New Cruise Review: 06-06-07

[TimeSpliters]

Title<] :: 06-06-07

Author<] :: TimeSpliters

Category<] :: Jewel Of The Seas

Information<] ::

[*]This was a great cruise on a great ship

Description<] ::

Northern Europe

JEWEL OF THE SEAS

6 JUNE – 18 JUNE 2007

STATE ROOM 4018

RADIANCE CLASS

GROSS TONNAGE : 90,090 tons

Length 293m Beam 32m Draft 8m

Passengers Capacity 2501 (we had 2165)

Crew 859

Captain Thore Thorolvsen

We went a day early and stayed at the TOWER HOTEL in Harwich and we could see the Jewell of the Seas from our room in the morning. And we left our car in their car park for the cruise.

Day 1 June 6

We left the Hotel about 10:30 for the mile to the ship and checked in and on ship 11:10 and had lunch.

We sailed at 17:00

SHOW

Cruise Director Bobby Brown Presents

THE WELCOME SHOW

Starring the Amazing FLASH AND FEVER

Day 2 June 7

Crusing

06/07/2007 12:15:00 PM,

Hollywood Odyssey Room

DECK 13

SHOW

The Royal Caribbran Singers and Dancers in

CITY OF DREAMS

Day 3 June 8

Oslo, Norway

OSLO

8 JUNE 7 – 4

WALKING

Begin with a walk along the pier, passing the statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who overlooks the

harbor of Oslo. First stop will be made at City Hall, a modern landmark containing the works of

some of Norway’s most distinguished artists including such items as frescoes, woodcarvings,

sculptures, and murals representing many aspects of Norwegian life. You will see a monumental

painting by Henrik Sorensen. The visit will acquaint you with the history of this more than 900-year

old city. Leaving City Hall, a short walk will take you to the front of the National Theatre. Passing

statues of famous Norwegians and the apartment of Henrik Ibsen, you will reach the Royal Palace

with its surrounding garden. From there, you will proceed to the main street Karl Johan, passing the

University of Oslo and learning more about the author Henrik Ibsen who passed by there every day.

You will follow in his footsteps to the Grand Café, the meeting point of the “Bohemians†in the

1890s. On you return to the ship, you will cross in front of the Parliament Building founded 1866

and walk through the Akershus Fortress, once a medieval castle and Royal Residence. The site

offers photo opportunities over the harbor.

There is a rumor that many tourists that come to Oslo do nothing but walk up and down the Karl

Johans gata several times, and that is all they see of the city. Pity for them! This partly pedestrian only

street stretches from the Railway station on the east to the Royal castle on the west and here

you'll find numerous shops, tourist agencies, banks and offices all mixed with street performers

and important buildings like the National parliament, the National theater and the University.

While all of these buildings deserve to be visited, if you limit yourself only to Karl Johans gata

you'll be quite disappointed.

SHOW

Starring JONATHAN KANE

The only tribute act endorsed by Elton John World

Day 4 June 9

Copenhagen, Denmark

COPENHAGEN

SAT 9 JUNE 8 – 7 pm

WALKING

Following the harbor front and passing the LANGELINIE YACHT HARBOUR, stop at the

LITTLE MERMAID and along the park and harbor to WARER FOUNTAIN OF GEFION -

Gefion Fountain

Just past the Resistance Museum is the incongruous British St Alban's Church, beside which is the dramatic Gefion

Fountain. The fountain is based on the story of the goddess Gefion who, according to legend, was promised as

much land as she could plough in a single night. She promptly turned her four sons into oxen and ploughed out a

chunk of Sweden (creating Lake Vänern), then picked it up and tossed it into the sea – where it became the Danish

island of Zealand. Created in 1908 by Anders Bundgaard, the fountain is one of the largest public monuments in

Copenhagen, depicting an enormous bronze Gefion engaging in her work, with water cascading down a series of

steps from which huge snakes coil out of the bubbling water. Sadly the fountain has been leaking for a number of

years and is now awaiting repairs.

Continue to the modern, but elegant Amaliehaven Square, with the Queen's

Palace, Amalienborg right behind the square

Amalienborg, the queen´s official residence, comprises four almost identical baroque palaces

encasing a large octagon square. From Saly’s famous horseman at the square´s centre you have

a free view of Amaliehaven and the waterfront at one end. and Frederikskirken (Marmorchurch)

at the other.

Marble Church-Frederiks Kirkr-opposite Amalienburg Slot

Amaliehaven, situated beside Amalienborg Palace and a few minutes walk from Nyhavn, is

Copenhagen´s newest park, constructed by A.P. Møller in 1983.

SHOW

Dominique Ava

Day 5 June 10

Crusing

SHOW

The Comedy of Duggie Brown

Day 6 June 11

Stockholm, Sweden

STOCKHOLM

MON 11 JUNE 9 – 5

Become acquainted with Stockholm’s oldest and coziest quarter, the Old Town, and the historic

elegance of the interior of the Royal Palace. Stockholm began where the Royal Palace stands,

though the present edifice of this stately monument of grace and symmetry dates only from the

18th century. A massive testament to the Baroque, a huge compound of rock-solid buildings on a

hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace comprises no fewer than 608 rooms. Today, the Stockholm

Palace serves as the King’s work place while Drottningholm Palace is the permanent residence of

the Royal Family. Visit the State Apartments displaying magnificent baroque and rococo interiors.

On this island of antiquity in the heart of the city, experience the medieval intimacy of what is

today a living historical monument of international renown. With your guide, you will savor the

Bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with

Baroque doorways and rusting coats of arms. See the exterior of the Cathedral (Coronation

Church), Stortorget (Great Square) - the hub of the Old Town and the Stock Exchange, now the

home of the Swedish Academy. Some time is allowed for independent activities and the

opportunity to browse in the antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques featuring handicrafts,

clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.

First, make your way to the Royal Palace either by walking, or by taxi. From the entrance to the palace (on

top of the hill) the pedestrian streets of Old Town (to the west and south downhill) are lined with hundreds of

shops that cater to tourists offering everything under the sun. You could easily spend the entire day in Old

Town and never exhaust the potential to find something new. Its little cubbies, archways, nooks and

crannies just add to its unique shopping experience.

GAMLA STAN (OLD TOWN)

Gamla Stan, literally "old town," is a small island in the middle of Stockholm. With narrow stone

streets and old buildings, this is a charming area to walk about. You can get there on the T, or just

by walking across one of the four short bridges that separates the island from the rest of Stockholm.

Things you shouldn't miss include the Royal Castle and Storkyrkan ("the big church"). Tyska

Kyrkan ("the German church") is also worth seeing. You can hang out in Stor Torget ("the big

square"), sit on a bench, go to a restaurant or cafe.

Gamla Stan is full of good restaurants and shops.

ROYAL PALACE

With 608 rooms, the Stockholm Royal Palace is the biggest palace in the world still used by a head

of state - King Carl XVI Gustav. The palace houses several of the greatest and most interesting

sights in Stockholm - the Royal Apartments, the Hall of State, the Apartments of the Orders of

Chivalry, the Treasury, the Tre Kronor Palace Museum, the Armoury and the Museum of

Antiquities of Gustav III. The Changing of the Guards ceremony takes place Wednesdays and

Saturdays at 12.00 and on Sundays and public holidays at 13.00.

SHOW

Jacqui Scott

The Leading Lady of West End Shows - Evita, Cats, Miss Saigon

Day 7 June 12

Helsinki, Finland

HELSINKI

TUE 12 JUNE 9 – 6

HELSINKI, FOUNDED ON JUNE 12, 1550

WALKING “WHITE CITY OF THE NORTHâ€Â

Helsinki is also called "The Daughter of the Baltic" or "The White City of the North." Start your

tour by passing the shipyard along the coastal road past Embassy Park and the colorful open-air

market; continue for a photo stop at the Senate Square with the elegant Lutheran Cathedral.

En route you will pass Uspenski Cathedral and the Icebreakers docked for the summer season.

Proceed on to Mannerheim Street, which is the main street through the city, where you can see

Parliament House, the National Museum, and Finlandia Hall, which is the concert and convention

center designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. You'll also pass the new Contemporary Art

museum, Kiasma, designed by the American architect Steve Holl. Continuing on, you will pass the

new Opera house completed in 1933 and the Olympic Stadium venue for the Olympic Games in

Helsinki in 1952. The tour then arrives at Sibelius Park where you will make a photo stop of the

monument of 527 steel pipes, which honor the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Conclude

your tour by passing the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church blasted into solid rock

There was not much sightseeing interests at Helsinki which has its activities concentrated

around Senate Square with the Government

SHOW

Mario and Daniel's Tango Buenos Aires

also 4:30 Helsinki Folkloric Show

Day 8 June 13

St. Petersburg, Russia The 2 day Tour arranged by http://www.alla-tour.com/

Meet at the ship as soon as the ship is cleared by the Russian authorities.

Travel to and tour St Nicholas Church, Farmers market and visit subway station/s

8:30 -11:00 am - Travel to Tsars Village. Excursion in Catherine's palace (early entrance)

11:00 -12:00 pm - Drive to Peterhof. Lunch (to be purchased or brought from ship) on the way.

12:15 - 2:00 pm - Tour of the Fountain Park

2:00 - 2:30 pm - Hydrofoil ride to the city

3:00 - 4:00 pm - Travel to and excursion in St Peter and Paul

4:30 - 5:30 pm - Boat ride along rivers and canals of the city

5:30 - 6:45 pm - Shopping

SHOW

St Petersburg Folkloric Show

Day 9 June 14

St Petersburg, Russia

8:30 am - Meet at the ship

9:30 - 12:00 am - Excursion in the Hermitage museum (early entrance)

12:30 - 1:15 pm - Lunch

1:30 - 4:00 pm - City sightseeing tour including inside visits to Excursion in St. Isaac Cathedral and colonnade and Church on the Blood

4:00 - 4:30 pm - Shopping if time permits

5:00 pm - Onboard

Tour for Russia $265 each

SHOW

Piano Showman Chris Hamilton

Day 10 June 15 (my Birthday)

Tallinn, Estonia Tour arranged by http://www.hot.ee/tours/ind_eng.html

8:30 - 9:00 am - ship to clear customs and we meet on pier.

