Spent 2 nights in Venice prior to boarding the ship at Casa San't Andrea, to my delight on Saturday morning when I opened the bedroom window I could see the Jade waiting for me. Boarding time was from noon so we had a last walk around Venice, it was a national holiday and very crowded. We used the people mover to get to the ship, for 1 euro 30 its ok but beware it does not take you right up to the ship. We checked in fairly quickly but had a long wait to be called to board, something I have never experience on a cruise with NCL before.

We very fortunate to have UDP and UBP so after having a celebratory glass of bubbly went to finalise our speciality dining options. This was a mess, there was a queue and we were sent up to the Blue Lagoon to register, the wait was even longer there. Sailing out of Venice was special, enhanced by some very nice opera music. We dined at Le Bistro, unfortunately our steaks were mixed up, I was given my husbands rare and he had my medium!

The next afternoon we arrived in Dubrovnik, we walked to the old town and then round the old city walls. It was busy but well worth it for the amazing views. Dined at Cagneys for the rest of the cruise, every night the food was very good. Sometimes the service was slow but didn't mind as it was worth the wait. Read more