smilegirl07

Keith,

I hope you had another amazing day.  

I wanted to ask you one thing.  I came to find out that quite a few reviewers on Youtube weren't that happy with Viva and one thing they pointed out was that when they stayed behind to experience the ship at a port, unfortunately a lot of the venues were closed.  Even the dining options were limited, they said.

But then they were on different itineraries, most of them were in the Caribbeans, I believe.  And i get it.  I bet NCL is trying to be more $$$ conscious and when most of the people are off the ship at ports, they limit venues.

Was this the case for your cruise as well?  As I have mentioned, I am traveling with kids and there may be a few days we are just going to stay behind to explore the ship, and enjoy the venues while it is less crowded.

But at the same time if the most of the places will be shut I might as well get off and keep the kiddoes busy.

Let me know what your cruise was and if they kept places open/closed/limited at ports!

Thank you in advance and have a safe trip back home!

Let me know

5 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Villefranche was very nice.

 

There was some sort of event going on from the Nice automobile club, which was quite fun. I’m not into cars, but it was still nice to see them. We then had a walk around town for a few hours.

 

We were going to stop and eat somewhere, but everywhere was quite busy so we ended up just finding a bench to sit at for a while,

 

The weather was very good today so we spent a few hours up at Vibe this afternoon. We probably won’t get there tomorrow as we are in Florence for most of the day, so that is probably Vibr done for us for the cruise now.

 

Dinner was at Hakuzi. We were at a table for 4. We always enjoy Teppanyaki and this was as good as usual. Very enjoyable.

 

As we have an early start tomorrow we are having a quiet night. I’ve been reading on the balcony for a while. A lovely evening.

 

Edit: here’s some pictures from Villefranche:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6i4bukIjK-/?igsh=azl2NHUyYmI2cWl0

Thank you for another update of a great day.  I can't believe how fast time goes by!

I was so torn today trying to decide what to do in Villefranche, should I just hang out at the port area and town of Villefranche or go to Eze, Nice or even Saint Paul de Vence....

Are you planning to stay in Rome for a few days before you head back home once you disembark?

Hope you enjoy a great day in Livorno, looking forward to the update!

Have a good night!

2 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

So, a bit of catching up to do.

 

We went back to Indulge on Barcelona day for dinner. As we have 6 meals in speciality restaurants this leave 4 for the complementary places and I think we will go to Indulge for all of them. We really like it there. The first couple of times I had a curry, but this time we just ordered a few dishes to share. Very nice.

 

Plenty of room in Indulge once again. I’ve not seen it more than half full all cruise.

 

Yesterday was Food Republic, which was our second visit there and again it was excellent. More dishes to share and the food was excellent.

 

I have heard that they used to let you share a dining credit to get four items to share at Food Republic, but we haven’t asked if we could do this. Six items between us is about right.

 

We didn’t do much in Marseilles yesterday. Pre cruise we close Ibiza and Marseilles as our relaxing days. We did actually get off the ship to stretch our legs, and walked for a mile before turning back and were still in the port. There was a shuttle bus to the city centre, which I think was complementary,

 

Other than that we spent a lot of the day in the local and my wife is feeling the after effects this morning. We are a little later than planned getting the tender this morning. We were considering getting the train into Nice but it actually looks like there is quite a bit in Villefranche, so we may just stay there.

 

We have a long day in Florence tomorrow so aren’t looking to do too much today.

I think I am going to choose Maseilles as one port that we are not getting off as well.  

Sounds like all is going good though, hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise!

Quick Q.  Is the gym on Viva open 24/7 or if not what are the hours?  I Googled but could not find the info....  

Have an awesome day!

On 5/1/2024 at 12:35 PM, julig22 said:

At one Q&A session (after we'd had pier runners the previous day), the captain explained how it works - at least how he handles it. First and foremost, CONTACT THE SHIP!  Which means contact the Port Agent. If they know you are late they will advise you on what to do. If they don't know why you aren't onboard they will most likely leave without waiting.  But it also depends on the port. Sometimes they just can't wait - there may be other ships waiting for the dock and/or channel, changing tides, or an already short time to make it to the next port.  And there are reasons that all aboard is 30 minutes prior to sail time. They have manifests to complete, gangways to disengage, etc.

 

As to contacting your friends 15 minutes after all-board time- maybe, maybe not. Once they knew they were going to be delayed, they should have called, even if they thought they still might make it to the ship on time.

what is the best way to get the contact info of the port agent/ship?  I can't believe that I am asking this after 20+ cruises.....  Thank you in advance!

