First Cruise Eye Opener

Item: Jewel of the Seas
Rating: 4.6
Author: bzzybits

Jewel of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

bzzybits

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 18

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 03, 2024

Ship: Jewel of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 3136

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

This was our 1st cruise, but we were with seasoned cruisers. We were soured by the surprise charges. Other than that we will definitely be cruising again. We even found a rubber duck!! IYKYK.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Quick, easy and efficient

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Food was good & plentiful. I would recommend EVERYONE getting a drink package as sodas were $4/each & a gin & tonic was $18 (+18% tip on each drink).

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Solarium was awesome!! Mini golf was fun once we found it. We played trivia & learned new dances.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

We didn't go to specific shows, but the musicians playing in both the pool deck & centrum were amazing!!

Children's Programs

My youngest is 23.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our room was maintained by Victor beautifully. We were served by Normandy & Ziad almost every meal & they were top notch.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

All neat and clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The only thing I wish I had was a squatty potty. I couldn't reach the floor when sitting on the potty & it made going a little difficult. Otherwise, I'd live there forever!!

Ship tip

Plan on a 20% upcharge on EVERYTHING!! If you're quoted $100, expect to pay $200. Get the drink package. Pay the daily $18 room gratuity ahead of time.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

4 out of 5

Bridgetown, Barbados

5 out of 5

Port of Spain

4 out of 5

Scarborough, Tobago

3 out of 5

Castries, St. Lucia

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Easier than getting on.

Traveler Photos

10 Comments

javawoody 9 months ago

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise. Remember can choose to do things that don’t require an extra fee.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

byhisgrace 9 months ago

Appreciate your feedback. I have gone on 8 cruises and have never found a duck 😫

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Suzie68 9 months ago

Learned after 1st cruise!! Charges can rack up quickly! We take a bottle of wine with us!!! Always pre-pay gratuities! Glad it went good for yall

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

karlgrgurich 9 months ago

Yes. There are definitely many extra charges…but now you know how to plan to avoid them

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Gwbigdog 9 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

lsbs 9 months ago

Welcome to cruising. Thanks for the review.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

basssacker 9 months ago

Thanks for your review and welcome to cruising

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

cruising2004 9 months ago

Welcome to cruise life! Glad you had a wonderful first cruise experience! Thank you for your review.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

pjweth 9 months ago

Even if you have been on 50 cruises do you research. Find out how much EVERYTHING will be. Try to pay for as much as you can a head of time. Thank you for your review and happy cruising 🛳.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

AuntPinkie 9 months ago

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. Glad you enjoyed your first cruise. Appreciate your feedback.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Great Southern Caribbean Cruise

Great ship! Would chose to not stop at Trinidad or Tobago

GREAT PORTS, VESSEL IS UNDERWHELMING, NEEDS IMPROVEMENT