Great time on the NCL Jade

[buc78]

I posted also a review but thought it was good to post it here to. And in some time I can post my journal here of the events:)

 

 

Fantastic time on the Jade

Note: this was our first cruise so we cannot so this review is kind of subjective. Also apologizes for any grammar or spelling mistakes but English is not my native language.

Introduction

For our honeymoon we decided to take a cruise from the 14th till 21st of May on the NCL Jade. First our eyes were on the MSC Musica but because of good faith (if this expression exists) this cruise was fully booked so we came out at NCL. We decided to arrive the day before in Venice so we could also see some of this magnificent city. The cruise would bring us to Corfu, Santorini, Mykolos and Katakolon including two sea days. What a great choice this was!

Embarkation

The embarkation went very smoothly. We arrived from Mestre to P. Roma by public transport and saw a shuttle bus to the jade. Arrived at the terminal they put on the luggage tag and we went inside for the check in. This took just a few minutes (we were already I guess) and we received a ticket with no. on it for embarkation. In 20 minutes we were on board and settled our obc as we preferred to pay cash. After that we went to the spa for the spa passes and relaxed at a table next to the swimming pool with a cool glass of beer.

The inside cabin was a bit smaller to be honest then I expected but the shower was bigger then I thought. There was also an European 220 volt socket so we were not afraid that we couldn’t use our photo camera because of ‘dead’ batteries.

Food

During the cruise the food was of very good quality. For dinner we only eat at the Grand Pacific (GP) which had every day enough choice. On the right side of the menu you could find dishes that are always available. The last day, to my opinion, the food was not that good. The steak I ordered one time (always available) was great. I ordered rare and it was rare. My knife sunk into the soft flesh with any problem and the meat was almost melting on my tongue.

For breakfast we went to the Great Outdoors with beautiful view on the sea. Enough choice and I never eat so many eggs and bacon in my life that week. There was always place and shared a table when necessary (probably because we ate around 9.00h). And off course it was great to be greeted by no one else then ‘washy washy, happy happy’. This guy brought always a morning smile on our faces.

Diner we took ashore as who wants to miss the great Greek (sea)food and ouzo! On the first sea day we had late dinner in the Blue Lagoon which serves fast-food items. And the last sea day we ate a hamburger besides the pool although we were not that hungry as we had a late breakfast.

Entertainment

We didn’t attend onboard activities besides the late night parties at the Spinnaker Lounge. Unfortunately they mainly had the same songs every night which got a bit boring. The white party was a lot of fun.

Except for the Tuesday (as we were late onboard from Santorini) we visited every show. The first, musical Shout was quiet ok and had some funny moments. 4Ever, the four man singing show was of a very high level and my wife was so impressed she went on a photo with the for of them.

The acrobats (a man and women) were ok but they made lot of mistakes and was a bit boring moment with the ladder act. I think the mistakes were because of the movement of the ship so no complaints here. The show 4Elements was absolutely fantastic and impressive. The last show with the crew on Friday was also great. The guy with guitar was great and his interpretation of ‘take me home, country roads’ impressed us and made the American guests singing together with him. Also the act of the entertainment crew was quiet hilarious (maybe a bit Benny Hill style). The crew got an ovation at the end of the show and also ‘washy washy’ made it to the stage. There is a great entertainer in him and he can dance too!!

Prices

The prices on the ship, with its gratitude and daily gratitude were a bit high but we knew that as we did our homework before going so no complaints here. We bought a wine packet (seven wines) which was a very good value. The shore excursions were expensive but we didn’t take them as all islands are very easily done by yourself. The photo’s made by the ship photographer were extreme expensive and in the beginning of the week we decided not to buy any. At the end of the week though it was a different story and we bought six of them for $107, including again gratitude. But they were nice… :)

Skip the internet onboard as it is extremely slow and very expensive. On each island it is very easy to find a cheap internet café.

Crew

The crew, reception, waiters were extremely nice and always wanted to help. We made some ‘friends’ there although for them it is just another week with new faces. The last evening of the cruise the restaurant staff was not that good as the made a lot of mistakes with bringing food and who ordered it. Maybe they were looking forward to the end of the week.

Gary, the cruise director, was great. Lot of talent. Can sing, speaks a lot of languages and you didn’t hear him too much. When passing by he was always asking how things went and charming he was on stage.

