Just Back from the Jade - Any Questions?

[hamrag]

Going on the Jade April 25 and stopping in Rome. Do you recommend just taking the metro in Rome. We are not taking a excursion. I seem to understand that the train stops at Termini station but a lot of stops before that. We want to see the Vatican/Coluesseum and possibly Trevi and just get a feel for Rome. We only have the day. Walking doesn't concern us. First was thinking of doing the HoHo bus, but from what I have read not worth it. So now thinking of buying the Metro when we buy the train from Civitavecchia. Can we buy the tickets there for Metro in Rome. Thanks for the help.

 

If Vatican is first on your list, get off the train at the first Rome stop San Pietro (you will see St Peter's dome on the skyline). Exiting the station take left, then right, then left & "quick" right and you will see everything ahead of you.

 

It is actually a pleasant walk (30 minutes) form there into the historical Forum/Coliseum area, and the Trevi is in that direction too....do get a map though. As someone else posted the metro is included in your 9 euro return train fare!

[Spike in FL]

Spike! It's great to see you on the boards!!! Cagneys was awesome and so was our dinner with Spike_in_FL and her awesome husband Bert!

 

Hi back at ya'. When are you coming to FL?

[dingoes4cruising]

Hi

Want to know what time you need to get off the Jade on the last day when you are not in a hurry.

We have a late flight. what is a reasonable time to be getting off - anyone know?

Thanks

[missm54]

We disembarked about 8:30 at our leisure as we had our own luggage...just make sure you can carry your own luggage down stairs as elevators were always full. I think last off the ship was scheduled for 9am.

[dingoes4cruising]

OK thanks for that I will organise pick up a little earlier......

[hamrag]

Hi

Want to know what time you need to get off the Jade on the last day when you are not in a hurry.

We have a late flight. what is a reasonable time to be getting off - anyone know?

Thanks

 

We managed to push it out to 9.30, and noticed that the final push off the ship was 10.00am. They will make numerous calls saying that it is the "final call". Nothing to stop you ignoring that, and staying on ALAP.

[Jewelfine]

Hi

Want to know what time you need to get off the Jade on the last day when you are not in a hurry.

We have a late flight. what is a reasonable time to be getting off - anyone know?

Thanks

 

We left at the latest time which was 9:30 - but had to wait about an hour for a cab - so either arrange your own ride or get off earlier unless you don't mind waiting in the taxi line.

[hamrag]

We left at the latest time which was 9:30 - but had to wait about an hour for a cab - so either arrange your own ride or get off earlier unless you don't mind waiting in the taxi line.

 

Yes, that would be a pain. Our flight out of Barcelona is always early afternoon, and we generally get the port bus to Columbus monument, and meander up Las Ramblas rolling our cases (only one each). we hang around for a couple of hours watching "Barcelona" go by. The Aeroporto bus leaves from Playa Catalunya at the top of Las Ramblas.

 

Not suggesting by any means that this is ideal, it is what we normally do, and a possible option to consider.

[Jewelfine]

Yes, that would be a pain. Our flight out of Barcelona is always early afternoon, and we generally get the port bus to Columbus monument, and meander up Las Ramblas rolling our cases (only one each). we hang around for a couple of hours watching "Barcelona" go by. The Aeroporto bus leaves from Playa Catalunya at the top of Las Ramblas.

 

Not suggesting by any means that this is ideal, it is what we normally do, and a possible option to consider.

 

If your luggage isn't an issue then go for it! That sounds like a lovely way to spend the morning!

[lambs2]

Yes, that would be a pain. Our flight out of Barcelona is always early afternoon, and we generally get the port bus to Columbus monument, and meander up Las Ramblas rolling our cases (only one each). we hang around for a couple of hours watching "Barcelona" go by. The Aeroporto bus leaves from Playa Catalunya at the top of Las Ramblas.

 

Not suggesting by any means that this is ideal, it is what we normally do, and a possible option to consider.

 

We had a couple days in Barcelona after our cruise, so we actually decided to walk across the bridge and then up Las Ramblas to our hotel (Hotel Continental) rolling our luggage. It was a lovely crisp day, and since we walk every day for exercise anyway we did not find this walk stressful or difficult at all. Used the port bus before embarkation, but did not see it the morning we disembarked. We also liked using the Aeroporto bus from Pl Catalunya after our stay on Las Ramblas.

[dingoes4cruising]

Thanks everyone.

