First time cruising Europe- what differences should I expect?

[Rockwife]

Looking forward to my first European cruise and was curious about the general differences between those and all US embarkation cruises I've already sailed.

 

I assume there are more Europeans on board. ;p (I'm so smart- ha!) This would mean more smokers, but not sure of any other differences.

 

I assume the chocolate will be of higher quality. . . is that true?

 

I assume there will be more European beers available. . . any truth to that?

 

Anything else to share?

 

TIA!

[snorklinbarb]

We were just on the Jade in June out of Southampton on the Norwegian fjords cruise. You're right about the demographics - out of 2350 pax, there were 500 Americans, 900 Brits, a few hundred Germans, a few hundred Spaniards and the rest from all over the place! We actually enjoyed it very much. Very different from the NY run on the Dawn which we've done (and also enjoyed) many times.

 

Announcements were in English, German and Spanish. We were told that one of the challenges, given so many different itineraries, is the change in passenger mix. On one short run out of Rotterdam they had 1500 Dutch onboard.

 

So you can imagine trying to keep everyone happy with food and entertainment. But, under the CD Karen Maybury, they managed to put together a good program and we liked the food as well (same as other ships).

 

Some of the entertainment (other than the 3 production shows) was a little different - marionettes, opera tenor, acrobatic couple - didn't require much (if any) dialogue so everyone could enjoy no matter what their language. They had 2 British comedians as well. On other European runs, we've also found British comedians. We saw one out of the two (Lenny Windsor) and had a good time at his shows.

 

In general many of the Europeans tended to eat later. We encountered no waits at all but we tended to go earlier. But even on the nights when we ate after 8, we didn't have a wait.

 

Although resort casual is always acceptable on NCL, we both remarked that people tended to dress up more than on a typical Caribbean run. It was not unusual to see men in sports jackets in the evening. On "dress up or not" nights, we saw only a handful of tuxes but it seemed most people did dress up to some extent. Jeans are acceptable, but even then, we didn't see but a few. Maybe because a 12 night cruise attracts an older crowd and we only had 70 kids on the ship. I would imagine this would change during vacation periods with more kids onboard.

 

Missed the chocoholic buffet so can't help you there.

 

Maybe someone else can comment on Eur. beer selection.

 

On the Jade they did have a "pub lunch" twice in the Great Outdoors. I guess this was because of the large number of British guests. I like shepherds pie and found it there.

 

Can't say enough good things about the management & crew, friendly and efficient. Very visible managers, always checking on things.

 

Of course, it helped that we had a superb itinerary and great weather.:D

 

What ship are you considering?

[Rockwife]

Wow, thanks for the detailed info! :)

 

We're booked on the Jade as well, but I have to wait until next February, and we'll be on a 9-day that leaves from Barcelona. The itinerary is amazing- two ports in Morocco, one in the Canary Islands, one on the island of Madeira, and one in southern Spain. Probably fewer Brits on that sailing, but more Spanish. . . I can't wait!

 

We tend to avoid the chocolate buffet these days after some disappointing tastings, but since Europe has so much better chocolate than we do (I have NO idea why), I assumed it'd be worth a visit.

 

Thanks for the heads-up about Europeans eating later. . . I had forgotten about that. The entertainment choices make sense, too, seeing as there will be so many different languages on board. I love acrobats!

[ben55124]

Demographics will be based on reputation of cruise line and itinerary.

 

I've been on a Baltic and Mediterranean cruises. The Mediterranean cruise (Carnival) was mostly US. I don't know if that was because of the cruise line reputation or US touristy itinerary. A European going to Venice is probably like us going to NYC -- enjoyable but common.

 

The Baltic cruise (NCL) had more locals. About 40% were British (port of origin).

 

Smoking - I don't recall ever being overwhelmed by smoke on any cruise. The ship smoking rules are the same in Europe.

 

Food is same, but where branding is visible (i.e. yogurt containers), it may be local. Chocolate is usually an ingredient in desserts -- so hard to determine source.

 

I don't drink beer, but the wine list seemed to be the same.

 

Cruising is a great way to experience Europe and still have a US like atmosphere to return to. Often the cheapest way to go due to the weak dollar.

[jocap]

We were on Jade-the Eastern route- this Feb, and the majority on board were from Northern America-perhaps because most people in Europe go to warm places in winter-such as the Canary Islands! So it might be different on your Western route. Also, NCL is fairly unknown in Europe, and is rarely advertised, except with final, cheap cabins-TAs say"Who?"

