Norwegian Jade Review
Well fed and comfy bed in the Eastern Med!
Rating by category
Additional details
We were first-timers and chose Norwegian on the advice of a friend who is an experienced cruiser. He and another friend also travelled with us. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff/crew were all very attentive and helpful, the food was extremely varied and plentiful but sometimes not hot enough and service was slow on occasions. We purchased the drinks package and were pleased to have done so as drinks were very expensive (Remy Martin $16.95!).
The ship was comfortable apart from the loo cubicle in the stateroom which was too small. They provided wheelchair assistance, a chair to use in the shower and a memory foam topper, FOC, as I had recently damaged my spine - that was most appreciated. We didn't have the chance to experience the on-board entertainment but did use the pool, one of the jacuzzis and the health spa.
The ports where we went ashore were mostly lovely, particularly Venice and Dubrovnik and our friends loved Split and all the other ports which we couldn't visit. Santorini was the biggest disappointment as there were steps and long queues at the cable car which made it too painful an experience for me as we couldn't explore further from the top of the cliffs.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Balcony
Comfortable, a bit cramped, good position on the ship.
Port Reviews
Venice
The Canareggio district was lovely and less frequented. Too crowded around St Marks' Square. Vaporetta trips good value. Get on the right side of the ship and you have a good. view of Venice including the Bridge of Sighs.
Santorini
Went ashore independently but the steps up to and queuing for the cable car were too taxing so didn't visit on the second opportunity. Only managed to see it at the top of the cliffs but friends reported it was very nice further on.
Katakolon (Olympia)
Went ashore independently and walked halfway along the Main Street which was crowded and spoilt by vendors exhorting people to enter their shops so turned back. Discovered from friends that the shoreline is much nicer and enjoyable. One to visit in the future.
Dubrovnik
I visited independently and pleased I did. It was a beautiful walled city with quaint alleyways, and friendly people who did not push their wares. Beautifully clean and no graffiti. Must visit again.
Athens (Piraeus)
We arranged for an independent limo for a four-hour air-conditioned drive (George's Taxis) around the sights. Didn't climb up to the Parthenon but got a decent view from the second floor of the new museum, The driver, Takis, was brilliant, knew all the short cuts and was extremely knowledgeable with a good command of the English language. Graffiti scrawled everywhere spoils the buildings, although the monuments have been spared. Still worth another visit when I can walk more easily.
Split
Friends reported back that the old town was even more lovely than Dubrovnik so a definite must visit in the future. The little train outside the dock gates took them right to the highest point all for just $10!