Trans-atlantic Choice (April) -- Navigator or Jewel???

[jbear$]

Like either itinerary but beside the fact that the ships differ in size, please give opinions on service, ambience, etc. Did a crossing on Celebrity Constellation last year, same time of year and enjoyed it alot. Thanks, J

[Barbee524]

I have never been on one of the voyager class ships. But, I really enjoyed the Radiance of the Seas. This is the perfect size ship in my opinion. That's why we chose the Jewel for our TA. Hope you'll join us.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

You have to tell us where each is going. I believe the JOS end up in England and a North Atlantic crossing with northern ports is going to be cold. I forget where the NOS is heading but I think it might be more southern...which will mean warmer. I would probably opt for the warmer of the 2 and I am a big fan of the JEWEL OF THE SEAS as we will be on her next year...but I like warm rather than cold.

 

Let us know.:D

[jbear$]

Both are northern route. NOS from Miami to Southhampton with stops in Bermuda and Ireland, GB and France. JOS from Ft. Lauderdale passes up Bermuda and stops at Cork, Falmouth, LeHavre, Zebrugge and ends in Amsterdam. We might just disembark in France on either ship to spend a few days in Paris before flying home.

[negc]

The covered solarium on the Jewel will be a plus in the event that the weather during the crossing is less than ideal. Personally I prefer Radiance class ships and have done two crossings on them and found them wonderful. If you need a lot of activities and don't mind being drawn towards the interior of the ship, the Voyager, with its Royal Promenade and Ice Skating rink might be a better choice. If you want to remain connected to the ocean even when you are inside the ship, Jewel would be a better idea. It really depends on your needs and expectations. Both provide a good RCI cruise experience so you can't really go wrong.

[Cruising89143]

Having been on both ships I would choose the Navigator. Each one has their strong points but I feel that there is more to do on the Voyager class ships. I like the Royal Promenade also and missed that on the Jewel. The big plus to the Jewel is the covered solarium as mentioned in the above post. You actually can't go wrong with either ship. I do have photos of both ships in my link below.

[M&A]

We did the trans Atlantic crossing on the Jewel of the Seas this year, we left Ft Lauderdale on April 30th. The weather was quite warm for two days out of Bermuda and was cool (low 60s) and cloudy all the way to Lisbon. We slept with our balcony door open every night!!

It was also a very calm crossing, the only rough seas we encountered was the the first night out of Ft Lauderdale.

 

The covered solarium did get a lot of use, however there were a lot of people who would get there early in the morning and throw towels and books on a deck chair to save a space. If you went there at 9 in the morning almost every deck chair was reserved. The JOS did not enforce the no saving deck chair policy.

[bubbadog]

id take the navigator with the jewels itinerary lol,i think the itinerary on the jewel is better,and ive always liked the jewel so thats what id pick:));)

[alexkrn46]

We just booked on the Navigator today....I have been on both the Jewel and Navingator. Both are beautiful. Our last cruise on the Jewel that seas where rough, many passengers where getting sick as well as staff. My husband also mentioned that on the Jewel to get a late night snack you have to go outside to the Seaview and it is only open until 1am while the Navigator has the Cafe Promenade open 24 hours a day. The air fares from Amsterdam where very high also, this will be our first experience using custom air since it was the most reasonable.

 

Alex

[jbear$]

Jewel looks like the best fit. Not too big, not such a mall atmosphere. Most similar to size and amenities of Connie. We make our own choices for limited daily activities at sea. Just reading a book while watching the Atlantic pass by is enormously entertaining . The pressures of every day life at home is a pleasure to leave way behind. Thanks to all who have offered opinions. Regards, J

[Host Kewlguy]

I was also on the Constellation transatlantic back in April. Personally, if I were to choose between the Jewel and Navigator I would choose the Navigator. I haven't been on either ship but from speaking to many people who have I'd give Navigator the edge.

[glgolfer]

alexkern46 and anyone else that books the Navigator for April 2007 transatlantic, here's the roll call:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=349459&page=7

 

Check in, we're already having fun.

[2ladies]

I second that!! Paul, you are being too modest. Everyone - Paul is the Bar Manager of the 'Navigators on the Deep Blue Seas' (Navigator April 14th) and is already doing a superb job. Each week we have a different whiskey!!

 

Come on our cruise and join in the fun. We have still have some excellent positions open - including two very lucrative - Shops Manager and Casino Manager to name only two.

 

We even have a Chief Astronomer who will be organising a trip to the bow one evening to celebrate the stars.

 

Admiral Roz

[rubrrick]

Roz...........Merry Christmas............and enjoy you Navigator trip this coming spring.

 

We will be on the Navigator this coming fall........on an itinerary that we want one more time........including Maderia and the Canarys.

 

Happy New Year!!

 

 

PS we just got off the Mercury...........and the time difference is just catching up with us.

 

Rick

[2ladies]

Hi Rick - say hi to Bobbie for us!!

 

You gonna be on with us again in the Fall? Great stuff!! We are on for both the Spring and Fall. Hope we like the Navigator - we are on her in February for a week so we will make our final decision then. We liked the Voyager and expect to like the Navigator.

 

How was the Mercury? We are on the Radiance on Dec 31st and we know we will enjoy her - love the Radiance Class.

 

Mum and I wish you both a Happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful New Year.

 

And the same to anyone else who might be reading this!!

[jbear$]

Sorry for the time lapse, was out of town for work. Leaning towards Jewel because it's a bit more intimate than NOS. (In relative terms.) We've "learned" our way around Constellation last year and it appears that Jewel is very similar in layout. Throw an eggcrate on the old tired bed and you'll think you've been through decorator rehab. Any other opinions?

[wrp96]

By the time Jewel does her next transatlantic, she'll have the new bedding since she is getting it starting in February (on the cruise after mine).

[rubrrick]

Hi Rick - say hi to Bobbie for us!!

 

You gonna be on with us again in the Fall? Great stuff!! We are on for both the Spring and Fall. Hope we like the Navigator - we are on her in February for a week so we will make our final decision then. We liked the Voyager and expect to like the Navigator.

 

How was the Mercury? We are on the Radiance on Dec 31st and we know we will enjoy her - love the Radiance Class.

 

Mum and I wish you both a Happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful New Year.

 

And the same to anyone else who might be reading this!!

 

Thanks Roz,

 

Am just reading this tonight......so am a little behind in my correspondence. We once again have a lovely cabin, and look forward to seeing both your mum and you aboard.

 

Our Mercury trip was good, but not great, as we had several people come aboard with the Norovirus...........and the ship was on code red for the whole trip. Other than that..........the trip was wonderful. We had Bobbie's mom and dad aboard with us........to help celebrate our 10th anniversary. I needed the cruise to connect the links from the western part of the US to the eastern part. Now we have just an area from this side of India thru the Suez canal to complete our "around the world" cruising.

 

Happy New Year to you both!!

 

Rick

[truffles2]

 

The covered solarium did get a lot of use, however there were a lot of people who would get there early in the morning and throw towels and books on a deck chair to save a space. If you went there at 9 in the morning almost every deck chair was reserved. The JOS did not enforce the no saving deck chair policy.

 

I was impressed with the way Brilliance handled the chair hog problem. They went around with little stickers and applied them to non-occupied chairs that were saved. They put the time on the sticker. Very pro-active and much appreciated.