Just back from the Jade interesting news

[Olstick]

I just got back from the Jade ending January 24. I sailed the eastern Med. The ship was very clean as there was a virus scare. The crew dispenses your food in the Buffet. Several people I met (8) became ill with the gastrointestinal virus 3 of these people were quarantined for 2 days. On another note, The coffee machines are gone in the regular less expensive cabins. (I had an inside cabin). Casablanca was filthy and very unattractive and the cab drivers will hound you as soon as you get off the shuttle bus. No traffic lights for pedestrians and the people drive like maniacs. The food stands were filthy and if you get close to them they will come after you to sell you their disgusting food. I would avoid this city like the plague and I will never go back. I feel it is dangerous. Many of the other ports were lovely such as Las Palmas, Malaga and Madiera. They were very clean and beautiful ports. Back to the Jade. It seems the drink prices have gone up somewhat. I paid 8 dollars for a manhattan. Note if you buy a drink while the ship is in port an additional 7% is added for the port Govt. A word about disembarkation. I was told by the front desk that the Taxis were limited. When I left at 6:30 am There were at least 50 taxis waiting. Also the cost to the airport will be approx 40euros. I shared a taxi both ways and It cost me 20euros each way I had no problem linking up with people going to and from the airport to share a ride. NCL charges 30dollars for each person 1 way. Expect long lines through security (If you are leaving for the US only) just before you board the plane. Please note that this security check is in addition to the regular check you get at all airports. It is very time consuming and you will be subject to a full body pat down and search. They will take apart your luggage and check everything. They do this to everyone no exceptions. When I left on Sunday It took over 1 Hr to get through. If you have any questions feel free to contact me by responding to this thread.

[DMH15]

Wow, what a story. I have had some cruises where the travel portion was such a terror, like leaving Buenos Aires. What a zoo! But it was worth it, for the wonderful cruise. Hope your cruise was also wonderful.

 

Regarding places like Casblanca, sometimes I just stay on the ship. Have skipped a few port in my travels. And then again some, were such nice surprises... like Madeira. Yes, it was lovely. I also loved Ushuaia, Montevideo and Stanley (Falklands) this year. And found Puerto Chacabucco to be boring (I only went on an excursion on my friend's ticket so she wouldn't be out the money - she was ill). Thanks for sharing your comments, it really helps others decide if a port is "worth it" or not.

[JohnIreland]

Casablanca was filthy and very unattractive and the cab drivers will hound you as soon as you get off the shuttle bus.

 

You forgot to mention to cats. Cats everywhere there.

[CTCruisers]

Thanks for the info.

[OKCThunder]

I was told by the front desk that the Taxis were limited. When I left at 6:30 am There were at least 50 taxis waiting.

 

So I guess if there are only 100 couples on your ship then there are plenty of taxis. :rolleyes:

[flashdog_1]

Having lived in So. Spain, many of our fellow countrymen living in the same village I did made quick trips to Morocco. They all, on each of many occasions, returned saying they were accosted by a child guide who spoke 7 languages to find out if you wanted, "a woman, a man, dope, booze."

 

When you didn't respond when he spoke English he switched to French, then German etc. They will apparently even follow you, harranging you, so your "no" must be firm, that is, unless you want any of his services!

 

And if you do want any of his services, be warned that this entreprenurially spirited child also earns money from the authorities, and you will be arrested if you try to leave the country with contraband, because he is not your friend, he is earning a living, & will have reported you.

 

This is not made up!

[DebPhill]

Second the thanks for the info!

 

We leave next week :) so it looks like we will stay on the ship in Casablanca.

[lambs2]

A group of eight of us from our roll call last January on the Jade pre-arranged a taxi tour in Casablanca. Had a wondereful day, visiting the Hassan II Mosque, the Palace and many other of Casablanca's sites, like the wealthier section and shopping at several souks (escorted byour guide). We also drove a ways up the sea coast to a little community by the sea that has been there for many, many generations. Our guide took us to a downtown restaurant (no one had a tummy rumble after eating there) for a wonderful authentic Moroccon meal. We ended our day with a stop at Rick's which is fun replica of the (totally fictional) Rick's of the movie Casablanca fame. We encountered none of the horrors described above.

