NA Review - June 15th - 27th

[Tonklily]

Just recently got back from our fabulous 12-day Mediterranean cruise on the NA. Since I thoroughly enjoy reading other people's reviews, I thought that I might share some of our experiences.

Our trip didn't start off very well, in that our flight was delayed in Detroit, and therefore, we missed our connection in Newark to Barcelona. We were originally scheduled to land in Barcelona at 9:15 a.m. on the 15th, however, we actually didn't get into Barcelona until around 10:30 p.m. that night. Finally boarded the ship around 12:30 a.m. on the 16th. Of course we were all exhausted, but needed to unpack and wind down a bit. Obviously, boarding the ship was a breeze. We had our luggage almost immediately. Finally went to bed around 4:00 a.m. Had a wakeup call for 6:45 a.m. because we had a half day excursion planned. Now that all of the yucky stuff is done, let me tell you about our wonderful cruise!

Day 2 - Barcelona
Went on a 4 hour "Gaudi's Barcelona" tour. Absolutely loved this tour. Gaudi's architecture is so wild and fantasy like. Have never seen anything like it before. Got back to the ship around 12:30 p.m. and decided to lay out by the aft pool for awhile and just relax. We had early dining reservations in the MDR. Tonight was our first formal evening. Unfortunately, I did not care for the Lobster Thermador. Have to say that that is one of the only meals that I have had on any HAL ship that I did not like. Tonight in the Showroom at Sea, was "Cantare". This show was absolutely wonderful. Four guys singing and harmonizing beautifully. A very well put together show.

Day 3 - Monte Carlo
We had decided to do this on our own. Walked all the way up to the Cathedral and Palace, and then down to the Grand Casino. Had a wonderful afternoon, and after dinner, decided to take another short walk along the pier, for some wine and/or cappucino. Loved Monte Carlo!

Day 4 - Livorno
Took an all day tour, "Tuscan Landmarks: Florence & Pisa". Very long day, but well worth it. Drove to Florence and toured the city and had a wonderful lunch, and then drove to Pisa. So many historical sites to see. I still am in amazement with Pisa. It was like walking into a Universal Studio lot, just so surreal. After dinner, some of us went to the show, which was a violinist, Craig Halliday. I was very tired, but still enjoyed his show. His violin was covered in Swarovski crystals!

Day 5 - Civitavecchia
Took another all day tour, "Highlights of Rome". First stop was the famous fountain, then on to Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, and then to the Colliseum. I cannot tell you how in awe I was of Rome. There is nothing like it. We had another great lunch and got back to the ship around 7:00 p.m. Tonight was "Live at the Avalon Ballroom" in the Showroom At Sea with the Nieuw Amsterdam Entertainers. Another fabulous show, especially if you like Big Band music and dancing.

Day 6 - Naples
Took a half day tour, "The Ruins of Pompeii". Another truly amazing and historic site. Had lunch at the famous, "L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele". This is where Julia Roberts, in "Eat, Pray, Love" had her Margherita Pizza and where the first pizza was ever made. Had a great time and really enjoyed the pizza. By the way, it was very inexpensive. I have to say, though, that I did not like Naples, itself. The drivers were crazy and unfortunately they had a garbage strike that has been going on for some time, so there was garbage everywhere. Pretty disgusting. Tonight's show was "The music, comedy, and many voices of Sean O'Shea". Another entertaining show.

Day 7 - Sea Day
Went to the Mariner's Lunch, which was very nice. Got our tiles. Afterward, I decided to try the mid-ship pool, where the cabanas are located. There are very comfortable, cushioned lounge chairs in this area. Unfortunately, the pool and pool area was overrun with children. I thought that it was very odd this was the pool that children were allowed to use. If I had rented one of the cabanas, I would not have been a happy passenger. I think that the ship needed one more pool area that was designated just for children, because the aft pool was just for adults. Tonight was our second formal night. After dinner, we saw our third show with the Nieuw Amsterdam Entertainers, called "Garage Band". A very cute mini-musical with lots of singing, dancing, and special effects going on. Such great talent!

