|
We have just returned from our 1st cruise on the Norwegian Jade. Having read much about her before hand we were a little apprehensive. We arrived in Venice and although we had not booked transfers to the ship were allowed to join the other travellers on the NCL coach for $30 each. Had I done more research before we travelled I could have saved us some money and gone by public transport. Our fault.
The embarkation was very smooth and we were settled on board by 11.30 that morning. We were greeted by a very professional welcome party.
On board, the Jade was beautiful. She gleamed,and the famous glass flowered ceiling and decor was not as awful as I thought it would be,having read so much about.In fact we actually liked it.
Meals on board were generally good and we didn't feel the need to use the speciality dining options.
Breakfast in the Garden Cafe we a little hectic at times and in reflection we would use the MDR instead.
The Blue Lagoon was a lovely place to visit last thing for those with the munchies and to listen to the solo singer who played every evening in the Atrium. He was really talented and had his audience spell bound.
We really enjoyed the live entertainment each evening in the Stardust Theatre and were surprised by the standard of the acts.
We had two sea days during our cruise and felt there could have been a little more content during the day to keep us entertained that didn't involve trying to sell us something. The live music in the pool area was far to loud and should be changed to soft back round music to create a more relaxed feeling around that pool/sun bathing area's.
We enrolled with the Cruise Critic Roll Call a few months before we sailed and joined a small group of people who booked an independent tour of Ephesus. The was a great success and saved us a small fortune, We also made some new friends and enjoyed a few group gathering for cocktails during the sea days.
Overall our first cruise was a great success and we will be re-booking with NCL again.
NCL promote this as Freestyle cruising and that is what it is. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere very much and this is all we were looking for in a holiday.
We spoke to many people on board during the week and whilst it didn't appeal to all the people we spoke to,we really enjoyed the whole experience.
|
