Norwegian Jade Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,044 reviews

Mahalo Norwegian Jade

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Jade
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CruzinFamilyof5
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Fitness & Recreation
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Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2008
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony
Traveled with children

We chose NCL because of the substantial military & union discount. We got 2 cabins for 5 people across from each other, 1 balcony and 1 sideways cabin for $8800, near midship, deck 9 ($750 was fuel surcharge that was not refunded). We booked in April for a December cruise saving close to $3000 compared to the popular online travel agencies for the same cabins. In September (prior to final payment), the price dropped by $1200 with an upgrade in cabin category to BB and JJ and deck 9, so we cancelled and re-booked with the same travel agency. The savings ended up paying for our airfare on Swiss Air. We went with Swiss Air because of the extensive travel entertainment for kids. Each person has their own monitor with games, movies, etc.

Pre-cruise: We arrived at the airport BCN and discovered that a family of 5 needed 2 minivans at 25 Euros each, so we took the Renfe train from the airport. Within the airport, you take the escalators up to the train station. They had a 10 ticket pass for 7.50 Euros, so each way was 3.25 Euros for 5 people. Our apartment was at the final stop at Estacio de Franca which was also on the same street as the Port. Since hotels required 2 rooms for 5 people, we opted for renting an apartment near Las Ramblas through VRBO.com at 125 Euros nightly rate. The apartment was on the 2nd floor, but it was 3 flights of stairs as the ground floor doesn't count.

Barcelona has several options for sightseeing. If you plan on doing a few days, you may consider purchasing a 2,3,4 or 5 day Barcelona Card which allows free travel on public transport, train to airport, discounts and free offers on museums, theatres, etc. We did the 2 day Barcelona Bus Turistic for 26 Euros each. With the same ticket, you get an audio guide system in 10 languages, you can visit 44 stops on 3 routes. At La Sagrada Familia, don't be put off by the long wait to take the elevator to the top. If you pass this elevator and visit the ground area, you'll get to a 2nd elevator towards the exit with no line.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Cabin BA

Starboard balcony 9118 was a good location in almost all ports, near elevators at both ends of buffet on 12th floor and the kid's club. Our 2nd cabin, 9121, was a sideways cabin which appeared larger. You can have the bathroom or closet doors open without interfering with the cabin door.

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