New experiences for us on Jade out of Athens

[purplecow15]

Just want to update some of the things we found on our back-to-back cruise on the Jade out of Athens May 29-June 12. We had been tested in the US within 72 hours as required but were not even asked for the results. We were tested at the port as per Greek requirements. It was efficiently done and we were boarded by 11:30 am. We normally eat lunch in the main dining room on embarkation but found it was closed so ended up in O'Sheehans. We also normally meet up with family members at Magnums for pre-dinner drinks but found that was closed until 7 pm as were most bars other than the pool deck and O'Sheehans. 

We had the drinks package so were not affected by the new Greek issue of not allowing drinks to be sold while in port or in Greek waters. Those folks with no drinks package were not allowed alcohol until well out to sea. This was in all Greek ports. I'm sure this impacted some since we were in ports well after dinner time several days. Each bar was well signed with explanations as to why they could not serve anyone without a drinks package.

The staff was terrific and very accommodating. We did find all of the restaurant venues very quiet. We had reservations at 7:30 at Le Bistro and were the only ones in there for most of our dinner. The main dining room was often mostly empty so sometimes it seemed like there was more staff than diners. 

During our first week, we failed to read one of the postings that came with the dailies. As Platinum members, we were apparently eligible for a $25 onboard credit for the perks they are unable to give at this time such as wine tastings, etc.. We did read it the second week and went to the desk and were given the credit but were told we had to come to the desk to receive it so missed out on the first week. Seems they could have just automatically done it without making folks stand in line for it but not a big deal.

 

I don't want these things to sound like complaints but rather to inform what to expect. It's great not to have huge crowds but also hope cruisers will be coming back.

Overall we still had a fantastic time. The ports were wonderful, with beautiful weather, and a wonderful time spent with family. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

[Crazy planning mom]

Thank you Purple Cow for offering your experience.  We are sailing later this year and wonder if it will be more crowded now that the US has dropped pre-departure testing.  You said dining rooms were empty.  Do you think most were eating at the buffets?  Did you hear if there were many cases of covid onboard?  Were you able to purchase non-alcoholic drinks while at Greek ports?

Edited June 13, 2022 by Crazy planning mom

[purplecow15]

1 hour ago, Crazy planning mom said:

Thank you Purple Cow for offering your experience.  We are sailing later this year and wonder if it will be more crowded now that the US has dropped pre-departure testing.  You said the dining rooms were empty.  Do you think most were eating at the buffets?  Did you hear if there were many cases of covid onboard?  Were you able to purchase non-alcoholic drinks while at Greek ports?

I don't know if most were eating in the buffet as we were always in specialty dining or the main dining room for dinner. Lunches, when we did the buffet, weren't very crowded but that was probably because people were on shore. I believe there were about 1200 on board. We were never told how many on board had covid, but when we returned to the ship from shore on a few occasions when going through deck 4 we did see the crew in almost hazmat suits and with medication trays going knocking on doors. We have no idea if it was passengers or crew who were ill. We had the drinks package so never had to purchase any alcohol or nonalcoholic drinks. There were signs on the bars stating only those with packages would be served while in ports. I wish I had taken a picture of the sign as I don't remember if it specified nonalcoholic drinks. I'm sure things like ice tea, water and juices were available to everyone. One couple we talked to were bummed because they were eating at Cagney's that night and couldn't get a glass of wine with dinner. It was a night we were in port till 9:30 pm. Hopefully, by the time you cruise, there will be more passengers and no masks. Either way, you'll have a great time!

 

Edited June 13, 2022 by purplecow15

[vanchelle]

2 hours ago, purplecow15 said:

Just want to update some of the things we found on our back-to-back cruise on the Jade out of Athens May 29-June 12. We had been tested in the US within 72 hours as required but were not even asked for the results. We were tested at the port as per Greek requirements. It was efficiently done and we were boarded by 11:30 am. We normally eat lunch in the main dining room on embarkation but found it was closed so ended up in O'Sheehans. We also normally meet up with family members at Magnums for pre-dinner drinks but found that was closed until 7 pm as were most bars other than the pool deck and O'Sheehans. 

We had the drinks package so were not affected by the new Greek issue of not allowing drinks to be sold while in port or in Greek waters. Those folks with no drinks package were not allowed alcohol until well out to sea. This was in all Greek ports. I'm sure this impacted some since we were in ports well after dinner time several days. Each bar was well signed with explanations as to why they could not serve anyone without a drinks package.

The staff was terrific and very accommodating. We did find all of the restaurant venues very quiet. We had reservations at 7:30 at Le Bistro and were the only ones in there for most of our dinner. The main dining room was often mostly empty so sometimes it seemed like there was more staff than diners. 

During our first week, we failed to read one of the postings that came with the dailies. As Platinum members, we were apparently eligible for a $25 onboard credit for the perks they are unable to give at this time such as wine tastings, etc.. We did read it the second week and went to the desk and were given the credit but were told we had to come to the desk to receive it so missed out on the first week. Seems they could have just automatically done it without making folks stand in line for it but not a big deal.