We didn’t see much of the room steward and his assistant? (Forgot the job title) which is I guess a good thing. They introduced themselves correctly, didn’t know our names till after three days (not that I care but it seems some people do :) ). One time there was a lovely towel animal. They were in the shades but if we needed something they brought it.

And of course there was ‘washy washy’. They should award him as he did a great job. I don’t think his only job was to spray disinfector on people’s hands in the morning so I am curious what his other job tasks are.

Relaxing

Even on sea days it was not crowded next to the pool (at least, not too much) and chairs were always available next to the pool or one deck up. We took the spa passes which was wonderful in case we wanted to relax as there were just a few people or a lot of times I was alone. Taking sauna, whirlpool etc. They told us that they didn’t sell any day passes anymore which I think is a great decision.

Ashore

All islands were great to visit and we walked and lunched in the towns. If going to Santorini, go by donkey up to town as it was a great experience. In Katakolo there is not much to see but you can take the train to Olympia if you want. The train is already easily spotted from the ship. We read about Katakolo so we knew what to expect. We decided forehand that this would be our beach day. Mykonos is also a great island and a free shuttle buss drove us to town.

Freestyle

The concept of freestyle suited us very well. Eat where and when you want. We didn’t try the speciality restaurants as it was not necessary although on our next cruise (when we saved enough money) perhaps we will try one.

We mostly had dinner in the GP after the 19.30 show and it was never crowded. As on honeymoon we always requested a table for two which was not a problem at all. If the restaurant was full we were handed over a buzzer and the longest waiting time was 10 minutes.

Dress code was also great however, every night before going to the theater we dressed up nice and noticed we were a minority. But it didn’t matter as we had a great time and never felt overdressed. Most others in the restaurant were smart casual ( I guess you call it like that) although I also saw (rarely) shorts and flip flops what to my opinion was not that appropriate. But, what the hack, this is freestyle. And that was an advantage as the Friday we didn’t feel like dressing up and went in jeans, trousers.

I brought my tuxedo but didn’t wear it. Although I regret it as I could have used it on the Thursday ‘dress up, or not night’ but I felt too uncomfortable. At that night I saw about four people wearing a tuxedo.

Conclusion

We had a great and more then great time on the Jade! I know this is quiet a long review but I am sure I forgot things to tell. I will try to post a day to day journal on the NCL section as there was so much we did. I was so kind to myself to take a notebook (handwritten) with me and every evening I sat down with a glass of wine to resume the events of the day the old fashion way. I hope this review pleased you and was useful even if it was (too) long.

[bogofman]

Hi we are on this trip in August and i'm trying to find out about the Katacolon train, searching the web seems to suggest only a 9am departure, but the ship arrives at 9am, do you know if there are any others.

[buc78]

Hi, as for what I could see the train from the ship waiting after we arrived at Katakolo which was also 9pm and if I am correct it left around 11.00h. Not sure though.

 

However, I saw fellow cruisers taking this train.

 

And after a bit of searching while writing the abouve I have found the below site. Hope it helps

 

http://www.olympia-greece.org/katakolon-train-bus.html

[bogofman]

I found this

http://www.katakolon.org/katakolon-train.html

 

all very confusing, i'd have thought with the number of cruise ships arriving here they would time the trains to suit.

[Carnac767]

Thanks for taking the time for posting the review. I enjoyed it.

[buc78]

Thanks Carnac! Unfortunately I saw some mistakes in my text when reading it for the 3rd time :( an there is no option to make correction so sorry for that...:(

 

@bogofman: no worries, you can always ask when you arrive there or take a cab if necassary. Also busses will go. don't worry too much:)

[Dayenu]

We didn't take that train, but saw it in Katakolon. It left in the morning, then came back, and was just sitting there!

 

I haven't learned yet how to post photos here, only now how to provide a link:

 

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/365274/photo159.html

 

We were on the same cruise as Buc, and it was too short. Strange, the same length Caribbean cruise was enough for us, but not Greece.

 

I sent my report to be posted in the "memebers review" - they will accept or deny it. Hmmm...

