At Sea 4Ever

Day 7:

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Day 7:

After the fountain show we just sat in our seats and hung out for awhile. The Aqua Theater is so peaceful and relaxing at night. It's hard to believe your floating out in the middle of the ocean. I then began to think of what a wonderful week we had and looking back it seemed to go slow but yet so fast in ways. We were only a few hours away from Florida and I was getting excited for the people getting ready to board and start their week onboard this beautiful ship. Even though it was getting late I still had a few things left to check off my list so off we went! Everyone on Cruise Critic talks about the "secret balcony" so curiosity got the best of me. We traveled up to deck 14 and walked down the long stretch of cabins before we arrived at the doors leading out to it. Wow, what a view from up there! If you are not ok with heights than maybe it's not for you. After we took it all in we made our way to the Viking Crown Lounge. This is a staple on every ship. The decor and lighting was just beautiful. It is shaped a lot differently though than on other ships. It is more of a crescent shape rather than circular. From there we went to check out Cigars Under the Stars. They hosted it on the top outside pool deck where the suite guests are allowed access during the day. The concept was a nice idea but with the wind it just seemed impossible to make it work. On the way back to our cabin we took some last minute pictures around the ship.

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Day 7:

After we thanked our dining staff and gave out final gratuities and wow cards we made our way to the family friendly comedy show in the Opal Theater. The show started at 8:45 and it featured some of the comedians from the comedy club. Again bar service was very scarce before the show. The show was considerably toned down compared to Comedy Live a few nights back. It was very funny though!

Since it was our last night, we wanted to keep going so we decided to attend the fountain show in the Aqua Theater at 10:45. They had two shows that night. One was at 8:15 and the other 10:45. We still had some time before the show started so we did what everyone does on their last night. We took a trip over to the Photo Shop! Crowded was an understatement, but waiting till the last night allows you to take photo's up until the last possible minute. Our Crown and Anchor coupons allowed us to receive two free pictures. We found our binder and selected our two photos. We like to purchase the black folder frame that has the picture of the ship on one side. We have one for every ship we've been on.

It was time to head over to the Aqua Theater for the fountain show. It was pretty empty when we first got there but then it filled up with a few other couples. This show did not require any type of reservation. The show was great! It was 15 minutes long and reminded me of a mini version of the fountain show at the Bellagio in Vegas. They did have an incident of a group of misbehaved kids running on the stage. The producers of the show made several announcements for them to sit back down but the first few attempts did not work. Finally a couple sitting near them threatened to call security and the kids finally stopped.

A few pictures from the Aqua Theater

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Wait! I just discovered this and she didn't finish! Oh The Horror! Thanks for the review in case you come back! :)

I'm back! Been super busy lately don't worry I'm gonna finish. Thanks for following!

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The Jewel has the Coke machines right?

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October! It makes the ending of the summer not so depressing and it's a good time to relax before the craziness of the holidays begin! Also it's my bday month!

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2 weeks from tomorrow! Jewel of the Seas October 11th

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I have traveled with large groups many of times before. We always make it clear that no one should feel obligated to do activities or be somewhere if that's not what they would like to do. It's everyone's vacation and everyone should be happy. Lay out dinner plans, excursions and plans for the islands, and what the plans are for sea days. Some people are happy laying by a pool all day while others like to be active. If you have plans of sending your little one to the kids program give your in laws a heads up. Also discuss nightlife. Some may want to go to the shows while others rather to hit the casino or a bar. Maybe show them the rccl website so they can get familiar or sign them up for Cruise Critic!

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Thanks for the fast responses! Haven't been on much in the past few months and now another sailing is approaching so we are getting excited! Is everything else the same as far as the packages go?

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My last cruise was in April of this year so just a few months ago. I purchased the premium package for both my DH and I at $55 pp per day. I just logged into my profile online for my upcoming cruise in a few weeks and it says the premium package is now lowered to $49. Is that correct? Have the prices on all the packages changed over the summer? Are the products available under each package the same?

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St. Croix

 

St. Maarten

 

Antigua

 

St. Lucia

 

Barbados

What nights were you're formal nights?

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Day 7: MDR, Comedy Show, Fountain Show

We originally had dinner reservations at 9 but because of show times we headed there at 7. The lines we're long but they were able to accommodate us quickly. The only thing that we were bummed about was not being able to be seated in our favorite waiters section. The MDR felt more like a cafeteria that night. The tables were so close together they might as well been put together and the noise level was so high there was no real conversation that could be had. Between them playing that "Happy" song, the crew singing the farewell song and then the constant announcements about filling out the survey it was all a bit to much. This was when my DH and I decided that MTD was not for us and that it loses something this way. We had missed our regular second seating dinner in the MDR.

