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Wander to the world’s most captivating destinations onboard Jewel of the Seas®.
Between scenery scoping and memory making, you’ll have the time of your life while sailing from one breathtaking location to another. Reach new heights with thrilling rock climbing. Watch showstopping entertainment and stellar Broadway musical productions. And treat your tastebuds to an epicurean feast ranging from Italian specialities to delicious teppanyaki prepared tableside.
This was our first cruise - we are newly retired, and we enjoyed it very much. It's an older boat, and you can tell it must have been very grand when it was new. It still is, although the carpets are a little worn here and there. There's a lot more room than we expected, and it wasn't hard to find places to sit where you felt like you had the whole ship to yourself. We ate our suppers in the main dining room - the only option we had was My Time dining. It's supposed to start at 6.45 but the earliest reservation I could ever find was 7 or 7.15 which worked out well. Every evening we had the same table for two, with the same waiters no matter what time our reservation was. The longest we ever had to wait for a table was 5 minutes. Some tables for two may as well be a table for 4 or even 8 since they are not even a foot away from the table beside them. We were glad ours was by itself far away in the back of the dining room. I asked once if we could sit upstairs on the second level since the views looked very nice from there, but this caused much panic and confusion - we were told it was reserved for people who booked late dining and we ended up in our same spot. We booked 3 ship excursions ahead of time. Progreso - Aka ruins and Cenote with tubes on lazy river. They are very far from the cruise ship and most of the time you are in a bus but it's got AC so it wasn't that bad. The Cenote was lovely but crowded. There were not near enough tubes so we floated down the lazy river, which is a short stream that leaves the one cenote, goes outside for maybe 100 feet into a bigger, darker cenote. Everyone has to wear life jackets which float up and almost choke you, no matter how tightly you strap them on. The included lunch was delicious and came with a rice water drink that tasted OK. They try really hard to sell you beer etc. The Ake ruins were better than I expected. We climbed all 3 structures and tried to imagine life there way back. Our guide gave us lots of information while we were driving there and back. The second excursion was in Belize that picked us up straight from the ship and brought us to Rendezvous Caye. I thought it would save us time and trouble not to take the tender into Belize. The island is tiny and packed! There were more cruise ships with tours there and we only got 45 minutes to snorkel in small groups, one after the other. The coral was beautiful, the water was clear. It was nice and calm and quite hot and sunny. There weren't many fish because of the constant groups of people. We were allowed to go back out and snorkel some more if we hadn't had the rum punch yet, so we did but there were so many groups swimming there and we weren't allowed to go far out. We paid $20 for a lunch but the chicken was cold with hardly any meat on it, we didn't dare eat the coleslaw since it was warm and the sausage was terrible. The rum punch was nice but there were long lineups for it and we had to hand in our bracelet to get some, which meant you were only supposed to have one small cupful. The best part was meeting a pet stingray that was at least 4' long (not counting the tail) that hung out underneath the washrooms and came out now and then to be petted. It swam all around me and it was really neat to interact with! Our 3d excursion was in Roatan - Tabyana Beach Break. We love snorkeling and took our own gear, but you can rent it too. I thought it would be crowded but there was lots of room and chairs, even though they were expecting another cruise ship - maybe two. The vehicle there and back was in poor shape - ice cold water dripping onto our heads when we went downhill, and onto other peoples head when it went uphill. Sometimes when they tried to shift down while going up a steep hill, it almost stopped completely! But it got us there and back. They told us the last bus went back at 2 - much too early since the ship didn't leave until 4.30 but I think they were worried the bus would break down. It actually left at 1.45 so I don't know what happens if you show up at 2. There are guys that are kind of lifeguards who offer to take you snorkeling for a tip so we hired one. He was really nice except he fed the fish so that they were swimming all around us - even softly hitting us in the face. I don't think it's good for the coral because those fish should be cleaning it instead of eating hot dog buns. He showed us all kinds of things we would have missed and even used my GoPro to video us. We went out later, snorkeling on our own and it was spectacular. The included lunch was OK, but not near as good as the ship. They also served unlimited sweet ice tea and lemonade. Back to the ship. We ate our lunch and breakfasts at the Windjammer. There was always room outside to eat and if you went up a flight of stairs you often had the whole area outside of the Japanese restaurant to yourselves. We thought the food was