Review: Western Med Jade cruise Nov. 1 -12, 2014

[QuattroRomeo]

and of course, a Caravaggio:

[QuattroRomeo]

When we exited, we came out onto a different street than when we entered, so it took a few minutes to figure out where we were. Eventually, we got reoriented and meandered a bit down the sidewalk by the river, toward Ponte Vecchio. The iconic bridge is actually in pretty sad shape up close:

 

 

 

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We ducked into a cafe and sat down for a sandwich. Then we continued about a block from the bridge, where we turned into an alleyway and discovered these guys!:

 

 

 

 

Who says there is only old art in Florence!?!

[QuattroRomeo]

Eventually, we made our way back to the van. Everyone returned on time, and we all had a smooth ride back to the ship. Although our group of 8 had different plans for the day, it worked out well and Nico made it special for everyone, highlighting maps and suggesting places to go. He is a very helpful young man who gave us a worry-free day. We will definitely book him again for future tours!

[QuattroRomeo]

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Yay, we docked in Monte Carlo! On our previous Med cruise, the port was cancelled, so we were pleased that we made it this time. We planned to see the Oceanographic Museum and the Casino. I also hoped to see the yacht Lady Moura in the marina, having read several articles about this huge yacht. I was not disappointed- we ended up being docked right beside her!

 

It rained a bit that day but we still managed to walk on our own. We picked up a couple of coupon books in the info centre at the terminal, and walked along the shore right up to the aquarium on a clearly marked path. The building itself is something to see as you approach it, seemingly carved into the shoreline.

Inside, the Musee Oceanographic was just a good size for viewing, not too much to tire you out but plenty of interesting tanks to see, even a shark petting tank. There were several sea creatures I hadn't seen elsewhere. It takes a bit of walking with staircases, to get through the whole place.

 

 

 

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Upon exiting, we walked along and into the gardens which were quite lovely, and the sea view is just below. The city has views everywhere, and is very clean and safe. Across the street we noticed a big church with several limos and these guys outside:

 

 

We never did see what that was all about! Kept on walking along the cliff sidewalk, with a view of a yacht marina and ocean scenery, and soon came upon the palace grounds where we walked about the square.

 

 

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Backtracking a bit through a building-lined street, we found a bus stop. Bought a day ticket right on the bus and headed downtown. The driver spoke little English, but pointed out where to get off to walk to the casino.

 

 

As we headed in that direction, we ended up walking through these shopping pavilions, neat little igloos, with very expensive items inside..:

 

 

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Once we reached the casino, there were indeed many fancy cars parked there, and a small crowd formed as we all took turns clicking photos beside our adopted vehicles... There was a bit of a wait to go inside, so lots of time for photos and exploring the surrounding buildings.

 

 

 

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Once we were allowed in, we lined up to show ID, required to prove that you are not a resident. We used our drivers’ licences. Entrance fee was 10€ pp. There was also a coat check and anyone with bulky bags or backpacks had to check them. Photos are not allowed inside either.

 

The interior was satisfyingly gaudy with high, decorated ceilings and fake gold trim. There was a room with slot machines and another room with card tables, baccarat and roulette. On the far wall there was a door for the 'private' tables.. Entrance there was only for those with more zeroes in their income than we had..!

The casino isn't very large inside and we didn't feel like betting, so we had a coffee at the bar. 10€ per coffee later, we left the casino! This place is not for lingering unless you have a Bentley in the driveway..it was fun to see it though!

[QuattroRomeo]

DH tried to get some directions, from the casino doorman, to the bateau bus that would take us across the water back to the ship. It turned out to be a much longer walk than we anticipated. We had a map and I had looked at bus routes prior, but the buses that went by never seemed to be the right one. So we ended up walking all the way to the bateau bus. While waiting for the boat to arrive, we struck up a conversation with a fellow from UK who has worked in Monte Carlo for many years. He did not live there though, as he told us nobody who works there can afford to live there! The bateau bus (boat) arrived and we made the quick trip back to the pier near the ship. The fare is included if you get the daily bus pass.

 

 

 

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View from the bateau bus:

 

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We walked by a parking lot full of more snazzy cars, and then along the yacht marina, finally reaching the Lady Moura. DH is fearless, and jumped right on the ramp...mere seconds later,.out came the security guy..they actually had a friendly chat, and then we made the short walk to the Jade.

 

 

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Another lovely yacht in the harbour:

 

 

Our yacht:

 

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Need to upload some more photos and will start again tomorrow, with Toulon!

[Educators2]

Love your review. We were on the Jade in early December for the Eatern Mediterranean. Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[medicalma'am]

Can you tell me if the Jade has O'Sheehan's yet? Did it replace the Star Bar, or is that still there?

 

Thank you

[QuattroRomeo]

No there was no O'Sheehan's when we were on the Jade. I think there was a Star bar, plus a Tankards Beer and Whiskey Bar, and Magnums.

[QuattroRomeo]

Love your review. We were on the Jade in early December for the Eatern Mediterranean. Looking forward to the rest of your review.

 

Thank you! We haven't done the eastern Med yet, so it's on the list!

[AF-1]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I am enjoying both the ship and shore excursion pics. Keep it coming

[ladybird77]

I love your review and photos.

 

I'm taking a Med cruise on NCL Jade in May. Different itinerary. I was wondering if there are a lot of areas to sit on the deck of the ship? Or outdoor eating areas? I've never been on NCL at all so it is all new to me.

Edited March 9, 2015 by ladybird77

[Hikini]

This is fun! We are in the planning stages of a Med cruise.

[Carnac767]

Love your review. We were on the Jade in early December for the Eastern Mediterranean. Looking forward to the rest of your review.

 

Ditto. Thanks for posting. Love the Jade.

 

Hey, Susan and Ira.

[QuattroRomeo]

Thank you AF-1, Ladybird77, Hikini and Carnac 767! It is enjoyable to relive the cruise!

Ladybird, there are lots of open areas on the top decks, plus there is an outdoor eating area at the aft of the ship on deck 12 called the Great Outdoors, where you can take your food from the buffet just inside. Plus, there is a great promenade deck to walk around on deck 7.