream machines. Which is a bummer because you can only access them when the Windjammer is open. Hubby had a soda package and usually just got a pop from the bars.

 

Escargot is probably like a shrimp cocktail, not always on the menu, but usually can be ordered. I'm positive it wasn't on the menu every night, but as you pointed out, still available.

 

Thanks for the info on the soda machines Sue. We didn't have any packages so I really wasn't looking for them. :cool:

[mollyeilis]

Sue or Max's Mom, I would love to hear your private excursions or beach days. We are going on the Summit in April and are going to Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Martin and St Thomas.

 

 

 

We have Silver Moon Cats booked for Barbados (cant wait) heard really good things and I think we're going to do the St Johns(st Thomas's) on you own tour from the ship buts that all we have. Been to ST Martin a few times. Any tips for the others would be great, we love beach days! Thanks, and sorry to hijack the thread :rolleyes:

 

 

 

I'm not either of them, but yesterday we did the Ecotour with Adventure Antigua and it was really good. Be prepared to get sopping wet during the initial boat ride part though! The spray was unbelievable.

[mollyeilis]

Security was combing the ship looking for this couple! I understand they didn't attend the consecutive cruisers meeting, and had no idea they had done anything wrong. It's funny now, not then. :)

 

 

 

Lunch was just OK. The special menu was very limited.

 

 

 

Overall it was a great B2B cruise.

 

You'd think the staff would make sure a couple that missed the meeting would be found way earlier than the morning of changing over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[davekathy]

For the most part everything went smoothly. Our new seapass cards were delivered the night before, and we met in the Coral theater @ 10am. We 'Bonged' out, CBP checked us out, and we 'Bonged' back in without leaving the theater but...

 

One couple was MIA for almost 90 minutes. Delaying not only us from leaving, but any new passengers from boarding the ship.

 

The poor RCI woman coordinating the consecutive cruisers was absolutely frantic. Passengers in the theater were getting angrier by the minute. This couple was actually loudly booed when they finally were found and escorted into the theater. Security was combing the ship looking for this couple! I understand they didn't attend the consecutive cruisers meeting, and had no idea they had done anything wrong. It's funny now, not then. :)

 

Lunch was just OK. The special menu was very limited.

 

Overall it was a great B2B cruise.

 

Thanks for the update. Limited lunch menus have been what we've experienced on all of our B2B Cruisers.

[steveru621]

You'd think the staff would make sure a couple that missed the meeting would be found way earlier than the morning of changing over.

 

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To be fair :), we all did receive an instruction letter in our cabin. RCI did take attendance at the meeting, so maybe reinforcement was in order?

 

I'm going out on a limb, and saying based on their accents, English was not their first language. We were up by the desk when they were escorted in. She had her passport, the gentleman didn't. So they didn't follow instructions.

 

Scary to me at least. It took RCI security over an hour to find them! This is when there should have been no passengers on the ship outside of the theater. No one on RCI's staff noticed them? :eek: It's not like they were hiding, and they obviously knew the cabin number.

[starrcards]

I'm not sure how many nights escargot was offered, but I do know it was not offered every night. If memory serves, probably at most only three nights. Shrimp cocktail was also only offered for 4 nights. The Caesar salad I frequently order seems to be significantly smaller.

 

Am I being cynical or is this another cost reduction initiative by RCL?

[steveru621]

Escargot is probably like a shrimp cocktail, not always on the menu, but usually can be ordered. I'm positive it wasn't on the menu every night, but as you pointed out, still available.

 

 

Am I being cynical or is this another cost reduction initiative by RCL?

 

I'll take the glass half full side of this. Yes shrimp and escargot were not listed on the menu every night. But as others have pointed out both were generally available if ordered. My only direct experience is I was denied shrimp cocktail on the first night, and was told it would be available on day 2 formal night.

 

The reason I say half full is because the number of appetizers seemed to be the same every night. MAYBE they are just trying to 'mix things up' and offer some variety.

[steveru621]

I just want to clear up a very early wrong post on self serve ice.

 

Bob, as usual, was correct, there was a self-serve ice machine in the Windjammer on Radiance class ships. I think it's actually outside in the back of the ship. Other ships I just don't know. But for sure there are no hotel style ice dispensers near your cabin.

 

And I correct my record. As was pointed out there is/are Freestyle soda machines on Jewel. Funny, not once did I see them. :confused: I was thinking what is wrong with RCI. They had table cards in the Windjammer on the first day advertising the soda package and the machines. At the time I thought they were generic because I didn't see a soda machine. Oh well.

 

My fault, if I don't go looking for something or don't stumble across it... :cool:

[subtchr]

Sue or Max's Mom, I would love to hear your private excursions or beach days. We are going on the Summit in April and are going to Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Martin and St Thomas.

 

We have Silver Moon Cats booked for Barbados (cant wait) heard really good things and I think we're going to do the St Johns(st Thomas's) on you own tour from the ship buts that all we have. Been to ST Martin a few times. Any tips for the others would be great, we love beach days! Thanks, and sorry to hijack the thread :rolleyes:

 

Jane is the one to ask about beach days -- she knows the best places for that on every island!

 

Here are the excursions we did:

 

St. Thomas - St. Thomas Adventure Tours - fantastic! Kayaking, snorkeling with sea turtles and over a reef, a lovely beach lunch, drinks and snacks, and a very small group. 3 tandem kayaks total. The kayaking was quite long, which is one reason we loved it!