Someone on this site has written about the European beers being available on Jade-we drink British "hoppy" or German, so that was fine. The wine list was not very good, and was expensive for the quality.

Most "good" chocolate is at least 70% coco beans, so the quality can be superb, but we didn't notice anything special about that on board.

Smoking is similar to any other ship-starboard outside except for one or two ashtrays on 7-promanade deck, plus cabins and casino.

We enjoyed her, and I'm sure you will-jocap.

[Why Knot Me]

I wouldn't expect the chocolate to be any different. We've done european cruises twice on NCL and we didn't notice any difference.

 

One thing to expect is that the overall feel for the cruise is different... they're usually port intensive and not as relaxing since you are on the run to get out to site see.

[cpdad]

 

...I assume the chocolate will be of higher quality. . . is that true? ....

 

The previous posters have done a thorough job of summarizing the differences between US/Caribbean cruises and those in Europe.

 

I believe that many of the non-perishable food items are shipped in from the USA, or so I've read here on CC. I found no differences in the quality of the chocolate. An "Andes" brand mint chocolate on your pillow is the same in the Caribbean as it is in Europe. The chocolate buffet in Europe - the subject of another recent thread - seemed identical to others I've seen on NCL ships (and not to my tastes).

I'm sure you will have a great time.

[Rockwife]

I wouldn't expect the chocolate to be any different. We've done european cruises twice on NCL and we didn't notice any difference.

 

One thing to expect is that the overall feel for the cruise is different... they're usually port intensive and not as relaxing since you are on the run to get out to site see.

 

Luckily, we have three sea days, so I'm hoping for a little relaxation on this one. The ports should be a highlight, though.

 

The previous posters have done a thorough job of summarizing the differences between US/Caribbean cruises and those in Europe.

 

I believe that many of the non-perishable food items are shipped in from the USA, or so I've read here on CC. I found no differences in the quality of the chocolate. An "Andes" brand mint chocolate on your pillow is the same in the Caribbean as it is in Europe. The chocolate buffet in Europe - the subject of another recent thread - seemed identical to others I've seen on NCL ships (and not to my tastes).

I'm sure you will have a great time.

 

Thanks! Probably just some wishful thinking on my part. :)

[globetrecker]

The previous posters have done a thorough job of summarizing the differences between US/Caribbean cruises and those in Europe.

 

I believe that many of the non-perishable food items are shipped in from the USA, or so I've read here on CC. I found no differences in the quality of the chocolate. An "Andes" brand mint chocolate on your pillow is the same in the Caribbean as it is in Europe. The chocolate buffet in Europe - the subject of another recent thread - seemed identical to others I've seen on NCL ships (and not to my tastes).

I'm sure you will have a great time.

 

Chocolate is all good to me but some of the chocolates out of Europe are absolutely spectacular.

[sverigecruiser]

Some countries in Europe has excellent chocolate, especially Belgium I think, but the ship will still use the cheapest chocolate they can get and that will defenitely not be from Belgium!

[Zeno]

If you like chocolate, look for chocolate in grocery stores at the ports you stop at.

Cote D'Or is a very decent (and reasonably priced) commercial brand of Belgian chocolate and is widely available.

 

In Italy, I like Bacci by Perrugina.

 

And there is always Cadbury's.

 

Of course, if you go to a real chocolatier, you will get some truly amazing (but expensive)chocolate.

[Toyz711]

one warning, if eating at a local restaurant...

the bread, on the table, may not be included in the costs of the meal. ask the server. it, usually, wasn't very much..but the bread was an additional charge. they bring it, even if you didn't ask for it.

the chocolate was good, but i loved the different breads and pastry.

[x2tpd]

If I understand your question--you were hoping the chocolate on the chocolate buffet would be better then the cruises to Mexico for example. I have been on both and I think its EXACTLY the same chocolate.

 

I didnt notice any difference with the smoking. I honestly didnt notice any difference on the European cruise other then the annoucements being in several different languages. We did hear people talking in different languages while we were walking around but that was it.

[myrj]

These are the most exhausting cruises that we have ever been on!!

There is so much to see and the one we took, all the ports are far from the cities...So it would be an hour to two bus ride. Up at 5:30 and return by 5. Well worth it but expect to take another vacation just to catch up!!:)

[woodley]

No free refills on coffee or sodas. Much smaller portions of food than in the USA.

[hamrag]

It appears that some of your USA colleagues are unaware of the geography of Europe. Your cruise is not port intensive, and the ports alone are worth exploring. None of the "cities" are a long distance away.

