Jewel of the Seas

Set against the ship's funnel and reaching 40 feet into the air, Jewel of the Seas' rock climbing wall gives guests a novel and exhilarating way to fill a sea day. A crew member is always on hand to fit harnesses and talk nervous first-timers through the route, so you don't need prior experience before you clip in.

Perched above the main pool deck, the Viking Crown Lounge is where guests head for a change of scenery once the sun starts to dip. Its curved wall of glass keeps the coastline or open horizon in view, whatever the hour, and the space shifts easily from a quiet morning coffee stop to a livelier bar with music after dinner.

Few things beat watching a film under the stars, and Jewel of the Seas' poolside screen does exactly that, showing a rotating selection of new releases and old favourites on a 220-square-foot screen above the main pool deck. Grab some popcorn, settle into a lounger and let the evening take care of itself.

For guests fancying their chances, Casino Royale offers a full run of table games and slot machines across several evenings of every cruise. Whether you're a regular at the blackjack table or trying your luck for the first time, the casino has a spot for every guest looking for a bit of after-dinner entertainment.

Three speciality restaurants give Jewel of the Seas guests a good reason to book a table in advance. Chops Grille centres on hand-cut steaks and chops, cooked simply and served well, while Giovanni's Table leans into home-style Italian cooking, from wood-fired flatbreads to a proper plate of osso buco. Over at Izumi, guests cook their own dinner tableside on a sizzling hot rock, alongside a full menu of sushi and sashimi for those who'd rather leave the cooking to the chefs.

Not every meal needs a reservation. The Tides Dining Room serves a changing menu each evening as part of the standard cruise fare, with waiter service and a proper sit-down feel, while the Windjammer Café keeps things flexible with an all-day buffet that runs from cooked breakfasts through to a late supper for anyone who's missed dinner ashore.

From a quiet nightcap to a livelier evening out, Jewel of the Seas has a bar for every mood. Schooner Bar pairs a nautical setting with cocktails and piano entertainment; the Champagne Bar is the natural choice for a toast before dinner, and Vintages offers a considered wine list for those who'd rather browse a bottle than a cocktail menu.

Not every guest wants to be in the thick of a busy pool deck, and the adults-only Solarium gives Jewel of the Seas cruisers somewhere tranquil to go. It sits forward on the ship, away from the main deck games and family activity, with its own smaller pools and a quieter, more settled pace that suits an afternoon with a book just as well as a lazy sea day.

A cruise is as good a reason as any to book a treatment, and Jewel of the Seas' Vitality Spa offers a wide range, from acupuncture and hot stone massage to medi-spa facials for guests wanting something more targeted. The salon next door handles the finishing touches, so a fresh haircut or manicure before formal night is always close.

For guests who'd rather not let a cruise interrupt their fitness routine, Jewel of the Seas' gym overlooks the ocean from its high position on the ship, with the usual run of cardio machines, free weights, and resistance equipment on offer. A programme of classes runs throughout the week, covering everything from early-morning yoga to a more energetic spin session, and most are free to join.