Astounding service on an older ship
Jewel of the Seas Cruise Review to Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 158
7 Night Qatar Bahrain & United Arab Emirates (Dubai Roundtrip)
Sail date: February 03, 2020
Ship: Jewel of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 9611
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 4 years ago
Review summary
Chose this cruise based on iternary supposed to be sir yas island, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and dubai. Because of safety issues a month before Bahrain was canceled and a double day in Abu dhabi was added. This was a bit disappointing but worked out just fine as we were able to explore more of Abu Dhabi. We arrived in Dubai 4 nights pre cruise as we live in Chicago where weather could be unpredictable. We arranged this on our own. Check in at the port was super organized but seemed to go very slow because of the health questionnaires . Also be aware they take your Passports away at check in and you pick them up the day before you port in Abu Dhabi which was a terrible feeling . We checked in at 11am and we did get out cards at check in which was nice. We went stright to windjammer and ate. The windjamner has lots of food options. We then walked around. I love smaller ships it easier to learn where your going. What was amazing on this ship that I'm not used to is getting to be able to go to our stateroom at 1pm. We went to our room interior 2v room 9611. It was a great size for us both plenty of storage. What we didnt like was we had a tea pot in our room took up space. Our room attendant was in the hallway Adriana she introduced herself and was superhepful and amazing during our entire cruise stay. She made animals out of towels on some days as well as a birthday cake towel on my birthday. We spent most of our time in the smoking area by the pool bar. Timothy and Jude in the pool bar area are fantastic. They got our drink order right away made us feel extremely special. In the evening we had dinner at 8:30 pm in the dining area our server Davor and his assistant Mo were beyond exceptional. Our dinner always came out quick and on point. Mo after day 2 knew what wine to always bring. This type of dining sevice was the best I've ever had on RC. The first night we had terrible wind causing the ship to be very wobble that night entertainment was a hand balancing act that was superb. The next day going to sir Bani yas island the tender was bouncey and took 15 mins to get over. We booked the safari through RC and really enjoyed it we saw giraffe, cheetahs, gazelle, lots of different birds and animals. It was worth it to us. After we layed on the beach on the free wooden lounge chairs be careful I flipped over. Also what's nice is drink from our drink package could be used here and they provided a buffet lunch. Doha, Qatar, was the next day and RC charges 10 a person to drop you off at a mall in the city center. This was terrible as I needed to be at the Islamic art museum for a tour I booked separately with Falcon Tours. After 35 mins on the bus they finally left after I argued that I didnt pay to sit on a bus but go into town and realized we should have taken a taxi. Also to exchange money we needed a passport and thank god one place accepted the copy we had on our phone. Our tour with falcon tours was amazing. The next day was a sea day which the sun chairs were quickly taken. I'm not sure how they do with a full ship as we had a hard time find lounge chairs and we were half full. The next 2 days were Abu Dhabi we did Ferrari world one day and the hop off and hop on bus the next with the grand mosque definitely visit the mosque. The last 2 days were in dubai. We did some more exploring the free bus takes you to mercato jumeriah shopping mall it's a 30 min ride. It a bus with yellow on top and red on the bottom. We ubered back. Check out was super quick. But a bit disappointing first time we had to leave by 8:30am normally we leave about 10ish. This ship was definitely our favorite with the astounding service we received in every area. Workers here seemed to really enjoy being here. In the windjammer every morning Liu hand sanitizing and Jorge servicing bring our friend a bagel when she couldnt find them. Yes this ship doesnt need renovations badly but I love that its small and easy to get to know people and be serviced like a king and queenEmbarkation
Check in at the port was super organized but seemed to go very slow because of the health questionnaires . Also be aware they take your Passports away at check in and you pick them up the day before you port in Abu Dhabi which was a terrible feeling . We checked in at 11am and we did get out cards at check in which was nice.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Food was fantastic in the windjammer for lunch and breakfesrt. In the evening we had dinner at 8:30 pm in the dining area our server Davor and his assistant Mo were beyond exceptional. Our dinner always came out quick and on point. Mo after day 2 knew what wine to always bring. This type of dining sevice was the best I've ever had on RC.
Onboard Activities
The solarium was the nicest I've been at it was super nice. I wish more hot tubs as it was usual full.
Entertainment
The hand balancing act on night one was great. The marriage game show was great but stunk no winner. The quest was terrible.
Service and Staff
The service on this ship was exceptional. Fro. Our room steward Adriana to our dining server Davor and Mo. To the bartenders in the pool area tiomothy and Jude. Liu and Jorge in the windjammer to name a few really stuck out.
Ship Quality
I love the small ship. Yes the ship definitely needs a makeover but the layout is super clear cut and perfectly organized
Cabin / Stateroom
I loved our cozy cabin thought it was great size. Never heard noise was worried because close to the doors by elevators but never heard anything. Lots of storage space abs our room attendant adriana was exceptional.
Ports of call
We got the go city dubai pass.
Thumbs Up
0
SIR BANI YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, U.A.E.
We did the RC safari and enjoyed it yes it expensive but all that's left is sunbathing and we did that too.
We had the go city dubai pass we checked out ferrari world it was not worth it and we did the hop on hop off and the grand mosque. Definitely check out the mosque its undescrible.
Disembarkation
Very quick but super early must be off by 8:30am
Traveler Photos
