Just back from JADE out of Barcelona- any questions?

[Litehouse9]

:) My review of the cruise was just posted in "Member Reviews" of NCL Jade. I think I covered most aspects of the cruise (loved it, BTW).

 

But if you have any questions, maybe I can answer them, let me know.

 

Just had such a fabulous time.... why some cruisers apparently are so unhappy with their cruises, I don't understand. We always have a good time and make the best of things...

 

Envy any of you about to embark on the Jade for the 7-day cruise out of Barcelona... the itenerary is fabulous, ports/tours were excellent.

 

Have fun! :cool:

[Bella213]

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your review! I will be on this sailing in November and your review is making the wait even harder! :)

Congratulations on your wedding anniversary and happy belated birthday! What a fantastic way to celebrate such wonderful events!

[April7901]

I enjoyed the review too :D I go in October .... and that was quite helpful!

 

Thanks :D

[iharris]

where would you reccomend that our cc group meet on Sunday after we sail? No one wants to do it on Monday when we are in Monte Carlo because we all have plans. Any good spots on the ship? There are 20-30 of us. I hope more show up on our thread. We sail on the Jade June6-13. Thank you for your help.

[CruiseGirl303]

I'm going on this same cruise in one week!! SOOOO excited! When it comes to pickpockets and things, what would you suggest doing with my camera? I was thinking of carrying it all day, but if you have a better idea, I'd be up for it!(:

When it comes to my family's passports, what would you suggest? My dad was going to put a rubber band around all four of them and keep them in a buttoned short pocket, but I don't think that's all too safe. Thanks so much!! (:

[DMH15]

Cruisegirl-

 

I've cruised to Rome, Naples and Santiago all heavy with pickpockets. I saw them in action. Luckily I have avoided any losses. One of my friends had her passport and $500 stolen in Santiago out of a fanny pack.

 

I have heard stories. Thieves cutting purses with razor blades, unbuttoning men's shirts on crowded busses and trains, cutting purse and camera straps with scissors and bolting.

 

First, don't keep cash in one place and don't carry much cash. I am a firm believer in the travel belts you wear around your waist and inside your jeans. Those are the hardest to get to. I keep my passport and 90% of my cash in there.

 

I take two cameras. My big SLR with the Paparrazi lens and a point and shoot. In port I only take ONE and it's always around my neck with at least one hand on it at all times. It's a help to wear a jacket or shirt so it can be somewhat concealed. But hold on to it. One lax second and it can be gone. I love to shoot photos on vacation.

 

Just be careful when you are in crowds. Thieves can be aged 8 to 80, men, women, etc.

[shill]

I enjoyed your review, thank you for posting. We leave on June 6th and are getting so excited. I am a bit nervous about all the pick pockets in Barcelona. I have a money pouch that you wear under your clothes and tucked in your jeans and I have a pac safe purse that I bought online that is slash proof, but will keep my passport and credit card in the money pouch and leave the other credit cards in the safe. I am traveling with my 17 year old son and I don't think he gets the concept of just how bad it can be. I have traveled abroad (never on a cruise), but he has not. So I feel I will have to really keep an eye on things. I think the only thing he will have in his pockets are his hands and maybe some tissue.

 

We are using Romeinlimo for three of our excursions with people we met here on Cruise Critic. I have heard nothing but good things about this company. How was the weather when you were there? Is it chilly on the ship? I was wondering if I needed a jacket or just a light sweater?

[Turtles06]

Re the pickpockets: I too like the thin waist pack that is concealed under your jeans or shorts. I keep my passport in there (when it's not locked in the ship or hotel safe, in which case, I keep a copy of my passport there), most of my cash for the day, and sometimes an extra credit card.

 

I have a Nikon DSLR for which I bought a Pac Safe camera bag, and in places where I am concerned about pickpockets I wear it across my chest. When you have your camera out, always keep a hand on it.

 

I have a small Pac Safe wallet with a chain that clips to a belt loop. In there I put just a small amount of cash and a credit card, and I keep the wallet in a front pocket, secured by the chain to a belt loop.

 

My partner also uses the concealed waist pack, and then has a Pac Safe purse that she wears across her chest and uses it for things like a small digital camera, maps, small amount of cash, and credit card.

 

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly if someone, including a child, tries to distract you, or bumps you.

 

Take these precautions, don't let a fear of pickpockets overwhelm your trip, and have a great cruise!

[fletcher57]

Hi, For those of you who are afraid of pickpockets, I am surprised that you do not opt to keep your passport locked in your cabin? Do you really need it while you are ashore? Thanks. Joyce

[Eloise4Ever]

Hi, For those of you who are afraid of pickpockets, I am surprised that you do not opt to keep your passport locked in your cabin? Do you really need it while you are ashore? Thanks. Joyce

 

Wherever possible I would always leave my passport onboard or in the hotel safe. I don't believe you need to show your passport to disembark or reboard the ship after a day ashore although this could vary depending on the country you are visiting. Certainly I would advise anyone visiting Barcelona to leave your passport in your hotel and take some other form of ID such as a drivers licence out with you. For some reason most stores in Barcelona have the annoying habit of asking for ID when you pay by credit card but a drivers licence will suffice for this.

 

Barcelona is a beautiful city and well worth visiting, you just need to be on your guard. My DH and I were walking down a street off Las Ramblas on our last visit and a young guy detached himself from the group he had been standing with and jokingly approached my DH and tried to dance with him. I was immediately suspicious and sure enough I saw the guy trying to slide his fingers in DH's jeans pocket where his wallet was. My poor DH was totally unaware of what was happening. I shouted out and gestured forcefully for him to leave us alone. The pickpocket wasn't very pleased at being foiled but he did disappear. A gentleman we met on our cruise had a similar thing happen but if I recall correctly the thief did manage to get away with something. As you can tell from our encounter though, once they are challenged they won't put up a fight - they just look for another target. So no need to be afraid, just be vigilant and enjoy a wonderful city :)

[shill]

Would a laminate copy of your passport be sufficient to use as your ID while out in the ports? So I can keep our originals in the safe.

[Jucaam]

Good info to know about Barcelona and thieves. I, too, was wondering where to carry my camera on myself.

 

I wasn't planning on even taking a purse. Need to figure where to carry lip gloss, hand lotion, mints, tissue, etc.

[Turtles06]

[quote name=Jucaam;24523290

 

I wasn't planning on even taking a purse. Need to figure where to carry lip gloss' date=' hand lotion, mints, tissue, etc.[/quote]

 

One option is a small "pouch" that you can wear across your chest (hands free). I like Pac Safe's Metro Safe 100. Besides the sorts of things you have listed, you can even put a small wallet or cash/credit card in it and be secure.

 

(Gosh, reading my two posts here, I sound like a Pac Safe commercial. But I do like their products for this sort of travel! :))

[Mooder]

Good info to know about Barcelona and thieves. I, too, was wondering where to carry my camera on myself.

 

I wasn't planning on even taking a purse. Need to figure where to carry lip gloss, hand lotion, mints, tissue, etc.

 

The items of little value are the reason I never, ever have an outfit that doesn't have pockets.

[Bella213]

Re the pickpockets: I too like the thin waist pack that is concealed under your jeans or shorts. I keep my passport in there (when it's not locked in the ship or hotel safe, in which case, I keep a copy of my passport there), most of my cash for the day, and sometimes an extra credit card.

 

I have a Nikon DSLR for which I bought a Pac Safe camera bag, and in places where I am concerned about pickpockets I wear it across my chest. When you have your camera out, always keep a hand on it.

 

I have a small Pac Safe wallet with a chain that clips to a belt loop. In there I put just a small amount of cash and a credit card, and I keep the wallet in a front pocket, secured by the chain to a belt loop.

 

My partner also uses the concealed waist pack, and then has a Pac Safe purse that she wears across her chest and uses it for things like a small digital camera, maps, small amount of cash, and credit card.

 

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly if someone, including a child, tries to distract you, or bumps you.

 

Take these precautions, don't let a fear of pickpockets overwhelm your trip, and have a great cruise!

 

Thanks for the recommendation on the Pac Safe, I plan on purchasing some items before my upcoming trip to these areas!

[Ann262]

Hi there! I was on the same cruise with Sher, and likewise had a wonderful time!

 

As for pickpockets. I had my purse but only kept 50 Euros or so in it so if it got stolen, all they'd get is my lipstick and 50 Euros. Most of my valuables were in the stateroom safe. Two ports, Rome and Palma required we take our passport, but no one ever asked to see it. I don't know why we were told to take it. One CC'er once pointed out, what if the dreadful happens and you miss the boat and need to take the train from Italy to Spain? I always took mine. I did keep photocopies in my cabin in case something awful happened. Nothing did, but I was on my guard.

 

In Barcelona, afraid to leave valuable in my hotel, I used the inside pack and had no problems. Again, I was very guarded.

[Litehouse9]

I am so envious of you who have not yet taken the cruise-- I loved it so much, I hope you all have a wonderful time!

 

For a meet up, my group met in the Star Bar on Deck 12. So that we could all be "up top" for sailaway. The bar was comfy and nice and worked well for the 20 or so of us. The new Muster drill means you do NOT take the life jacket with you-- nor do you go on deck. You just meet at a place such as a lounge, have a short meeting and free to go. Our muster was in the Medusa lounge, you might also consider that lounge for a Meet Up. Lots of cozy seats (and a crazy decor).

 

If you contact NCL, they will give you a private room for a Meet up if you like.. doing it on Sunday is the best way, as this cruise is port intensive, and starting Monday AM, there is so much to do and see, so doing it Sunday night is great.

 

RominLimo was FABULOUS, cannot say enough good about them. Terrific. For those using them, you should not be unhappy. The ships tours are sooooo expensive and then you are stuck with a rigid itenerary.

I was so afraid of the pickpockets before I left, I almost felt like EVERY person the street was going to come after me-- and of course, that is not true. But you must be careful. On one street in Barcelona in the Gothic district, a 3rd floor resident put huge banners on his balcony saying "Watch out for pickpockets". The big wad of kleenex in my front pocket was "picked", thought that was funny.

 

I bought a cut proof cord for my camera and just wore it around my neck. Lip gloss, kleenex, etc. went in my pockets. I also kept $5 or so in Euro coin in my pocket to buy coffee, etc.

 

We NEVER carred our passports with us in ports. We kept them in the safe on our ship. We took Photocopies of them with us. We were never asked to show our passports of any ID (other than ship ID) at any place ever while in Europe-- except at the airport coming and going. I would say do NOT risk losing yoru passport-- keep it at the Hotel safe, or in the cabin safe.. do not take out on the streets.

 

Everyone who is still going on this cruise-- I am so jealous! The weather starts to get HOT in about 2 weeks, and also Europe gets super crowded, we were told. It was crowded enough for me last week! So I dont know if you will need a jacket or not--- it is always cooler at night on the water at sea. I never needed ajacket, I am always hot. Temps should start being in the 80's quite soon.

 

Enjoy your cruise! :)

[Litehouse9]

RE: Camera and the cruise (and pickpockets). I bought 3 extra camera memroy cards for my camera. I only used one at a time, and kept the others back at the hotel or ship. SO in case my camera got stolen, I would not lose all my photos.

 

I used 1 card for Barcelona; 1 for Monte Carlo and Florence; 1 for Rome and Amalfi; and the internal memory for Mallorca; Worked well.

 

Carrying my camera around my neck on the cut proof cord seemed to work, and then I would tie my lightweight sweatshirt jacket around my waist, and tuck the camera under the tied sleeves of the jacket when not in use.

 

NEVER carry your passports with you, except when traveling at the airport, etc. Then, keep them IN A NECK POUCH or under your clothing. Also, some of the pickpockets work the airports-- the squirting mustard on you is a trick they use. If you have hand luggage and put it down to wipe away the mustard-- they grab your bags.

 

Also, we did not bring too much money with us. When we got to the ship, we got some US Dollars in the casino (they charge it to your card on file). You must act like it will be money you will gamble with. We got $200 or so 2 or 3 times.

 

Then you can take that US $$ and convert it at some money machines that you find all over (just have someone behind you when you do this like your spouse!! to watch your back...). Then you dont have so much money with you all the time.

[romanroxy]

RE: Camera and the cruise (and pickpockets). I bought 3 extra camera memroy cards for my camera. I only used one at a time, and kept the others back at the hotel or ship. SO in case my camera got stolen, I would not lose all my photos.

 

I used 1 card for Barcelona; 1 for Monte Carlo and Florence; 1 for Rome and Amalfi; and the internal memory for Mallorca; Worked well.

 

Carrying my camera around my neck on the cut proof cord seemed to work, and then I would tie my lightweight sweatshirt jacket around my waist, and tuck the camera under the tied sleeves of the jacket when not in use.

