Twolittleboys

Well, unfortunately I again disagree. First of all I don't think the cruise lines should not give a reason. When you sell a product and something goes wrong with that product you should say why, even if it is not your fault. Even more importantly, people may still grumble but a large percentage will understand not being able to visit a port due to bad weather, engine trouble, safety concerns etc. Complaints would be much louder if there was no explanation at all. Secondly, I am not saying there is abuse. But sometimes it kind of seems like it. No matter the wording, every part of a contract has to act in good faith. If I sell blue dresses and explicitly state ahead of time "Color variations can arise" that makes sense. Dye batches can be different, the internet images will look different on each device, etc. So customers shouldn't complain about the blue being too pale or too greenish or to dark etc. However, if I sell blue dresses even though I know all I have and will provide are red dresses, I don't think that would be okay.

Depending on what you like to do most ports in Spain and Portugal can also easily be done on your own. There isn't always a need for a tour (depending of course on your personal tastes).

I don't quite agree. Yes, obviously the port is still cancelled and the cruise contract allows for this. It does make sense that the cruise contract has that paragraph because there are many cases in which ports have to be cancelled - the weather is too bad, port employees are on strike, the country is no longer safe... There is indeed a long list of valid reasons and nothing can be done about it. However, if a cruise line seems to abuse that rule by cancelling ports late in the process (i.e. after final payment) and the reason given is basically "we will save money if we don't go there so we decided not to" that doesn't seem to be the spirit in which the contract was originally written: We plan this itinerary and will stick to it unless we can't. This may not make any difference legally but I do think should be talked about (so potential cruisers are aware of the possibility/likelihood) and should factor in people's decision which cruise to book.

Really appreciate this as I will be on the next cruise!

I spent a week in Nice not long ago and had a cruise stop in Cannes on a Celebrity cruise. In my experience, train service is quite frequent and reliable as long as there are no strikes (check beforehand). There may be some delays so I would not cut it close. You can easily walk from the port in Cannes to the train station and getting to Nice should be no problem (I went to Villefranche without any issues). However, you could consider staying in Cannes for the day if you are worried as there is plenty to see and do there.

On my TA last year from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon (with a stop in the Azores on the way) there really wasn't any obvious immigration/customs procedure (we just walked off). However, I did hear that passengers who were not from the EU ran into some problems when trying to leave Portugal at the end of the trip (or when trying to visit Gibraltar) as there wasn't a clear record of them arriving there. Not sure how helpful this is as clearly something went wrong with the process but it is what it is.

Are they booking in the US? Far as I know if booked in Europe you have to take all of the FAS or none.There is a flat fee charge for the FAS though (based on length of trip) so it wouldn't be cheaper to for example decline the beverage package (as no taxes have to be paid on it)

I have mostly cruised on Royal (though not the last couple of years as it has gotten so expensive) and did a transatlantic on NCL last year. Keep in mind that transatlantics are a bit different from most regular cruises (many sea days, different cruisers). Here are a couple of things I noticed (it was on the Getaway): There was more of a party atmosphere on my Norwegian cruise. Not extreme but you could tell almost everyone had a drinks package... The Getaway was the first ship I ever noticed a smoking smell on. Entertainment on Norwegian was pretty good but not as good as on the Oasis class ships for example. In general, they seem to go more for smaller spaces (like bars) than large theater shows (though they had some of those as well). As others have said, dining is a bit different as it is all free-style. One thing that I really like on Royal is the solarium. On most other cruise lines the nicer, adult-only relaxing area comes with an extra cost. Overall, I did enjoy my NCL cruise but probably prefer Royal. Royal seems a bit more upscale and elegant. But the Norwegian cruise was great fun and I am actually booked on another one starting next week!

Well, I have booked plenty of trips on my own (cruises as well as others) and in general have had no issues. Sure, a good TA is great but in my opinion not really necessary if you do not have very specific needs and do some research. And if OP has been hanging around cruisecritic for over a decade I assume they will be fine.