[fshagan]

Thanks Carnac! Unfortunately I saw some mistakes in my text when reading it for the 3rd time :( an there is no option to make correction so sorry for that...:(

 

@bogofman: no worries, you can always ask when you arrive there or take a cab if necassary. Also busses will go. don't worry too much:)

 

Thank you! Its a great review, and as good as many native English speaker's reviews, so don't worry about any of the little errors! We were on the Jade out of Barcelona for the western med cruise in November, and really liked it. We went for our 35th anniversary, and enjoyed being able to get a table for two in the main dining room; that's the reason we love Freestyle so much. In 34 years, you and your wife can repeat our experience (it just keeps getting better for us, and I hope you too).

 

I was interested in your review because I'm thinking of doing the same cruise, on the Jade, in late 2012. We really loved Spain and Italy on our last cruise. It was the first time on the continent (we had visited Ireland a few years before), and would like to see more of Europe.

[buc78]

Thanks Fshagan. The Eastern Med is indeed certainly worth it! Hopefully soon in some years we will be back for a cruise.

 

Nice pictures Dayenu. For is it was also too short but a experience never too forget.

[actusreus]

Thanks for the great review. We sail on the Jade on the 4th. It will be our first NCL cruise, and it sounds like we made a good choice.

[buc78]

Have to add to my review that we also missed the Saturday show. I didn't even know there was one but I just read the Freestyle Daily (we took them back home :) ).

 

@Actusreus: I am sure you will have a reat time!

[irwincanada]

thanks for taking the time and posting such a detailed review. i'm getting very excited for my july 9 cruise.

[buc78]

Pre-day

We went one day before the cruise to Venice so we had no stress and could explore this wonderful city. The flight by plane went smooth and after 1 hour and 40 minutes we landed in Venice, airport Treviso. We did our homework so knew that we needed the bus of ATVO to Mestre where our hotel was situated. The ticket we bought at the ticket machine while waiting for our luggage. The bus waited for us directly at the exit of the airfield and in 20 minutes we were on the way. Around 14.30 we were at the stop at the train station in Mestre and from there just a 8 minutes walk to the hotel.

The hotel was very simple and maybe a bit overvalued for the price of 85 Euro we paid but for one (and maybe two days) it was no problem. Opposite of the hotel is the bus stop to Venice so we were close to everything. We didn’t spend long in our rooms and went direct for Venice. When crossed the street the bus was already coming and in about 12 minutes we were at P. Roma.

Before we entered the city we decided to go to the terminal so we would know where to go for tomorrow as we had no idea. I read about the ‘people mover’ and direct when entering P. Roma you will see the entrance so no problem. The tickets were 1 Euro and the use of the ticket machine was quick to learn. The people mover is a kind of tram with no driver and it is moved by cables (like a rollercoaster almost). In three minutes we were at the cruise terminal from where it was a 10 minutes or so walk to terminal 117. If your backs or not too heavy or you are not afraid for a walk we found out that the use of the Mover is a good idea.

At the terminal we made a picture of the Splendour of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean which was docked at the place where the next day the Jade would be. On the way back to the Mover we met 4 people who were in a hurry to board on this ship. There were quiet too late and were running with their heavy bags to the ship. They asked us where the ship and terminal was and (I hope) we pointed them in the right direction. I never know if they made it on time so if someone reads this…. :)

When we came back at P. Roma we went over the bridge into the city. As we were focused on the cruise we never paid much attention on the what & how of this city. We walked, eat great pizza in front of a nice church. People who complain about drink prices at the Jade will also have here a shock as a bear (0.33 ml) was 5 Euro (and I am sure at San Marco even more). We walked just into the city after that, faced crowded places and found streets where nobody was (at least no tourists) which was also great. Then we followed the signs to San Marco which was beautiful. There we also saw a cruise ship passing knowing that tomorrow we would have the other site of the view. Then we wanted to go back to P. Roma as we were a bit exhausted but got lost which got us in the first quarrel of our marriage :) . I lead us from San Marco to the opposite which to my feeling was correct. Then my wife said: now I conduct and yes…. Brought us straight back to the place where we started haha. So we had a bit of a fight about what to do and we asked finally someone who directed us in the right direction. In fact, now I am back, I realized that we were at the Grand Canal which would have lead us anyway back to P. Roma… but as said, we didn’t do much homework about Venice.

Very tired we arrived near P. Roma and took one of the greatest tasting beers in my life (exhaustion does strange things to the mind).