[Taxguy77]

We visited Casablanca on a =X= and they announced you needed a tour as there was nothing at the gate if you took a shuttle. We didn't go ashore anyway as we had been to Morroco before and one day is enough.

Later I met a pax who told me he had taken the shuttle just to say he had set foot in Morroco, and found an interesting market he walked through. He was not hasseled any more than some ports in oyher countries.

[Ocean Spirit]

Could you tell me what you think would be the earliest to catch a plane.

Seem like almost all of our choices leave around 10:00am. Didn't know if we could make that early of a flight.

[One Eye Open]

Good information. I second the airport security tip. Just flew out of Buenos Aires last Tuesday. The airport was a zoo. Endured two full body pat-downs. It took almost 3 hours to check through, yes, 3hrs! Two other int'l flight leaving at the same time didnt help matters!

[ohioNCLcruiser]

I'm sorry but you sound kinda snobby about Morocco. Its a much poorer country then you and most of us are use to. Its going to look dirty in areas, and to you yes the food might look bad but nobody is forcing you to eat it.

 

I spent about a month in Morocco and I'm not saying its wonderful, there are areas I won't go and get really bothered but it should be expected. I'll be back in Morocco in two weeks.

 

The country really has some beautiful places. Buildings with the entire walls made up of very small colorful tiles etc. There are some much dirtier countries then Morocco!

 

James

 

 

Note: My experiences in Morocco were on my own living in the city in a normal house. I'm sure big tourist groups get a lot more attention from the vendors.

[sverigecruiser]

I just got back from the Jade ending January 24. I sailed the eastern Med. The ship was very clean as there was a virus scare. The crew dispenses your food in the Buffet. Several people I met (8) became ill with the gastrointestinal virus 3 of these people were quarantined for 2 days. On another note, The coffee machines are gone in the regular less expensive cabins. (I had an inside cabin). Casablanca was filthy and very unattractive and the cab drivers will hound you as soon as you get off the shuttle bus. No traffic lights for pedestrians and the people drive like maniacs. The food stands were filthy and if you get close to them they will come after you to sell you their disgusting food. I would avoid this city like the plague and I will never go back. I feel it is dangerous. Many of the other ports were lovely such as Las Palmas, Malaga and Madiera. They were very clean and beautiful ports. Back to the Jade. It seems the drink prices have gone up somewhat. I paid 8 dollars for a manhattan. Note if you buy a drink while the ship is in port an additional 7% is added for the port Govt. A word about disembarkation. I was told by the front desk that the Taxis were limited. When I left at 6:30 am There were at least 50 taxis waiting. Also the cost to the airport will be approx 40euros. I shared a taxi both ways and It cost me 20euros each way I had no problem linking up with people going to and from the airport to share a ride. NCL charges 30dollars for each person 1 way. Expect long lines through security (If you are leaving for the US only) just before you board the plane. Please note that this security check is in addition to the regular check you get at all airports. It is very time consuming and you will be subject to a full body pat down and search. They will take apart your luggage and check everything. They do this to everyone no exceptions. When I left on Sunday It took over 1 Hr to get through. If you have any questions feel free to contact me by responding to this thread.

 

Any ports in Eastern Mediterranean or was that just a mistake from you?

[JohnIreland]

Could you tell me what you think would be the earliest to catch a plane.

Seem like almost all of our choices leave around 10:00am. Didn't know if we could make that early of a flight.

 

Depends where you are flying. It's cutting it very close if you are going to the states. You have no margin for the ship been delayed docking , or been cleared by customs.

 

 

If flying to Europe you should be ok.

[Olstick]

Could you tell me what you think would be the earliest to catch a plane.

Seem like almost all of our choices leave around 10:00am. Didn't know if we could make that early of a flight.