Like most, I would not choose either of those. The flight times are just too close. I haven't been to Hawaii yet, but would not recommend Greece in August. Just too hot to enjoy (especially if you are coming from so far away). Like others have said, I would recommend an Alaska cruise or Northern Europe. Maybe consider a different cruise line if you can not find an NCL cruise that fits in your schedule?

Thank you! Will definitely report back once I return from my cruise.

Couldn't get two pictures to properly attach so here is the second one:

If you have only limited time in Cannes I personally would stay there. You could just soak up the atmosphere. The newer, flat area of town reminds me a bit of Beverly Hills but you could also explore the old part of town with winding streets and a great view (I did not personally have time for this). If your time isn't extremely short I highly recommend a trip to one of the Iles de Lerins. At least on my Celebrity cruise the boat tours left close to where the ship docked. I took a boat across to Ile Sainte-Marguerite and had a wonderful time! You can tour a small fortress, go on a scenic walk, or swim. A great relaxing day that would even work if it is hot.

I have not been on the Viva but have been on several Med cruises with my two kids at various ages. Med cruises can be exhausting, especially with no sea days (and not just for kids)! Personally, I would probably not skip any ports but would plan some more relaxed activities in most of them. If you go for independent touring you won't be locked into an activity and if it gets too much can just stay on board after all. Here is my recommendation for the ports: Lisbon - Great city - spent several days there (without kids) last year. If you have a couple of days prior to the cruise I recommend a day to Sintra. Looks to be straight out of a fairy tale and may appeal to your kids (depending on tastes) Gibraltar - Not been yet (upcoming in 3 weeks!) but should be fun with kids climbing around on the rock, looking at the monkeys etc. Cadiz - Actually haven't been there yet but will be in a couple of weeks. With kids I would not take a long day tour to Seville (have been) but enjoy Cadiz instead. If you have a horse lover in your family you could consider a trip to Jerez (I am planning to go there) with horse show etc. Motril/Granada - I have been to Granada on a land-based trip years ago and it is very nice. This is the one place I would book a ship excursion if you are interested in seeing the Alhambra (and your kids are likely to be interested) Ibiza - Would just do a beach day there Majorca - Love Majorca! A day trip to Soller and Valldemossa is great fun and easy to do but with kids I would probably split my time between Palma (maybe tour the cathedral) and the beach Barcelona - Lots to see and do there. Would not book an excursion but have several options ready depending on how everyone is holding up. Prebook Sagrada Familia though if you hope to visit! Marseille - Lots of great destinations nearby. With kids I would go to the Calanques or maybe visit Aix-en-Provence Villefranche - One of my favorite ports! Again, no need to preplan. You can hop on the train to go to Monaco (did this on a prior kids with kids and had a great time) or Nice. Or just take a walk around Cap Ferrat and spend some time at the beach Livorno - We took a ship excursion (Florence on your own) and it was great but as it is towards the end of your trip you will likely be worn out and Florence is very crowded. So unless you really want to see Florence I would possibly skip this. After writing all this I just realized that you will be going in August. Unfortunately, it may well be very hot. I did a July cruise recently and it was too hot to do much of anything. So my recommendation would be to have a possible plan for each destination (or best two different ones) but not pre-book a lot of excursions but stay flexible. Lots of these destinations are great for spending some time at the beach or just hanging out. Hope you have a great time!

I bet they would (my kids had a great time but were a bit younger). The quality of the magic shows varies (it is more of a training ground so don't expect a Las Vegas show) but the atmosphere is incredible and everyone is so nice! Also, the Magic Castle Hotel is THE best hotel in all of LA for families in my opinion. It is a converted apartment building (rather similar to the place you stayed at) but offers all kinds of goodies. For example kids (and adults) can go to reception and get an unlimited supply of various snacks/candies. There is a free soda machine, free laundry (they do it for you and deliver to room), free soft serve ice-cream and they even have a special phone at the pool from which kids can order popsicles!