 

Untitled by Sue, on Flickr

 

St. Kitts - We had not been here before, so we booked an island tour with Thenford Grey tours. It was informative but not our favorite. Lots of driving, but some good stops, too.

 

Untitled by Sue, on Flickr

 

Antigua - Antigua Paddles - outstanding! Some kayaking, then snorkeling and swimming, with a lot of info about the ecosystem around the islands. Lovely spot at the end (the company owners' home) to relax and enjoy a drink and snack. Interestingly, this was offered as both an independent excursion and a cruise ship one. We saved $9 per person by booking on our own, as did one other couple.

 

Untitled by Sue, on Flickr

 

St. Lucia - another island we had not previously visited, so we did a Cosol Tour that was excellent. Fun group, great driver, good food, very nice stops. It rained a bit during our beach time, but we still had fun.

 

Untitled by Sue, on Flickr

 

Barbados - Sail Calabaza - an absolute highlight of this cruise - amazing! Just a perfect Caribbean day, with delicious food and drinks, a wonderful crew, good snorkeling, and relaxing sailing. Ah, I wish I was back on board!

 

Untitled by Sue, on Flickr

[akcruz]

Jane is the one to ask about beach days -- she knows the best places for that on every island

 

 

Go back to post 57 (Jane's post), and look at the next 10 or so. Lots of great info of things to do in ports on both Jewel itineraries.

 

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[steveru621]

Looked at my charges, and low and behold $12.82 in extra charges were there. Called and got it reversed.

 

Mini bar charges for Evian water! What a scam!

[countrydanceteacher]

Will be following your review, we sail the end of February.

Would love it if someone could post copies of the 'COMPASS' so we get an idea of activities.

 

I've cruised 8 times, but always on Norwegian Cruise Lines (formerly Norwegian Caribbean Lines)

[subtchr]

Escargot is probably like a shrimp cocktail, not always on the menu, but usually can be ordered. I'm positive it wasn't on the menu every night, but as you pointed out, still available.

 

Thanks for the info on the soda machines Sue. We didn't have any packages so I really wasn't looking for them. :cool:

 

I never would have found them myself -- they really are hidden! And to be honest, it's only my hubby who drinks pop, and he doesn't like the Freestyle machines. He says the flavorings taste like cough syrup. Hah. He would just show his card and get glasses of Coke from the bars.

 

We had a wonderful dining room table group, such nice people. I would not have thought of asking for either escargot or shrimp cocktail if I didn't see it on the menu, but we had one woman who sometimes had two shrimp cocktails as her main dish many nights, in addition to the "escargot group"! (They were not at all demanding or entitled -- just asked our server nicely, and he delivered!)

 

I agree with you, I don't see this one as cost-savings, I just think think they like to have a varied menu each night. We thought the MDR offerings ranged from just okay to very good. We could always find something we liked. But it was the service and company that we enjoyed the most!

[subtchr]

Looked at my charges, and low and behold $12.82 in extra charges were there. Called and got it reversed.

 

Mini bar charges for Evian water! What a scam!

 

Wow, especially since the minibar is empty! You prompted me to check my credit card statement. So far nothing extra. I give RC the benefit of the doubt on most things, but this happens often enough that I'm with you -- it seems like a scam that most people won't notice.

[elleluv]

I missed meeting you guys on the cruise, Steve... I was really looking forward to doing some "mingling" at the M&M, but sadly, it didn't work out that way.

 

The fridge was empty, but there were 2 large bottles of water on the desk that were available for purchase. I put mine in a cabinet so they were out of the way and two more were delivered several days into the cruise. I asked my stateroom attendant to touch base with the bar service people, and they came back and picked them up otherwise I'm sure I would have been charged as well.

[steveru621]

I missed meeting you guys on the cruise, Steve... I was really looking forward to doing some "mingling" at the M&M, but sadly, it didn't work out that way.

 

The fridge was empty, but there were 2 large bottles of water on the desk that were available for purchase. I put mine in a cabinet so they were out of the way and two more were delivered several days into the cruise. I asked my stateroom attendant to touch base with the bar service people, and they came back and picked them up otherwise I'm sure I would have been charged as well.

 

Also, sorry we didn't meet. Meeting fellow passengers, it's the best part of our cruise.

 

We never got an invitation to the meet and mingle for our second week. The LA was having a bad month!

[Hamitchell]

I thought the same thing but didn't want to say it out loud.

 

I wrote the review that has been refrenced. No, these "refrigerators" only insulated boxes that look like fridges, confirmed by our room steward as not cooled "refrigerators." And, no, there is no self serve ice unless you have soda plan and can use coke bev machines which were broken 2 days, so you stand in line for ice.

 

Food was not great and I am not a food snob. Especially disappointed with mdr and coffee.

 

We had fun, but it was sub-par vs our other cruises, lines.

[Hamitchell]

The freestyle machines have ice but it is not common knowledge non cardholders can use them for ice and they were out of ice, both of them, on a number of occassions. I never saw an ice machine behind windjammers. They were setting out cups of ice at bev station sporadically. I am not thinking I should have to be an investigator just to get a little ice when I want it. They really don't like you in Windjammer, where freestyle machines are, after they close WJ doors. Got yelled at and another employee had to calm down the yeller.

 

In contrast, never an issue on Princess, Carnival, Disney. And several of those ships had real fridges and not insulated boxes (and Jewell was just renovated).

 

Just a bit mickey mouse dealing a non-issue on other lines, pardon the Disney reference.

 

My insulin needs to stay cold but that became a PITA.

[Nantucketer]

we had a refrigerator in our balcony cabin