Some pictures from our last dinner

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Day 7: At Sea

We woke up to our final sea day being hot and sunny. We enjoyed a slower paced morning by having room service on our balcony. We headed up to the pool deck around 8:30 and by then finding a pool chair was like finding a lime onboard, impossible! We had spent a great deal of time by the beach pool all week so we figured to end the cruise relaxing by the solarium. There were still quite a few spots open there. Breakfast was still being served in the Solarium Bistro so I decided to see what they had to offer. They had a granola bar with all sorts of toppings, pancakes, egg whites, turkey sausage, fruit and a bunch of other healthy options. As much as breakfast in the solarium was appetizing something else peaked my interest.

The most delicious drink poolside! The Cactus Pear! It's pretty pink color doesn't hurt either!

One thing always remains the same on any warm weather cruise. The last sea day every single passenger onboard suddenly discovers the pool deck. It seemed like all six thousand passengers were hanging out poolside!

The crowd on deck 15 was overwhelming to say the least and the amount of smokers by the main pool port side was disgusting. It was just a giant cloud of smoke!

I try and soak in as much ocean views as I can get the last day. It needs to hold me over till the next cruise. With the sun blaring down and the music playing in the background we just relaxed in our lounge chairs for the entire afternoon. Of course we took some time out of our very busy schedule for a well deserved lunch! We mixed it up with both the Park Cafe and the Solarium Bistro. It was great to have the flexibility to grab food from wherever and bring it back. I enjoyed this amazing spinach and orange salad that was so light and refreshing. Of course we had to take advantage one last time of the famous Kummelwreck sandwiches. By lunchtime the solarium had gotten so packed that even the pool itself was full. You could not even get past the stairs. We used the showers located next to the pool to cool off.

The worst part of every cruise for me is leaving the pool for the very last time. I can't explain it and no one would understand even if I could, but for me it's the worst feeling! The time came though when we had to pack it up and head back to the cabin. As we passed by Dazzles we noticed they were having a Barbie event. It looked super cute!

Once back in our cabin we quickly threw all of our stuff into the luggage. We always bring our luggage weigher which makes the packing process go smoother. We piled the luggage into the corner and got ready for our last dinner onboard. We left the cabin and did one final walk thru of the shops in the Promenade before heading to the MDR.

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Looking at excursions that either go to Protestant Cay or Rainbow Beach. Which is a more beautiful beach? Which has better snorkeling? Do either offer paddle boarding? Any comments are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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Whoever told you Marigot is a beautiful beach lied! lol. It is a beautiful harbor, with a very small postage stamp size beach that is lovely, but fronts the yacht harbor with boat traffic, so not the best for swimming or kayaking, etc. It is a lovely harbor with a small shopping area - most definitely not enough for a full day, really. Go for the snorkeling tour down to Soufriere and the Pitons. You will pass Marigot Bay both directions and get a scenic view, along with the whole west coast of the island, snorkeling, and the iconic Pitons. Best bet between the 2.

 

Enjoy your visit.

Thanks so much! I'm going to take your advice.

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St Lucia is not know for her beaches. We are a mountainous, volcanic island, and our beaches are usually relatively small coves with light tan to black sand.

 

My personal most beautiful beach on the island is Laborie Beach, but it's about 1..45-2 hours from the port one way. Not worth the drive really.

 

Jalousie Beach between the Pitons is beautiful and you do get to see the iconic Pitons, which are what St Lucia is famous for! Pigeon Island beach park is lovely and also offers some hiking and big grassy areas to relax. Reduit Beach is a lovely typical tourist beach w/lots of restaurants and a few beach bars, water sports for hire, chairs/umbrellas for hire, etc. Vigie Beach is walking distance from the port and is beautiful also, but no amenities outside of a few rum shops way down near the entrance to the airport. And so on.

 

A good option is a land sea tour combo to see the highlights of the islan such as volcano, banana plantation, Marigot Bay, Pitons, waterfall and also some beach time, then return by sea. Or perhaps a catamaran coastal tour with some beaches and snorkeling. There are other options.

 

If what you want is a typical beach day - then Reduit Beach is your best bet. 25-30 minutes ride, taxi will be $30US one way for up to 3 people, 2 chairs/umbrella about $20US. Spinnakers Beach Bar/Restaurant is great for lunch and local vendors on the beach for cold beer or back to Spinnakers for cocktails.

 

Enjoy your visit.

I could use your opinion on this since you are so knowledgable of the island! I'm thinking of either doing an excursion to marigot bay that drops you there and let's you walk around the harbour and hang at the beach. Or my other plan was to take a snorkel cruise that goes past the Pitons and has you snorkeling in Soufrie bay. Which is a better choice. I really do want to see the Pitons but I also heard Marigot is a beautiful beach. Any thoughts? Thanks!

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Thanks so much for a terrific review. I absolutely loved your theme days and your spontaneous nature as well. Such a nice balance! I hope I can strike that same chord.

 

 

 

I absolutely loved battle of the pool chairs and port runners!

 

 

 

You answered so many of my questions and gave me so many great ideas for our upcoming cruise.

Thank u so much for the kind words! I will be posting more this weekend so stayed tuned!

