Jewel of the Seas Tips

The Poolside Bar has the best staff. Victor and Rohan were amazing and they make a mean "Sex on the Ship". If you like red beers, ask for a Red Eye so they know what you're talking about. Also, the 5th floor allows you to walk outside the ship 360 degrees - it's awesome!!!

If you like to drink a lot, a beverage package may be something to consider. The cost of a beer is around $6.00, a mixed drink $7.00, and a glass of wine $7.00. FYI: gratuity's are added on for any purchases you make at the bar.

The Solarium pool area was less crowded than the main pool on most days. The Sea View Cafe was a little hidden gym up on the 12th deck that served made to order diner food - great for a quick snack, especially when the Windjammer was closed between meals!

The Seaview Cafe has the best chili ever!!!

The forward elevators are much less crowded than the midship elevators.

Keep cellphones and iPads away from keycards. We had to have our cards replaced 4 times.

To find out about general information about how things work once in the ship. Unfortunately, since it was our first time in a cruise we were a bit lost and confused in the beginning (i.e. restaurants, schedules, offers, stands, towels, etc.).

Prepare yourself to have fun. Approach it from an angle where you'd just relax and bask in the moment, not thinking about work for an entire week. Take the time to treat yourself to something great. You only live once so you might as well enjoy it while you can.

Purchase a balcony! It is worth every extra cent!

A wonderful ship, placed for diversion and at same time gets relaxation!

Select a room on the sunny side of the ship. Going south to the Caribbean you want to be on the port (left) side of the ship. For a more stable ride, select a room about mid-ship. If you are in the back of the ship you will definitely notice the motion of the ship more than mid-ship. The balconies for rooms on the 8th and 9th floor are more private than the 7th floor. We could see a portion of the balcony of the room below us on the 7th floor. Be aware when selecting a room what is below or above you. For example, people remarked that rooms below the gym which is on the 12th floor could sometimes hear people dropping weights above. You also don't want to be too close to atrium area if you go to bed early as the entertainment is fairly loud and you won't be able to sleep.

The Solarium is open until 1:00 AM with cold salads and hot sandwiches for late-night cravings.

Take advantage of shore excursions in Sicily, Santorini, Athens, and Naples.

Avoid booking a room near the centrum as the noise is extreme at night.

Drink packages are well worth it if you like mixed drinks. Regular package is perfect if you like just beer, wine or soda.

Get the beverage package. Even if you are not a heavy drinker. We are a 1 glass of wine at dinner time and a 1 beer during the day and it still makes sense to get it.

Get ready for a beautiful experience. You will be very satisfied.

If you enjoy a few drinks around the pool and then some at dinner and afterwards, you need to purchase the expensive drink package. Top shelf liquor is there for the asking.

Go to dinner early !

if you are in the midel staterooms are better