Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #651 Share Posted August 21 1 minute ago, debenson0723 said: Santorini is wonderful as long as you don't go in the summer. May would be pushing it but much better than June or July (October would be even better). Ditto. Last time I cruised the Greek Isles in July I refused to disembark when we ported in Athens. The city was on fire the next day so I had an alibi. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruiseny4life Posted August 21 #652 Share Posted August 21 5 minutes ago, debenson0723 said: Santorini is wonderful as long as you don't go in the summer. May would be pushing it but much better than June or July (October would be even better). Nothing schmoopie approved for October. 😞 May would have some options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted August 21 #653 Share Posted August 21 5 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said: Nothing schmoopie approved for October. 😞 May would have some options. There are but on the Pearl...not @cruiseny4lifeapproved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruiseny4life Posted August 21 #654 Share Posted August 21 27 minutes ago, debenson0723 said: There are but on the Pearl...not @cruiseny4lifeapproved. Aren't they seven day cruises, only? It's totally possible I missed something!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GALSews Posted August 21 #655 Share Posted August 21 Still hoping they will come up with something for the eclipse in 2026. (BTW, there is another total eclipse going over Spain in 2027.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #656 Share Posted August 21 5 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said: Aren't they seven day cruises, only? It's totally possible I missed something!! Yes, the Mediterranean cruises on the Gem and the Pearl are only 7 days...at least the ones I saw when I included Croatia in my search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted August 21 #657 Share Posted August 21 6 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said: Aren't they seven day cruises, only? It's totally possible I missed something!! You are absolutely correct! I missed that (it wasn't even 7am out here in the southwest when I posted). But personally, I would take a 7 day over a summer cruise in Europe anytime...you still only get one day in each port. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SummmerInKefalonia Posted August 21 #658 Share Posted August 21 (edited) Pearl and Gem 2026 cruises are repetitive and boring. Nothing new... Edited August 21 by SummmerInKefalonia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #659 Share Posted August 21 (edited) 1 hour ago, schmoopie17 said: Both of those would be Schmoopie-approved. But how does the first one do 11 ports in 10 days? As for Santorini, we've never been but everything I've read about it recently (cable car issues, donkey trail/poop, etc.) doesn't sound as appealing as I once thought it would be. Maybe we could find a Greek party bus to pick us up at the pier and get the group rate. @schmoopie17 the 6/5/2026 10-day itinerary from Istanbul to Ravenna/Venice is interesting because it includes Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor. Visiting Ephesus when porting in Kusadasi would also be an amazing experience. However, the nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul is nearly 10 hours. Would this be a concern for you and Mrs. Schmoopie17? I love Istanbul...it was my first solo overseas trip after college and I have been back many times and would not hesitate to return. However, I understand the flight might not be for everyone. Edited August 21 by Sugar Magnolia 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruiseny4life Posted August 21 #660 Share Posted August 21 1 hour ago, debenson0723 said: You are absolutely correct! I missed that (it wasn't even 7am out here in the southwest when I posted). But personally, I would take a 7 day over a summer cruise in Europe anytime...you still only get one day in each port. I thought it was quite early for you!! We'll let this one pass...no one should wake before 10 AM (I wish this was my life). I'd take a 7 day'er too...like @Sugar Magnolia, though, I'm really into that Istanbul embarkation port. I'd definitely be spending a couple pre-cruise days exploring that ancient, marvelous city. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #661 Share Posted August 21 (edited) Another option some might want to consider is a B2B on the Gem or the Pearl, as the itineraries vary ever so slightly. Even though there are some port repeats, there is always something else to do or see in these European cities. Also, since these are port intensive itineraries, you might want to relax on the ship on those port repeat days. GEM https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-trieste-to-rome-italy-greece-and-croatia-GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-mediterranean-from-rome-to-venice-ravenna-italy-croatia-and-greece-GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV PEARL https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-ravenna-to-athens-santorini-mykonos-and-croatia-PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-athens-to-venice-ravenna-santorini-olympia-and-croatia-PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV Edited August 21 by Sugar Magnolia 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoopie17 Posted August 21 Author #662 Share Posted August 21 3 hours ago, debenson0723 said: Santorini is wonderful as long as you don't go in the summer. May would be pushing it but much better than June or July (October would be even better). I have to reluctantly agree. I recall the conversation I had with a neighbor from Croatia who said you do NOT want to go there in summer due to heat, tourist overrun, etc. Much better in spring or fall. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoopie17 Posted August 21 Author #663 Share Posted August 21 (edited) 2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said: However, the nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul is nearly 10 hours. Would this be a concern for you and Mrs. Schmoopie17? I've been known to (reluctantly) make exceptions to my long flight avoidance. I'm already gearing up for our 10 hour flight to Rome (and back) in a couple weeks. (Oh wait...that's a total of 20 hours. Maybe I should cancel). Good thing free drinks are included in our fare... Edited August 21 by schmoopie17 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted August 21 #664 Share Posted August 21 2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said: @schmoopie17 the 6/5/2026 10-day itinerary from Istanbul to Ravenna/Venice is interesting because it includes Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor. Visiting Ephesus when porting in Kusadasi would also be an amazing experience. However, the nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul is nearly 10 hours. Would this be a concern for you and Mrs. Schmoopie17? I love Istanbul...it was my first solo overseas trip after college and I have been back many times and would not hesitate to return. However, I understand the flight might not be for everyone. I like this itinerary too. Flight would be even longer for those of us not on the East Coast. Maybe break up the flights with a couple of days in London or elsewhere. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted August 21 #665 Share Posted August 21 1 hour ago, Sugar Magnolia said: Another option some might want to consider is a B2B on the Gem or the Pearl, as the itineraries vary ever so slightly. Even though there are some port repeats, there is always something else to do or see in these European cities. Also, since these are port intensive itineraries, you might want to relax on the ship on those port repeat days. GEM https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-trieste-to-rome-italy-greece-and-croatia-GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7RAVSPUDBVKOTCFUMSNSALCIV https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-mediterranean-from-rome-to-venice-ravenna-italy-croatia-and-greece-GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949417&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GEM7CIVSALCTACFUKOTSPUKOPRAV PEARL https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-venice-ravenna-to-athens-santorini-mykonos-and-croatia-PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7RAVDBVKOTCFUKAKJMKJTRPIR https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-greek-isles-from-athens-to-venice-ravenna-santorini-olympia-and-croatia-PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV?sailMonths=4294948522,4294948233,4294948232,4294948230,4294948229,4294948228,4294945671&ships=4294949383&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=PEARL7PIRJTRKAKCFUKOTSPUKOPRAV I was thinking this also (great minds, yada yada). My Greek cruise was port intensive and I ended up taking a spa day because I just couldn't anymore. Lots of fun options available and I am flexible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulsteinvik Posted August 21 #666 Share Posted August 21 And I see zero Baltic cruises, after they had 9 Baltic cruises 2025 with 3 different ships. Wondering if they will let only Star and Sky in Northern Europe. When you see what the other cruise lines are sending to Northern Europe from UK it is really low. Maybe they send the newbuild there.. Also Aqua not bookable anymore from NYC from 09 May May until 18 Sep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoopie17 Posted August 21 Author #667 Share Posted August 21 Just saw a bunch of Croatia cruises in April and September. (Not too cold or too hot) Similar itineraries to the ones @cruiseny4lifeposted earlier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #668 Share Posted August 21 22 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said: Just saw a bunch of Croatia cruises in April and September. (Not too cold or too hot) Similar itineraries to the ones @cruiseny4lifeposted earlier. Which ships were you looking at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JIMESOPUS Posted August 21 #669 Share Posted August 21 Another thought about 2026, I love that new cruise ship smell, the fourth Leo ship is scheduled for Summer 2026 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #670 Share Posted August 21 2 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said: Another thought about 2026, I love that new cruise ship smell, the fourth Leo ship is scheduled for Summer 2026 If the newest ship ports in Croatia and does not require me to refinance my home to pay for the voyage, I'm in! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoopie17 Posted August 21 Author #671 Share Posted August 21 (edited) 44 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said: Which ships were you looking at? OOPS...was accidentally looking at 2025. Old people disease strikes again...back to the drawing board. Edited August 21 by schmoopie17 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #672 Share Posted August 21 8 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said: OOPS...was accidentally looking at 2025. Old people disease strikes again...back to the drawing board. The Viva, the Pearl and the Gem all port in Croatia in 2026. The Viva has a longer itinerary while the Pearl and Gem have 7-day itineraries. A B2B on the Jewel class ships will give you a comprehensive itinerary as not all ports are repeated. I posted those itineraries above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoopie17 Posted August 21 Author #673 Share Posted August 21 5 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said: The Viva, the Pearl and the Gem all port in Croatia in 2026. The Viva has a longer itinerary while the Pearl and Gem have 7-day itineraries. A B2B on the Jewel class ships will give you a comprehensive itinerary as not all ports are repeated. I posted those itineraries above. The back-to-backs on the Pearl and the Gem would be a good option for people who want a longer cruise (14 days), as well as for people who only want 7 days. (They could pick the front end or the back end). We loved the Jade and assume the Pearl and Gem would be comparable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JIMESOPUS Posted August 21 #674 Share Posted August 21 2 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said: The back-to-backs on the Pearl and the Gem would be a good option for people who want a longer cruise (14 days), as well as for people who only want 7 days. (They could pick the front end or the back end). We loved the Jade and assume the Pearl and Gem would be comparable. only the Bliss Lounge location is different Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted August 21 #675 Share Posted August 21 4 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said: The back-to-backs on the Pearl and the Gem would be a good option for people who want a longer cruise (14 days), as well as for people who only want 7 days. (They could pick the front end or the back end). We loved the Jade and assume the Pearl and Gem would be comparable. Yes that was my thought too...more flexibility means more people can join #SchmoopieFest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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