Carolina Daisy

I'm on the Jewel next week and am curious, too, about what pools they have.

The spa pass is always a good idea. It's very quiet in the spa area and relaxing. I didn't get a pass on my first cruise and I really regretted it. I got the pass on our last cruise in Europe and it was wonderful!!

I, too, was able to rebook this morning saving $700 on our cruise to Alaska this summer. The lady I spoke with was very helpful and it only took about 3 minutes. Great start to my weekend!

Wonderful photos - keep 'em coming.

My (then) 15 year old loved the teen club on the Jade. She was able to meet kids from other countries in her age group and they hung out together the entire cruise. She actually asked if we could go on another cruise before she turns 18 so she can be part of the teen club again - so we are!

I use cruise fish dot net to watch prices and alert me when prices drop. For our last cruise, we saved about $600 because of them. Just created a new alert for our cruise next summer.

This seems like a good solution when traveling with teen-agers! I have it ready to use next August on the Jewel!

We've stayed in 11136 on both the Pearl and Jade and the balcony is bigger, 4 of us were able to be on the balcony comfortably. I just booked 11136 on the Jewel for next August, might as well get the big balcony if you can. That room is under the Garden Cafe and we never heard any noise from above.

We got off the Jade in Venice last summer, took the bus/shuttle offered by the boat to the airport and was in plenty of time for a 12 noon flight. The Jade got into Venice about 8. We had breakfast and then left. We did put our luggage out the night before and it was loaded on the bus for us. But if you'd rather, you can probably take it off yourself.

We were on the Jade last year and it was wonderful, we would highly recommend it. We were very pleased with the food choices and variety. We didn't feel the need to go to any pay restaurants. It's not the biggest ship, but that's part of it's charm. And cruising into and out of Venice is one of life's great moments. Wish we could go again!

We were just there this past July. Coming from the US South, we didn't find it too hot. It was comfortable for us, but it was still warm. Enjoy, it's wonderful!

We did this cruise in July and just seeing the photos of Corfu make me want to be back there again. Can't wait to see the rest of your trip!

Debra

We were in Ephesus last week and used Ephesus Shuttle and I highly recommend them. We were a private tour of 4 and we had a driver and a tour guide in a mini van. His name was Tecz (spelling??) and he was very knowledgeable and made sure we went to the places we wanted to go and it was not even brought up about visiting a carpet or leather factory for a sales pitch. I highly recommend them!

Debra,

You are probably booked by now and hope that you decided to spend the extra $10 on terrace houses. Do not miss! These are also known as the "Houses of the Rich" and an extraordinary look into family life during the Roman period. They are remarkably well-preserved.

We did book the Terrace house tour, everything I've read says it's definitely a must-do. Can't wait!

We will be in Ephesus in July and I'm real close to booking with Ephesus Shuttle and I have one question. Is it worth the extra $10 to tour the Terrace Houses? Thanks in advance!

Debra

It's your vacation, you should do exactly what YOU want. I'm thinking of staying on the boat when we do our Med. cruise. 3 back to back days of Greek Isles - how different can they really be?? I've heard it's nice and quiet on the boat when most passengers are on excursions and I've also heard the spa might be discounted!!

Have a great trip!

Debra

We'll be on the Jade in July and I am definitely getting a spa pass. Last summer we were on the Pearl to Alaska and I didn't think I needed a bathing suit so I didn't have one and I regretted it - that ain't happening this summer! If I recall, it was $199 for the week last year, wonder why it's so much cheaper on the Jade?

Debra

We have booked this very cruise for next July and can't wait. I will be studying your review for tips, very helpful! Thank you!

It was offered at the M&G. Raquel took the names of those interested and then sent out formal invites with the time and meeting place that night. We had a group of about 25, I think. She indicated that if the group got too big, she'd do two tours. If you get the chance, you should definitely do it.

Does it cost anything?