So, we've been on The Jewel of the Seas before, and it was fine. Signed up for this one because of easy access to Boston, and we love Bermuda. We've been there several times. Checking in was easy and the ship was nice. A little frayed around the edges here and there but no big detriment.

Our biggest complaint was not being able to get potable water easily. We need to drink a lot and brought several water bottles with us. The water in the bathroom sink was heavily chlorinated and tasted bad. The fountains all say not to fill your bottles there; well, we had to, as there was no where else! And every time we wanted water, we had to go up to the Cafe to get it. Why not have bottled water in the room fridge? They do not cost that much! Add $20 to each room fee to pay for it for crying out loud. Soda is another story. What does a can of soda cost when purchased in bulk? A quarter? Then why charge $4 for it? How about have soda/water machines on each floor where you can put in $1 and get what you want? It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth for being ripped off. I know they all do it, but why not have people clamoring to your cruise line to not feel ripped off? Be the first cruise line to provide free soda, it costs less than the fresh squeezed lemonade.

Went to main dining room the first night. WHY do we have to sit with strangers, especially ones who ignore you? And the tables are so big, you can't even talk to the people across from you without shouting. Have an option for couples who are anti-social. (I know, why go on a cruise then? We like Bermuda, and it's the easiest cheapest way to get there!) So we opted to go to the buffet instead. A couple times we tried the main dining room again for lunch and breakfast, but were not impressed with what we ordered and then had nothing to eat. (Who's going to order another whole meal from the menu?) My husband ate salads, spaghetti, pizza and burgers every night. He complained the desserts were no good, (I found a couple I liked) and he has a huge sweet tooth. Also, it was very difficult to get a private table to eat at in the Windjammer. A could of times we had to go outside to the Cantina adjacent, which was a bit cool in October in the Northeast. The staff in the Windjammer were very efficient at removing your used plates and asking if you want coffee (I had to dilute the coffee with 1/2 hot water, as it was SUPER strong). The music in Windjammer almost drove us out. It was all modern girl bands shrieking and repeating the same lines (OK, I will admit I am 60, but 85% of the people onboard were ever older) The first day it was music I knew and liked, and then someone changed the channel! There were NO special food events like chocolate night or pool party BBQs; that made for a boring cruise, every day was the same old food, same old place. One night, they had a taco bar and there was a long line for it, it was great! Why not have that every night? People liked it! I can't see paying $50 each to eat in a "Specialty" restaurant, when you already paid to eat somewhere else.... it makes no sense to me! Read more