Royal Caribbean's Jewel Of the Seas Feb 2012

Sailing the Jewel :)

Our February sailing on the Jewel of the Seas started with some dense  fog which delayed her return to port, in turn delaying our sailing from Tampa until 10pm. We stood on line for 4 hours until we could board at 5:00pm. Unfortunately for some, they had to wait until 7:30-8:00pm to get on board. It was hot and many had to wait outside the terminal in the heat. I was a little disappointed in the fact that Royal Caribbean did  not give enough updates to the people waiting in line. Each person was  given a $20 credit on board. The rest of our cruise went very smoothly. The ship itself was the most beautiful ship I have ever sailed on. She has glass and views of the ocean  from every where you look. The service on board was truly amazing.  Everyone was friendly and could not do enough for you. The cruise director was very involved and entertaining. His staff were fun and energetic. It really contributed to a really nice cruise experience. The shows we went to I enjoyed, but my husband is not a fan, so we only went  to the first 3. The Captains party was lovely on formal night and the Hubby  and I danced a little and had some free Champagne. the 70's night party is  NOT to be missed. So much fun!!! The kids activities were OK but I think my kids are beginning to outgrow the programs. The water slide on this ship is a little lame compared to Carnival slides, but my daughter loved the rock climbing wall. My son said  the Arcade was better than Carnival's. They both played and enjoyed the mini golf. My daughter and I participated in the "Walk for Wishes". We enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to give to such a worthy charity. We had Junior Suite 1076. What a spacious room. It had a full balcony and   full bath with a tub. The room also had so much storage and even a walk in   closet. The sofa bed was terrible. Carnival has much more comfortable sofa beds.  Ask for a mattress topper. The bed is basically a flip foam sofa and is  practically on the floor. The king size bed on the room was extremely  comfortable. Our Room Steward, Jessica was top notch and very accommodating. We had a table for 4 by the window. In the main dining room, early seating.   Out waiter was Bruno and Assistant Vishal were some of the best we have   encountered. They taught the kids magic tricks and shared stories of home.  They sang Happy Birthday to my daughter. They were wonderful. The food  was a little disappointing though. It was OK, but nothing to rave about. The  lobster was my best meal. In Cozumel we went to Paradise Beach and had an amazing time as usual. It is even better than before with the new pool. In Costa Maya we went to Tropicante. More laid back and quiet than Paradise Beach, but a beautiful beach  and great service, and good food and cheap beers. The cruise port in Costa Maya was fun and the kids enjoyed the pool there and did some shopping. Disembarkation was one of the fastest I have ever had. It was smooth and efficient.