Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas

Jewel of the Seas Fast Facts
Maiden Voyage: 4/23/04
Passenger Capacity: 2501
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962’
Max Beam: 105.6’
Draft: 26.7’
Cruising Speed: 25 knots

Overview
Jewel of the Seas was the last build of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance class, quite possibly the most beautiful class in the Royal Caribbean fleet. And while that is a totally subjective statement, it is hard to disagree with the fact that these ships are gorgeous! Glass is used excessively, filling the ship with natural light and keeping the sea and spectacular scenery always in view. Yet that is just the beginning of what guests can look forward to.

There is always something to do on a Royal Caribbean ship and the Jewel of the Seas is no exception. There is a rock climbing wall, a sports court, a jogging track, miniature golf, golf simulators, fitness center and day spa. The main pool and adjacent hot tub area is the hub for sea day activity. A band plays on most of these afternoons and the cruise director is usually around organizing dances or games. Guests looking for a more peaceful pool area will find serenity in the adult-only solarium complete with its own pool, hot tubs and retractable roof. Families with small children can play in the splash pool and water slide of the Adventure Beach area.

Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s award winning, complimentary children’s program. Parents can feel confident leaving their children because every member of the Adventure Ocean staff holds a college degree in education, recreation, or other related field, or has qualified-equivalent experience working with children ages 3-17. Distinct age groups assure that children are always participating in age appropriate activities. Arts and crafts activities are sponsored by Crayola and allow creativity while learning about the art, history and culture of the places they’re visiting.  Adventure Science is a science-based lab where children can do experiments like making “flubber” or erupting volcanoes. All ages have scheduled time outside at the sports court and mini golf course.  Older kids can enjoy scavenger hunts, dance parties, karaoke and video game challenges.  Teens have their own lounges and disco.

There are many dining options available on the Jewel of the Seas.  Tides Dining room is open for three meals each day. At dinner guests may choose from traditional early seating, traditional late seating or open seating which Royal Caribbean calls “My Time” Dining.

The two specialty restaurants onboard, Chops Grille and Portofino provide the ultimate dining experience. There is a small surcharge but comparable meals in a city restaurant would cost ten times as much.  Reservations can be made online prior to sailing.

For more casual meals guests can visit the Windjammer Café or the Seaview Café. A pizzeria can be found up by the solarium and is open late into the night for those with a case of the munchies. Café Latte-tudes, off the Centrum, serves specialty coffee drinks and pastries.

There are numerous bars and lounges, many with live music, to visit before or after dinner. The Safari Club is actually several lounges in one.  There’s a room to play billiards, cards and games, plus lots of seating for lounging and enjoying cocktails and live music.  There is a casino, a cinema and the beautiful Coral Theater which features lavish production shows starring the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers.