NCL Jade 7-Day Greek Isles- Oct 12-19, 2013 - Review and Pictorial

[computerworks]

The Spinnaker Lounge looked great... just sparkled.

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Down a deck to make a quick visit to the Spa. We usually get a Spa Pass, but this itinerary has us off the ship so much that it would be hardly worth it.

 

Maybe next trip.

 

The Thermal Suite of the Spa

 

 

 

 

Interested in a Spa Pass? ...Here are the packages offered:

 

[computerworks]

The Changing Room of the Spa... separate areas for men and women.

Steam, sauna and hot tubs.

 

 

Sauna

 

 

Showers and changing area

 

 

[computerworks]

Just down the hall from the Spa, walking towards the pool, is the Library.

 

The Library ...a must visit for our ex-librarian.

 

 

Very cool model on display there...

 

 

 

(wikipedia: "...As of September, 2013, the ship remains in Philadelphia."

[computerworks]

A quick trip down to the Stardust Theater

 

 

 

...then checking out the Grand Pacific Main Dining Room.

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Time for a drink...so we head back topside.

 

Passing thru La Cuchina...located right next to the Garden Cafe.

 

 

 

From there, we cut through to the Great Outdoors to take it all in ...and have a round of Mojitos.

 

 

[computerworks]

Cabins are ready... so we go up and see if our luggage has arrived.

 

 

As I mentioned earlier, I have Suite pictures on a separate thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1938484

 

The snacks that make the Suite worth it... ;)

 

 

Our Concierge and Butler at work. After a few trips in Suites, we find the best way is to meet with your Butler and review your plans and your requirements.

 

I've read many threads about how some folks never see their butler, or hardly used them. Really, their job is to make your trip the best it can be...and they need to know what you want from them. We always make a list of our schedule, what we like in the suite and whatever special services we may be needing. They do appreciate that in advance.

 

Edited November 5, 2013 by computerworks

[computerworks]

Up to the Pool Deck for the Sailaway Party.

With Sailaway at 7 p.m., it made for a long party out on the pool deck. The late departure meant that we would actually be at dinner when we dropped lines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sisters have it down pat.

 

[computerworks]

After the Party..it was 'freshen-up' and head to an early dinner.

 

We always like to have dinner in the Main Dining Room the first night... it seems to kick off the cruise nicely

 

 

The menu highlight was Surf and Turf, with the 'turf' being Roast Loin of beef.

Somehow, mine ended up on two plates?

 

I will say that the food in the MDR was top-notch. Service was above the bar this trip. I noticed they paired experienced waiters with the newbies... the teams worked efficiently and cheerfully. The Jade has always been known for their exceptional staff and crew.

 

 

Looking out the window from the Grand Pacific dining room, a wonderful view from dinner, we are under way now...and passing the heart of Venice on the Grand Canal.

Curious, the tug was tethered to the stern, awaiting a pull if needed to straighten her out.

 

 

After dinner, it was up to the Stardust Theater for the Welcome Aboard show The Cruise Director, J.C. Sanchez, hosted a fun show. Remember the first night has only one show time... the rest of the cruise, you have 7:30 and 9:30 as your choice.

 

 

Tomorrow, our Meet and Greet...and a relaxing day at sea.

Edited November 5, 2013 by computerworks

[cruisingxpert]

Another amazing review. You always make me feel that I'm right there travelling with you. Can't wait to see the rest.

 

CJ

[computerworks]

Thanks, Catherine! ...more to come today. ;)

[computerworks]

Day Two - Sea Day

 

Starting the cruise with a Sea day, after busy pre-cruise days, is the best. It gives you a chance to get into the swing of things and really feel like it is indeed vacation-time.

A chance to sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast.

 

We actually had a pretty full day, starting with our Cruise Critic Meet and Greet. Later in the day would be the Latitudes Party and the Captain's Cocktail Party.

 

 

The M&G was held in Le Bistro. NCL does a tremendous job supporting the Roll Call members who attend the meet-up.

 

 

 

Luis Romero, the Group Service Coordinator, set the event up for us... and provided a list of key personnel onboard, in case we had any issues or concerns. Accessibility of the officers during the cruise was simply amazing.

 

 

[computerworks]

J.C. ("Johnny Cash") Sanchez, our Cruise Director, kicked the M & G off, with intoductions to officers and staff. Johnny ran a great cruise, very professional and robust...full of activities.

 

 

 

Esteban Chorro, the Restaurant Manager, addressed the group and invited all to reach out to him with any problems during the cruise.

 

[computerworks]

We had almost 70 folks talking on the Roll Call thread prior to the cruise.. and had almost 100% attendance at the Meet and Greet.

 

If you have never participated in a Roll Call for your cruise, you are surely missing the opportunity both for social interaction and great port advice. Many folks "hooked up" to share tours and onshore activities in the months prior to the cruise.

