zounds

Big dip from too many fatties. Couch was better.

Some highlights and lowlights of our 1st Jade sailing. I think this was our 8th NCL cruise and our 1st as Platinum Lat. Plusses: easy embarkation, 5 dinners in Sp. restaur.( 2 as Plat., 3 as promo.), Edwin our steward in a mini on deck 11, virtually deserted Spinnaker during my daily a.m. stretch, production show dancers, Russian acrobats. Highlight was probably the Atlantis submarine in Cozumel (not booked through NCL). It was less than half full for the 11 a.m. tour. A few lowlights were the bad bed (which I hope gets replaced soon) and our waiter in LeBistro who obviously was not familiar with the menu or protocol. Granted, it was his first day, but he could have studied the menu beforehand. This contributed to a 2 hr. dinner that should have taken 90 minutes. We had a good time in Costa Maya at Krazy Lobster and I was prepared for all the beach vendors, but really, ELEVEN times I was offered Cuban cigars ! (I counted). Funniest moment came on Harvest Caye(where it rained all day). The lady in front of me at the liquor store tasting tried the 12 yr. old rum and said "Whoo! I think I just saw Jesus! If you want some religion, try that!" any questions? I'll try to answer them. Steve

We were on the 12/11 sailing and I'm sorry I don't know how to post daillies, but I have them, so ifyou have specific questions I may be able to help. As far as "what's going on", same old bingo/"Deal or no deal", etc.: "Elements" (very good as always), Russian acrobat husband and wife who did a demo/Q&A one aft. in the theatre, and illusionists Sander and Alison were good. Did not see the new show "Blazin Boots" or Rod Long(comedian). Steve

Recent posted dailys show: welcome aboard variety, country music w/prod. cast, acrobats, singers, comedian, "Elements", and Stephani Parker in that order. Times are 7:30 and 9:30.

Thanks very much, Angelo ! It's the most extensive "review" I've seen and we'll be on her in 2 wks. !!

Thanks very much. We'll be on her next month.

Thanks very much, Ellie. We'll be on her for the 1st time in Dec.

Sorry Calmpets, but it is an issue(at least for us) as we were on Epic for 12 days last Jan. The stairs are narrower than most and the waiting for an elevator can be long as not all elevators go to all decks. It was the thing we disliked most about the ship. Never again. steve

I don't know their current status, but a few yrs. ago I did the Pir. of Car. EXTREME zip which had no climbing and was incredible. I'm 67. Steve

Stairwells are very narrow and the wait for elevators can be interminable.

Thanks very much, ma'am! We we also on the "Ma'am" sister's trip on the Sun and will be on the Jade for the 1st time in Dec. Love your style and photos ! steve

WOW ! What a hoot !

We used this company on Jan.19 for trans. to Florence in a minivan for 60 Euros PP. I had bought tkts. on line for Accademia and Uffizi and were able to find our way around. Had a very good driver and made a quick stop in Pisa on the way back to the ship. steve

Thanks very much Fred! I totally agree with everything you said, as we were on the same cruise in a Mini on deck 10 and had the UDP. The conflicting musics we heard in LeBistro (strings on the PA and live band in atrium) put a serious dent into the experience. I completed the NCL survey and also mentioned the inadequate cabin lighting and the too many decks-too few lifts issues. It's back to the smaller ships for us. Steve

Good photos, well-written review. Thanks very much. We sail on the 13th.

Thanks very much for the nice photos!

We'll be there the same day. My info says the shuttle to the city center is 5 Euros PP. We are taking the HOHO bus tour, so can't help with walking tour. Enjoy! Steve

Thanks very much for the helpful info. We'll see her in 3 wks.

Thanks very much for the daily !! We'll be on her in Jan.

Very nice ! Thank you, frantic36. We'll be there in Jan.

I have booked our dining on Epic in Jan. with the UDP. No charges.

kirsty, I believe NCL still provides free b-day/anniv. cakes if you let them know through your TA. We've had them in the past and they were delish. Also expect to see them again in Jan.

Sorry, gpb.

Yes, that is rather different. Thanks, gdp.

Wow. just wow.