gbntmom

As everyone has said thus far regarding BOGO airfare I can agree with. My husband & I went on a 15 day Med cruise April/May 2023. A few other helpful hints not yet mentioned: 

Make sure when you book your cruise that your name on the booking is exactly as it is on your passport. Some people have had issues with airlines or at airport screening. (We did not and our reservation did not have our middle name while our passports do)

Understand when looking at posts about airfare (especially about upgrading seats/paying for seats/luggage) that when booked on non-familiar airlines (Azores Air for us) or non commonly used airlines from the US (ITA for us) that these things vary. ITA had 1 free checked bag per person, but we had to pay for a seat assignment and could not upgrade classes. On Azores Air, we had to pay for seat assignment AND a checked bag. Even with these fees, we still saved money with the BOGO fares.

I would echo the 1 or 2 day variation if you can. You don't want to miss the ship with a delayed or missed flight.  And remember, the last port (when you disembark) does not allow for time to tour that city, so if no deviation, you would be heading directly to the airport!

Most of all - enjoy the planning! I had lots of luck with googling "What to do in [fill in the blank] for a day" - There are lots of blogs out there that are great resources!

I too, was concerned about this for our Med cruise this past April/May (Trieste-Lisbon). Our middle names were not on our reservation, nor on the BOGO airfare. We flew United - Lufthansa & Azores Airlines and had no issues whatsoever. The interesting thing is that when logging in and using the app, our middle names appeared there, but not on anything else. Weird. Maybe we were lucky, but matching first and last names were enough for us

We just got off of POA on Saturday, 4/13. We had rain most of the entire cruise and did not skip any ports. We had no problem at the airport in Oahu either.

Hope this helps

We have just gotten back from out NCL cruise and we did both of these tours (sort of). The time we were in Maui, it rained for both days. Our first day Road to Hana tour was cut short due to a rockslide halfway to Hana. We had to turn around and then it was left to the driver to determine where he wanted to take us. We ended up in Lahaina for the afternoon and were back on the ship by 3pm. We had cancelled our sunrise tour (due to the predicted weather) and rebooked the Central Maui & Haleakala Park Tour. We began by heading to Haleakala in the rain and got to the summit. There was not much to see due to the weather. On our way down, we were informed that there was a mudslide, downed trees and flooding at Iao so we could not go there. After our picnic lunch we went to the Maui Tropical Plantation (not named in the tour). All tours there were cancelled due to the rain so we had time to walk around and check out the gift shop before returning to the ship by 3 pm.

The tours did not duplicate sites (except for the picnic lunches). Hopefully, Mother Nature will be on your side so that you have the chance to see all that is advertised.

Thanks so much for such a great review! The pictures are awesome and your insights are so thoughtful. Definitely this was a great "trip" while not being able to be there in person. Happy travels!

Thank you for taking the time to write up a review! Your information has been helpful (and reaffirming in some cases) for the choices we have made for our upcoming cruise in April.

Hi- thanks for the great review.We are staying there this November after our cruise and they advertise that they run a shuttle from the hotel every hour into Rome and back. Is that the shuttle you used or did you catch one from the airport. Thanks for the info.

 

Terri

Terri -

I used Terravision (http://www.terravision.eu/?adwy=1). It was 4 euros per person each way which was less expensive than the hotel shuttle. I purchased tickets on line, which I then had to exchange for vouchers at the office. They were not strict at all about the times. Just know that the crowds for the buses can get large and no one lines (queues) up - it's just one big mob! That being said, it was a great, inexpensive way to get to Rome.

Granted, we had to take the hotel shuttle to the airport to catch the Terravision bus and again catch the hotel shuttle from the airport back to the hotel. Time was not a big deal for us, so the cost savings was advantageous. If time is an issue, perhaps the hotel shuttle would be better.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Janet

Will be on the Spirit in June! Eagerly following your review!~

Hi Janet,

I absolutely loved your trip review, so vivid! My question, if it's not too personal... how old was your dad for this cruise? Hubby and I are looking to a close equivelant on the Jade in Mar 2015 and I was wondering if it would be feasible to take my mom... she'd be 76, and she's in good health. I wonder if the go-go-go of the daily adventures would be too much for her. If you have any opinions on this, I'd be grateful. Thanks, Tamara in Colorado

Tamara -

Not too personal at all. My Dad was 73 at the time of the cruise. He's in good health and pretty active. Not to say that I didn't wear him out ~ he enjoyed his "siestas" when he could, even on buses between stops on excursions. Also, he's not a "night owl" by any means, so for him it was back to the cabin & getting ready for bed after the second show of the evening. He had a great time meeting people and seeing the sights. Our relationship is pretty comfortable, so if he was getting tired/crabby, we would separate for a while, then regroup.

Hope your Mom has a great time! She can definitely do it at her own pace!

Janet

Thank you very much for all the wonderful photos and stories. I very much enjoyed it.

 

I am looking at possibly booking this itinerary on the Jade next year (2015.) for my brother Mike and myself. (It's a surprise for him).