If you leave the ship for a return flight I would keep my luggage in the stateroom and walk off the ship as early as possible which should be around 6am If your flight leaves at 10am you will make it to the airport by 6:30 if you take a cab and there are no unforseen traffic problems (most likely not at that time) If you are returning to the United States keep in mind the second security check that I mentioned will take time 1hr or more. You will not be alone. Everyone going back to the states is currently subject to this. In my case the flight waited for all of us to be processed, as well as 2 other flights going back to the US. I took a continental flight that was schedule to leave at 10:30 and did not leave until 11:15 One other thing to keep in mind if you are flying continental they do not open their kiosks until 3hrs before the flight is scheduled to leave which in my case was 7:30 I had to wait until then to get my boarding pass. I think if you leave the ship ASAP you should be OK. It might be wise to check with your carrier they should be able to give more up to date info. Good Luck and have a great trip

[mike@sea]

I visited Casablanca on a transatlantic cruise April last year and actually liked it. Of course it is big, loud and "dirty", but we are talking Morocco, not Frankfurt (which can come across just as big loud, loud and dirty by the way ). I sometimes wonder why people are so close minded and so easily afraid of everything out of their cultural range. If I go places, I investigate beforehand, what to await and make the best out of it. No offense, but Morocco is in Africa and must not be compared to Europe and Spain. The gypsies on Las Ramblas in Barcelona by the way frighten me more than the begging Moroccans to be honest. But that´s no reason for me to complain about Barcelona or tell the world it should be avoided. Again, no offense.

 

We walked ( !!! ) without any problems or harassment to a truely beautiful place, the medina ( not to be mistaken to the touristy big market where the shuttle drops you off!! ), where you find the king´s palace, a beautiful market with nice and cheap traditional moroccan goods and the truely beautiful "Mahkama". We underestimated the walk there ( it was actually too long of a walk ) and I would recommend a taxi to get there. But either way it was well worth it and made out stay there worthwile. Do take your camera! Our impression of Casablanca and Morocco ( stopped in Agadir as well) was a good one.

[hamrag]

Our impression of Casablanca and Morocco ( stopped in Agadir as well) was a good one.

 

What about Agadir, did you tour there?

[gazzas127]

I also have just got the jade with my wife,we have been to egypt n tunisia b4 so knew sortoff what to expect but was surprised that morroco was not as bad as either off them,the rest off the ports were nice.The major grip with the cruise was the staff did not seem to want to bother to go that extra mile,they did not really want to be there I think,the food tasted bland aswell,everywere NCL could charge extra they would,so no more NCL cruises 4 me thx !!!

[lambs2]

We did tours in both Casablanca (I described in earlier post) and in Agadir. Both tours were excellent, but our tour from Agadir to Taroudant and the Oasis of Tiout was EXCEPTIONAL!! We used a tour company in Jan. 2009 called Saharitours. Not sure if they are still operating but what a day we had!!!! Below is one of my favorite shots from Taroudant of a man a djellaba - the customary robes there.

 

[FB Cruiser]

I just got back from the Jade ending January 24. I sailed the eastern Med. The ship was very clean as there was a virus scare. The crew dispenses your food in the Buffet. Several people I met (8) became ill with the gastrointestinal virus 3 of these people were quarantined for 2 days. On another note, The coffee machines are gone in the regular less expensive cabins. (I had an inside cabin). Casablanca was filthy and very unattractive and the cab drivers will hound you as soon as you get off the shuttle bus. No traffic lights for pedestrians and the people drive like maniacs. The food stands were filthy and if you get close to them they will come after you to sell you their disgusting food. I would avoid this city like the plague and I will never go back. I feel it is dangerous. Many of the other ports were lovely such as Las Palmas, Malaga and Madiera. They were very clean and beautiful ports. Back to the Jade. It seems the drink prices have gone up somewhat. I paid 8 dollars for a manhattan. Note if you buy a drink while the ship is in port an additional 7% is added for the port Govt. A word about disembarkation. I was told by the front desk that the Taxis were limited. When I left at 6:30 am There were at least 50 taxis waiting. Also the cost to the airport will be approx 40euros. I shared a taxi both ways and It cost me 20euros each way I had no problem linking up with people going to and from the airport to share a ride. NCL charges 30dollars for each person 1 way. Expect long lines through security (If you are leaving for the US only) just before you board the plane. Please note that this security check is in addition to the regular check you get at all airports. It is very time consuming and you will be subject to a full body pat down and search. They will take apart your luggage and check everything. They do this to everyone no exceptions. When I left on Sunday It took over 1 Hr to get through. If you have any questions feel free to contact me by responding to this thread.

