Downsizing - Sailing the smaller ships?

[avazah]

My husband and I are tentatively planning our next cruise! Well, I am planning, and trying to convince him that we should do it :D

 

We sailed Indy on our honeymoon in 2013 (west carib), and then in 2014, I sailed on Explorer (bahamas out of NY). We really really enjoyed the freedom class ship, and I didn't find all that much difference, practically, between Indy and Explorer (honestly, my biggest comment was that I like the cafe promenade on indy better!. Now, we are looking at a Jewel of the Seas South Caribbean cruise leaving out of San Juan (1-31-2016), and I am curious - will the smaller ship make a huge impact?

 

I know many people do the opposite, sailing a smaller ship and working their way up to oasis/allure. I have little interest in oasis/allure, to be honest. I think there seem to be benefits of smaller ships, but I am worried that there won't be many places to go, or that the lack of large common areas will make the ship feel crowded. We would be booking an inside room, and there's not a chance at all that we would go for a balcony, so unfortunately suggestions of just hanging out on the balcony don't apply!

 

Does anyone have any comments on sailing Radiance class? Especially from those who have also sailed freedom class and enjoy freedom class?

 

There's a few options on freedom class ships that I would also consider, but I am just particularly drawn to this itinerary, and the freedom class itineraries around the same time are either the same as our honeymoon, or not very interesting to us!

[Clarea]

Adventure also sails out of San Juan in January 2016, with similar itineraries as Jewel. Adventure is a Voyager class ships, just like Explorer.

[ColoradoGurl]

Adventure of the Seas sails out of San Juan also; I'm doing it this summer. It's a Voyager class ship like the Explorer. When I was looking into the southern itinerary I tried to convince myself to do the jewel for the same reason, but as soon as I realized the Adventure does that route too, I stopped considering the jewel at all.

 

I did have a friend who just went on the jewel, although it was his first cruise. He mentioned noticing it seemed a little old, but said it didn't bother him and that he enjoyed it. He also felt he spent so much time off the ship he wasn't really paying much attention to the ship.

 

I think with the southern route and 5 port stops, the ship probably doesn't really matter, however, I too chose the bigger ship when given the choice for the same route.

[Hoopster95]

Does anyone have any comments on sailing Radiance class? Especially from those who have also sailed freedom class and enjoy freedom class?

 

I've gone from Liberty all the way to Majesty on a back to back...

Oasis down to Rhapsody and Vision within a few months...

Quantum down to Legend within 4 months...

No problems at all and so cool to try and experience the different ships.

 

Do not hesitate. You will not have a problem whatsoever enjoying a Radiance Class ship, especially on a port intensive cruise. Have a great cruise! :D

[Booth44]

I've never felt that a smaller ship feels any more crowded than a larger ship. The relative size has been a total non-issue for me. If anything, I prefer the charm and character of the smaller, older ships.

 

I agree with Hoopster95: Do not hesitate & don't overthink the size issue.;)

[TM38Rob]

I sailed Jewel two months before Explorer, although I had previously been on Navigator (Voyager-class) and Liberty (Freedom-class). While I had a balcony stateroom, I did not spend too much time out there on the Jewel.

 

Plenty of activities. Played dodgeball on one sea day. The Solarium has a cover over it, so great for rain or shine. Also a cafe serving pizza and sandwiches in the Solarium. Sea View Cafe had a cheeseburger just as good if not better than Johnny Rockets (No Johnny Rockets on Jewel). Mini Golf, Rock Climbing Wall, Sports court.

 

On Explorer, the two story nightclub (Vault, Crypt, Chamber, Dungeon) is now gone and nightclub activities moved to Viking Crown Lounge. The Jewel's nightclub, The Vortex, was built in the Viking Crown Lounge and has a revolving bar. Jewel has the Schooner Bar with piano bar, which one must pass through to access the Safari Club lounge. The Safari Club has self-leveling pool tables and a couple of bars. This area is where the Quest is played.

 

Bathrooms have the cylindrical shower doors. Glass elevators have a nice ocean view. Although no Royal Promenade, there is the Centrum.

