First-time Cruiser's Dream Getaway

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 12

Review summary

As the working parents of three young boys, we rarely have the opportunity or time to get away alone. We have long desired to go on a cruise, and were nervous about whether or not we would find cruising as wonderful an experience as others had reported. So many cruise lines, so many options, so many opinions made us feel overwhelmed as we planned for this once-in-a-marriage vacation. However, once we boarded the Jewel of the Seas, it didn't take long to realize we had made the perfect choice for us. The entire staff of the ship - from the porters who handled our bags to the crew who led the muster to the attendant who prompted us to sanitize our hands before enjoying our first lunch onboard - welcomed us warmly and set the tone for an amazing experience. The 300+ people who live onboard that ship and tirelessly cater to 2000+ passengers' every need and whim are overwhelmingly good-natured and accomodating! Everywhere you look someone is cleaning, painting, serving, and assisting - and always with a smile. Huge kudos to Dennis, the cruise director, and his staff who are always present, always on-the-move, always full of energy and good humor as they oversee every onboard activity from dusk 'til dawn. Do any of this ship's crew members ever sleep? A beautiful ship, well-maintained facilities, ample-sized rooms with more storage than I expected, and stewards who go the extra mile to ensure a clean, comfortable, well-supplied stateroom (with some fun towel "artwork" each evening) rounded out this incredible trip. Add to that the availability of delicious foods twenty-four hours a day, whether it be in the specialty restaurants (Chops was a delight!), the elegant and pleasing "Tides" dining room, the buffet atmosphere of the "Windjammer" or the casual foods in the various cafes tucked away in the corners of the ship and we were in paradise! We were so very pleased with our experience! Granted, each passenger has his own opinion, and our next cruise may not reach the level of satisfaction we had on this first excursion, but we are so very pleased with our Royal Caribbean experience on the Jewel of the Seas that we are already trying to plan another for next year. Parents, leave the kids at home (although there is much for them to do onboard!) and renew yourselves and your marriage on the beautiful blue seas with a Royal Caribbean cruise. You won't want to disembark!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Entertainment

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

Key West, Florida

Cozumel, Mexico

Other reviews of this sailing