 

I especially loved all your port stories. Just wanted to thank you for all the wonderful photos. I have been to these ports before but is so nice to see them through a nother person's "eyes". I enjoyed seeing them through yours. You have a poetic way with your camera.

 

All my best wishes,

artist

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so glad that others can enjoy. I, too, enjoy traveling vicariously through others' reviews as well.

Best of luck in planning your next excursion!

Janet

Janet,

In a few days, WE, the April 12th Western Med. sailing of the NCL Jade, will be shoving off.

Last night I re-read your(this) thread to see if I missed anything.

Once again, THANK YOU for all your time, skill and effort in creating such a great review !

With much appreciation,

Michael

Have a fantastic cruise! Can't wait to read your review once you get back! Bon Voyage!

Janet

In November 2013, we missed Sardinia due to high winds and rough seas. We did stop in Palma as a substitute. While we had nothing planned, it turned out to be a great and memorable day!

Definitely second & third the other posters - Elements is FABULOUS! I was on the Jade in November 2013 - There was a magician (Cripton), SHOUT! The Musical, a violinist, the Tenors of Rock, a Spanish Ballet group, and a comedian/juggler Steve Rawlings. Some shows were better than others (just my personal taste), but all were done very well.

Have fun with whatever you choose!

Thank you for continuing to post. Your photos are gorgeous and your descriptions fabulous! Your efforts are much appreciated.

Janet

Yes, you will. I was in Tunis this past November and there was not problem using euros

Enjoy

Hello Janet,

 

Thank you for the excellent review! My husband and I just booked this cruise for November and are on the same itinerary as yours.

 

It's been a long time since we've been on a NCL cruise, we mostly cruise Royal Caribbean and Princess and choose the traditional dining option. On this cruise it is anytime dining and I don't believe they offer a traditional dining option. I have a couple of questions. Are there any formal nights? and is the dress code for the dining rooms casual? Don't know if we should pack the Tux and dress clothes or leave them home for a more casual cruise.

 

Thanks so much, you have so much great information for me to research our upcoming shore excursions! We usually book private tours so I will be working on those in the months to come.

 

Debbie

Congrats on your upcoming cruise. It will be a fabulous time! Novemeber weather can be cool (heavier sweater or light jacket) but with no crowds ~ a fine trade off for me

There are 2 "Dress up or not" nights. With such a port intensive cruise, many people were dressed casually for dinner. We ate in both dining rooms and my Dad was in long pants (either jeans or dockers) and a long sleeve shirt or sweater. I wore pants or jeans with long sleeved shirts or sweaters. We never felt out of place or were we turned away. It seemed that way more people were casual than dressed up. Personally, I would leave the fancy clothes home and pack more casual layers.

Have a great time planning your tours. There are lots of great guides out there!

Janet

Loved your review.

Thanks very much! Hope you enjoy your next trip!

Janet

Hi lovely review - we are going on the Jade in July and are wondering whether to purchase the Drinks Package? Did you do the package? What sort of prices are the drinks please?

 

Thank you:)

Have a wonderful trip!

Regarding the drinks package - I am not a drinker, so I don't know anything about it. I looked back at my Dailies, and the only thing that I saw mentioned was on the first day and it was just a small blurb that directed you to ask any of the bar staff. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Janet

Thank you so much for a great review! Sounds as though you had an excellent adventure!

Janet

Hi Janet,

 

Thank you for your fantastic, detailed, enthusiastic and fun review of your Jade adventure. We are looking forward to our Jade cruise beginning on April 12. In your review you mentioned calling home. Did you use a sim card in your smartphone? We are looking into the best way to handle, since wifi on the ship won't permit Skype. We were on the Jade last year, so we know that. Last year we used email and google chat, but I wanted to see if we could make calls. Thanks, Regards, Carol

Carol -

My cell phone service is through AT&T and before traveling, I checked out their international service plan for calls & texting. (I know, I'm one of the only people on the planet without a smart phone!) For a 1 month service, I had 30 minutes for $30 and had the option to upgrade (increase # of minutes) at anytime & just pay the difference between the plan I purchased and the new plan. I also got texting (200 texts for $30). All I had to do was remember to cancel those services when I got back.

From what I understand, many cell phone companies do have some type of international plan. I did not need to get a SIM card, as I do not have a smartphone.

Hope this helps! Happy travels!

Thanks, museumlover, for helping out here!

Janet

Thank you Janet for the wonderful review. Your photo's of Pompeii were majestic! I thougth I might skip it this time as didn't think I really needed to go back there but after seeing your photo's I can't wait.

 

If you could please let me know what the temperatures were like, that would be most helpful. I realize it was raining for most of your trip - is this normal or was it an unsual amount of rain for that time of year? I noticed the tour guides you photographed were wearing rather heavy winter coats - is it that cold or is it just that cold for them? I live in Alberta, Canada and I can wear a light jacket in San Fran in December whereas the 'locals' are wearing down filled parkas and touques. Just want to be prepared but not have to bring any extra clothing that I won't need. And did people spend time in the pools or was it too cold? I've booked a balcony because we spend a lot of time out there but usually travel in the spring or early fall - hope we get to enjoy it - although I don't really care - I'll sit out there in my winter woolies if I have to - I'll be in the Med and not in a cold Alberta winter :D

 

Thanks in advance! Glad you had a great time with your father and I know you will have a fantastic trip with your daughter! Memories to last a lifetime for sure!!!

