Jewel of the Seas

What is the Jewel of the Seas?

The Jewel of the Seas is a mid-sized cruise ship that belongs to Royal Caribbean International's fleet. Built in 2004 by Meyer Werft in Germany, this vessel represents the Radiance-class of ships known for their elegant design and extensive use of glass throughout the structure.

The ship measures 293 meters (962 feet) in length and carries between 2,144 and 2,573 passengers, depending on cabin configurations. With approximately 850-860 crew members from around the world, the ship maintains an international atmosphere while featuring Scandinavian officers.

What makes this ship particularly striking is its commitment to providing panoramic ocean views. Glass elevators span 12 decks, and floor-to-ceiling windows appear throughout the vessel, creating an almost seamless connection between passengers and the sea.

How big is the Jewel of the Seas?

The Jewel of the Seas has a gross tonnage of approximately 90,090 GT, placing it firmly in the mid-sized category of modern cruise ships. The vessel stretches 293 meters long with a beam of about 39 meters, giving it a sleek profile that cuts through the water efficiently.

The ship features 13 decks total, with 8 decks containing passenger accommodations. These decks house 1,072 cabins distributed across different categories:

• 61 suites for those seeking luxury
• 529 balcony cabins offering private outdoor space
• 241 oceanview cabins with windows
• 241 inside cabins for budget-conscious travelers

The passenger space ratio sits around 35, which translates to a comfortable amount of space per guest without feeling overcrowded.

What amenities does the Jewel of the Seas offer?

Pools and Recreation

The ship provides both indoor and outdoor swimming options with one pool of each type, plus three whirlpools scattered throughout the vessel. An adults-only Solarium creates a tranquil retreat for relaxation away from family areas.

Active passengers can tackle the rock climbing wall, splash down the waterslide, or try their hand at mini golf. A sports court accommodates various games, while the jogging track lets fitness enthusiasts maintain their routines with ocean breezes.

Dining Options

Food lovers will find several specialty restaurants beyond the main dining venues. Giovanni's Table serves Italian cuisine, while Izumi offers fresh sushi and Asian flavors. The Chops Grille steakhouse caters to meat enthusiasts seeking premium cuts.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Evenings come alive with Broadway-style productions that rival land-based theaters. The ship also features poolside movies under the stars, creating a magical cinematic experience on the open sea.

The Viking Crown Lounge provides panoramic views for cocktails, while the Vortex Night Club keeps the party going late into the night.

Where does the Jewel of the Seas cruise?

The ship has sailed various itineraries throughout its career, adapting to seasonal demands and market preferences. Initially launched serving Mediterranean routes from Rome to the Greek Isles, the vessel has since explored multiple regions.

The Caribbean became a primary destination, with the ship operating from San Juan to visit tropical islands. Later repositioning took it to Dubai, where it offered Persian Gulf cruises to destinations like Oman and the UAE.

Following the global pause in cruising during 2020-2021, the ship returned to Caribbean operations, focusing on warm-weather destinations that remain popular with passengers year-round.

What is the history of the Jewel of the Seas?

Built in Papenburg, Germany, the Jewel of the Seas completed construction in 2004 and embarked on its maiden voyage in May of that year. The ship represented Royal Caribbean's commitment to the Radiance-class design philosophy, emphasizing natural light and ocean connectivity.

The vessel underwent a significant £20 million renovation in 2016, updating facilities and amenities throughout. Most recently, the ship completed another major refurbishment in 2024 at Damen Shiprepair in France, ensuring it remains competitive with newer vessels.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ship faced quarantine in Dubai before operations ceased industry-wide. This challenging period affected the entire cruise industry, but the vessel successfully returned to service as travel restrictions lifted.

What makes the Jewel of the Seas unique?

The ship's defining characteristic is its extensive use of glass architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass elevators create an almost transparent barrier between passengers and the ocean, making every journey feel more connected to the sea.

This design philosophy appeals particularly to passengers who appreciate traditional cruising experiences rather than the theme park-like atmosphere found on some ultra-modern mega-ships. The ship strikes a balance between contemporary amenities and classic maritime elegance.

The vessel's mid-size nature also contributes to its appeal. Large enough to offer diverse amenities and dining options, yet small enough to maintain an intimate atmosphere where passengers don't feel lost in massive crowds.

With its maximum cruising speed of around 25 knots (29 mph), the ship moves efficiently between ports while providing stable, comfortable passage for passengers of all ages.