We booked the cruise via the NCL website, and the further assistance for the process from the European representative via the phone was also very helpful and polite (thanks, Galina.) After arriving Venice airport early in the morning we took a taxi to the port (recommended). We left the baggage there and returned only in the afternoon after sightseeing a bit in town. A tip: do not take a taxi to Piazzale Roma (from where you can start the stroll around the lagoons), it is much cheaper and handy to take the people mover.

Embarkation was very swift and friendly stewards escorted us first to the concierge lounge to take some snacks and drinks, and then to our suite. The suite was fine, clean and with lots of storage place, plus 4 flat screen TVs, 2 DVD players, Lavazza coffee machine, minibar and a gorgeous bathroom... Though its location was right under the fitness centre, and sometimes we really "enjoyed" a heavier than usual runner practicing his/her last miles above our heads, all in all it was not so disturbing. For a more quiet suite the starboard aft side is more recommended (under the library and the card room). Carlos, our concierge, was amazing, he was on top of the job during the whole cruise! Our butler, Teresa and the cabin steward, Felix, were also very nice and friendly and arranged everything we asked for.

I should not forget to mention the particular attention that all Jade staff paid towards hygiene and cleanliness - not only the cabins were cleaned properly and thoroughly, but also the public places and entry into the ship and the restaurants could only happen after passing the smiling washy-washy crew member ensuring that your hands are clean. Read more