April 2015 - 7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip) Cruise on Jewel of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas - Southern Caribbean out of San Juan
mrsmathews06
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Joined 05/2015
1
Cruise2
Reviews43
Helpful VotesPast cruises
Allure of the Seas
Sail date: July 09, 2017
Overall not the best cruise I've been on over the years, however, the ship is very impressive and has lots to offer. The price on this cruise was too high and I did not consider it a good value.
Jewel of the Seas
Sail date: April 18, 2015
Jewel of the Seas - Southern Caribbean out of San Juan
Having cruised several times in the past, many of which are on Royal Caribbean, I am comparing this cruise to others. The ship is one of the smallest which is great from a crown control perspective. I never felt overwhelmed by the number of people on the ship and, in fact, felt many times that there was hardly any one else on the ship. But the ship also stops every day but one - not ideal if you are looking for relaxation and don't want to feel obligated to get off the ship.
It's been 6 years since I've taken a RC cruise and a lot has changed - toiletries are no longer provided in rooms, upcharges have significantly increased in the specialty restaurants, quality has declined, and the number of activities on the ship have been reduced. I also felt very "nickel-and-dimed" on the cruise - had to pay extra for so many things that were free in the past. RC plans to renovate the ship next year and it desperately needs it. Wear and tear are obvious.
The dining room experience was mediocre. The meal choices were just "ok"; the service was hit and miss, and the quality was average. We got the same quality of meal at the buffets. The buffets, however, lacked service especially during dinner. Not a single staff member approached us for bar service.
I would only recommend this cruise for first time cruisers who have not had better RC experiences because they will not be disappointed.
Cruise tips
Walked to the fort from the ship dock. Very cool port and we enjoyed the day. It is unfortunate, though, that we arrive so early ( 6 am) and leave so early (2 pm which was moved up from 3pm). The fort doesn't open until 9 and the shops not until 10 am so being there so early is pointless. The cruise line should consider different hours for the port.
Was there last year for an entire week so already saw everything on the island. Didn't get off the ship.
Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)
Not much to do there and what there is to do is outrageously expensive. The luncheon was horrible. Stay on the ship at this port!
Allure of the Seas
Take advantage of the main dining room for meals - breakfast and lunch at sea days. Also, the cruise line allows you to take 2 bottles of wine onboard. There is no duty free shop at the port so bring it with you in your luggage.
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Having cruised several times in the past, many of which are on Royal Caribbean, I am comparing this cruise to others. The ship is one of the smallest which is great from a crown control perspective. I never felt overwhelmed by the number of people on the ship and, in fact, felt many times that there was hardly any one else on the ship. But the ship also stops every day but one - not ideal if you are looking for relaxation and don't want to feel obligated to get off the ship.
It's been 6 years since I've taken a RC cruise and a lot has changed - toiletries are no longer provided in rooms, upcharges have significantly increased in the specialty restaurants, quality has declined, and the number of activities on the ship have been reduced. I also felt very "nickel-and-dimed" on the cruise - had to pay extra for so many things that were free in the past. RC plans to renovate the ship next year and it desperately needs it. Wear and tear are obvious.
The dining room experience was mediocre. The meal choices were just "ok"; the service was hit and miss, and the quality was average. We got the same quality of meal at the buffets. The buffets, however, lacked service especially during dinner. Not a single staff member approached us for bar service.
I would only recommend this cruise for first time cruisers who have not had better RC experiences because they will not be disappointed.