ariellejesse

Thanks for the interesting and thorough review. I am considering Pullmantur for Athens/Dubai, either way, but am concerned about the free kids promotion. Of course, it is a boon for those with kids, but I wonder how such a long cruise with sea days would be for kids corralled on board. This cruise is on the Horizon in Nov. and March. Any thoughts?

I would like to try Pullmantur for this repositioning cruise, but I am hesitant because of the free for kids promotion. The length of the cruise and many sea days would make for a potentially boring time for children I would think. Any thoughts from those more experienced with Pullmantur? Thanks for the help.

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I have enjoyed reading the reviews for the MSC various cruises and am sure I would be pleased with the ambiance, etc. I would enjoy the opera entertainment and hope the powers do not entirely omit this part of the cultural experience. I will keep you in mind for further questions--thanks so much.

Thanks Moray,

I appreciate the responses. I have not booked yet--would be traveling solo since DH would not be coming. Any thoughts on the preferred cabin/service for this route? I am surely enjoying reading all the MSC reviews for the various ships and services available.

Thanks so much for your reply--very helpful.

I see that Lirica and Bellissima are repositioning through the Suez and the prices are reasonable without the high port/gov.tax charged by US lines. I do not find any recent reviews on Lirica and wonder what members think about the overall experience, food, day activities, etc. Bellissima will be coming later so no info yet, except the proposed itinerary. I would appreciate some thoughts. Thanks

Friends used a local tour company that had been recommended by other posters and were very pleased with a morning tour of Fatima and afternoon tour of Lisbon. The company is Tours For You, and their contact person was nuno.correia@toursfor you.pt. This was a few years back so check the net. The guide and driver were especially pleasant and considerate, helping with a wheelchair bound sister.

Norwegian Joy

JOY0822

JOY0910

JOY0920

JOY1106

JOY1123

JOY1225

I thought cruiseplum.com might be banned--good that it is not. It has some fabulous bargains, but not for me yet.

I am considering a solo trip with another cruise company which does not have studios or single cabins. Also there is a 100% supplement at this time. I know about the "plum" website that has great info, but none for this cruise. Any suggestions for solo discounts other than waiting and hoping for a last minute deal?

I can find no itinerary for the transit of Norwegian Joy to Asia. Surely they would not send it that distance empty--or would they? Norwegian agents say one must contact a Chinese agent or a NCL partner in Asia. Any names of reputable contacts?

Thanks for the informative and beautifully written review!

Splendor of the Seas' last sailing for RCCL begins April 4, 2016. I would hope there would be no change in service, maintenance, etc. Anyone with experience?

What company is doing resells on the World? It appears that Christie's is not at this time.

We cruised the Aranui 3 years ago. Although not super recent, I doubt the experience would be significantly different unless the owners segregated the Germans and French to separate cruising dates.

I found the atmosphere totally WWII mentality with pushing and shoving between the two groups in any group venue. This was not my idea of a carefree cruise. One might read the more than candid book account written by a former passenger that is given out ( why, I don't know) when booking. It is absolutely shocking and had we known the details we would never have booked the cruise. I no longer have this book, otherwise I would give the title, etc.

The standard cruises of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, etc. are infinitely better; beautiful beaches, good swimming--things lacking on the Marquesas cruise.