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Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Norwegian Jade
On March 30, 2008, we set sail on the inaugural European cruise of NCL's newly refurbished Norwegian Jade from Barcelona, Spain. We traveled with another couple and met up with the new friends we had met online through Cruise Critic before leaving home. This was our first Mediterranean cruise and our first time in Europe.
The Jade began her life as NCL America's Pride of Hawaii in 2006. In February of 2008, NCL moved her to their parent company. After a short refurbishment in Los Angeles (where she was renamed), a Panama Canal cruise, a Trans-Atlantic sailing, and a major dry dock in Spain, she was ready to begin her new life as the Norwegian Jade. She originally was to sail in Europe for part of the year and the Caribbean for the rest. NCL later decided to keep her in Europe year-round sailing a variety of itineraries.
OUR ITINERARY
3/30 Barcelona, Spain
3/31 Cruise the Mediterranean Sea
4/01 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
4/02 Naples, Italy
4/03 Cruise the Adriatic Sea
4/04 Venice, Italy
4/05 Venice, Italy
4/06 Dubrovnik, Croatia
4/07 Cruise the Adriatic Sea
4/08 Athens, Greece
4/09 Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey
4/10 Istanbul, Turkey
4/11 Istanbul, Turkey
At 93,000 gross tons the Jade is the largest ship we have been aboard yet we were quickly able to find our way around. We found the public areas to be very well laid out. They include 12 restaurants, 10 lounges, 2 swimming pools, 1 kid's pool, 4 hot tubs, a 3-tiered theater, a newly added casino, a chapel, a large gym with an ocean view, and plenty of deck space. It is evident that some areas were made over during the dry dock, but the Hawaiian theme still abounds.
This was also the inaugural cruise for the overhaul that NCL has dubbed Freestyle 2.0. As members of Cruise Critic we had the privilege of meeting with ship and corporate execs about ideas of how to fine tune this concept. Some of the 2.0 features are; upgraded bedding and toiletries, a replenished fruit basket in each cabin, Wii systems on board, and some type of lobster item on the menu in at least one restaurant every evening.
We had the opportunity to enjoy both the Alizar and Grand Pacific main dining rooms, Le Bistro French restaurant, Teppanyaki, Paniolo Tapas and Salsa, Papa's Italian Kitchen, and the Blue Lagoon as well as the many action stations in the buffet. Although the food was not truly gourmet, we always found something to our liking and never went hungry!
The onboard entertainment ranged from the usual trivia games and bingo to more upscale evening offerings. A group from the Second City Comedy Troup of Chicago appeared several times throughout the cruise. Smokey Joe's Cafe was one of three new broadway style shows. The interactive play, Tony and Tina's Wedding, was performed as well.
Check out the video below to see just how great of a time we had aboard this ship. Make sure to have your speakers on! Stay tuned to our main travel blog for future postings to find out what we did in each port.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
All Inclusive Cruises
All inclusive cruises give the freedom to enjoy a cruise without the worry of ‘over spending‘. Many cruise companies offer all inclusive cruises, or give the opportunity to upgrade to all inclusive. The all inclusive price includes the flights, where applicable, from local or major airports and sea travel, hotel accommodation when an onshore overnight stay is part of the itinerary, all port charges and taxes. Unlimited drinks throughout the cruise includes selected wines, spirits, tea, coffee and soft drinks for children, although the spirits are not usually known brand names and surprisingly some all inclusive cruises do charge for bottled water!
One of the all inclusive aspects which is very appealing to some people is that the staff gratuities on board the ship are also included, this aspect of cruising often fills people with dread! When an all inclusive cruise is booked, a full list of the things which are and those that are not included will be provided. This type of cruise holiday has made cruising very affordable and a practical, cost effective way to discover different regions of the world for many people and families, as they only spending money required is for personal spending in the on-board duty free shops and casinos, any personal spending during time on-shore is not included within the price.
All inclusive cruises reduce the risks of theft and concerns people may have about carrying a lot of money with them. It is usual for a card to be issued during embarkation procedures, which is presented instead of payment on cruise ships which are not completely dedicated to all inclusive passengers. With all cruise liners having different styles of restaurants, bars and cafés all inclusive deals does not mean segregation!
The only difference in all inclusive cruises is the destinations and durations of the cruise may be slightly limited. With some of the smaller cruise companies, such as Hebridean International Cruises, their all inclusive deals also include escorted on-shore tours, any entrance fees featured in the itinerary and transport to and from the tour venue. Picnics and barbecues featured on the on-shore itineraries are also included. On selected ships the use of the gym, steam and relaxation rooms is included. Any snorkelling equipment needed or bicycle or fishing tackle use is also free.
Minor medical treatments and routine medical examinations by the on-board doctor makes these cruises truly inclusive. This cruise line also has an exclusive private terminal at London, Stansted airport which is separate from the main terminal, to make the start of their all inclusive cruise holidays relaxing from the beginning and use private flights during their summer programme and scheduled flights for the winter programme. Hebridean cruises use small vessels with a much reduced passenger capacity than usual cruise liners. The two ships in their fleet carry 98 and 49 passengers and the ratio of staff to passengers is almost one-to-one making these all inclusive cruises very unique and the ultimate in luxury cruising.Cruise 1st is a company based in the UK, dedicated to providing ideal vacation packages for your leisurely holiday needs such as all inclusive cruises for any family to enjoy.
By Rakesh Gaikwad
One of the all inclusive aspects which is very appealing to some people is that the staff gratuities on board the ship are also included, this aspect of cruising often fills people with dread! When an all inclusive cruise is booked, a full list of the things which are and those that are not included will be provided. This type of cruise holiday has made cruising very affordable and a practical, cost effective way to discover different regions of the world for many people and families, as they only spending money required is for personal spending in the on-board duty free shops and casinos, any personal spending during time on-shore is not included within the price.
All inclusive cruises reduce the risks of theft and concerns people may have about carrying a lot of money with them. It is usual for a card to be issued during embarkation procedures, which is presented instead of payment on cruise ships which are not completely dedicated to all inclusive passengers. With all cruise liners having different styles of restaurants, bars and cafés all inclusive deals does not mean segregation!
The only difference in all inclusive cruises is the destinations and durations of the cruise may be slightly limited. With some of the smaller cruise companies, such as Hebridean International Cruises, their all inclusive deals also include escorted on-shore tours, any entrance fees featured in the itinerary and transport to and from the tour venue. Picnics and barbecues featured on the on-shore itineraries are also included. On selected ships the use of the gym, steam and relaxation rooms is included. Any snorkelling equipment needed or bicycle or fishing tackle use is also free.
Minor medical treatments and routine medical examinations by the on-board doctor makes these cruises truly inclusive. This cruise line also has an exclusive private terminal at London, Stansted airport which is separate from the main terminal, to make the start of their all inclusive cruise holidays relaxing from the beginning and use private flights during their summer programme and scheduled flights for the winter programme. Hebridean cruises use small vessels with a much reduced passenger capacity than usual cruise liners. The two ships in their fleet carry 98 and 49 passengers and the ratio of staff to passengers is almost one-to-one making these all inclusive cruises very unique and the ultimate in luxury cruising.Cruise 1st is a company based in the UK, dedicated to providing ideal vacation packages for your leisurely holiday needs such as all inclusive cruises for any family to enjoy.
By Rakesh Gaikwad
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