After that back to the hotel with the bus and had a very good rest. Now up to Saturday 21 May, the first day of our long waited cruise with the Jade!

below San Marco with in the back the cruise ship

[kiyoko]

Pre-day

We went one day before the cruise to Venice so we had no stress and could explore this wonderful city. The flight by plane went smooth and after 1 hour and 40 minutes we landed in Venice, airport Treviso. We did our homework so knew that we needed the bus of ATVO to Mestre where our hotel was situated. The ticket we bought at the ticket machine while waiting for our luggage. The bus waited for us directly at the exit of the airfield and in 20 minutes we were on the way. Around 14.30 we were at the stop at the train station in Mestre and from there just a 8 minutes walk to the hotel.

The hotel was very simple and maybe a bit overvalued for the price of 85 Euro we paid but for one (and maybe two days) it was no problem. Opposite of the hotel is the bus stop to Venice so we were close to everything. We didn’t spend long in our rooms and went direct for Venice. When crossed the street the bus was already coming and in about 12 minutes we were at P. Roma.

Before we entered the city we decided to go to the terminal so we would know where to go for tomorrow as we had no idea. I read about the ‘people mover’ and direct when entering P. Roma you will see the entrance so no problem. The tickets were 1 Euro and the use of the ticket machine was quick to learn. The people mover is a kind of tram with no driver and it is moved by cables (like a rollercoaster almost). In three minutes we were at the cruise terminal from where it was a 10 minutes or so walk to terminal 117. If your backs or not too heavy or you are not afraid for a walk we found out that the use of the Mover is a good idea.

At the terminal we made a picture of the Splendour of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean which was docked at the place where the next day the Jade would be. On the way back to the Mover we met 4 people who were in a hurry to board on this ship. There were quiet too late and were running with their heavy bags to the ship. They asked us where the ship and terminal was and (I hope) we pointed them in the right direction. I never know if they made it on time so if someone reads this…. :)

When we came back at P. Roma we went over the bridge into the city. As we were focused on the cruise we never paid much attention on the what & how of this city. We walked, eat great pizza in front of a nice church. People who complain about drink prices at the Jade will also have here a shock as a bear (0.33 ml) was 5 Euro (and I am sure at San Marco even more). We walked just into the city after that, faced crowded places and found streets where nobody was (at least no tourists) which was also great. Then we followed the signs to San Marco which was beautiful. There we also saw a cruise ship passing knowing that tomorrow we would have the other site of the view. Then we wanted to go back to P. Roma as we were a bit exhausted but got lost which got us in the first quarrel of our marriage :) . I lead us from San Marco to the opposite which to my feeling was correct. Then my wife said: now I conduct and yes…. Brought us straight back to the place where we started haha. So we had a bit of a fight about what to do and we asked finally someone who directed us in the right direction. In fact, now I am back, I realized that we were at the Grand Canal which would have lead us anyway back to P. Roma… but as said, we didn’t do much homework about Venice.

Very tired we arrived near P. Roma and took one of the greatest tasting beers in my life (exhaustion does strange things to the mind).

After that back to the hotel with the bus and had a very good rest. Now up to Saturday 21 May, the first day of our long waited cruise with the Jade!

below San Marco with in the back the cruise ship

buc78-Thank you for your nice review and also description and pics of spa in another thread.

 

I have questions regarding arrival and check in of luggage at the cruise terminal. If I take the people mover, would I still have to drag my luggage by foot for 10 minutes before I can check in my bags? Are there luggage trolleys to use once I get off the people mover? You mentioned you took a shuttle bus from P.Roma to the terminal. If I did that, how far of a walk with luggage before I can check in my bags? Again, were there luggage trolleys nearby for use after you got off the shuttle? Did you see any porters at the terminal to help with luggage once you got off the shuttle or people mover? My main concern with the luggage check in is that we have a lot of heavy bags and cannot transport them alone without at least a luggage trolley. Where was the shuttle located at P. Roma and was it easy to find? At every other port I've boarded a ship, there were luggage porters as soon as we got dropped off at the terminal, but with Venice, I've found a lot of other things done very differently and was wondering if the same holds true regarding check in of luggage. I would prefer to get to P.Roma and catch the shuttle to the terminal, but if that still means I have to haul my luggage for check in, it looks like I might need to catch a taxi from my airport hotel to the ship(very expensive) which my hotel says will drop me off at the luggage check in. Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I got conflicting info from my travel agent, Norwegian reps, and on the web and am so confused re: this issue.