We have actually booked to go to Montserrat that day - it is only a 5 hour tour and flight at 1830. I originally suggested 11 pick up and then changed to 10 but the guide is still suggesting earlier.

Others in the group will be dropped back to a hotel in Barcelona.

I just see no point getting off in the crush but we don't want to be pointlessly waiting for the van (and seeing I am organising it all.....).

I think I will change to 930 - still get us to the airport by 1430 for the envitable wait there.

Thanks again, Jenni:)

[ddoc]

How did you find out which terminal it would be? We ae going on April 9th

and I just trying to figure out the maps.

[carontori]

Can you tell me if they had the laundry special midweek. We are hoping to take advantage of it and pack less clothing. How did you get to and from the airport? Were there taxis or shuttles available at the airport/

[Wakkyj]

I was very disappointed in the Garden Cafe buffet. Many things were over or under cooked, most were tasteless. The Great Outdoors (buffet at the back of the ship) was fine for mid-afternoon snacks. The Blue Lagoon was okay; I loved the tomato basil soup. I ate 1 meal in the Grand Pacific, beef burgundy, I think it was, that was good.

 

Teppanyaki was fun and very good. The Jasmine Garden was so-so. The Bistro was quite good, the tapas bar was good, Cagney's was excellent for breakfast and dinner, and the Italian place was nothing special.

 

I had heard in the past that the food on the Jade was not the best. I'm not that hard to please, but I really think Norwegian ought to be ashamed. Granted, this was only my 5th cruise, but I've had much better food on the other cruises.

 

However, I like everything else about the Jade and Norwegian.

 

Spike

 

I would tend to agree. We were on the Jade in October and while the food was edible and there a couple very good dinners in the MDR most meals were significantly below par compared to other cruises. I would suggest budgeting money for the specialty restaurants.

 

I will say though that breakfast was pretty good and we enjoyed breakfast in the Great Outdoors.

And we could always go for wings in the Blue Lagoon if things got desperate :D

[Gaily215]

Was the pool and pool slide open just curious. Could you tell us the surcharges for the restaurants, also do they add a gratuity onto that? How much was the spa package and what did it include. Does it cost to use the relaxation room and steam rooms?? I'm sure I'll have more?'s soon.

[Kerry's Girls]

Can you tell me if they had the laundry special midweek. We are hoping to take advantage of it and pack less clothing. How did you get to and from the airport? Were there taxis or shuttles available at the airport/

 

I would suggest not counting on a laundry special. I was on the 1/3 Jade cruise and there was no laundry special the entire trip as I'd hoped since it seemed there had been one on all of the cruises prior to ours. (There also weren't any 2 for 1s for the restaurants).

 

Plenty of cabs at the airport (including vans that could fit the 4 of us plus all our luggage). Some took credit cards, some didn't, so ask before you get in if you don't have Euros on hand.

 

Best,

Mia

[carontori]

I was counting on being able to get laundry done. With the one suitcase limit it is going to be even more difficult to pack for 2 weeks. Did you notice if there were laundromats onboard. Thanks for your help.

[DMH15]

I believe NCL has phased out the pax laundromats.

 

In case there are no laundry specials, what I did was pack enough undies and tops (which took up less suitcase space). I took less jeans and slacks and had those cleaned - took about 24 hours. Recall it was about $5 each. They did a nice job too.

[Kerry's Girls]

I was counting on being able to get laundry done. With the one suitcase limit it is going to be even more difficult to pack for 2 weeks. Did you notice if there were laundromats onboard. Thanks for your help.

 

There is no self-service laundry.

[carontori]

Mia,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, I'll have to rethink my packing!

Caron

[Fishbait17]

On the 12/20 sailing, we were offered the laundry special (per bag price). Easy to pack a bit of liquid laundry soap for smaller items (undies and socks), and did one bag of laundry for four people (including undies and socks - never used the laundry soap :o) over almost three weeks total travel. We found that even with one bag each, we still overpacked - never wore almost half of my tops and sweaters. A nice rolling duffel works very well for packing lots of stuff - one of ours was strictly filled with "stuff", not clothes, other three contained clothing mostly.

 

Pool and slide were open, almost the whole trip except for a bit of rough seas . Had some unseasonably warm weather in Iraklion and the pool deck was full. On other, colder days, there were still a few brave young souls going between the pools, slide and hot tubs. At least a few people in the hot tubs at most times.