Day 8 - Nafplion
Took a half day tour, "Mycenae & Palamidi Castle". Another very interesting and historic tour. After our tour, we decided to sit along the pier and have lunch. I had my first ever real Greek Salad. What a treat. Tonights entertainment was Richard Gauntlett, a variety of vaudeville entertainment. It was a cute, funny show, but was my least favorite of all of the entertainers.

Day 9 - Katakolon

Today we decided to drive to Olympia on our own. Five of us rented a little Fiat for 40 Euros plus 10 Euros of gas. It took us about 1/2 hour to get to Olympia. We paid 9 Euros for our ticket to Olympia and to their Museum. Took our time in both places. This was another amazing place to see. It is hard to fathom how old the ruins actually were. Tonight in the Showroom At Sea was "It Takes 2". The male and female lead singers of the Nieuw Amsterdam cast put on a fantastic show, singing duets of Sonny & Cher, Donnie & Marie, Ike & Tina Turner, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, and then some wonderful solo numbers of Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. The couple is married, which made the show even better because of their chemistry performing together. Thoroughly enjoyed this show!

Day 10 - Corfu

Today I took a half day tour by myself, "Palaces of Corfu" Saw two beautiful palaces, with wonderful views. Did some shopping afterward and then back to the ship. The rest of the group had lunch somewhere along the water and then did some shopping. Tonight we celebrated my husband's birthday, as well as my son-in-law's. The show tonight was Andy James, a magician. Very much enjoyed his show.

Day 11- Dubrovnik

We all decided to tour Dubrovnik (The Old Town) on our own. My husband & I left the ship around 9:00 a.m. I had wanted to ride the Cable Car before meeting up with the rest of the group around 11:00 a.m. What a view! It was breathtaking. Would highly recommend it. Met the others at the entrance to the walled Old City. Really enjoyed walking around and ended up at the "Hole in the Wall" cafe. Again, absolutely breathtaking view. Had a drink and just basked in the sunlight while looking out at the beautiful Adriatic! I loved Dubrovnik. Hope to go back some day! Tonight was our third formal night. After dinner was our last show with the Nieuw Amsterdam singers and dancers in "NYC". What a clever show. Obviously, it was all about New York City. Great singing, and dancing throughout.

Day 12 - Venice

Didn't arrive in Venice until around Noon. Got off of the ship right away. Our daughter and son-in-law wanted to take us all to St. Mark's Square, so we walked, and walked, and walked, and finally got there. Venice was very cool, unlike anything I have ever seen. I loved the canals and all of the gondola's. Had wanted to take a gondola ride, but unfortunately, we just did not have enough time in Venice. We wanted to have our last dinner in the MDR so we were back on the ship by 5:30 p.m. No shows tonight in the Showroom At Sea, thank goodness.

Day 13 - Disembarkation

Got off of the ship at 7:30 a.m. There were five of us in our group, so we needed a van taxi, if possible, or if not, then two taxis. Luckily a van taxi pulled up within minutes and we all piled in. It cost us 50 Euros total and we were taken right to the airport from the ship's terminal building. Couldn't have worked out better. Flights coming home were uneventful, which was great. Got back to Detroit around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 27th.

Just want to mention a few other things: We did eat in the Tamarind one night. Well worth the $15.00 charge. We all enjoyed it very much. Also, ate one night in the Canaletto, which is free. Also, very much enjoyed that dinner. We had the best Beef Wellington ever in the MDR. I also very much enjoyed the Lamb Chops and the Lobster. The service was wonderful, as always in the MDR. Went up to the Silk Den one evening after one of the shows. Very lovely atmosphere. On the contrary, I did not like where the Explorations Cafe was located. Too hard to find. I much prefer it in and around the atrium area. Last, but not least, we had wonderful cabin stewards, as always.