 

Navigating the ship is not easy as the bigger ships as Jewel has only one way in and out for some venues, and may be have pass through another venue first. The theater is small, so get there early.

 

If you like the itinerary, it'll be worth sailing the Jewel.

 

Forgot to mention, they call Jewel of the Seas "the Ferrari of cruise ships". She's one of the fastest in the fleet.

Edited May 15, 2015 by TM38Rob

[B-52]

Only been on Freedom class ship once, and feel that was a large ship....prefer the smaller classes....I have absolutely no desire to go on Oasis or larger....but that is a personal preference.

For me, cruising means I'm on the water, out in the middle of the ocean, and I want to experience that...I'm not happy if I can't feel the ship rocking and rolling through the waves, and I can go out and see (and feel) the ocean...

One of the best cruises ever was skirting around and avoiding 3 hurricanes...there was no mistake,,,you knew you were on a cruise.

 

Large floating resorts...not my style....but again, my preference, and there's plenty to choose from.

Our next cruise is on Adventure out of San Jaun...this summer...(hoping for a storm)

[Saab4444]

First of all please consider that Jewel is three years younger than Adventure!

 

The so called smaller ships are much more elegant and less crowded. They offer a more traditionell but more personal way of cruising. I do not need flowriders, water slides, zip lines, bumper cars or Norths Stars as I cruise for the purpose of cruising and the destinations.

 

Allure and Oasis are great fun parks but you are far away from the sea and a real cruise feeling. I did it once and thats enough. Freedom and Voyager class are very good but Jewel and her sisters are perfect from my point of view!

[welshrich]

Hi, we've been lucky enough to sail all classes except Quantum, we did Jewel of the seas last year on a b2b southern caribbean route, fantastic ship, she does not have some of the whistles and bells of the newer larger ships but we found the cruise so port intensive and busy that we did not miss them at all, great views as there is so much glass to take in all the scenery, the only downside we found was that on the single sea day the pool deck filled up real quickly and there did not seem to be a lot of space but the pool patrol was out in force freeing up sunbeds and other days it wasnt noticable, would sail Jewel again in a heartbeat.

[kernow]

Another big fan of the smaller ships here.

 

We did a back2back Southern Caribbean on Brilliance 2 years ago and it became my favourite ship ever. Radiance class ships are so elegant, lots of light and outdoor space and as others have mentioned it feels like you are on a cruise ship rather than at a theme park. It certainly didn't feel too small to me, we loved the lounge at the back of the ship with all the windows and the Windjammer with plenty of outside space.

 

I also think the food and service is better on the smaller ships, it just seems more personal and friendly. We tried Oasis last September and for me it had too many gimmicks and not enough traditional ship feel, although I know that for many people that is what they love about it. I have enjoyed everything up to Freedom class though.

 

I'd give it a try, you'll never know otherwise and you could end up with a new favourite class of ship like I did.

 

Julie

[sjb317]

Only been on Freedom class ship once, and feel that was a large ship....prefer the smaller classes....I have absolutely no desire to go on Oasis or larger....but that is a personal preference.

For me, cruising means I'm on the water, out in the middle of the ocean, and I want to experience that...I'm not happy if I can't feel the ship rocking and rolling through the waves, and I can go out and see (and feel) the ocean...

One of the best cruises ever was skirting around and avoiding 3 hurricanes...there was no mistake,,,you knew you were on a cruise.

 

Large floating resorts...not my style....but again, my preference, and there's plenty to choose from.

Our next cruise is on Adventure out of San Jaun...this summer...(hoping for a storm)

 

I agree, we love the smaller ships, especially Radiance class, and my all time favorite ship is Jewel. The largest ships we've sailed on are Freedom (4 times) and Liberty (2 times) and while they are great ships, I think they lose ocean feeling which is so important to me. I love the rocking/rolling motion when sailing and barely feel it on Freedom class ships. Our 2 cruises on Liberty were both TAs and I still didn't feel much movement!:D

 

OP, I think you should give Jewel a try.