 

NEVER carry your passports with you, except when traveling at the airport, etc. Then, keep them IN A NECK POUCH or under your clothing. Also, some of the pickpockets work the airports-- the squirting mustard on you is a trick they use. If you have hand luggage and put it down to wipe away the mustard-- they grab your bags.

 

Also, we did not bring too much money with us. When we got to the ship, we got some US Dollars in the casino (they charge it to your card on file). You must act like it will be money you will gamble with. We got $200 or so 2 or 3 times.

 

Then you can take that US $$ and convert it at some money machines that you find all over (just have someone behind you when you do this like your spouse!! to watch your back...). Then you dont have so much money with you all the time.

 

Terrific information!!!

 

What are these money machines and where do you find them? Are they on the ship or at every port? Are they like ATM's...or are they ATMs?;) Is the exchange rate very high?

 

So, do you put your USD into the machine and it will convert it into Euro? (makes me think of buying tokens at Chuck E Cheese...LOL!):D

[Ann262]

I took my passport in the ports from the ship because I was afraid I would need it to get back to Spain if we missed the boat. That has never happened, but I always worry about it!

[Litehouse9]

We found "money machines" in Barcelona and Mallorca both that convert money. Yes, they are in all the shopping districts, you will see them on a wall in a street... you put your money in, ask for Euros-- and VOILA! You get Euros.... Also you can put in your debit/credit card at an ATM that has the logo for your card (Mastercard or Visa) and get Euros... easy to find the machines....

 

The Euro is now down to $1.22, pretty good rate (it was $1.60 about 6 months ago!!) The Euro is now at its lowest rate in 2 years or so. Pretty good exchange rate.

 

You should probably get a few before your trip-- so that when you arrive in Barcelona-- you have some Euros for a cab or whatever. You can 1) order them in advance from your local bank; 2) get them in advance from AAA ($100 worth); We had $100 worth when we landed in Barcelona, and that was very helpful. We were EXHAUSTED from travel, and we had money for the cab (too bleary and tired to take the Metro-- plus lots of crime in the Metro); then too tired that night to get money, so luckily we had some to go get dinner at a Tapas bar.

 

Good luck! Have a wonderful trip...

[Sydney55]

:) My review of the cruise was just posted in "Member Reviews" of NCL Jade. I think I covered most aspects of the cruise (loved it, BTW).

I can't find your review. Can yousend it to me at J_Powell1955@yahoo.com. I have lots of questions! Thanks

[dalgirl]

DH refuses to leave the ship without his passport just in case - he keeps all passports, extra credit cards and cash in a money belt around his waste, and we only take off what we plan to spend for the day. He never opens the money belt in public - that defeats the purpose - and carries a cheap velcro wallet in a shirt front zippered pocket. This year we plan to take a small computer to download our photos every night - this was a worry for us last year and after taking it to Alaska recently and trying it out, this worked really well for the thousands of photos I can't help but take. We don't carry anything in a backpack we can't afford to loose, and the one we carry is slashproof. I don't carry anything (never a purse!) - only a point and shoot camera - also attached at all times to my person. The camera is not very expensive (but takes great photos), so it is not really enticing for thieves. If you travel smart and light you will enjoy your day more and with less worries.

[emmak8]

I bought a travel vest at an army/navy store that has come in so handy and useful against the pickpocket problem. Used it in Cairo, Egypt in March where the bazaar is very crowded and a pickpocket's paradise. The vest has more than a dozen pockets, most with zippers. All very convenient and I never carried a purse or bag.

Another thing we do is have a special code word if we see something/someone suspicious.

The most important thing is to stay aware of your surroundings.

[Litehouse9]

I can't find your review. Can yousend it to me at J_Powell1955@yahoo.com. I have lots of questions! Thanks

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I think a person going on a cruise should read ALL the MEMBER reviews of that ship.. you learn so much!

 

To get a MEMBER review: Look at the VERY VERY TOP of the Home page (or this page as well).. above the Cruise Criitc Logo. Look for the GOLD BAR (the one that has "Boards" on the far left).

 

On the GOLD bar at the top of the Cruise Critic page, click on "REVIEWS" on the far right of that gold bar.

 

On the next page you will see a BLUE BOX (titled "Cruise Reviews") which has 3 scroll bars in it -- the BOTTOM of the 3 scroll boxes is MEMBER REVIEWS. Click on that and choose the cruise line/ship you want to see reviews of. :)