Thanks for your help.

[buc78]

Hi Kiyoko,

 

Thanks!

 

To be honest I am afraid I cannot give you a very clear answer.

 

However, if you have heavy luggage and are already afraid to walk with them more then a minute then I would advise you to take a cab from your starting point to the Jade. I didn't pay attention to porters and didn't see them. The shuttle busses were from p Roma till the terminal and after that it was just a 2 minutes walk.

 

So, if you take the people mover, indeed you should drag your luggage for 10 minutes. But as said, there is a shuttle bus from P Roma to the terminal so don't worry. The shuttle bus was very easy to find as arriving with the public transport it was clear were it was (next to three Costa shuttle busses:) ).

 

In conclusion: if you will arrive at P. Roma there is no worry an you can take the shuttle bus to the terminal. They are at the one part of the bus terminal. No need to worry at all. Everything will lead you there once you arrive.

 

If you are not sure and you arrive a day before leaving (as we did) take the time to take the people mover, know your surrounding and how to get there and it will be a piece of cake.

 

I know how it was some weeks ago. Our first cruise, no idea, but when you do your homework and even without it it will go all great:)

 

Enjoy!

[kiyoko]

Hi Kiyoko,

 

Thanks!

 

To be honest I am afraid I cannot give you a very clear answer.

 

However, if you have heavy luggage and are already afraid to walk with them more then a minute then I would advise you to take a cab from your starting point to the Jade. I didn't pay attention to porters and didn't see them. The shuttle busses were from p Roma till the terminal and after that it was just a 2 minutes walk.

 

So, if you take the people mover, indeed you should drag your luggage for 10 minutes. But as said, there is a shuttle bus from P Roma to the terminal so don't worry. The shuttle bus was very easy to find as arriving with the public transport it was clear were it was (next to three Costa shuttle busses:) ).

 

In conclusion: if you will arrive at P. Roma there is no worry an you can take the shuttle bus to the terminal. They are at the one part of the bus terminal. No need to worry at all. Everything will lead you there once you arrive.

 

If you are not sure and you arrive a day before leaving (as we did) take the time to take the people mover, know your surrounding and how to get there and it will be a piece of cake.

 

I know how it was some weeks ago. Our first cruise, no idea, but when you do your homework and even without it it will go all great:)

 

Enjoy!

 

buc78-Thanks for your reply. It was very helpful. A two minute walk with luggage to the terminal when I get off the shuttle is doable. Am I correct in assuming that after that two minute walk, I can check in my luggage? Were there a lot of buses waiting, or did you have to wait before one came along? I really appreciate your insight.

[buc78]

Day 1 – 14 May 2011

Finally so far, we are about to start the cruise. We had to check out of our hotel at 10.00 and had a light breakfast. After breakfast we let our luggage at the hotel and made a short walk and bought tickets for the bus to P. Roma. We arrived around 11.00h there and when in the bus I directly spotted the shuttle busses to the terminal. Most of them for the Costa but also the NCL was present. At arriving there was a short walk to the terminal where the NCL ground crew outside waited for us and put the luggage tags and directed us to the inside of the terminal for check in.

First a photo was made by the ship photographer and although not quiet clear we found out what the procedure was quiet rapidly and when to the check in desk. There was no waiting line so it was done quickly. If you wanted to pay the onboard expenses by credit card you could give the information there. We preferred though to settle this by cash and they told us that we could do that at the reception. With check in we received our keycards and a number or boarding. We just waited about 15 minutes when they called our no. 8 and we passed security smoothly and, yes!! we were onboard.

First we settled our account and after that we went to the spa for a small tour and to buy our spa passes of $119 each for this seven days cruise. They told us that they only sell 40 spa passes and that there are no daily passes anymore as on sea days it was too crowded. A blessing for us as we enjoyed the spa very very much during this week.

After that we settled on a table next to the pool and ordered two bears. 400ml glasses and draught and I almost killed myself thinking that the glasses would be heavy (as used to drink from real glasses) but they were very light. A bit afraid I got when the bartender told me my account was not opened and that I had to go to the reception. I got my bear though :). But I went directly there and they told me the account was open. Probably I was too quick. The beer was by the way $6.48 included all charges.