2 hours ago, www3traveler said:

Keith, it is being reported that a couple got left behind in a port a couple of days ago and re-joined the ship in Palma.  What have you heard?

 

When is you next adventure?

 

BIG BIG BIG BIG HUG

 

Love and prayers always,

 

Mandy

I just heard this also!  They were left behind in Granada and rejoined the ship after their family back home arranged the transportation, hotel etc.  They were on a private tourand were late by. about 1.15 hours, the ship's all back aboard time was 5, leaving the dock at 6 but they did not make it back till about 6:15.

Keith,

Thank you for all those updates!  It is disappointing when you are eating your steak and your wine glass is empty! But I am glad your Cagney's experience was better than the ones before!

Hope you enjoy the rest of the cruise and keep us posted!

Have a good night!

2 hours ago, eugemart said:

Hi, I will be on Norwegian Viva on May 6th from Civitaveccia. I haven't  been on a cruise since 2015 and never been on Norwegian cruise. Do they still allow people to bring a box of water bottles on board? Where can I get main dining room daily menus? I booked Le Bistro for one night and I love Escargot. Do we have to reserve Icons production show? Do we reserve comedy show or just stay in line? Sorry about so many questions. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi, I am not the OP but both the Icons show and comedy show says " Reservations are not offered" meaning, it is just first come first serve?  I was just guessing!

11 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Another quick check in.

 

Today was Motril and we did the Caves of Nerja excursion. I would certainly recommend this one.

 

The caves themselves were spectacular. I have a link to photos but it is very difficult to show the scale in photos. We have been to a few caves around the world and there are some near our home, but I can’t think of any that we have been to that are on this scale. The rooms were massive and the formations are huge.

 

After the caves we had about 90 minutes in Nerja town, which was very nice. We decided not to do much so just found a bar for a couple of drinks. I also got a baguette with Iberico ham for lunch which was fantastic.

 

Today was the first day when the weather was warm enough to sit outside comfortably, so we spent a few hours in Vibe. A fun afternoon with a few shots thrown in. It’s been fun.

 

Just going to get ready for Onda tonight. Then we will probably be in the Local if anyone wants us. 🙂

 

Cave pictures here:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6VvjdDoEts/?igsh=MTZlcGl3Y3VoajhtaQ==

Sounds like a fun day!  I just looked at the NCL app to see the excursion you did to possibly book it and it is already sold out.... I was waiting too long.  I thought I should check out the Alhambra while in Motril.... which I think may be too much for my kids.  I am curious to find out how Onda was!

You guys seem like very easy going, positive, fun loving people who will have a good time no matter what!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise and can't wait to hear about the next port!  I booked some catamaran boating and snorkeling in Ibiza... which I have to make it to the meeting point on our own...  I would appreciate it if you can hint me how the transportation is at the port!

Anywayz, have a good night!

3 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Someone had asked on a different thread about the availability of taxis in port. I didn’t notice them yesterday in Gibraltar, but there were a few today in Cádiz, right outside the port building.

that was ME! 🙂. thank you!

8 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

Just got back onboard and enjoying a mudslide in Vive before going to Le Bistro for dinner.

 

I will catch up properly later, but for now here’s some pictures from Gibraltar 

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6RQ3FhIEta/?igsh=MTNpa2o4Y3d6N2E4MQ==

Not sure if I am jealous more so because of the mudslide at the Vive or dinner at the Le Bistro. 🤣

Enjoy!

1 hour ago, KeithJenner said:

I’ve been struggling to load the Cruise Critic site. So haven’t been able to update since yesterday. Just managed to load it now, so I’ll just leave a link to some Monkey pictures from Gibraltar.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6RCCJrobGV/?igsh=MTNmNXp2azJreXp2eg==

I hope you are having an amazing time!  

quick two questions!  How's the internet speed?  Unfortunately, my husband will have to work a few hours a day and I got him the unlimited internet package (not the streaming kind) but was wondering if we should upgrade to the streaming kind.

Also for Gibraltar, I am just planning to buy the tickets to the cable car and the rock and explore on our own however would youb rather recommend a tour?  It was pretty pricy.  was it hard to catch a cab/walk to the cable car/rock area?  

No rush to answer, take your time and only when you can, after all you are on a cruise!

Have a blast!  Thank you!