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Day 7: At Sea

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Day 7: At Sea

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St Lucia is not know for her beaches. We are a mountainous, volcanic island, and our beaches are usually relatively small coves with light tan to black sand.

 

My personal most beautiful beach on the island is Laborie Beach, but it's about 1..45-2 hours from the port one way. Not worth the drive really.

 

Jalousie Beach between the Pitons is beautiful and you do get to see the iconic Pitons, which are what St Lucia is famous for! Pigeon Island beach park is lovely and also offers some hiking and big grassy areas to relax. Reduit Beach is a lovely typical tourist beach w/lots of restaurants and a few beach bars, water sports for hire, chairs/umbrellas for hire, etc. Vigie Beach is walking distance from the port and is beautiful also, but no amenities outside of a few rum shops way down near the entrance to the airport. And so on.

 

A good option is a land sea tour combo to see the highlights of the islan such as volcano, banana plantation, Marigot Bay, Pitons, waterfall and also some beach time, then return by sea. Or perhaps a catamaran coastal tour with some beaches and snorkeling. There are other options.

 

If what you want is a typical beach day - then Reduit Beach is your best bet. 25-30 minutes ride, taxi will be $30US one way for up to 3 people, 2 chairs/umbrella about $20US. Spinnakers Beach Bar/Restaurant is great for lunch and local vendors on the beach for cold beer or back to Spinnakers for cocktails.

 

Enjoy your visit.

Thank u so much for such a detailed response!

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Fort Fredrick, Victorian Danish architecture, shopping plaza, cute little park with tons of iguanas, nice beach with paddleboard & chair/umbrella rentals and good food + wifi, local shops. All within 10 minute's walk from the pier.

Thanks for the response! Do you know the name of the beach?

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There is a little market right there. I think you can walk further on a board walk. Don't you want to do something. Like go to the beach?

Def want to do an excursion just trying to figure out if we also need to allow time for walking around the pier.

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Sorry, but no. Outside of the pier shopping, there is not much in the area. One highlight is the Castries Craft and Food Market across from the harbor (large semi-open air building with orange roof). Easy walking distance, lots of crafts and souvenirs and big food market with wide selection of local produce and meats and spices. Local food shops to grab a bite and an ice cold Piton. Not much in the city itself, and it's not a pretty area to stroll around really.

 

The 2 piers themselves have large shopping areas - Pointe Seraphine is a nicer shopping area overall (open air), but both offer similar shops.

 

Enjoy your visit.

Thank you for the quick response! Which beach would you consider to be the most beautiful and a must?

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Day 6: Come Fly with Me, MDR, The Quest

After we got ready and left our cabin for the evening we headed for the Royal Promenade. We wanted to pick up some souvenirs from some of the shops. We also had our C&A discount for logo merchandise. We figured we would shop tonight and skip the crowds on day 7.

We noticed we were cutting it close on time for the show so we headed down to Entertainment Place for Come Fly With Me. It was being shown in the Opal Theater.

Directory for the ship located at the forward and aft

Seats filled up quickly and it was a packed theater once the lights went down. Come Fly with Me was very lively and upbeat. It kept the crowd entertained and drawn in. We did however prefer Blue Planet on the Allure.

An observation about the theater that we made is that there is no bar to order drinks. Drinks are only available thru bar service which was not heavily staffed considering the size of the theater.

We had dinner reservations at 9:30 for MTD. 9:30 is the latest reservation that can be made for MTD. For us that's great because we could never eat to late! We requested that certain assistant waiter that we enjoyed dining with and we were very happy to see he had a table available in his section. We ended up being the last people left in the dining room but that was because we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and took our time savoring every bite. The highlights of our meal were the Braised Beef Duo and the Jaffa Cake.

Rum Baba

Cherries Jubilee

Jaffa Cake

After we closed out the Dining Room we headed downstairs to the Quest held in Studio B. The Quest is an adult game show that is a staple on every Royal Caribbean ship. If you are in a mood for a great laugh and a good time then don't miss it! The best part about the show is that it's all about crowd participation! The passengers are the entertainment with the Cruise Director as the host. Every time we have been to the Quest it has always been a packed house. No matter how early you would get there getting a seat was almost impossible. On this sailing though seating was ample and crowd participation was lacking. Our Cruise Director though did a stellar job at turning out a great show with what he was given.

After the Quest the Cruise Director kept the party going by inviting everyone up to the Solarium for the Twenty by Absolute Party. We had stopped into this before on other sailings and decided to give it a go again. It was an outside under the stars club vibe with the resident DJ and full service bar. Maybe it was because we were getting tired but it did not thrill us so we decided to walk the ship. It's nice to stretch your legs walking thru the Promenade or Central Park before heading to bed!

Up Next: Day 7

Our last sea day

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Is there anything to do directly at the pier or in walking distance? Will be sailing on the Jewel of the Seas. Any comments are appreciated!

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