 

Sherri:)

Edited May 15, 2015 by sjb317

[Philly Steve]

Just back from a ten day cruise aboard Grandeur, "tiny" by fleet standards.

 

We never felt confined, although we did spend a lot of time on our aft cabin balcony. No worries, there were plenty of other comfortable places to hang out including the Viking Crown Lounge which was quiet during the day.

 

I agree with others here. Love the sensation of being at sea and not having to go out of my way to see the ocean.

[Ocean Boy]

We go back and forth between Oasis/Freedom/Voyager class ships with no problem. However, we really enjoy the Royal Promenade aboard the ships and when we sailed Serenade we did miss it even though that was a very port intensive cruise. So we try to not book the ships that are smaller than Voyager class for that reason.

[Familygoboston]

If you enjoyed the larger ships (and it's all relative Jewel is not a "small ship" in any sense) you might prefer Adventure over Jewel in San Juan. Come night time, there are far fewer venues for activities on Jewel, we found on several nights these were closed off for private parties and events and we would find there were limited options for places to go to eat and/or view entertainment. We did not have this problem on Adventure.

 

Jewel is a beautiful ship, but we also enjoyed having a Royal Promenade, which accommodated the crowds better than the Centrum on Jewel. At dinner time we found that Jewel became completely jammed up through the Centrum, I mean literally can't move. The only other options to get from stem to stern was go outside. You might not want to get blown if dressed for dinner or through the smokey casino or walk up a few levels and then walk back down on the other end of the ship. There were far more trivias, sing alongs, game shows etc going on AOS than Jewel.

 

I have recent reviews for both SJ ships in my review below in my signature: V

[nbsjcruiser]

Radiance class ships are the most beautiful ships in any fleet IMO and many others agree. We've been on every class of ship on RCL other than the oasis class. The radiance class is still my favourite. Don't be concerned about the size of the ship. The best food and service on RCL that I experienced was on the Majesty.

[330searay]

I would love the oppurtunity to sail Jewel. To date my favorite ship has been Grandeur. The smaller ships are much more charming and quaint. Dont get me wrong, when we sail with our children bigger is better.

[reallyitsmema]

We have sailed the Jewel in the past and have a cruise booked for September on the Jewel, but I would pick a larger ship any day. We find the Radiance class ships to be much more crowded than the larger ships. We prefer a ship with a Royal Promenade. Jewel also has not been revitalized as all the other ships have so it does not have the added food venues, it still has Seaview Cafe but it is now with a modified menu which isn't as good.

 

I would look at Adventure instead of Jewel.

[emilygrace]

We have been on all the Radiance class ships and the Jewel is my absolute favorite. In fact, it is my favorite of ALL the ships I have been on. I just returned from the Transatlantic on the Allure and once on that ship is enough for me. That felt more like a shopping mall if you were inside and walking between apartment buildings if you were outside in Central Park or the Boardwalk. Where was the ocean?????

 

As for the poster that commented that the Jewel looked old, I doubt if it looks worn, but it is more in the traditional, classy style of cruise ships.

[printingchick]

My first Royal Caribbean cruise was on Voyager Class. Then Freedom class. I wanted to return to the southern Caribbean for my subsequent cruise and preferred the Radiance class itinerary to the Voyager ship itinerary. I worried I'd be disappointed taking a step down in size. Would I miss the ice rink? There would be no Royal Promenade - no parades. The main pool is so much smaller.

 

Turns out I'm a small ship kind of cruiser. MUCH PREFERRED the smaller ship. Particularly for a port-intensive cruise (which are also my preference) all the extras are unnecessary. I like the more intimate setting. I like getting to know my fellow passengers. The wait for an elevator is less. There are generally fewer young children on board (no character breakfasts or H2O zone to attract them). The focus is OUTWARD, toward the ocean, and isn't that why we choose a CRUISE vacation?

 

I love the solarium. I can't say enough about OUTDOOR dining at the Windjammer! LOVE LOVE LOVE that! The service on the small ships is amazing.

