With the value of the US Dollar declining, we chose an Eastern Med cruise as a way to tour several interesting cities while keeping costs reasonable. We enjoy traveling independently throughout Europe but thought the idea of unpacking a suitcase only once in 12 days might be nice. This cruise aboard the Jade was selected primarily because of the itinerary. It was our second cruise and first aboard an NCL ship (first was a Baltic Cruise aboard the Star Princess in June 07). Our vacation began in April 2008 with an independently booked stay at a small hotel in the Sultanhamet Square area of Istanbul, where we stayed for four nights prior to the cruise. This provided ample time to visit the main historic and cultural sights including the Blue Mosque, Hayia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and more. Using local transportation & walking to the main sights was very easy, and to reach the ship we took a cab from the hotel to the dock for about 12 euros.

EMBARKATION & SHIP LAYOUT: With only one small suitcase each plus a carryon, embarkation was relatively smooth and took only 20 minutes from arrival at the port to our room. However, it seemed that some staff members were either new, untrained, or unorganized regarding embarkation procedures and general layout of the ship. There were several occasions on the first afternoon when we felt that no one seemed to be in charge and directing guests on how to find their assigned room, or providing information or directions to specific locations for activities. This lack of organization would later affect shore excursions as well.

Overall ship layout was ok, although not as good as the Star Princess. There were quiet areas and public areas such as the library (which we used frequently) where they offered tea & coffee, and books available for check-out. It was a nice space for reading & relaxing, but at times became very crowded with people and no chairs were available. There was a card/game room next door although we did not use this. There were two public atriums/music areas where you could listen to music, socialize, get a coffee or drink, chit-chat, and people watch in the afternoons (near the Bar City area & near the coffee bar/across from Shore Excursion desk). Other public rooms and bars became trivia rooms and lecture rooms on sea days. Read more