cruisinginmay

Thanks everyone for your input. I do realize that Etretat and Bayeux are opposite directions, but Etretat is only a 30 minute drive north of Le Havre, and who knows if I will ever get back to this area! I figure getting off the ship at 9:00 leaves plenty of time to visit Etretat, then drive to Bayeux. However, we will readdress our itinerary. Still want to have time for day trips to Normandy beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel (separate days).

We will be disembarking in Le Havre in September. Our plan is to get a car service to take us to Etretat from the ship, then drive us to Bayeux. Then we will spend a couple of days in Bayeux, viewing the tapestry, and going to Normandy beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel. Looking for recommendations for 1- car service to Etretat and Bayeux, 2- Hotel in Bayeux, and 3- Tour operators for excursions to Normandy beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel. Thanks for your suggestions!

We have been in a suite/Haven suite 5 times. Sometimes, we rarely see or use the concierge. But on our Iceland cruise, the concierge made himself visible every day at breakfast. Got us quick debarkation at the ports. But the best was when Iceland immigration came on board the ship and all passengers had to have their passports checked. Passengers were called by suites, then by decks. We were off the ship on an excursion when the suites were called so we called our concierge when we were back on the ship and met him at the venue. He literally walked us past more than 100 passengers waiting in line right to the front. That alone made being in a suite worthwhile!

Thanks! I haven’t been on the Gem before, so don’t have anything to compare it to. I’ll try to find out about the tubs/showers, but we are staying in the 2 bedroom suite so not sure I’ll find out,

I’m going to be on the Gem when it leaves Barcelona on the 8th. Just curious - does a whole new crew board after dry dock, or have some or most been around during dry dock? Not sure what they would do!

Yes. Or you can take one as you are checking in and use that.

We didn’t plan to leave Reykjavik the day we docked, but NCL kept encouraging passengers to take their shuttle instead of a cab. Around 8:00 am, there was a line of about 100 people waiting, and cabs arriving about 1 every 5 minutes. Someone told us they were in line 2 hours to get a cab to their hotel. So definitely plan to take the shuttle.

Caffeine Free Diet Coke! It’s my drink of choice.

Thank you all!

No, I am thinking about the courtyard. I’m pretty sure the sun deck would be too cold at that time of year. With the roof closed, does it keep the area somewhat warm?

We are considering the Gem Transatlantic cruise this December. Does anyone know how warm the courtyard would be at that time? Warm enough to spend time out there reading or just relaxing?

We used Rome in Limo. They can tailor your tour to exactly what you want. They picked us up at the ship, drove us around, and arranged a guide for the Colosseum. Not sure what the cost would be for 3, but taking you door to door for exactly what you want to see makes the best use of your time.