2 hours ago, 9tee2Sea said:

I thought Gibraltar was really interesting.  Not so much for the British feel, but for touring the military formation carved into the mountain.  I last visited there about 10-15 or more years ago

 ( just after OBL was killed).  You hear about terrorists living in caves, and you think it's just a hole in the ground.  Not so.  The "complex" in Gibraltar had a mess hall, living areas, etc.  Its was very interesting to see the massive complex, and have it so well hidden in the mountain.  But those Monkeys will steal anything that is not securely fastened ( hats, glasses, wallets)

Good to know!  Thank you! 🙂 

OMG, I love you for doing this review!  We met on a few other topic discussions, I am doing the exact same itinerary in August on the viva.  Same as yours plus the three kids/the August heat and the crowds...🤣

Please let us know how beautiful Viva is, how's the service/food/cabin etc and ports!

I am so excited for you!  Happy and safe cruising!  Have fun in Lisbon as well! 

22 hours ago, COcruise said:

Exactly YOLO! Never know when you’ll be back so book the Pisa and cinque terre trip. Then report back and let us know how it was!!!  So jealous!!!

Will do!  Thank you!

1 hour ago, ppcox said:

Marseilles it’s self is an obvious choice as it’s a port city, but if you’re planning to go to Provence that’s different. You could just have a couple of hours in Gibraltar ( kids might enjoy the cheeky Rock apes, that will steal cameras etc) and Cadiz is a lovely walled walking city. I’d skip Majorca it’s a mainly a beach destination although Palma is beautiful to walk around and admire. Rome needs a few days at the end of the cruise if that’s possible. 

Thank you for the info!  Besides the pick pocket-ers in big cities, I have to watch out for the apes in Gibraltar....and make sure they don't take my stuff...😅

14 hours ago, COcruise said:

Sounds amazing! Have the best time!! We loved the Prima. 

 

if you disembark from Rome, pre book transportation. The taxis at port were charging $500 (has to be illegal?!!) but ours was much less ($150 for a big van and private driver that was waiting for us). 
 

I think you can do both especially if they guarantee return in time. Might be a long day but you only live once! Pisa was not somewhere I’d want to spend tons of time anyways. 30 min was plenty. Too many people. Get great shoes and get kids walking now to prepare and break in shoes. I made my husband prep lol We work out but 30k+ miles a day….. Ooooooof 😅

 

ibiza and Mallorca had taxis at the port waiting. Many have phone numbers on the side so we’d take a pic for later. We took the bus in Mallorca/walked and taxi back. Ibiza we called a taxi when ready at the beach club. Many text too. Mallorca….. we almost missed the ship because the taxi cue in city centre was INSANE. Like a 40 min wait. We almost ran the miles back. Also tried Uber and they kept cancelling. We got the monthly international cell package through Verizon (cheaper than daily and didn’t deal with SIM cards). Definitely recommend. It was $100 for the month and worked in every country. Also download Uber, bolt and cabify. Some don’t work at the port some do, depends on the region. Otherwise we’d hail a taxi like the old days. Also bounce app is great to safely store stuff if on an excursion or if you want to do something without stuff like the beach (car seat for us!).

 

Gibraltar was the one port we didn’t have 😞

 

 

 

😱 $500 is absurd amount.  Pre booking things is the key I guess!  and yes my YOLO state of mind pops up when I start planning and looking into details and the budget and relaxing vacation is now out the window... 🤣

Thank you, we are so excited!

3 hours ago, Fogfog said:

We would do every port for some sort of outing/meal/culture thing- and choose carefully.

They are certainly old enough for this trip. We started traveling with ours at 3ys and 6 mos ...

August you will contend with the heat and a couple of those port stops- have longer bus rides. If you can swing it--choose the smaller bus/van excursions. Bring water bottles. Plan an ice cream budget.

You've got this!!

Yes, I've got this....!🙌😆. Like you mentioned I think my biggest nemesis will be the August heat but we are from TX 🤣 where it reaches 110 easy during summer, there was a period time last summer where we reached 110 in over 10 consecutive days, so hopefully we are trained for the heat! 

Thank you!  Have a great weekend!