excellent and there was lots of choice, although we soon ended up eating our favourites every day. We booked our cruise through Costco and they threw in one dining experience so we tried out the Chops Grille. I planned on ordering Lobster but was surprised that it was not included there either. Every night in the main dining room it said it was $17 extra.... except the last formal night when it was free. Of course I chose it then, and it did not disappoint! Delicious. The steaks at Chops Grille were tender and delicious too, but a bit on the small side. Otherwise the meal was great but not worth the extra $$ IMO. There is more room there for everyone and we even could sit by a window so that made it special. I did a lot of research on cruise lines, and ships and excursions before we booked. It's part of the fun for me, but it did cause me unnecessary worry. I had read that the children could be terrible, but we found that they were very well behaved and didn't bother us at all. I was very worried we'd catch Norovirus but we didn't see or hear of anyone who had it or who ended up being quarantined in their room. Almost everything in the Windjammer Buffet needs handling the same utensil as everyone else so it could easily spread if they were contaminated. There was no way to stay hygienic - I couldn't even find paper napkins to use to hold the scoopers, but thankfully it wasn't necessary at all. The only thing I wasn't prepared for was how short a time you actually have in most ports, especially if you are obedient and return to ship a half hour before it leaves. We noticed that some people came back to ship with only minutes to spare and had no problem. I packed carefully so that I would be able to wear white on White night, and Black and White on B&W night etc. but felt it was kind of a waste since only our waitress seemed to notice. The staff we met were all very friendly although some were very hard to understand, and some didn't seem to speak English at all. We enjoyed the entertainment - the orchestra was very good and the Argentinian Tango dancers were simply amazing! You can read my balcony cabin info elsewhere on this forum but it was roomy and quiet and had everything we needed. I was amazed how much storage it had. My tip is to buy a coffee card. It says that it won't work for the Starbucks restaurant and I had to go to guest services after a few days of wondering when/where I could use it, but happily it did work at the Starbucks. Even an ice coffee is two marks though which is a bit unfair I thought because it's not that big - I really doubt it has two shots in it. I should have ordered Frappacinos instead - they are the same two marks and they have whip cream and everything! I did order a few cappuccinos but the ship coffee was always good too.
We started out by booking the second leg, and then found out the previous cruise had a great rate for a 9-day, and we even got to pick our cabin. So basically, an 18 night cruise. The staff was amazing, with only one exception, and she was easy enough to avoid by skipping trivia when she showed up. (OK, the reason is her English was impossible to understand and her enthusiasm was non-existent). But the others were delightful. Bar staff in the Schooner were wonderful - we made friends with all of them, especially William. I must especially recognize the "house band," DeLorean. We had them on a cruise a while back, and we're their biggest fans. We didn't get to hear them as much this time, because they mostly stationed them in the Centrum, and the limited seating there made it difficult, but when they were in the Safari Club we got to rock out with them. But the most surprising part of the cruise was the Windjammer. We're D+, so you know we've been on a few cruises, and I am telling you that this is the best Windjammer we've ever stuffed our faces with. So many things to choose from, and all the food is excellent. One night I even decided to cruise around the room looking for things I've never tried before, and even that was a great evening of eating. And the Windjammer staff was constantly clearing tables, bringing drinks when they got a free moment, and even the washy washy girls were wonderful, setting the mood for a pleasant dinner. If you don't mind the smaller older ships, and you've been complaining about the cruise food lately, book a cruise on the Jewel and hit that buffet. It's worth noting, though, that if you're used to the mega-ships, bear in mind that the buffet will necessarily be smaller. But it was plenty big enough for this quasi-gourmet. The Jewel is an older ship - a little creaky, a little rust here and there, but then so am I. No regrets booking this cruise.
AWARD-WINNING & AWE-INSPIRING ACCOMMODATION
Redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action that our cruise ships are known for. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay with us is like nothing else at sea.
DESIGNED TO MATCH YOUR COMFORT NEEDS
We’ve thought of the details, so you don’t have to
BABY FRIENDLY
Bringing a baby? Let us know and we'll provide a crib and supplies.
COUPLES RETREAT
Enjoy spa-like comfort in your stateroom, perfect for couples.
EXTENDED FAMILIES
Selected staterooms can be connected to accommodate more guests.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Our ships are equipped to accommodate you regardless of your special needs.