Unfortunately, we were so busy with this itinerary, that we never really got to walk around the ship to enjoy all of the wonderful artwork that is on board. What we did see though, was really beautiful. The ship is just absolutely lovely and I would highly recommend it. The entertainment was superb, not to be missed!

We had a fabulous time, a trip of a lifetime! I can't believe that we are home already. Need to start planning the next cruise. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. :D

[markarmel]

Thanks for the review,sounds like you had a great time,we board the ship in Venice on the 9th September,cannot wait for the cruise to start.

[erewhon]

Thank you for your interesting review.
Hope you achieve your wish to return to Dubrovnik.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review.

Glad you had a wonderful time after a rocky start.

[kazu]

Thanks for your review. Agree that these are all fabulous ports.

Sounds like you might need a vacation from your vacation;)

[RuthC]

Thank you for mentioning the entertainers by name, and the production shows by content. Much appreciated.
Who was playing in the Piano Bar?

[edmusic]

Did you happen to listen to Matt Murphy, the acoustic guitar player who usually plays out at the pool and also up in the Crow's Nest/Exploration cafe? We got to know him on our March Caribbean cruise and being a performing artist myself, we stay in touch through e-mails.

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[Littlebeachlover]

Thank you for the review! We love NA as well....so much that we are sailing on her for our Med. cruise next year! Were the tours you took ship excursions or private tours? If private tours, which companies and would you recommend the companies you used? Is there anything you would do differently in any of the ports?

Our trip is a year away and I already feel so overwhelmed with the planning!!!

[paganwoman]

We took this same cruise in April on the NA and it was as great as you said. Loved the ship and crew. We extended our stay a little in Europe and flew into Paris and stayed 5 nights there before taking the train to Barcelona. This saved me from having a panic attack worrying our flight would be delayed. All I had to worry about was that there were no train strikes on the day of our train trip. But all went well. We also spend two extra days in Venice and loved every minute. This was a retirement trip for both my husband and I as we both retired together earlier this year. It was nice not having to worry about getting back to work when we returned.

[Tonklily]

To Kazu: Yes, I really did need a vacation after returning, especially since I had scheduled some surgery, prior to going on the cruise, for that Wednesday, the 29th. I'm doing fine now, but even without the surgery, it was an exhausting, but fabulous trip!

To Ruth C.: Bill Forest was in the Piano Bar. Nice guy, very good piano player, but a mediocre singer. We've seen much better piano guys on other cruises.

To edmusic: We did hear Matt Murphy play one evening in the Crow's Nest. He's a very nice, talented guy.

To Littlebeachlover: All of our excursions were with HAL. The one tour in Nafphlion, the "Mycenae & Palamidi Castle" needed to be an hour longer, it was too rushed. You may want to consider one of the longer tours, such as the "Mycenae & Epidaurus" tour that is 6 1/2 hours, or the "Ancient Corinth & Mycenae" tour that is 7 hours. The other suggestion I would have is to stay in Venice an extra day. Even though it is an overnight in Venice, basically you only have from Noon until that evening, to do anything in Venice. The next day we were off of the ship by 7:30 a.m. to catch a 10:15 a.m. flight out of Venice.

Hopefully, I didn't miss answering any questions. If so, just let me know. :)

[RuthC]

To Ruth C.: Bill Forest was in the Piano Bar. Nice guy, very good piano player, but a mediocre singer. We've seen much better piano guys on other cruises.
Thanks for the info. I remember him from a few years back; didn't realize he was on HAL still. I'm glad to have this info.

[durante]

Hi, I really enjoyed reading your review and found it very useful as we will be doing the same itinerary later this year.

If you have time, could you advise whether the ship put on the special barbecue and the dessert extravaganza, and on what days they were held?

[Babr]

In Dubrovnik, were you able to walk to the cable car from where the ship docked or did you take a taxi?