 

NCL is marketed widely in the UK, and you will find many Brits on board at that time of year, looking for sunshine in the "Canaries" (not guaranteed though). Also in February many of our schools have a one week "mid-term" holiday, so attraction there for families. Would not expect you will find many non-Brit Europeans on board.

 

Yes, some of us do tend to eat later than our American "cousins" but the beauty of NCL freestyle is you decide when to eat.

 

If eating off ship, very occasionally there wil lbe a "cover charge" for bread etc. but......you will not be ripped off for tips, no 20% expected in Europe, 5% is adequate!!

 

You will enjoy the Jade, we certainly did.

[new_guy]

18-20% tipping in the US is not a rip off. It is the price you pay for service when your waiter is (most often) paid BELOW the minimum wage, oftentimes below $3.00 per hour. In the vast majority of cases, this also means with no benefits other than workman's comp. Sorry to go off topic, but your statement rifled my feathers.

 

If you have a problem tipping in the US, take your complaints out on the government that allows such a horrid practice to proliferate (instead of regulating minimum wage in this exception-to-the-rule industry) and on the restaurant owners who scare the public into believing that menu prices would skyrocket if they did pay their FOH employees a minimum wage. Note also that minimum wage is not a living wage in most parts of the US. (And also that a few states do mandate minimum wage for food service workers.) If you purposefully enter a restaurant with the intention of not following the tipping custom then you should should stick to fast food joints.

 

Sorry, off my high horse. And I do see that you never stated that you did not tip properly, only that you did not like the % rate in the US that custom dictates. So I hope this rant didn't come off as accusatory; that wasn't my intent.

 

The only ports I found a 'bread' charge (they put down a basket whether you order it or not) were in Italy. And although a minor charge (often one euro), it is sometimes calculated per person! It was also in Italy where we were charged a 'garden' (outside) seating surcharge. And if you don't like surprises when the check is delivered, ask for the price of a 'today's special' that the waiter suggests before ordering...

 

 

OP: as hamrag advises, none of the cities on your itinerary will be far from the port. Excepting Marakesh (sp) in Morocco. Which you might want to pay the extra $$$ for an overnight excursion and meet the ship the next day in Agadir. Just the name 'Casasblanca' has a romantic attachment. The reality is: not much there except the King Hassan II mosque. The city was a HUGE letdown. Likewise: nothing much in Agadir besides the gargantuan beach. Agadir really is a resort town. Both ports in Morocco require a shuttle to get out of the port area (and NCL charged for the shutttle in Agadir; free in Casa) - but once you are off the shuttle, the city is at your feet.

 

Las Palmas is beautiful; you do need to make plans to see historic parts of the city -- they are not near the port. There is plenty of 'new' city at the port, and even a mall as soon as you get off the ship! Funchal (Madeira) is gorgeous. It's a little bit of a walk from the ship (15-20 min), but the old city is right there at the end of the walk. And plenty to see and do (cable car, botantical gardens, etc). Malaga has a (free) shuttle into the town, although you could walk if you wanted (25-30 min). And the old town is right there; a wee walk if you want to tour the old castle; quite a hike up a hill if you do the fort adjacent to the castle. Nice pedestrain-only shopping area in Malaga.

 

You will find that many Europeans like a later lunch. Which is sometimes a problem because the buffet may close ~3:00 and the only open restaurant will be the Blue Lagoon (small-ish seating 24 hour comfort food). That's the only time I've ever seen a line at the Blue Lagoon! They should really re-think about keeping the main dining room open longer (I think they usually rotate the days they are open) on port days, since the buffet seems to need a longer turnaround time to prep for dinner service which starts at 5:00 (IIRC). When folks are returning from an excursion (the longer trips that leave in the am often don't return until 2:00 and the bus will not have stopped for a meal) they must rush to get to the buffet before it closes. And if you delay (or your bus returns late), the only option you will have is the Blue Lagoon. If you couple that with Europeans who prefer to lunch later, you have all the ingredients for a call to room service!

[Rockwife]

Many, many thanks for all the great feedback! I'm afraid I caused confusion in my original post, as I'm really asking about the differences on the ship itself, rather than on shore. I've had the good fortune of traveling in Europe several times and realize there are tipping differences and sometimes extra charges depending on where you sit (inside, outside, at the bar) or what you eat (bread, butter, etc.)

 

New Guy, I'm totally with you on the US tipping and appreciate your passion. I'm one of those who always tips 20% + unless the server has completely messed up because I know how hard they work for so little. $2.13 an hour is what they get in my neck of the woods, and no, it's not anywhere near a living wage. . .You're correct, too, about the lack of basic benefits- they don't even get sick days!

