Rocking and Rolling and Poor Communication with Beverage Packages

Jewel of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 33

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Jewel of the Seas

Southern Caribbean Holiday

Sail date: February 28, 2015

Ship: Jewel of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1022

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

I think that due to the short distances between islands on this cruise, that slow speed was required, but also with slow speeds, I don't think stabilizers were effective or were not deployed thus giving the ship a constant rock and roll movement that kept you feeling like you were a "drunken sailor". Since I am not an alcohol drinker I found the sensation quite disturbing and I spent 22 years in the Navy. The seas were not that rough but we still experienced quite a bit of constant side to side movement. I thought the beverage package (sodas and water) was expensive at $156 but was told when we boarded that a second package would be at a 50% discount. We bought two, but as we reviewed our bill at the end of our cruise we had been billed for two packages with no discount. I called customer relations and was told the discount only applied to the next higher priced package. After several conversations the discount was applied, but this appears to be poor communication between sales officials and sales personnel offering the packages. We ended up spending an additional $400+ for this cruise over and above the price of the cruise. We will more closely review additional costs before we book with Royal Caribbean again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Most of our meals were taken in the buffet and one dining room. It became pretty repetitive by the end of the cruise. Other dining was additional costs. Bummer!

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5
More ways to get you to spend more money!

Entertainment

3 out of 5
OK that's all

Children's Programs

3 out of 5
No children in our group

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Crew Members were always polite and professional. Thanks to Sammy our room attendant.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Overall the ship was well cared for

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

There were six of us in our group and it was difficult to find any location to play cards.

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
Enjoyed San Juan, may look at revisit sometime in the future

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Same as San Juan

Basseterre, St. Kitts

1 out of 5
Poorly kept

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

1 out of 5
Same as St. Kitts

Roseau, Dominica

1 out of 5
Same as St Kitts

Bridgetown, Barbados

3 out of 5
Great beach and island tour
Was this review helpful? 33

1 Comment

glomarrone    9 years ago

Yes, it is a shame that on some ships there really isn't a place for card players.  Many times I see them in the buffet area. I was sorry to read that the ship's motion bothered you.  I hope that you have calmer seas on future cruises.  Consider booking a cabin on a low deck mid-ship.