The Jewel of the Seas

A Radiance class vessel, the Jewel of the Seas is a gorgeous cruise ship that offers luxury, fun and relaxation to guests of any age and interests.

Built by the Meyer Werft shipbuilding yard in Germany and sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, the craft made its maiden voyage in 2004 and fits within the Panamax size classification.

The Jewel of the Seas is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International, which boasts significant holiday expertise and an understanding of what guests need. There's little doubt that passengers who choose a voyage on one of the company's 42 vessels will appreciate the fabulous service and wide range of amenities provided.

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In the summer, the Jewel of the Seas is based in Harwich and offers 12-night Scandinavian adventures. In the autumn, it makes a transatlantic crossing and then sails between New England and Canada, with a home port in Boston, Massachusetts. As the winter sets in, the ship moves further south to Tampa, Florida, and provides Caribbean tours.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,500
Year entered service: 2004
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 27.8 feet
Length: 961.9 feet
Tonnage: 90,090
Crew: 858
Maximum speed: 25 knots
Number of passenger decks: 12
Number of lifts: 9
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 1,055

Food, cuisine and dining

On the Jewel of the Seas, the main dining room is called Tides and its decor includes gorgeous columns and a large painting of the sea illuminated by the moon. The room spans two levels and the upper deck has floor-to-ceiling windows, which afford glorious views of the ocean.

Three meals a day are on offer and the options will vary. Breakfast generally includes egg dishes, pancakes, cereal, sausages, fruit and juices. For lunch, choose from items like sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, while dinner can range from pasta through to chicken, steak or fish dishes.

If you'd prefer a more intimate setting, with a slightly higher quality of fare, why not head to one of the alternative dining venues?

Portofino is an Italian restaurant offering gastronomic delights such as spaghetti with lobster sauce, beef tenderloin and veal - not to mention some delectable desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta.

There's also Chop's Grille, a steakhouse with an open kitchen and a variety of mouth-watering entrees made with fresh ingredients and served with flair.

Other options include:
• Windjammer Cafe
• Seaview Cafe
• Latte-tudes

If you're looking for a drink, there are a number of bars, clubs and lounges located around the ship where you can order an exotic cocktail or other favourite tipples.

In addition, room service is offered to all guests, with a complimentary menu available at all hours - although late-night orders will incur a service charge.

On-board entertainment and activities

As a family-oriented cruise line, Royal Caribbean has put special effort into ensuring that kids are properly catered for throughout the voyage.

The kids' club is a favourite option and is separated into four age groups to ensure that the activities are appropriate for each child. These range from arts and crafts workshops, story time and fun science classes to teach them about the ocean.

Fuel is an exclusive area specifically for teens, with features such as a juice bar and hangout area, as well as a games section and computers with internet connections.

Of course, families will also enjoy spending time together on the pool deck. The Adventure Pool includes a waterslide and wading area, with brightly coloured statues of sea creatures to encourage imaginative play. You could even go rock climbing, or enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole mini course.

There's an arcade with activities like air hockey and driving games or you could attend a family-friendly show at the Coral Reef Theatre. There's even a library where you could pick up some pool-side reading material, or a few books to keep the kids occupied back in your stateroom.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking for the ultimate in relaxation, head down to the ShipShape health spa. There, you'll find saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools, or you could book a treatment like a massage, aromatherapy or acupuncture.

For those who prefer to relax with some pampering, the spa also includes a beauty salon. Get a new hairstyle, enjoy a facial or scalp treatment or get a manicure/pedicure. Other options include teeth whitening and cellulite reduction.

In addition, there are plenty of more vigorous options for those who like to get their stress out by exercise. The large gym has a number of cardio and resistance machines and exercise classes are offered. There's also the rock climbing wall, a running track and two swimming pools.

Cabins

When planning a trip on the Jewel of the Seas, you'll have plenty of accommodation options to choose from. With more than a thousand rooms in ten different categories and 19 price groupings, there's sure to be something to suit your particular preferences.

The suites all include private balconies, which afford gorgeous ocean views. The more basic staterooms offer the choice of interior rooms with no view and exterior rooms with the choice of a window or balcony looking out to sea.