Temperatures were in the 50s for the most part. Yes, I learned that November is the rainy time of year for the area. Also remember, that a cyclone hit Sardinia while we were cruising, so that may have accounted for some of the rain. I was comfortable in pants, a 3/4 sleeve or full sleeve top and a heavier cardigan over that. With that being said, I usually run hot (according to my husband if I had my way with the thermostat, we could hang meat in the house!) There was really only 1 day that I was chilly, and put on a warm, fuzzy top.

You Canadians are so funny. We had a family from Canada with us, and he wore shorts the entire trip. As he said, unless it's snowing, shorts are fine!

I think that it was cold by the locals standards - some of them even said as much.

There were people in the pools. I wasn't really on the ship during port days, so not too sure about then. Some of the evenings the pools were closed due to the sea conditions (It's rare to see whitecaps in the pools, but we did!) The hot tubs were often used.

Hope this helps! Your winter woolies will not be necessary, but a warmer sweater or light jacket could come in handy!

Janet

I thoroughly enjoyed your review of this cruise. Like many others, I will be on the April 12 sailing of this cruise and your review got me even more excited about it. I also enjoyed all of the photos you included. This will be my first time in Europe so your pictures provided a glimpse of what I have to look forward to. I'm buying a new camera specifically because of this cruise so I hope I get as many great pictures as you did. Thanks again for the review and enjoy the next one with your daughter!!!

I'm sure you will have a fabulous time! Sounds like your Roll Call is a pretty active one!

Thanks for the compliments, I sure do appreciate them :)

The great thing about a new camera is all the fun of learning it! I, too, had gotten a new one before this trip, as I did not want to carry my DSLR & lens around. I ended up with a Panasonic DMC-FZ200. I took TONS of pictures, hoping for some good ones. Overall, I was pleased, though I do still have a lot to learn using that camera.

Enjoy & happy travels!

Janet

Janet:

I have so much enjoyed your detailed review. You did a great job and such a blessing to your father!!! Thank you for sharing with all of us!

My husband and I will be on the April 12 sailing of the Jade. If you have the time, please respond to the following questions:

1. How dependable is the WI-FI on the Jade. We have a WI-FI only iPad. Is it slow like a lot of hotels' WI-FI? Do you know the mbps?

2. Is it possible to use WI-FI on the Jade to upload pictures?

3. How costly is the Jade's WI-FI?

4. If you didn't use the Jade's WI-FI, what did you use?

5. Besides trying to find a local McDonald's near the port, what other WI-FI options are there?

6. I'm trying to determine what app to use to download my Tom's Port Guides and my schedules/info sheets. I need an app that is usable OFF-Line. I'm thinking about using EVERNOTE. Is there an app you would recommend over EVERNOTE?

7. Thanks again for your reviews and for taking the time to answer these questions.

Happy Travels!

Lisa:

Lisa -

How exciting - your trip is coming up soon! You must be thrilled!

I did not use wi-fi on board. I have emailed a friend who did use wif-fi on board, to try to get some info. I did find that on Day 1 & 2 they offered up to 20 free minutes when you purchased a plan. From what I heard people talking about, service was very slow.

I brought along 8 different memory cards for my camera (ranging from 2 to 32gb). I just switched them out after a day (or 2 or 3) and then downloaded them once I got home.

A lot of places in port offer free wi-fi (not just McDonald's). In fact, on both of the HOHO buses, wifi was available!

I downloaded my Tom's Port Guides, as well as email confirmations, onto my Kindle. That seemed to work well for me.

Sorry I can't be more helpful, but if I find anything else out, I will come back & post!

Janet

Thanks Janet, it helps alot! When did they start letting self debark people off? I would like to book my transfer as early as possible, so do you think 6:15 is too early for us to get off self debark? Also, we are not checking any bags, do we get to skip the baggage check place at terminal 5? Thanks for all your help!

I believe that we were set to dock at 5 am. I'm not quite sure when people started leaving (they were not making overhead announcements until after 7am). But, there were a bunch of people already off the ship when we got outside. I just checked my last day information pack from NCL & easy walk off started at 615am.

You would get to skip baggage check (but would still need to get your boarding passes - unless you printed them onboard the night before). That would save one step!

Good luck!

Janet

Dana -

Thanks so much for a fantastic review! I was on the NCL Jade with my Dad in November 2013 and just came across your review. I know how much time & effort it takes to write one (just finished my own) and how it does let you relive the trip again! I am planning a cruise with my DD (18) for her high school graduation gift coming up this June. Thanks for all of the great info about Barcelona, as that is where we will be spending some time after the cruise. Many thanks and happy travels!

Janet