10 hours ago, COcruise said:

We just did almost all ports with a 10 month old on Prima, so a little different than with older kids. Europe is so kid friendly, kids are welcome almost everywhere. We had no days at sea on the 10 day cruise. Get off on all of them 🤪 we did our own stuff each port. Pisa on our own and took the bus to the leaning tower. It was fun to walk around and see it once. We would've climbed to the top but I think no young kids allowed - kids might find this cool, get tickets ahead of time. The town by the port has nothing. The second day we would’ve done Florence by train but there was a train strike the week we were there. Bummer but next time we’ll do it. We spent a bit in Lisbon before the cruise and LOVED it. Ibiza we took a taxi to a kid friendly beach club and rented a day bed beach front. We went in off season but I hear some have blow up water stuff for kids when in season. Barcelona has so much to see, depends on if your kids will hang for sights or not. Sagrada familia is awesome (need tickets in advance) same with park guell and the other guadi sights. La boqueria is awesome (the market) and great food for everyone, just watch your stuff for pick pockets. Marseille was so fun to explore the narrow winding streets up to the castle at the top. Lots of great food. Rome was our favorite, we did all the sights so again if your kids will hang there’s so much to do! Happy to dig up more info, we just went in October and spent almost a month in Europe plus the 10 day cruise. 

Thank you so much for sharing the experience!  So helpful!  We are staying total of about 25 days as well, about 10 days prior (we are doing a farm stay in Tuscany and then heading off to Lake Como for some relaxing lake stay.  Then catch the flight to Lisbon from Milan and have about 1.5 days in Lisbon before we hop on Viva, after the cruise we have a few days to spare in Rome before heading back home!). I booked a few fun boating excursions with paddle boarding, snorkeling, water biking stuff at Ibiza and Mallorca and I am planning for just on our own easy stroll around the city stuff at some other ports.

Do you think it will be too much to go see Cinque Terre and Pisa in one day during our stop in Livorno?  I booked an excursion that guarantees to be back to the ship on time while we stop in Livorno, I am doing much of Florence while we stay in Tuscany before the cruise so I want to go check out Cinque Terre while the ship stops in Livorno but am not sure if that would be too much.....

Once again thank you for all the tips and info very helpful, I will watch out for the pick pocket-ers 😆 wtih a hawk's eyes... 

Last Q!  Are there taxis readily available at ports in Ibiza and Mallorca?  I got 3rd party excursions and we have to make it to the meeting points on our own.  We are a family of 5 and I heard taxis are small in Europe so we may have to split in two groups....  Also one more.... how was Gibraltar?  I am thinking to just buy thickets to go up the rock on our own and explore... but wasn't sure if it is far to make it to the cable car area (didn't I just say last Q? 🤣)..

Anywayz... it is so awesome to hear all this from someone who stopped at all those ports not too long ago!  

Have a great weekend!

6 hours ago, tcmagnum said:

You may want to check out Airbnb for your lodging in Rome.  This way you could get of center city and with more room than a hotel.  Bonus…You may get a place with a washer and possible a dryer.  Just read the reviews carefully.

All figured out at this time!  And yes, I made sure to get AirBNB that has lots of room for us to spread and washer and dryer is yes a must for family of 5! 🙂. thank you for the tips and info!

On 4/18/2024 at 9:36 AM, Twolittleboys said:

 

I have not been on the Viva but have been on several Med cruises with my two kids at various ages. Med cruises can be exhausting, especially with no sea days (and not just for kids)!

 

Personally, I would probably not skip any ports but would plan some more relaxed activities in most of them. If you go for independent touring you won't be locked into an activity and if it gets too much can just stay on board after all.

 

Here is my recommendation for the ports:

 

Lisbon - Great city - spent several days there (without kids) last year. If you have a couple of days prior to the cruise I recommend a day to Sintra. Looks to be straight out of a fairy tale and may appeal to your kids (depending on tastes)

 

Gibraltar - Not been yet (upcoming in 3 weeks!) but should be fun with kids climbing around on the rock, looking at the monkeys etc.

 

Cadiz - Actually haven't been there yet but will be in a couple of weeks. With kids I would not take a long day tour to Seville (have been) but enjoy Cadiz instead. If you have a horse lover in your family you could consider a trip to Jerez (I am planning to go there) with horse show etc.

 

Motril/Granada - I have been to Granada on a land-based trip years ago and it is very nice. This is the one place I would book a ship excursion if you are interested in seeing the Alhambra (and your kids are likely to be interested)

 

Ibiza - Would just do a beach day there

 

Majorca - Love Majorca! A day trip to Soller and Valldemossa is great fun and easy to do but with kids I would probably split my time between Palma (maybe tour the cathedral) and the beach

 

Barcelona - Lots to see and do there. Would not book an excursion but have several options ready depending on how everyone is holding up. Prebook Sagrada Familia though if you hope to visit!

