theplaz

Update on this:  After making this post, I hadn't decided either way how to move forward.  I was still tempted but wanted to double check everything before booking anything.  I ended up focusing more time planning other stops like a packed day in Napes (Capri, Positano, Pompeii).

On May 2nd, NCL switched the itinerary to skip Corfu (the day after Mykonos - Sunday 9/1/24) and instead sub in OLYMPIA (KATAKOLON), GREECE.  They also extended the stay at Mykonos to 4pm.

I am happy with the swap.  I was struggling to find anything worth doing in Corfu.  I am looking forward to visiting the historic site of Olympia.  I am happy they are doing less sailing so they can leave 2 hours later from Mykonos.  Leaving at 4pm feels like so much more time than 2pm.  (Though I wish no stop left earlier than 6:30pm including Naples).

I am glad I didn't end up booking any non refundable flights and hotels. 

Today I booked a car in Mykonos (with delivery to the port) to be able to bounce around many stops on my own schedule - so should be able to do everything I want.

1 hour ago, Distinctive-Destinations said:

It sounds like a land-based trip is the practical solution here to me. Europe is remarkably easy to travel in, by land or sea. However as you may know, Greece does not have an international train system (only domestic), so you’d likely have to use buses or flights.

 

I’ve flown on Aegean before, and have no complaints. I believe there is an Athens to Rome flight. 

I do like the rest of the stops and the itinerary overall.  I appreciate the transportation between stops while sleeping.

I just don't like leaving Mykonos at 2pm.  I could see 4pm or ideally 6pm.  But I guess it's a long sail to Corfu.

I called NCL and they said they do not have a way to request this.  I could ask on the ship or just miss the ship - but the supervisor implied they might not let me back on at the next port.  I get the sense they don't really want to be bothered.

I'm still thinking what I should do - I just really don't like the 2pm departure.  My biggest gripe with cruise ships is not enough time in ports.

Hello,

I am booked on the NCL Epic in August 2024.

Looking at the schedule, I see that the ship is only in Mykonos for a very short time.

Aug 27 Depart Rome Civitavecchia, Italy

1. Sat Aug 31 Mykonos, Greece 7am to 2pm
2. Sun Sept 1 Corfu, Greece Noon to 7pm
3. Sept 6 Arrive Rome Civitavecchia, Italy

I found a flight for approx $100 from Mykonos to Corfu 8:45pm to 11pm.

Could I skip one night in the middle of the cruise and rejoin the ship the next day?  I would leave the bulk of my luggage onboard and only take a small backpack.

Both ports are within Greece. The entire cruise is within Schengen countries I believe.  I am a US / EU Dual Citizen.  Both ship segments would be international Italy > Greece and Greece > Italy.

I understand that if the ship does not stop in Mykonos my flights are worthless and this is my loss.  If so I would just stay on the ship.

Should I tell NCL in advance? Is this likely to be approved?