Jewel of the Seas, which debuted in 2004, is the fourth of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class ships. It features Royal Caribbean innovations such as a rock-climbing wall, Solarium pool and the expansive Adventure Ocean kids’ facility. Adorned with lovely dark woods throughout countered by an infusion of glass and light, and with public areas having a nautical theme, the ship’s design is striking. Jewel also has an impressive art collection.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

There is a range of cabins available, including Family oceanview staterooms that can accommodate up to six people. Standard in all cabins are twin beds that convert to queens, mini-fridge, television, desk/vanity area and safe. At 36 square metres, Grand Suites have marble bathrooms, dry bars, sound systems and generous balconies. Owner’s Suites have balconies, flat-screen televisions and whirlpool baths. The top-of-the-line Royal Suite has a baby grand piano. Guests in Grand Suites or higher have personal concierges, luxury bath amenities, bathrobes, 24-hour-a-day room service, dedicated suite attendants, invitations to exclusive cocktail parties, reserved V.I.P. seating in the main theatre and priority departure. There are cabins to accommodate disabled passengers in many categories.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

The Tides Dining Room is a gorgeously decorated, two-level main restaurant. It is open daily for open-seating breakfast and on sea days for open-seating lunch. At dinner, it offers Royal Caribbean’s flexible My Time Dining program where you can change your reservations on a daily basis. During the day, there are plenty of other options. The Windjammer Cafe is the ship’s buffet venue, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It comprises food stations, divided into hot dishes, salads and desserts. Don’t miss the fabulous Seaview Cafe, a great spot for fish and chips, burgers, Reubens and Cuban sandwiches. Royal Caribbean’s room service options are available around the clock via 24-hour menus that offer a range of snacks and sandwiches. At breakfast, continental dishes, along with a handful of egg entrees, are available both in cabins and suites.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Jewel’s fabulous glass-domed solarium is decked out with a Thai theme featuring an 18th-century Temple Bell from northern Thailand. In keeping with Royal Caribbean’s focus on activity, the two-level fitness centre and spa offer comprehensive equipment and services. The spa offers a full range of treatments, including teeth whitening, Restylane and various massages. There’s also a beauty salon, offering haircuts, colours and manicures. The fitness area is large, with an assortment of cardio equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes. It also has dumbbells and strength equipment. Classes include yoga and Pilates. A jogging/walking track is located on deck 12. There’s also a rock-climbing wall, sports court, mini-golf course and golf simulator.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Adventure Ocean, Jewel’s kids’ program, is housed in a sprawling facility that extends to a pool with a slide. Kids are divided into five groups: Aquanauts (three to five years), Explorers (six to eight years), Voyagers (nine to 11 years), Navigators (12 to 14 years) and Guests (15 to 17 years) and tons of fun activities await them. Key components of the program (for the thee- to 11-year-olds) include Adventure Science, Adventure Art by Crayola, Sail Into Story Time and Adventure Family. My Family Time Dining is open to passengers who select first seating in the main dining room. Children have 40-minute dinners before the Adventure Ocean staff pick up the kids and bring them to the youth spaces so parents can enjoy leisurely meals.

Verdict

– Cruise Passenger 

– Cruise Critic 

“This ship is best suited to young-minded adult couples, solo travelers, and families with children of all ages – toddlers to teenagers – who like to mingle in a large ship setting with plenty of city-like life and high-energy entertainment.”

– Berlitz

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