We also went to the buffet Garden Café and took some very nice Indian food. And then… well just relaxing. Looking to Venice, the sea. After that ate some olives and boiled corn with butter sauce. After 15.00h we decided to see if we could enter our inside cabin at deck 11 and yes, we could. No luggage yet. The bed was absolutely great and soft and so were the pillows. Only problem was that the size in length of the bed was a bit short for me as 1.85. I you are longer then that I am sure you will have problems sleeping. A look in the bathroom learned that is was very spacey, the room was a bit smaller then I thought. The safe is easy to use and the mini bar was locked but I didn’t bother for that.

At around 16.00h there was the life boat drill. Every keycard has a no. (like D3) which corresponded with the area where you have to go for the drill and in case o emergency. A lot of different section so not crowded at all. We went to the Tapas bar and listened to the short talk and instruction. A bit annoying was that this drill was held in about 5 different languages so it became very boring and long at some moment.

Then the ship left around 17.00h which was great as we saw Venice and San Marco. Made a lot of photo’s and funny to see we were now in the opposite position as we saw yesterday the cruise ship.

After leaving Venice we went to the bar and my wife had a Martini cocos and I tried for the first time in my life the dark beer called ‘Bass’. I never heard of this bear (or ale) and as I am a lover of dark beer I thought it would be great. Well, the first impression was not that great as it was very sour and strange. However, after I while I got used to it and soon I liked it :). After the drink we dressed up for dinner. Business and elegant. We noticed we were the minority (if not only) but it was a very nice feeling to dress up and the looks my wife and I got (especially my wife). In the lift a guy told her how nice she looked (he was next to his wife), and the day after a Spanish women told her (in Spanish) that she looked so great. Maybe one of you reading this will recognize us now? At the MDR I ate broiled lobster and my wife duck with soya which tasted very good. Tomorrow it will be a sea day so some time to explore the ship.

[buc78]

employees will await outside to check in your luggage. There was one bus waiting but we were early.

[kiyoko]

employees will await outside to check in your luggage. There was one bus waiting but we were early.

Thanks again for your help.

[buc78]

Below after the text also a pic of leaving Venice that should be on the day 1 journal but it didnt let me at that moment.

 

Day 2- 15 May 2011

 

The leave of Venice was great and a beautiful experience. In the night the clock was put forward an hour so we had less to sleep. The inside cabin was great but it is difficult to wake up as you have no idea of the time. We could sleep the whole day; but no time for that. So we passed washy washy around 10.00 and settled at the Great Outdoors. Home we only take breakfast in the weekend and some years ago I never took breakfast. But I learned it is healthy and you feel much better the day so every day now breakfast. Eggs, sausages, bacon and more. It was great also to see that here you can let your own eggs be made just as you wanted. There is a guy who will cook it exact as you mentioned. I learned this week then also that: ‘sun up’ means my favorite way of eating eggs. Cruise = value to lifeJ.

 

After breakfast I tried for the first time the spa and it was great. I was alone there and it was very relaxing to the ultimate and great to avoid the crowd. My wife did some sport at the gym which also was not crowded at all. After that she went to a sun chair to read a book. Life is great! Then a late lunch (as we were full from the breakfast) in the Blue Lagoon. Great deal if you want to have something simple, quick and still good tasting. I took a noodle soup which was ok and the fish & chips. The famous English dish was ok but the chips were small and thin; not the English way of fish and chips as I thought it would be. Guess I have to go to London for that one time as I never eat the ‘real thing’ before. My wife had as starter! 6 chicken wings in sauce. I tasted it too and it was very good for a chicken wing. She was already full and was not able to finish her noodles which tasted average.

 

After that my wife decided to test the spa and I settled at the terrace next to the pool with a lager (getting used to the sour taste) and a good book. The weather was a bit chilly but perfect for sitting outside with a book. After that we met in our stateroom and went to the Martini bar for a cocktail. When we finished that we dressed up and went to the theater to see the ‘musical’ Shout. Again, we were about the only couple who were dressed up although not even special: business suite and wife in elegant dress. So if people who were there that period read this they probably recognize us. J The performance itself was very good and some famous songs past in this show. The girls (I remember there were about six) had a good voice and the show was very viewable.