Thanks for the information. We will be taking the Jade in March. When we were on the Gem in November roundtrip from Barcelona, I didn't take note of the taxis. We had used taxis from the airport to our pre-cruise hotel, and from the hotel to the ship. Then had used the NCL transfer to the airport, so not thinking we would be back so soon, didn't pay attention to the pier taxi situation. We will be staying one night post cruise in Barcelona, so I was wondering about the taxi situation.

In November, going through the airport in Barcelona was a breeze, so that's good to know how it has changed. We will leave our hotel extra early the next morning.

We will be taking the overnight tour to Marrakech, as Casablanca didn't appeal to us. As for a dirty city, Cairo was terrible, just awful. I know it is a poor country, so I wasn't shocked.

Wondering what you did in the other ports (Las Palmas, Malaga, and Madeira). We haven't booked anything ther yet. Thanks.

[JohnIreland]

Wondering what you did in the other ports (Las Palmas, Malaga, and Madeira). We haven't booked anything ther yet. Thanks.

 

 

They all have hop-on/hop-off tour buses if you want to do thing on the cheap. :D

[lambs2]

We have been to Madeira on cruises twice. The first time we took a tour that went across the island all the way to Porto Muniz plus many more stops with members from our roll call board. Very interesting. This past May we simply walked from the ship to town and caught a city bus to some beautiful gardens. after that we took a tram ride to Monte to see the church there and the wooden sledge ride. Caught a city bus back to the downtown area. After some shopping (found Madeira wine for an excellent price there!) and other sights we walked back to our ship.

 

In Las Palmas we took a ship tour that included a great museum (of the indiginous people with skulls and stuff), Christopher Columbus' home there, and then sampled some local wine and cheese. We also traveled by bus to the highest point and many more sights, ending with a botanical garden. Good tour.

 

In Malaga we ended up taking the ship's tour to Granada to see the Alhambra. Expensive tour, but excellent as we had a specific time slot and an official guide from the Alhambra who gave a fantastic tour!

[stubbornoldowl]

Thanks for the information about the Barcelona airport. What about carry-ons? What is the most allowed? I usually carry one of the Oprah Lug bags and wonder if that will be too large?

[FB Cruiser]

Thanks for the information about the Barcelona airport. What about carry-ons? What is the most allowed? I usually carry one of the Oprah Lug bags and wonder if that will be too large?

When we went to Barcelona in November, I had a problem going to BCN, but not coming back. I had a wheeled carryon that I have used with no problem in the past. Right at the gate at JFK, a Delta agent took it saying it was too large, and checked it. We had flown to JFK from Hartford on a regional commuter jet, where I expected they would check it, and they did. It was given back to me when we walked off the plane. But, at Barcelona the carryon that had been taken from me at JFK was sent to the baggage claim area. Scary, as everything they say never to leave in checked baggage on was there, in an unlocked carry on. I never expected it to be taken and checked.

Returning from Barcelona, on Air France with the same carryon, plus a shopping bag, I had no problem.

[wrk2cruz]

[

 

We walked ( !!! ) without any problems or harassment to a truely beautiful place, the medina ( not to be mistaken to the touristy big market where the shuttle drops you off!! ), where you find the king´s palace, a beautiful market with nice and cheap traditional moroccan goods and the truely beautiful "Mahkama". We underestimated the walk there ( it was actually too long of a walk ) and I would recommend a taxi to get there. But either way it was well worth it and made out stay there worthwile. Do take your camera! Our impression of Casablanca and Morocco ( stopped in Agadir as well) was a good one.

 

 

MIke, so you would take a taxi from the shuttle drop off to the medina???

What do you recommend in Agidar? We are going on the JAde in April

Thanks!