Live Cruising Review Turkey/Greek Islands NCL Jade 7/31/22 -8/7/22

[BennyBrun]

Day 7

 

Garden Cafe

 

I was not a fan of Garden Cafe on this cruise … I didn’t find it to stand out!

[BennyBrun]

Day 8

 

Debarkation Day

 

quick breakfast at Grand Pacific… so calm so relaxed so nice 

[FionaMG]

What a great trip Benny! Looks like it lived up to your expectations. Are you travelling straight back home or staying on for a few more days?

[Crazy planning mom]

3 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 6

 

Element production show!

Looks great.  I think I would have tried to sit in the empty section away from the unmasked folks.  Did you hear of many covid cases?

Edited August 7, 2022 by Crazy planning mom

[Crazy planning mom]

This was a wonderful trip review.  Safe travels home 

[BennyBrun]

1 hour ago, FionaMG said:

What a great trip Benny! Looks like it lived up to your expectations. Are you travelling straight back home or staying on for a few more days?

It was a great cruise … again I picked this ship because it has been refurbished, all the restaurants I wanted and entertainment.  Nothing over the top like Bliss / Joy / Encore because it is not that kind of trip.  I focused more on the port and excursions and it worked out well.  I am in Athens one night then back home.  Then it’s off to Alaska on NCL then a few Royal cruises then back to NCL Gem to Italy with a stop back at Corfu 😆…

[BennyBrun]

1 hour ago, Crazy planning mom said:

Looks great.  I think I would have tried to sit in the empty section away from the unmasked folks.  Did you hear of many covid cases?

They made no announcements and really did not enforce the mask rules.  They make announcements but half wore mask half did not.  If you are looking for them to enforce the mask rule where they come and tell people to put mask on like at the beginning of the pandemic reopening you will be disappointed.  The staff don’t even wear the mask correctly after a few days.

[BennyBrun]

Day 8

 

So I was going use a taxi to the Piraeus metro stop but the cabbie tried to sell me on a ride to Athens and won’t take me to the metro station.  They say it’s too close.  So I took the express bus X80 right next to the taxi stand to Sygmata station in Athens and then changed to the Mertro line 2 to the Moxy.  It cost me 4.10E for the whole trip and the pass is good for 24 hours to use on the metro in Athens as well.  Don’t be intimidated when the first person you ask tell you no… do a little research do a mock direction on the map so you have an idea on the public transit / car ride / walk so that you don’t get taken for a ride!

[BennyBrun]

Day 8

 

I highly highly recommend the Jade to cruise Europe.  Just the right size ship and the price is amazing.  The ship has been refurbished as well!   Royal’s price is a bit higher with no excursion credit and the ship they are using is so big that you will have this fear of missing out not to mention the lines at the venues.  I encountered no lines now wait and none of the restaurants were busy except Teppanyaki but I am from NY/NJ area so I don’t need or want Teppanyaki on the ship 😆 

[Crazy planning mom]

23 minutes ago, BennyBrun said:

They made no announcements and really did not enforce the mask rules.  They make announcements but half wore mask half did not.  If you are looking for them to enforce the mask rule where they come and tell people to put mask on like at the beginning of the pandemic reopening you will be disappointed.  The staff don’t even wear the mask correctly after a few days.

Even if half wear masks that's better than most places these days.  Thanks.

[Hogladyrider]

@BennyBrun.....what a great way to enjoy my morning coffee while viewing your pics!

 

Another fantastic voyage, I'd rank this one close to the top.

 

Quick question, were you solo on this trip?

[BennyBrun]

3 minutes ago, Hogladyrider said:

@BennyBrun.....what a great way to enjoy my morning coffee while viewing your pics!

 

Another fantastic voyage, I'd rank this one close to the top.

 

Quick question, were you solo on this trip?

Solo cruiser… party of 1 … the cutlery were cleared faster than my first sip of water 😂 

[FionaMG]

1 hour ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 8

 

I highly highly recommend the Jade to cruise Europe.  Just the right size ship and the price is amazing.  The ship has been refurbished as well!   Royal’s price is a bit higher with no excursion credit and the ship they are using is so big that you will have this fear of missing out not to mention the lines at the venues.  I encountered no lines now wait and none of the restaurants were busy except Teppanyaki but I am from NY/NJ area so I don’t need or want Teppanyaki on the ship 😆 

 

I may have to look into this. We have not sailed with NCL but have reached a stage where, much as we like Royal, the lack of variety on their itineraries is starting to give us itchy feet.

 

Enjoy your last day in Athens and safe travels home. 😊

[scoobiewife]

7 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 6

 

Corfu

 

It took about 30 minutes to walk into the center of old town… it is an amazing place and should definitely go visit!  I passed by an open air market on the way to town.

Did NCL have a shuttle to get you to Old Town - if so what was the cost?  If not, where there taxis at the port?

[Muckyduckway]

Love your reviews, we were on the Jade twice since 2021 and enjoyed revisiting the ports with you.

We're also on the Gem (in October), what sailing are you on?  Hoping it's before us this time so we get a sneak peek to build our anticipation!

[BennyBrun]

1 hour ago, FionaMG said:

 

I may have to look into this. We have not sailed with NCL but have reached a stage where, much as we like Royal, the lack of variety on their itineraries is starting to give us itchy feet.

 

Enjoy your last day in Athens and safe travels home. 😊

I just wouldn’t take NCL to the Caribbean ever again!  The staff on the Jade tells me those are the booze cruise 😝 

[BennyBrun]

45 minutes ago, scoobiewife said:

Did NCL have a shuttle to get you to Old Town - if so what was the cost?  If not, where there taxis at the port?

No shuttle to old town… only from the ship to the terminal … taxi is about 8-12E

[BennyBrun]

25 minutes ago, Muckyduckway said:

Love your reviews, we were on the Jade twice since 2021 and enjoyed revisiting the ports with you.

We're also on the Gem (in October), what sailing are you on?  Hoping it's before us this time so we get a sneak peek to build our anticipation!

Actually you will be there before me … I go on in November!

[Muckyduckway]

8 minutes ago, BennyBrun said:

Actually you will be there before me … I go on in November!

Darn, not what I wanted to hear, but hey you have plenty to keep you occupied and us entertained in the meantime.

[BennyBrun]

2 hours ago, Muckyduckway said:

Darn, not what I wanted to hear, but hey you have plenty to keep you occupied and us entertained in the meantime.

That is so true… I am looking forward to learning some tips from you!!  Have a fantastic cruise!

[BennyBrun]

Day 8
 

Athens post cruise … it’s an eating shopping day !

[BennyBrun]

Day 8

 

If you have time definitely visit the Plaka market / area because it is entertaining and fun to walk around.  The touristy area the shops are mostly open on Sunday but the local places are closed.  The restaurants are open ( almost all of them)

[BennyBrun]

Day 8

 

Seafood is the way to go … fresh sea bream grilled… 16E.

[QuattroRomeo]

What a delicious-looking meal! 

Is the spread in the second photo hummus and seaweed? Or something else?

[penguin233]

Thank you so much for your detailed commentary and photos. We are cruising the Greek Isles on the Jade next May, but a slightly different itinerary (we go to Istanbul too) and are so looking forward to it. Safe journey home BennyBrun.