 

 

After the show we went again to the PG MDR and I had smoked salmon as starter and after lamb with white beans. All tasted very well. As dessert I took the always available international cheese plank. This was though not that international saying that it only existed of some cheap Dutch cheeses. As a Dutchmen not living in The Netherlands for six years I was happy to see there was the ‘clove cheese’ but further it was not that remarkable. The wine by the way was surprisingly good. If I remember correctly it was a Californian wine called ‘Seven Oaks’. Didn’t know they could make wines that tasty in the States. :) And if I am correct this was one of the cheapest wines.

 

We didn’t finish the wine so brought it to our stateroom which was a great companion while writing my journal later that night. After dinner we changed again and went to the Medusa lounge for party. My wife wanted to dance and I wanted to sit down first and have a drink. I am a bit dancer and feel highly uncomfortable while dancing. This caused a bit of a fraction between the two of us and 15 minutes later my wife went outside for a cool breath and to cool down. When she came back the ‘fight’ was over. She decided to dance right next to our table. I didn’t know she could dance that well. She directly got the attention of a lot of people watching her. Some older English people came to us when they left and complimented my wife with here dancing and told me I should also dance… they asked if we were on honeymoon and when we acknowledged that they congratulated us. Very sweet people. We didn’t stay that long and went around 00.35 to our Stateroom where I finished my writing and then for a sleep as Corfu is waiting.

San Marco from the ship

 

 

 

 

They made a towel animal (first and only one)

 

[buc78]

it was some time ago I wrote but still I am planning to describe all 7 days:)

 

Day 3 16 May- Corfu

We put our clock at 7.30 this morning as we wanted to be early awake. Yes, 7.30 is really early :). It was difficult to wake up as it was still dark in our cabin but we managed to see the reality of the day when we opened the tv and saw our home (ship) embarked in Corfu. Before the cruise we decided not to hurry things, take our time and see what will happen. A great strategy for us.

First we went to the gym to have a bit of jogging. I was bored of it after 15 minutes with it so went to the spa. Had a great relaxing tome. After that we went to have breakfast in the Garden Café; again eggs, bacon and more. Believe I put on some weight after the cruise :).

At 10.30 we went of the ship to see what Corfu had to offer. From the pier there was a free shuttle bus that brought us to the other site of the pier; end of harbor. From there we saw signs with ‘old city’ and decided to follow it also following some other passengers. A (I think English gentleman) told us that every time he was in Corfu it was ‘bloody raining.’ Well, it was not really raining but some drops hit our heads. So it went on the whole morning; a very bit of rain and dry again.

On the way we went somewhere to the right and were in the middle of the old city. We walked on good luck and came across the ‘New Fort’ which we entered after paying a fee of, if I remember correctly 5 euro pp. It was nice to walk around and when it start raining we were laughing as we had an umbrella in our back pack. We stopped laughing when we noticed it was disappeared; thank god it stopped raining after two minutes. I have the bad habit of not closing bags etc complete so I guess it felt out while in the bus as the ship didn’t have it.

Back in the old city and we did some walking and decide to find a place to eat and taste for the first time this cruise the Greek cuisine. On a square we found a great terrace run by a couple. The man was running from one site to the other site of the terrace after we sat down is it was almost fully occupied. They were great and the place was in fact too big to run for them. Grandma was showing up sometimes to see if everything was all right. I think she did the cooking. We ordered some different kind of plates: fried little fish, calamari, shrimps and drunk an ouzo and a nice glass of white wine. The restaurant was great and we made a photo of you can see below:

Who off you can find this restaurant when going there?

After that we went slowly in the direction of the ship meanwhile making some pictures. A nice young couple offered us to make a photo of the two of us even without we asked it. Great! Around 15.00h we were back on the ship. I went again for the spa and my wife took a nap. Further I drunk a beer at the ‘beer and whiskey bar’ and went for a walk outsie. Deck 7 is a great place for it. And the aft is really impressive.

When my wife woke up we went to the terrace next to the pool and drunk some great white wine from our wine package and after that we dressed up as usual for dinner and theater. This time the show was with the singers 4Ever. They did a great job and my wife went after that with the four of them on a photo. After that we went to the GP MDR an I had the tuna with soy sauce and sesame sauce. It was a nice combination. Then I had a great steak. Ordered as rare and got it as rare. The meat melted on my tongue and I was surprised about the great quality as when I read this board I read only Cagney’s makes has great steaks ;).

