Jade Review - 5/30 to 6/6

[scoochy12]

We arrived in Venice on 5/29 and had decided to take the Alilaguna (7 Euro per person, ordered online) to our hotel in Venice. Be advised the walk from the terminal to the Alilaguna is a hefty one with luggage. All paved paths, but none the less, probably at least 1/2 mile. The ride took probably 45 minutes, as there was multiple stops. Once we arrived at San Marco (our stop), we were only 2 small bridges away and about 3 blocks from our hotel. Again, a tough walk over the bridges with luggage. They do have porters waiting with hand trucks willing to take your luggage to hotel for $25 Euro. We stayed at the Hotel Violino D'Oro. Excellent location, large room overlooking canal, with wifi and breakfast included. Would definitely recommend this hotel!

 

Had arranged a gondola ride with 2 our couples from our roll call. A very touristy thing to do, but was enjoyed by all $80 Euro total for a 30 minute ride form the Bacino Orseola Gondola Station.

 

Saturday morning we had purchased online the skip the line tickets for St Mark's. This was well worth it for $2 Euro per person, Our time was at 9:45 and we were inside within minutes. Note, no backpacks or bags are allowed into the church.

 

We were at the pier by 11am. Again we had chosen to take the Alilaguna the pier. Another crazy walk from where you are dropped off to the ship!!! Check-in was a breeze and we were group # 3 to board the ship. We were on board by 11:45. We went right up to our room to drop off our carry on luggage and put some stuff in the safe. Then had lunch in the Grand Pacific dining room with only a few other people at 12 when the dining room opened. Even though the ship is an older one, it is in great shape.

 

Most of the staff on the ship were friendly. Our room steward was only ok. Some days we had chocolates, other days he did not even make up the room and we had to call around 3pm for him to come do the room.

 

Food for the most part was good. We did dine at Cagney's and Le Bistro, both were excellent.

 

Corfu was our first stop. We had arranged a private tour with Corfu Taxi Tours and our driver Alex was phenomenal. Would highly recommend him. More to follow...............

[deladypilot]

Sounds great so far. Keep it coming

[Baseball fan]

I stayed at the Hotel Violino D'Oro a few years ago. I agree it is a great location. Cannot wait to read your review!

[nomadiccrocodilehunter]

We board the Jade on 27th June cannot wait to read more. Super start.

[Ilovesailing]

Most of the staff on the ship were friendly. Our room steward was only ok. Some days we had chocolates, other days he did not even make up the room and we had to call around 3pm for him to come do the room.

 

You mean those brown wax cubes wrapped in foil.They remind me of the old days of EX lax, I use to take that stuff to play hooky from school, guess thats why i don't like them so i throw ours in the garbage.

 

Wasn't the sail down the channel breathtaking.

 

Thanks for the review.

Edited June 12, 2015 by Ilovesailing

[scoochy12]

Our tour in Corfu included: Palace of Achilleion, Palaiokastritsa, Kanoni and the Monastery of Virgin Mary and the town of Corfu Town. Alex was very knowledgeable and took us to many our sights for picture opportunities as well. The Achilleion Place was $8 Euro per person for admission and you must have cash, no credit cards are accepted. The gardens and grounds were great. The inside of the palace had some interesting pieces too. You also have free wifi while on the property. At the back of the palace, there is a wonderful scenic overlook. The tour was supposed to be 4 hours, but Alex extended it to 5 hours with all of the extra places he took us to see. Again would highly recommend him!!!!

Edited June 12, 2015 by scoochy12
add more pictures

[scoochy12]

Wasn't the sail down the channel breathtaking.

 

Thanks for the review.

 

Yes it was spectacular!

[www3traveler]

Who were the Senior Staff Officers both on the Hotel side and the Bridge side?