We booked this cruise years ago because of Ukraine and the Black Sea, understandably, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria was dropped, but we hoped for the best at Greek Isles.

Our group spent 2-3 extra days at Athens prior to boarding, and started off with an extensive 2-day land tour with with no less than an archeologist, MariaElena Christopoulou. Daughter made all arrangements for tours and drivers for seamless vacation. We are a group of 12 persons, with 2 units of 2-bedroom Villas at Haven, each apartment had a couple assigned to their own room with toilet and bath, the rest are RNs either retired or on vacay. Our check in came a bit of surprise because our US passports were taken, no clear explanation why guest services are “safekeeping” our passports.

The Athens porters took all our luggages, unfortunately, one carry-on by a new cruiser was stolen or “lost” and NCL manager was not very helpful at all. Needless to say, the entire week was marked with stress trying to get medications to our group who lost her luggage, and essentials. Cash of $500 was in there too. I personally saw the Athens porter carried her bag, swiftly put it on top of other luggages. NCL concierge denied any liability. Next day, I demanded for our US passports as we are not comfortable traveling, leaving the ship without out passports. What if we get left behind at Turkey? The Haven concierge Julia finally came back with explanation that it was a legal country reqt, not NCL. I still have to verify that. Read more