 

Robin

[Jewelfine]

Was the pool and pool slide open just curious. Could you tell us the surcharges for the restaurants, also do they add a gratuity onto that? How much was the spa package and what did it include. Does it cost to use the relaxation room and steam rooms?? I'm sure I'll have more?'s soon.

 

 

Pool and slides were open the further south we got where the weather permitted - out of 14 days there was only one where I sat outside - this was December though.

 

restaurant surcharges - Cagneys $25 (worth it to us!) then an extra $10 if you want lobster etc.

Le Bistro $15 - again worth it

$10 for Italian, TexMex,

$15 for Jasmin Garden $15 for sushi

$25 for Teppenyaki - again worth it!

 

No more grats on it but you can leave more if you feel it was worth it.

 

Spa was $199 I think for the 2 weeks per couple. - included the thermal suite - spa hot tubs - and the mens and womens spa area - hot tub, cold tub, steam room, sauna etc. - includes the relaxation room etc.

[Animated]

Hi Melanie,

 

We are cruising March 7th on the Jade. After reading some of the CC reviews, I am a little concerned about a virus outbreak, commodes in the cabins not working, unfriendly staff and poor food quality and selection in the main dining rooms. Although I am aware you can not please all the people, all the time, what do you think?

 

Thanks, Jane

[Jewelfine]

Hi Melanie,

 

We are cruising March 7th on the Jade. After reading some of the CC reviews, I am a little concerned about a virus outbreak, commodes in the cabins not working, unfriendly staff and poor food quality and selection in the main dining rooms. Although I am aware you can not please all the people, all the time, what do you think?

 

Thanks, Jane

 

My experience didn't include any of that at all - we found all the staff to be great - the food in most restaurants to be great - but a caveat - we only ate in the MDR once - we prefer the specialty restaurants.

 

There are always going to be people that have issues on their cruises - And people that expect more than can be or is delivered.

 

There were people that complained about the food...and other issues - but to be honest I found that the people on board that were complaining complained about lots more than just the food - it seemed to be in their nature.

 

My philosophy - complain to the right person when an issue happens so the cruiseline can do something about it then...not when you return home.

 

We took the Jade because of the itinerary - we had been on the ship when it was the Pride of Hawaii so it was familiar to us - we found it much better as the Jade then the Pride.

 

As for viruses - you will find them on any cruiseline - just be careful and wash your hands often - you could get one on a plane just as easily as on a cruise ship

 

Go with a positive attitude and you will have a blast! We did!

 

Freestyle isn't for everyone - we love it though and won't cruise anyother way

[mum and son]

My experience didn't include any of that at all - we found all the staff to be great - the food in most restaurants to be great - but a caveat - we only ate in the MDR once - we prefer the specialty restaurants.

 

There are always going to be people that have issues on their cruises - And people that expect more than can be or is delivered.

 

There were people that complained about the food...and other issues - but to be honest I found that the people on board that were complaining complained about lots more than just the food - it seemed to be in their nature.

 

My philosophy - complain to the right person when an issue happens so the cruiseline can do something about it then...not when you return home.

 

We took the Jade because of the itinerary - we had been on the ship when it was the Pride of Hawaii so it was familiar to us - we found it much better as the Jade then the Pride.

 

As for viruses - you will find them on any cruiseline - just be careful and wash your hands often - you could get one on a plane just as easily as on a cruise ship

 

Go with a positive attitude and you will have a blast! We did!

 

Freestyle isn't for everyone - we love it though and won't cruise anyother way

 

I couldn't agree more. I found the staff all over the ship to be very friendly. I loved the ship itself and have nothing that warrants complaining about. I ate in the specialty restaurants half the time and enjoyed every meal. The dining room was a bit hit or miss but I enjoyed most of the meals... and it you don't like your meal, get something else !! There's no excuse for going hungry on a ship.

 

Yes, a lot of people were sick but the bug was apparently brought onboard because of a group of people who were sick in a Barcelona Hotel. They new they were sick when they boarded but lied about it so you can't blame the cruiseline for that. I think the management and staff did a good job of keeping everything clean and the captain reported to everybody regularly over the PA.

 

No one in my party got sick but we didn't ever eat at the buffet so I don't know if that has any bearing on it or not.

 

All in all I loved the cruise and had the time of my life with the people from my roll call. Funnily enough, there were a couple of negative comments posted on our roll call since the cruise but they were from people who I didn't socialise with at all. I guess you tend to mingle with like minded people so I didn't really get to know any of the "complainers". Everybody I mixed with had a great holiday. The itinerary is fantastic !!