Jewel of the Seas Review
Jasukkie
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s
Rating by category
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Additional details
Sail Date: Mar 2019
Cabin: Ocean View Balcony
This was my first Transatlantic cruise and I'm so glad we chose this sailing. The weather was ideal and we only hit what could be considered rough water on our last sea day in the Mediterranean. There were many positives and some negatives and some of them may be deal breakers for some people so I will do my best to describe them.
Embarkation in Miami: surprisingly slow. The security scan part was very quick, but the line upstairs took quite awhile.
Overall ship: some wear and tear is evident. I like the navy blue and nautical themes. Jewel is classic Royal Caribbean style. There are places where the carpet is getting thin, with minor cosmetic damage to walls, trim, flooring. This didn't impact my cruise but it is noticeable. There is also a very occasional vague sewage smell we noted. I'm not sure what that's from. We both smelled it and commented when it reappeared. Fortunately it was not constant. Smoking is a problem, which I will describe later.
Cabin Review
Ocean View Balcony
Cabin 2D
There's lots of well-designed storage. Bring a plug extender/charger thing. I actually didn't mind the lifeboat roofs. It makes it feel more private than being open down to the promenade deck. This is starboard side which is the smoking side but between the lifeboat roof and the wind, we did not notice smoke wafting up from the promenade. If you are on an eastbound transatlantic, this is the sunnier side of the ship.
Port Reviews
Ponta Delgada
4 mile hike along the crater rim. Irene was a great guide!
Gibraltar
No problems with tour but the weather wasn't the best.
Valencia
Save time and take an Uber from port. We were dropped off at Turia Park not far from Arts and Sciences and then walked the park to the city center. Orange blossoms bloom in April and the smell was intoxicating. We did an Airbnb experience making paella at a house out in the countryside south of Valencia. Small group, very personal, fun experience. We also had time to visit Malvarossa Beach. It's okay, convenient to the port.
Alicante
Explored on our own. Easy walk to the elevator to Castillo Santa Barbara. We walked down the back side of the mountain to the old city. Great walking city. So many places for lunch it was hard to choose. Pristine beach with sparkling clear water. I had no idea this place would be so beautiful!
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We didn't do anything in the port, and we didn't go to Rome.
Miami
Enthusiastic recommendation for Stazione 87 in Brickell.
5 Helpful Votes
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