9:00 - 11:00 am - transfer to van for city tour ending in lower town

11:00 - 12:30 pm - walk about lower town

12:30 - 2:00 pm - lunch and free time

2:00 - 3.00 pm - transfer to the Upper Town (the Toompea Hill), walk in the Upper Town

3:00 - 3:15 pm - transfer by van back to ship.

The tour is 30 euros per person

Show

The Balancing Artistry of Ilia Valeric

Comedy of Kelly Monteith

Day 11 June 16

Crusing

SHOW

West End to Broadway by the RC Singers and Dancers

Day 12 June 17

Crusing

SHOW

The Zany Comedy of Neal Austin

Day 13 June 18

arrive Harwich, England

3573 N/Miles

As for the ship, staff and check-in it was one of the best cruses I have been on.

The big surprise to me was that Jewel of the Seas not only meet my expectations, itexceeded them. So many elements of the trip were truly exceptional that I found myself comparing the cruise to those taken and charge significantly higher tariffs.

The ship was beautiful. I have never been a fan of art collections, and there were some pieces that were so gorgeous .

And as said before Service was consistently top-notch in all areas.

The Tides Dining Room is a gorgeously decorated, two-level main restaurant. It is open daily for open-seating breakfast, on sea days for open-seating lunch, and each night for two seatings with assigned tables and we were on the lower section and next to the Captains table.

Behind the Windjammer, toward the aft of the ship, is a covered, outdoor area and beyond that is a much nicer outdoor seating area.. The Windjammer offered casual dinners, generally featuring menu items also being served in the dining room.

Don't miss the fabulous Seaview Cafe. It's tucked up toward the back and top of the ship and easy to miss but it's a great spot for fish and chips, burgers. The Solarium Cafe offered pizza.

The jewels airy nd light nine deck high atrium, called a Centrum is wow! It was definitely a passenger magnet; areas around the Centrum, whether on its ground-floor level or five decks above, were constantly in use (during the day there were cooking demos and art auctions, at night dancing to a live trio), with passengers hanging over banisters to watch the scene down below.

Other features include a very selection of shops selling logo wear, a lot of cheap jewelry and duty-free perfumes. The two-deck Coral Theater -- the main show venue.

The real action, though, takes place in the ship's many bars. In fact there are so many that even on a six-night cruise we didn't manage to hit them all. On top of the ship is the Vortex Disco, the funky bar revolves. It's primarily the ship's spot for late night revelry, too, for a pre-dinner cocktail at sunset. Also up top is the Hollywood Odyssey. One of our favorite spaces, it is romantic and cozy -- and a great spot for lovers of torch songs. One gripe: Though we know that cigar smokers have rights, but the jazz was good, Champagne Bar and the Lobby Bar. Standing room-only crowds were drawn by the sound.

Off the main path a bit was Royal Caribbean's trademark Schooner Bar -- it's in the space between Chops Grille and Portofinos. And the Safari Club was the secondary showroom.

One bar we never quite cottoned to was the Pit Stop bar; ostensibly the ship's sports bar, its location was right off the casino and it was hard to hear any of the coverage on the 20+ televisions because of the slot machines.

There's a small library with a desultory collection of books. The ship also has a small cinema.

Standard, in all cabins, are two twin beds that converts to a queen, a mini-fridge with a few drinks ,television with an assortment of channels , a desk/vanity area and a safe. Ours was 4018.

Evenings were very good shows or acts at the Coral Theater -- shows specializing in Broadway-style singing and dancing .

Adventure Ocean, Jewel's family program, is housed in a sprawling facility that extends outside to a pool with slide.

Teens have "Fuel" -- their own facility -- which consists of an area called "The Living Room," a disco, a juice bar and its own Internet-connected computers at half the price of the terminals in the cyber-centers.

So get booked up and go---------its a great ship.

View Review

[frostyboy64]

sounds great planing a trip next year over there

thanks

[cruisetarp]

Thanks for the great review. I felt like I was almost there. Glad you enjoyed your trip

[jacketwatch]

Great review! We just got back from the Baltic too BTW. We had the pleasure of seeing Jaqui Scott perform in 2002 on the Splendour. She is a true pro.

[mercedes]

Thanks for the very informative review. I am planning to visit the Baltics on my next cruise.

[hazelson]

Wow - sounds like a super cruise!

[GottaCruz]

Thanks for such a comprehensive review, TimeSpliters. Sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing and it's great to see you posting.