 

The M & G lasted quite long and became a "mixer" of sorts, where we could put faces to user names and talk about our plans.

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Following the M & G, we did a quick freshen up, had time for lunch at Cagney's and a chance to stroll around the ship some more.

 

 

The pool was now in full swing.. the weather was very mild... 70's the whole voyage... and mostly light sun every day.

 

 

[computerworks]

We passed through The Photo Studio area, on the way to the Atrium.

 

 

The Jade, thankfully, is one of those ships that have a full Promenade Deck, Deck 7, that totally circles the ship.

 

 

I will admit, I miss this on the bigger ships... a stroll out there, day or night, really makes you feel like you are cruising.

 

 

Got a chance to peek at the Kid's Club and the teen center

 

 

 

 

...got yelled at by a kid, who declared: "...hey, no parents allowed!"

 

So, we had to get outta there!

[computerworks]

Our concierge arranged for us to see Inside and Balcony cabins on the Jade...for future cruising ideas.

(...not gonna see that Garden Villa again for a while).

 

Very nice cabins. First, the Inside:

 

 

 

Here is where Guest #3 sleeps, pullman-style.

 

 

Good use of all available space.

 

 

[computerworks]

Now, the Balcony cabin, for three guests, with a single couch.

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

The Latitudes Party was next on the agenda. It was held in the Spinnaker lounge and had a good turnout.

As usual, they use your Invite letter as a raffle ticket, and many prizes were given out. The rum punches flowed freely...

 

 

 

 

Esteban, the Restaurant Manager, stayed with us for a while and we talked about his home in Spain.

 

[computerworks]

Back to the Suite for some.down time before the evening.

 

 

There were smooth seas and warm weather.

 

 

 

 

We were really blessed with seas like glass, for most of the entire trip. One evening thunderstorm later in the week, but by and large...blessed.

 

 

[computerworks]

Back to the cabin to get ready for the evening... and a post-it note on the bathroom mirror:

 

 

 

...fom Antonio, our Room Steward.

 

(looked a little like a generic note, but a nice touch, nevertheless. :-) )

 

The ladies complied...

 

 

Dinner at Le Bistro...and the Captain's Cocktail reception at the Medusa Lounge.

 

This had the most weird decor of any public space.

On the Jewel, this area is Fyzz. It has disappeared on the Gem and Pearl, replaced by the Shops... with the advent of Bliss Lounge on those two newer Jewel class ships.

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow..our first port of call... Corfu. We are psyched.

 

We are scheduled to be docked there...so it will be an early morning wake-up.

[McDebbie]

Nice review so far and great pictures. I noticed in one of the pool pictures there seemed to be a fair amount of children on board which seems odd for that time of year and cruise. Can't wait to see the rest!

[computerworks]

Day Three - Corfu

 

This was to be a short day in port; the schedule said 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

If you have seen any of my prior reviews, you know we are adventuresome explorers. :-) I love to plan the day in detail... and we almost always travel on our own.

 

I like to do my homework on a port, figure out what the highlights would be, and then see how many we can get to and how we'll do it.

 

I also don't like seeing the ship sail without us... so I do try and be flexible enough and know when it's time to call it a day.

 

For Corfu, there were so many things I wanted to see. The short day in port would make this a challenge. We arranged in advance a rental car right at the pier, and planned to be off the ship as early as possible.

 

We used Royal Car Rentals, and I highly recommend them. Their office is right in the passenger terminal, the first building you encounter as you leave the ship. Our car was a Nissan Micra, and the fee was 50 euros for the day, all in.

 

Here is what I mapped out as our route...

 

K - Pick up Car

 

B - Doukades - Village, Elizabeth's Taverna

D - Lakones

E - Krini

F - Angelokastro

C - Paleokastrites - Beach

G - Kinopiastes - Tripa Taverna. "Taverna Trypa"

H - Achilleio - Achilleon Palace

J - Kerkiera Fortresses, Town Hall

 

K - Return Car

 

 

It looked pretty ambitious, but the island is rather small and total drive-time seemed possible. (unless of course we hit problems...)

 

Guess what...we pretty much rang all the bells on this one. Driving was a pleasure, the roads were well marked and good signage got you to your destinations easily.

 

Here is our day in Corfu....

[computerworks]

We had a Pre- dawn breakfast, served in our suite by Jefferey, our butler.

 

 

This is where suite perks really work... relaxing breakfast, early-early..plus the concierge arranging early off, as soon as the ship is cleared.

 

The Jade is docked for the day in Corfu, as the sun comes up.

 

 

The Old Town is right across the Harbor

 

 

The Passenger Terminal is a short walk on the pier from where the ship is tied.

 

 

Inside, the car rental office...