Afterward, were you able to walk to the Old Town and wall?

Recently, I've read that one must pay the admission price in the local currency - not Euros. Did you have to get local currency?

Thanks

[Tonklily]

Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply, but I am in northern Michigan on vacation, where internet access is limited.

To durante: I believe that the barbeque was held during one of the Greek ports. Once I get back home, I can look it up and let you know for sure. We did walk through the Lido to check it out, and it did look very nice, however, we had already planned to dine in the MDR. The dessert extravaganza was held on the last formal night, which was Dubrovnik. We did go up to the Lido after the show to sample some of the desserts.

To Babr: We took the shuttle bus that was provided by HAL, for a fee, to the Old Town. It is too far to walk. I guess you could take a taxi, but why bother. You can get to the cable car ride either by walking on the outside of the old town or by walking into the old town and taking one of the streets right up to it. Again, once I get home, I can tell you the exact street that we took, within the old town, and it worked out perfectly. We did get kuna, but it was not necessary, as no one else in the group did. The cable car ride took credit cards, kuna or euro. Absolutely loved Dubrovnik. Hope you do, too! :D

[SwissMyst]

Thanks so much for your nicely detailed review. Gulp, you are giving me second thoughts because we are doing a same-day arrival for our cruise also leaving from Barcelona. Good reminder, I need a Plan B incase we miss the boat with a bit of an unplanned mix-up too. We decided to add our extra days at the end of the trip and a tight schedule did not allow for an earlier arrival. Wonder is they let you board at a later port ...if one missed the departure boat? :p

Sorry to learn about the on-going garbage strike in Naples which is one of our most favorite cities and return to as often as we can. it is tricky to get into its heart and soul because so much WWII bombing near the port area left it with little architectural charm. But it is a city to return to again and again as it reveals its incredible art, layers and layers of history, vivid Italian culture, craziness, substance and depth ..... and best of all as you noted, fairly low prices for Europe.

Your experience gives new meaning to the phrase allegedly uttered by Goethe, "See Naples ... and die".

[Tonklily]

To SwissMyst: Don't forget that you do have an overnight in Barcelona. Thank goodness we did, but still missed a whole day there. Have you taken the travel insurance, either through HAL or your travel agent? We did, and if we had missed the departure of the ship in Barcelona, then the insurance would have had to get us to the next port, which would have been Monte Carlo the next day, at their expense, not ours. You may want to think about it.

Would liked to have experienced Naples as you have described it. Perhaps, the next time around. Thanks for your input. Have a great cruise! :)

[earl_m]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review!! sounds like you had a great time .

[lifeisgood4us]

Just recently got back from our fabulous 12-day Mediterranean cruise on the NA. Since I thoroughly enjoy reading other people's reviews, I thought that I might share some of our experiences.

Our trip didn't start off very well, in that our flight was delayed in Detroit, and therefore, we missed our connection in Newark to Barcelona. We were originally scheduled to land in Barcelona at 9:15 a.m. on the 15th, however, we actually didn't get into Barcelona until around 10:30 p.m. that night. Finally boarded the ship around 12:30 a.m. on the 16th. Of course we were all exhausted, but needed to unpack and wind down a bit. Obviously, boarding the ship was a breeze. We had our luggage almost immediately. Finally went to bed around 4:00 a.m. Had a wakeup call for 6:45 a.m. because we had a half day excursion planned. Now that all of the yucky stuff is done, let me tell you about our wonderful cruise!

Day 2 - Barcelona
Went on a 4 hour "Gaudi's Barcelona" tour. Absolutely loved this tour. Gaudi's architecture is so wild and fantasy like. Have never seen anything like it before. Got back to the ship around 12:30 p.m. and decided to lay out by the aft pool for awhile and just relax. We had early dining reservations in the MDR. Tonight was our first formal evening. Unfortunately, I did not care for the Lobster Thermador. Have to say that that is one of the only meals that I have had on any HAL ship that I did not like. Tonight in the Showroom at Sea, was "Cantare". This show was absolutely wonderful. Four guys singing and harmonizing beautifully. A very well put together show.