After dinner we changed closes to casual and went again to the Spinnaker’s Lounge. Drunk a few shots and after that I was hungry. So we took the opportunity and went to the Blue Lagoon where I ate a hotdog and hamburger (shame shame shame) but… we are on holiday :). My wife was more educated and ordered only a dessert. A long night and at 01.35 we went to the lovely beds. By the way: I really don’t understand how some people can complain about the beds as the mattresses are great. Do they have different ones in other staterooms?

Any way; tomorrow Santorini!

[duckfan80]

Sounds great. Will be on the Jade in a few weeks. Wandering is my plan for Corfu, so it was nice to read your last post. Can't wait to read about Santorini!

[buc78]

Day 4 17 May- Santorini

In the morning we woke up at 9.00 and I went to get tender tickets. I was afraid that there would be a queue but nothing at all. I didn’t have to wait and got the tickets with no. 3. Perfect! After that we had breakfast at the Great Outdoors which was every time a great experience. After that I went to the Spa and had a wonderful time. I was alone and after sauna etc. I settled down on a chair with a glass of orange juice and as the Spa is in the front of the ship I saw Santorini coming closer and closer. First as a little dot then as the giant it is. This was great and still I was alone.

After that I ate a quick burger at the grill next to the pool and had a quick swim in the pool. Next to the cabin to have a quick change of clothes and they already started with announcing the tender numbers. ‘Ticket 1’ and some minutes later ‘ticket no. 2’. The announcer complimented the tender service speed and we thought: ‘wow’. We quickly went to the 5th floor to be close. And then, it took about 20 minutes. The lift was broken and a lady who couldn’t walk that good needed to go down. I think they were with an organized tour. It took a long time before they were able to get here to the 4th floor. Unfortunately one guy was irritated by the mall function of the elevator (he belonged to the group that also the old lady attended) and expressed his anger. I couldn’t really image why as what is 10 minutes waiting in a human life.

Anyway, we didn’t care and waited patiently and then it was time for no. 3. We entered the tender and went smoothly to the island. When we were on the island we knew what to expect: the cable car (neh not for us young people J ), by foot or by monkey. So we turned left away from the cable car and saw a line and people paying. We wanted to g by foot as I like to have a walk. I asked the guy in front of my for what would pay and he said: donkeys. Without thinking I asked my wife to give me 10 Euro and paid the guy. My wife still surprised and a bit later afraid after she realized we would go by donkey. She was put on one; a big one and great it was as I got a smaller one. The donkeys are trained very well and ignore any try for giving them directions are going faster. It had some hilarious and sometimes (as we not familiar with donkey riding) dangerous moments as also groups of donkeys returned which sometimes resulted in chaos.

One site note: I sometimes read on this board or the UK one: we didn’t take the donkey as it was so sad; poor donkeys etc. I am sorry to say but that kind of people lost the touch with the realistic world. Donkeys are for 1000’s of years used for heavy work, are stronger then horses (that is why in languages so many expressions with donkeys exists). But I guess that is most said by people who think that meat is made in the factory. (Sorry if I insulted someoneJ ).

Once up the rock (a beautiful rock) we walked around in the town. Tip: if you are there please look at the sea and the shape of the island. It has the form of a horseshoe. It is really hard to image that in that part, were is now she, used to be land, towns. Till the volcano erupted and shaped it as it is now. This knowledge will give an extra appreciation to visiting this remarkable island.

After the walk it was time to enjoy great food. Octopus for me with a glass of whine and mousaka for my wife with off course a glass of ouzo. After dinner we walked up on the island. Visiting great places and views. The island is so white! We arrived at Santorini at 14.00h and had till 22.00 but we decided to go back around 1800. In fact the whole cruise we were a bit afraid to come too late and besides that we also came to relaxJ. Unfortunately my wife didn’t feel that good when we returned (perhaps the sun) and she went to sleep and I took a Bass at my favorite bar. After that we went together to the pool site terrace for a drink and as she wasn’t hungry I ate from the barbecue that the held and we enjoyed the site of leaving Santorini with all the lights there. Together we went to the Martini bar and drunk a cocktail and a cognac and around 2300h back to the stateroom as my wife still didn’t feel 100%. Tomorrow Mykanos; cant wait!

 

in picture: great view during lunch

 

[terriberri268]

Great review! Thank you

[buc78]

Thanks, hope I can start soon at the Mykanos part.