 

I don't want these things to sound like complaints but rather to inform what to expect. It's great not to have huge crowds but also hope cruisers will be coming back.

Overall we still had a fantastic time. The ports were wonderful, with beautiful weather, and a wonderful time spent with family. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Great update and appreciated. We leave this Sunday on the Jade for our first ever Greecebitinerary. I’m hoping that the “less crowded” continues a bit! 
Did you post anywhere about excursions you enjoyed? I’d love to look. 

[vanchelle]

1 hour ago, Crazy planning mom said:

Thank you Purple Cow for offering your experience.  We are sailing later this year and wonder if it will be more crowded now that the US has dropped pre-departure testing.  You said dining rooms were empty.  Do you think most were eating at the buffets?  Did you hear if there were many cases of covid onboard?  Were you able to purchase non-alcoholic drinks while at Greek ports?

We are headed out this Sunday and I can snag a picture of whatever sign is posted regarding non alcoholic drink access, etc. it won’t necessarily be the same later this year but can clarify your question for now if that helps? 

[Ken the cruiser]

2 hours ago, purplecow15 said:

Just want to update some of the things we found on our back-to-back cruise on the Jade out of Athens May 29-June 12. We had been tested in the US within 72 hours as required but were not even asked for the results. We were tested at the port as per Greek requirements. It was efficiently done and we were boarded by 11:30 am. We normally eat lunch in the main dining room on embarkation but found it was closed so ended up in O'Sheehans. We also normally meet up with family members at Magnums for pre-dinner drinks but found that was closed until 7 pm as were most bars other than the pool deck and O'Sheehans. 

We had the drinks package so were not affected by the new Greek issue of not allowing drinks to be sold while in port or in Greek waters. Those folks with no drinks package were not allowed alcohol until well out to sea. This was in all Greek ports. I'm sure this impacted some since we were in ports well after dinner time several days. Each bar was well signed with explanations as to why they could not serve anyone without a drinks package.

The staff was terrific and very accommodating. We did find all of the restaurant venues very quiet. We had reservations at 7:30 at Le Bistro and were the only ones in there for most of our dinner. The main dining room was often mostly empty so sometimes it seemed like there was more staff than diners. 

During our first week, we failed to read one of the postings that came with the dailies. As Platinum members, we were apparently eligible for a $25 onboard credit for the perks they are unable to give at this time such as wine tastings, etc.. We did read it the second week and went to the desk and were given the credit but were told we had to come to the desk to receive it so missed out on the first week. Seems they could have just automatically done it without making folks stand in line for it but not a big deal.

 

I don't want these things to sound like complaints but rather to inform what to expect. It's great not to have huge crowds but also hope cruisers will be coming back.

Overall we still had a fantastic time. The ports were wonderful, with beautiful weather, and a wonderful time spent with family. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. We won’t have a drink package on our up coming Jade B2B in November, but were planning on purchasing a 6 bottle wine package once we board. We’d purchase it pre-cruise if we could, but currently there is no online option we can find to do so.

Do you by chance know if those wine bottle packages are also exempt from the Athens rule or will we have to wait until after we leave Greek waters?

[Crazy planning mom]

1 hour ago, purplecow15 said:

I don't know if most were eating in the buffet as we were always in specialty dining or the main dining room for dinner. Lunches, when we did the buffet, weren't very crowded but that was probably because people were on shore. I believe there were about 1200 on board. We were never told how many on board had covid, but when we returned to the ship from shore on a few occasions when going through deck 4 we did see the crew in almost hazmat suits and with medication trays going knocking on doors. We have no idea if it was passengers or crew who were ill. We had the drinks package so never had to purchase any alcohol or nonalcoholic drinks. There were signs on the bars stating only those with packages would be served while in ports. I wish I had taken a picture of the sign as I don't remember if it specified nonalcoholic drinks. I'm sure things like ice tea, water and juices were available to everyone. One couple we talked to were bummed because they were eating at Cagney's that night and couldn't get a glass of wine with dinner. It was a night we were in port till 9:30 pm. Hopefully, by the time you cruise, there will be more passengers and no masks. Either way, you'll have a great time!

 

Thanks!

[Crazy planning mom]

57 minutes ago, vanchelle said:

We are headed out this Sunday and I can snag a picture of whatever sign is posted regarding non alcoholic drink access, etc. it won’t necessarily be the same later this year but can clarify your question for now if that helps? 

Thank you and have a wonderful trip.

[fabnfortysomething]

the rules re drinks in port seem to vary week by week

we had drink package on jade for our easter trip but couldnt get an alcoholic drink till a few hours after sailaway

we could however get non alcohol

week previous to ours no drinks at all

seems to be a big mix up on interepation of the rules