surfone

We will board in Quebec next Friday.  This will be our 2nd time on the GEM.  We did a B2B out of Boston to Montreal and back 2 years ago on Holland.  Couldn't do the B2B this time.  Enjoy!

We have to agree with you on several comments,  We were on the cruise just before yours (we did Athens to trieste) we are not big foodies but thought the food was not good in the MD. Servuce was good in the MD>   Cagneys not good and neither was the service which was very surprising.  Maybe our waiter just had a bad night.  We usually don't eat in the buffet but did on this cruise and it was much better than the MD>   ate at the Japanese steak house which was just ok.  Le Bistro again was a let down.  We've have not had a very good meal there on several of our cruises  since post Covid.

Ports made up for it all though,  and was a trip we will never forget.  I like the size of the Pearl.

Done both and both fantastic.  Can't go wrong either way.  We liked the Epic but haven't been on Escape.  We were just on Pearl in Greece.

Spirit class ships.  Pride has a little Edge.

On 9/18/2024 at 12:12 AM, BlerkOne said:

IMO, Carnival is trying to manage costs that are only going up. I doubt they have actually reduced costs.

This is so true.  Just look at the inflation we've all been hit with in the past 3 plus years,  it hits all and cruise lines are probably high on the list.  I know every restaurant I've been to has risen prices quite a bit, that goes for hotels, ticket prices to concerts, to amusement parks, etc.

Quebec

We just got back a little over a week ago on our Athens cruise and used NCL air BOGO.  Times and connections were fine.  Saved us and we were on Delta and were able to select our own seats at no cost.  We have our Quebec City cruise next week and saved again using the BOGO with very good flights.  They booked us on United going to Quebec and Delta coming back from Boston (where we debark)  I wouldn't hesitate using them again.

1PM was the earliest check in allowed for our 10PM departure in Piraeus.  We Chose 1:30 but most Hotels will store your bags if you don't want to get onboard that early.

We sail end of August on Europe cruise and got our flight schedule end of April.  Also, have one end of Sept. but have not received flight info yet, so seems to be where and when you are are flying

On 7/28/2024 at 6:14 AM, room with a view said:

Just read in a newspaper that Santorini is cutting the number of ships allowed to visit .

Island can't cope with 5 ships .

There are 5 other ships when we are there on August. 29th next month.  I've read the cable car line is long and along with hot temps it can be tough.  

We are flying to Athens from the east coast in August and booked with NCL air promo.  However, we ended up adding a deviation on the end due to our arrival in Venice (Trieste) because they had us departing at 11am and there was no way we would make that flight.  Even talking to the Air rep at NCL he said it fell within their timetable for that flight.  They would not look at any other flight for a later departure that day so we ended up having to change and depart the next day.  Seems very little common sense with the flight program when pointing out an obvious time issue.  They won't budge.  We shall see how it goes.  Hoping for no snags.  

Your review is so informative and great pics!

Did I read that correctly that the bar in the casino was removed?  So, I guess the cocktail waiters will be getting the drinks from the sports bar (renamed) 

I just heard the news.  Happy for the City and great for those sailing out of Baltimore!

1 hour ago, mapleleaves said:

I was on the Gem out of Trieste last yr. For pax with flights out of VCE at noon, there was an NCL transfer leaving at 7am.   For flights at 1pm, the transfer left at 8am.

VCE can be quiet chaotic. You usually need the full 3 hrs prior to departure time,  so I'd plan on being on the first bus out of Trieste, esp now that most cruisers are coming from Trieste or Ravenna which are 2-3 hrs away and they're being told to book flights after noon.

 

As for Istanbul, I have no personal experience but my relatives in the UK fly from there frequently. They say to give yourself 1hr for the drive, and be at the airport 3 hrs prior; a large and busy airport.

We cruise on NCL in august,  we booked the air promo with NCL and when I received our flight info I was stunned at a 11am departure at VCE which is at least 2 hours away on a good day.  I called NCL air rep to revise since it would be almost impossible to make the flight, but they said "it fell in line with their terms of allowing enough time"  so my only option was to get a one day deviation to leave the following day.  The regular NCL rep could not believe they booked our flight at that time,  All good now we can visit downtown Venice for the day.  But, yes since no more cruising out of the Venice it is a pain now for embark at that port.

We stayed in an interior mid ship deck 6 on this ship.  Convenient and quiet

Wow,  was looking over to the bridge and watching the Legend leave Sunday while visiting our son and family (they live federal hill area) can see from their rooftop,   he said a few neighbors heard a big thunder type sound when it collapsed.  So much debris and will be a big undertaking for repairs, etc.,  a big economic impact, too with so many imports and exports of products. I am sure it will be a priority and as quickly as possible to repair.  I'm thinking Cape Liberty or NY to return for the cruise ships unless they decide to fly people home from one of the FL ports.  Norfolk is under construction.  Thankful it was not at a busy time but so tragic for those impacted.

We passed on our Ultra offer. It was only discounted and Premier was the better deal with free cabin and 200 obc. Booked a premier instead.  We are playing more table games vs. slots and so our points are not as high as years ago.  Seems though most every cruise on Carnival is either a premier, ultra... Much more crowded than years ago.

We were on the Horizon last month and both DH and I said how Guy's burgers were not the same as when they first came out,  not bad but sure not as good.  But,  most of the time we saw the long lines to get them... We prefer blue cantina.   Isn't it nice when you have a choice!

14 hours ago, Tyler414 said:

Just saw a video on this.  I'm on Beyond in March, is this an Ascent only pool party?  Seems like the other E-class ships I've been on miss the mark for evening pool parties.  Virgin Voyages sets the standard IMO for pool deck night time fun.

Agree,  we sailed on Virgin last year and they have one of the most awesome deck parties I've ever seen on a cruise,  we will be on the Ascent Feb. 11th so we can compare the two.

20 hours ago, doghog said:

FYI. Since you've cruised with RC.  

 

How nice this is that X and RC are doing this tier match.  I wish Holland/Carnival/Princess would do the same.

13 hours ago, CruiserKris34 said:

How close to sailing date do you think they do "Move ups"?  I was not getting the website to work, so I emailed them.  They finally responded & said they would send me a link w/in 72 hours.  I sail in 11 days.  Not sure if it matters, but the ship is full if I go to do a mock booking. I'm in smallest inside cabin with a "free" casino offer, if that matters.  Thanks, Kris

We were advised last week when we asked about the move up bid option and were told we could not participate due to it being a comped casino cruise.   Our cruise is one month away.

Love NYC...#1     Norfolk was awesome especially if you like military ships like the aircraft carriers, battleships, etc.,  fun to see and different. 

4 minutes ago, joe/jack said:

I received an email from Players Club

last week regarding next weeks cruise.

There was like 8 questions regarding when I gamble and how much I expected to spend in the casino. 
This happened last spring as well and when I put my card in the slot machine on the 1st night there was a 250$ free slot play. I hope this happens again.

🤞

That's interesting,  which ship will you be sailing on next week?

Great review and pics!!  Do they still give out the wristbands for Havana guests?  Or are they checking cards?  We are in interior havana in Feb.  (3rd time)  been several years.  Thanks