 

Marseille - Lots of great destinations nearby. With kids I would go to the Calanques or maybe visit Aix-en-Provence

 

Villefranche - One of my favorite ports! Again, no need to preplan. You can hop on the train to go to Monaco (did this on a prior kids with kids and had a great time) or Nice. Or just take a walk around Cap Ferrat and spend some time at the beach

 

Livorno - We took a ship excursion (Florence on your own) and it was great but as it is towards the end of your trip you will likely be worn out and Florence is very crowded. So unless you really want to see Florence I would possibly skip this.

 

After writing all this I just realized that you will be going in August. Unfortunately, it may well be very hot. I did a July cruise recently and it was too hot to do much of anything. 

 

So my recommendation would be to have a possible plan for each destination (or best two different ones) but not pre-book a lot of excursions but stay flexible. Lots of these destinations are great for spending some time at the beach or just hanging out.

 

Hope you have a great time!

 

  

Thank you for such a detailed info!  Love it!  Would love to hear about your Cadiz experience once you visit in a few weeks!  I agree, with kids and August heat in the Med, I am not going to do a FULL DAY tours.... that will exhaust all of us and may test my patience and sanity with the kiddoes.... We may mix up some more extensive tours along with take it easy in our own, head back to the ship in a few hours kinda stuff.

Once again, thank you and have fun in Cadiz!

Ours was around those dates in 2024, but for 2025 it starts from the March 14th through the 23rd 2025(school calendar for next year just got published).  it really depends on the state and school district as well.  Oh, I am sorry, when we say "we(ours)" I mean TX 😆 and most southern states have spring break off around the same time(AK, AL, KS, GA, FL, MS, LA, etc).  We also call it the ski week.  When I was living in CA, we got our ski week around the 3rd week of Feb(or around president's day weekend) and then got actual spring break around first week~2nd week of April.

Since you are leaving toward the end of Feb and get back after the first week of March, I think you will be OK, missing all those "days off for kids" before and after but who knows....   hope I helped a little!

Hope you have an awesome time cruising!

2 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

I know this would increase the cost, and I know you mentioned having school-aged kids, but *if* there are two adults in the group, what about splitting up and taking two taxis? 

@Turtles06 I was thinking the same thing!  Just split into two groups! 

@European_CruiseGirl Yes, I'll look into Uber as well!

Thank y'all for the info!

8 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

i can’t really help at the moment with your question as we don’t tend to use taxis, but we are on the first Viva Lisbon to Rome trip in a couple of weeks and I may do a live report.

 

If I do then remind me at the time at relevant ports and I will have a look out for the taxis and report back.

OMG, that would be awesome, besides the taxi-situation, I just want to know how it is generally, how it feels-the vibe on the ship, etc, etc.  I think you and I may have the same itinerary, Lisbon to Rome, stopping everyday including Motril, cadiz, ibiza, Majorca and such....like literally 10 stops.

I have done quite a few cruises in the US, leaving from the east, the west and the south(Galveston), on Celebrity, Carnival, Disney and BUNCH of Royal, but this is my first cruise in Europe and on NCL, so I am very excited/worried/anxious/etc.

You are lucky to do it during the shoulder months... as it will be less crowded both at ports and on the ship, I unfortunately have school age kids so am doing the same itinerary staring 8/2.

Anywayz, I would love to hear from you how everything is generally, that would be AWESOME!

Thank you again and I hope you have an AMAZING cruise! 🙌

@pete_coach @Bulk-head   thank you for the info, very helpful!

12 hours ago, debenson0723 said:

I would post this question on the Ports of Call forum on this board. Ask for each location and you should get many answers from those that have been in your situation.

that is a great idea.  haven't thought about that.  Thank you

Y'all.  Once again, I need help from you guys.  Y'all are so awesome and I honestly get so much info from here.

So we are cruising through the med (i've been to Europe BUT first time cruising in the Med) in early August this year on the Viva as a family of 5 and we are booking quite a bit of excursions from a 3rd party vendor.

I know it is riskier but I am making sure that there are plenty of time before and after the excursion to leave from the port and get back to.  I opted for 3rd party because of the variety.  I was surprised how limited the choices are given by NCL. (Also they are all reserve now but cancelable if needed up to 2 days prior)

My only concern is there are excursions that I am being picked up from the port and being dropped off back at the port vs there are ones I have to make it to the meeting point and I am not sure how readily available the taxis are especially for an odd number of 5 people. 

The ones that I am concerned are Gibraltar, Cadiz(Seville), Motril(Granada) and Marseille.

Please help and thank you in advance!! 🙌