Day 3 - Monte Carlo
We had decided to do this on our own. Walked all the way up to the Cathedral and Palace, and then down to the Grand Casino. Had a wonderful afternoon, and after dinner, decided to take another short walk along the pier, for some wine and/or cappucino. Loved Monte Carlo!

Day 4 - Livorno
Took an all day tour, "Tuscan Landmarks: Florence & Pisa". Very long day, but well worth it. Drove to Florence and toured the city and had a wonderful lunch, and then drove to Pisa. So many historical sites to see. I still am in amazement with Pisa. It was like walking into a Universal Studio lot, just so surreal. After dinner, some of us went to the show, which was a violinist, Craig Halliday. I was very tired, but still enjoyed his show. His violin was covered in Swarovski crystals!

Day 5 - Civitavecchia
Took another all day tour, "Highlights of Rome". First stop was the famous fountain, then on to Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, and then to the Colliseum. I cannot tell you how in awe I was of Rome. There is nothing like it. We had another great lunch and got back to the ship around 7:00 p.m. Tonight was "Live at the Avalon Ballroom" in the Showroom At Sea with the Nieuw Amsterdam Entertainers. Another fabulous show, especially if you like Big Band music and dancing.

Day 6 - Naples
Took a half day tour, "The Ruins of Pompeii". Another truly amazing and historic site. Had lunch at the famous, "L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele". This is where Julia Roberts, in "Eat, Pray, Love" had her Margherita Pizza and where the first pizza was ever made. Had a great time and really enjoyed the pizza. By the way, it was very inexpensive. I have to say, though, that I did not like Naples, itself. The drivers were crazy and unfortunately they had a garbage strike that has been going on for some time, so there was garbage everywhere. Pretty disgusting. Tonight's show was "The music, comedy, and many voices of Sean O'Shea". Another entertaining show.

Day 7 - Sea Day
Went to the Mariner's Lunch, which was very nice. Got our tiles. Afterward, I decided to try the mid-ship pool, where the cabanas are located. There are very comfortable, cushioned lounge chairs in this area. Unfortunately, the pool and pool area was overrun with children. I thought that it was very odd this was the pool that children were allowed to use. If I had rented one of the cabanas, I would not have been a happy passenger. I think that the ship needed one more pool area that was designated just for children, because the aft pool was just for adults. Tonight was our second formal night. After dinner, we saw our third show with the Nieuw Amsterdam Entertainers, called "Garage Band". A very cute mini-musical with lots of singing, dancing, and special effects going on. Such great talent!

Day 8 - Nafplion
Took a half day tour, "Mycenae & Palamidi Castle". Another very interesting and historic tour. After our tour, we decided to sit along the pier and have lunch. I had my first ever real Greek Salad. What a treat. Tonights entertainment was Richard Gauntlett, a variety of vaudeville entertainment. It was a cute, funny show, but was my least favorite of all of the entertainers.

Day 9 - Katakolon

Today we decided to drive to Olympia on our own. Five of us rented a little Fiat for 40 Euros plus 10 Euros of gas. It took us about 1/2 hour to get to Olympia. We paid 9 Euros for our ticket to Olympia and to their Museum. Took our time in both places. This was another amazing place to see. It is hard to fathom how old the ruins actually were. Tonight in the Showroom At Sea was "It Takes 2". The male and female lead singers of the Nieuw Amsterdam cast put on a fantastic show, singing duets of Sonny & Cher, Donnie & Marie, Ike & Tina Turner, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, and then some wonderful solo numbers of Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. The couple is married, which made the show even better because of their chemistry performing together. Thoroughly enjoyed this show!