READY FOR YOUR STAY
All the creature comforts you’d expect to have during your holiday.
VOOM SURF & STREAM
Giving a new meaning to connected staterooms.
24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE
Indulge your midnight cravings.
NIGHTLY TURN DOWN SERVICE
Sweet dreams are on the horizon.
DAILY STATEROOM ATTENDANT
A helping hand when you need it the most.
DIG INTO DELICIOUS
The dining onboard Jewel of the Seas® is as diverse as the destinations you’ll sail to. Get a taste of the Far East at Izumi Sushi & Hot Rocks, savour the flavours of Italy at Giovanni’s℠ Table, or tuck into succulent seafood and tender cuts of meat at our signature contemporary American steakhouse, Chops Grille℠
CASUAL EATS AND DIALLED-UP DINNERS
When it comes to dining onboard, Jewel of the Seas® has something for every kind of foodie – from quick and yummy grab-and-go options, to upmarket restaurants where every taste comes paired with the VIP treatment.
CASUAL & CRAVEWORTHY: If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s flavoursome and fuss-free, you’ll find plenty of options. Chief among them are the Windjammer, an easygoing fleet favourite that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, the diner-style Park Café and the home-style coffeeshop, Café Latte-tudes.
FANCY AND FLAVOURSOME: For special occasions and date night done right, head to the classic American steakhouse, Chops Grille℠, enjoy a taste of Tuscany with standout service at Giovanni’s℠ Table or feast on elevated Far East flavours at Izumi. And for the most exclusive dining experience, snag a coveted reservation at Chef’s Table.
If you’re craving delicious food, we have an entire fleet filled with foodie favourites.
Indulge in an authentic taste of Italy with homemade pastas and Old World-inspired mains at the newly reimagined Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen. Set out on an epicurean adventure east with exotic Asian flavours and tasty teppanyaki prepared tableside at Izumi. Savour captivating and creative culinary delights designed to spirit you away with every bite at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Or taste your way around the world with global goodness, served buffet-style at the Windjammer. From top-notch free cruise dining included in your fare, to speciality cruise restaurants that dish up plenty of delicious flavour, we go bolder than any other cruise line when it comes to the best food onboard.
GET READY TO HOLIDAY THE DAYS AWAY
Dive into adventure — on a Jewel of the Seas® sailing to thrill-inducing and chill-inspiring destinations like the award-winning Perfect Day® at CocoCay® and the Western Caribbean. Adventures begin in Galveston or Fort Lauderdale.
CATCH AN ISLAND BREEZE
Explore new horizons when you sail from Fort Lauderdale. Cruise to The Bahamas and unwind along unforgettable coastlines. Sail to Perfect Day® at CocoCay® and indulge in a vacation that's exactly your speed. Experience everything — or do absolutely nothing.
SET YOUR SIGHTS ON CENTRAL AMERICA
Ancient ruins, lush jungles and stretches of shoreline — experience it all when you sail to the Western Caribbean from Galveston. Savor summertime vibes year-round, like ancient underwater cenotes ripe for discovery in Cozumel or world-class reef roaming around Roatan.
ADVENTURES ONBOARD
Jewel of the Seas® takes you to some of the world’s most captivating destinations – but it’s also filled from bow to stern with plenty of unforgettable experiences. Fill sea days with poolside lounging in between visits to adventure-packed ports, and elevate every night with world-class dining, creative cocktails and electrifying entertainment.
MORE TO SEE & DO ON DECK
On this ship, you’re free to do as much or as little as you like. Kick back and relax at the adults-only Solarium or harness up and hit the rock climbing wall. At night, settle in for a poolside film beneath the stars. It’s your getaway – you set the itinerary.
SIPS & SHOWS
The good times don’t end when the sun sets. As evening turns to night, keep the fun going onboard with a wine tasting at Vintages, a visit to the always-buzzing Casino Royale℠, a night at the Royal Theatre, or a little bit of dancing under the stars.
DECKSIDE DELIGHTS
Revitalised with unforgettable onboard attractions, Jewel of the Seas® offers countless ways to spend your days between ports. Catch a dive-in film on the poolside screen, scale the Rock Climbing wall and enjoy the views from up top, or go all-in at Casino Royale℠ – and that’s just in one day.