 

I'm about to cruise on the Jewel for the second time in a row. I'm considering Celebrity for my next cruise, because the ships are smaller.

 

I'm with you - I have no interested in a floating resort that visits the same old ports. I want to FEEL like I'm on a cruise and KNOW that I'm on the ocean.

 

I was pleasantly surprised by my reaction to the Radiance Class. It immediately became my favorite!

[printingchick]

We have been on all the Radiance class ships and the Jewel is my absolute favorite. In fact, it is my favorite of ALL the ships I have been on. I just returned from the Transatlantic on the Allure and once on that ship is enough for me. That felt more like a shopping mall if you were inside and walking between apartment buildings if you were outside in Central Park or the Boardwalk. Where was the ocean?????

 

As for the poster that commented that the Jewel looked old, I doubt if it looks worn, but it is more in the traditional, classy style of cruise ships.

 

Totally off topic, but Emily Grace would have been my youngest son's name...had he been a girl. :)

[Desert Cruizers]

We haven't sailed the Oasis Class or Voyager Class but have sailed the Freedom Class ship, the LOS, 1 cruise on the Brilliance, 4 cruises on the Radiance of the Seas and soon the Serenade. All the ships are beautiful and we have had very good service to excellant on all of them, yet we really prefer the Radiance class. The views of the ocean are the best from inside lounges. If your looking more for all the bells & whistles then you your Voyager Class & higher. We never felt the Radiance Class to be small.

Edited May 15, 2015 by Desert Cruizers

[Ocean Boy]

Totally off topic, but Emily Grace would have been my youngest son's name...had he been a girl. :)

 

Very fortunate for him that you changed your mind when he turned out not to be a girl.;)

[avazah]

Thanks for all the replies! I am still reading through them, but I wanted to mention that adventure of the seas is not an option for us, as we cannot sail out on a Saturday. :)

[American Bear]

My husband and I are tentatively planning our next cruise! Well, I am planning, and trying to convince him that we should do it :D

 

We sailed Indy on our honeymoon in 2013 (west carib), and then in 2014, I sailed on Explorer (bahamas out of NY). We really really enjoyed the freedom class ship, and I didn't find all that much difference, practically, between Indy and Explorer (honestly, my biggest comment was that I like the cafe promenade on indy better!. Now, we are looking at a Jewel of the Seas South Caribbean cruise leaving out of San Juan (1-31-2016), and I am curious - will the smaller ship make a huge impact?

 

I know many people do the opposite, sailing a smaller ship and working their way up to oasis/allure. I have little interest in oasis/allure, to be honest. I think there seem to be benefits of smaller ships, but I am worried that there won't be many places to go, or that the lack of large common areas will make the ship feel crowded. We would be booking an inside room, and there's not a chance at all that we would go for a balcony, so unfortunately suggestions of just hanging out on the balcony don't apply!

 

Does anyone have any comments on sailing Radiance class? Especially from those who have also sailed freedom class and enjoy freedom class?

 

There's a few options on freedom class ships that I would also consider, but I am just particularly drawn to this itinerary, and the freedom class itineraries around the same time are either the same as our honeymoon, or not very interesting to us!

 

 

We feel the Radiance class ships are the best RCL has!

The Radiance class is pure elegance with great sea views, beautiful wood interiors, and the size is just right, not too big, not to small.:)

The Radiance Class carries about 2000 less passengers then the Freedom Class!:eek:

Passenger space ratio of the Freedom class is 32.7, Radiance class is 42.9!(the higher number is better:))

So you get a better itinerary(your words), a more beautiful ship(my words), and a less crowded ship with the Radiance Class!:D

[NemoCrownie]

I loved the Jewel this year and LOVE sailing out of San Juan. It is such a port intensive itinerary that the ship and activities are not as important but I do love this class of ship. I have been on the Jewel and the Adventure and both are great ships for the Southern itineraries but I thought the staff was better on the Jewel - cold water and cool rags when returning to the boat, towel animals every night, officers mingling with the passengers. Not to be missed are Old San Juan, the pool tables outside the Schooner Bar and the outdoor seating in the Windjammer.