Day 10 - Corfu

Today I took a half day tour by myself, "Palaces of Corfu" Saw two beautiful palaces, with wonderful views. Did some shopping afterward and then back to the ship. The rest of the group had lunch somewhere along the water and then did some shopping. Tonight we celebrated my husband's birthday, as well as my son-in-law's. The show tonight was Andy James, a magician. Very much enjoyed his show.

Day 11- Dubrovnik

We all decided to tour Dubrovnik (The Old Town) on our own. My husband & I left the ship around 9:00 a.m. I had wanted to ride the Cable Car before meeting up with the rest of the group around 11:00 a.m. What a view! It was breathtaking. Would highly recommend it. Met the others at the entrance to the walled Old City. Really enjoyed walking around and ended up at the "Hole in the Wall" cafe. Again, absolutely breathtaking view. Had a drink and just basked in the sunlight while looking out at the beautiful Adriatic! I loved Dubrovnik. Hope to go back some day! Tonight was our third formal night. After dinner was our last show with the Nieuw Amsterdam singers and dancers in "NYC". What a clever show. Obviously, it was all about New York City. Great singing, and dancing throughout.

Day 12 - Venice

Didn't arrive in Venice until around Noon. Got off of the ship right away. Our daughter and son-in-law wanted to take us all to St. Mark's Square, so we walked, and walked, and walked, and finally got there. Venice was very cool, unlike anything I have ever seen. I loved the canals and all of the gondola's. Had wanted to take a gondola ride, but unfortunately, we just did not have enough time in Venice. We wanted to have our last dinner in the MDR so we were back on the ship by 5:30 p.m. No shows tonight in the Showroom At Sea, thank goodness.

Day 13 - Disembarkation

Got off of the ship at 7:30 a.m. There were five of us in our group, so we needed a van taxi, if possible, or if not, then two taxis. Luckily a van taxi pulled up within minutes and we all piled in. It cost us 50 Euros total and we were taken right to the airport from the ship's terminal building. Couldn't have worked out better. Flights coming home were uneventful, which was great. Got back to Detroit around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 27th.

Just want to mention a few other things: We did eat in the Tamarind one night. Well worth the $15.00 charge. We all enjoyed it very much. Also, ate one night in the Canaletto, which is free. Also, very much enjoyed that dinner. We had the best Beef Wellington ever in the MDR. I also very much enjoyed the Lamb Chops and the Lobster. The service was wonderful, as always in the MDR. Went up to the Silk Den one evening after one of the shows. Very lovely atmosphere. On the contrary, I did not like where the Explorations Cafe was located. Too hard to find. I much prefer it in and around the atrium area. Last, but not least, we had wonderful cabin stewards, as always.

Unfortunately, we were so busy with this itinerary, that we never really got to walk around the ship to enjoy all of the wonderful artwork that is on board. What we did see though, was really beautiful. The ship is just absolutely lovely and I would highly recommend it. The entertainment was superb, not to be missed!

We had a fabulous time, a trip of a lifetime! I can't believe that we are home already. Need to start planning the next cruise. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. :D

Thanks for the informative review. We are scheduled to sail on the NA 8/21/11(19 day Collector's Voyage) and I am a bit overwhelmed with the options for sightseeing tours. Any further advice on what to see or miss would be appreciated.

[GoldenLover]

Very much interested in your well prepared review. Only problem - made me want to book on NA in the Med. So many cruises - so little time - even less $$!
:o

[Tonklily]

To durante: The Mediterranean Barbeque was on Day 9 - Katakolon

To Babr: I believe the street was Zamanjina. However, just to be sure, once in the Old Town, there is an information area to your immediate right. I would suggest asking someone there how to get to the Cable Car ride.

To lifeisgood4us: I don't know what tours are available for Venice, but I might suggest checking it out, especially if you are not into walking alot. Also, you might want to consider a half day tour in Dubrovnik and then spend the rest of the day in the Old Town on your own.

To Goldenlover: Thank you!

:)

[durante]

Thanks for the info!:)