 

Thanks also for the port info- the port threads are pretty quiet in these areas and this info helps a lot. Some close friends of ours spent their honeymoon on Madeira and have advised for us to rent a car, so we can see the entire island. We may or may not do that as neither of us are wild about driving.

 

We're going to spend three days pre-cruise in Barcelona and will try to ease into the European hours of eating while we acclimate to the time change. I do remember getting caught hungry between lunch and dinner in Italy when everything was closed. What can I say? Travel is a learning experience!

 

I will try to find an overnight Moroccan excursion independently, as the ship price is something like $500 each- ouch! Thanks again for all the info.

[auducky2]

Our first European cruise on the Jade is September 5th. Thanks for the experiences! We're very excited!

[hamrag]

18-20% tipping in the US is not a rip off. It is the price you pay for service when your waiter is (most often) paid BELOW the minimum wage, oftentimes below $3.00 per hour. In the vast majority of cases, this also means with no benefits other than workman's comp. Sorry to go off topic, but your statement rifled my feathers.

 

If you have a problem tipping in the US, take your complaints out on the government that allows such a horrid practice to proliferate (instead of regulating minimum wage in this exception-to-the-rule industry) and on the restaurant owners who scare the public into believing that menu prices would skyrocket if they did pay their FOH employees a minimum wage. Note also that minimum wage is not a living wage in most parts of the US. (And also that a few states do mandate minimum wage for food service workers.) If you purposefully enter a restaurant with the intention of not following the tipping custom then you should should stick to fast food joints.

 

Sorry, off my high horse. And I do see that you never stated that you did not tip properly, only that you did not like the % rate in the US that custom dictates. So I hope this rant didn't come off as accusatory; that wasn't my intent.

 

 

 

You still assume too much in your accusatory, unjustified, rant....Show me where I said that I did not like the % rate in the US that custom dictates.

 

Custom dictates much in different cultures throughout the world. In my experience most North Americans, in particular USA citizens, believe that the only proper way to do things is the American way!!! Some also seem to believe that "cruise critic" is a medium set up for their excusive use!

[hat776]

I think if you are on NCL (or other American lines) you're still going to be surrounded by English speaking folk. I think excursions are in English only. In fact it's like a floating American hotel with American food.

The Italian lines like Costa and MSC on the other hand have few English Speaking on board and the style is truly Italian. In fact sometimes English excursions are cancelled due to lack of demand.

[hamrag]

We're going to spend three days pre-cruise in Barcelona and will try to ease into the European hours of eating while we acclimate to the time change.

 

Barcelona has a hoho bus touring the city all day. For 1 day it is around 20 euros each, but you can purchase an extra day for around an additional 5 euros which makes it great value over a two day period. There are 2 different routes, the blue line and the red line, so you could easily do both and still explore all day if that is what you enjoy....tiring though, but in Barcelona food and drink is available virtually 365/24/7

 

You will enjoy the Jade without a doubt.

[PangeanSir]

Many, many thanks for all the great feedback! I'm afraid I caused confusion in my original post, as I'm really asking about the differences on the ship itself, rather than on shore. I've had the good fortune of traveling in Europe several times and realize there are tipping differences and sometimes extra charges depending on where you sit (inside, outside, at the bar) or what you eat (bread, butter, etc.)

 

New Guy, I'm totally with you on the US tipping and appreciate your passion. I'm one of those who always tips 20% + unless the server has completely messed up because I know how hard they work for so little. $2.13 an hour is what they get in my neck of the woods, and no, it's not anywhere near a living wage. . .You're correct, too, about the lack of basic benefits- they don't even get sick days!

 

Thanks also for the port info- the port threads are pretty quiet in these areas and this info helps a lot. Some close friends of ours spent their honeymoon on Madeira and have advised for us to rent a car, so we can see the entire island. We may or may not do that as neither of us are wild about driving.

 

We're going to spend three days pre-cruise in Barcelona and will try to ease into the European hours of eating while we acclimate to the time change. I do remember getting caught hungry between lunch and dinner in Italy when everything was closed. What can I say? Travel is a learning experience!

 

I will try to find an overnight Moroccan excursion independently, as the ship price is something like $500 each- ouch! Thanks again for all the info.

 

Rockwife;

 

Have you had any success in finding an independent overnight excursion? I thought I saw somewhere that for Visa purposes the NCL excursion was the only overnight option allowed.

 

P.