Escaping from the UK for a holiday the first time in over a year due to covid was exciting and nerve racking at the same time.
There seemed to be a lot of paperwork and procedures to go through to be able to fly to Cyprus where the cruise started from, but it was well worth a bit of form filling to go on a cruise.
Arriving in Cyprus was a delight with sun and warmth.
A nice change from Manchester where it was cold and raining.
Procedures through Limassol airport and cruise terminal (covid screening) were very easy and there were plenty of friendly staff on hand to help.
The Jewel of the Seas only had 440 passengers on board for the 7 night Greek Isles cruise, so it felt like a private mega yacht as soon as we boarded.
The ship was beautiful, though I did get lost a few times as there was so much to explore and do.
Due to less people on-board there were no queues anywhere which made it feel like you were getting a very personal service.
The food in both the Windjammer buffet and Tides dining room was excellent.
You did not have to book for the Coral Theatre (or anything else) and it had some great shows getting standing ovations most nights.
It was easy to get a deck chair around either of the 2 pools and watching films under the stars at night with a cocktail was a delight.
The destinations (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes) were fantastic and because there are less tourists around were even better.
It was hot in Athens so we opted for the ‘Best of Athens’ shore excursion which included a visit to the Acropolis, lunch, Archaeological Museum and an airconditioned coach.
I would highly recommend this cruise if you are looking to get away for the first time or even a first time cruise and looking to also include some gob smacking cultural destinations in the sun.
But don’t delay as now is a great time to do the Greek islands while tourist numbers are low – it makes it a very special experience.
Prior to returning to the UK Royal Caribbean arranged free covid screening tests onboard to enable re-entry into Cyprus.
Make sure you get the passenger locater form (with your day 2 return to home test code added) filled in before the last day as there were a few issues at the airport for people who had failed to do that.
You need the form and covid test number before arriving back in the UK.
The Royal Caribbean staff did a sterling job to sort out people who had issues with this.
I got my day 2 test from Eurofins for £52 but cheaper tests are available.
