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We have done both and found it much easier to embark & disembark in Rome as there are fewer people doing this route. However, it also felt as if we joined mid-cruise (which I suppose we did) with no sail-away party or formal introduction as you get when departing from Barcelona.

From experience I can tell you, NCL will refuse to board you without the letter of consent. I have cruised with my son many, many times and have been asked for it twice.

I honestly feel for you and your parents. I'm sure you've contacted their Travel Insurance co by now. I do hope they are covered as I know for a fact our standard insurance do not cover anyone over 75...

The NCL call centre will be able to assist further once they open. My suggestion is that they re-book a shorter cruise to make up some of the time with perhaps some additional nights in LA/San Diego and Miami Area. I haven't checked options, but an NCL cruise could come from the cruise fare paid. Refunds might take some time and you/they would have to pay any alternatives. It might be easier if NCL could deal with your parents directly - the time difference complicates things even more!

Nothing will ever substitute a Panama Canal cruise - I have done it with my mother. However, the situation is what it is and you need to make the most of it. Good Luck.

Black Forest, I'm normally not very keen on ships excursions as a lot of time is wasted waiting for others...However, this is one port where I would recommend the excursion - you will get to SEE a lot more, just not sure how much you will get to experience... Our main aim was to see the Twin Towers, which we did & the transfer was sufficient for that. If you want to see more of the city I would recommend the excursion. Have fun & enjoy your cruise!

I decided to answer my own question for future references: Star Cruises had a 6.5hrs excursion to various sights in KL, or a selections of "Transfers" to 4 different places of interest. We opted for the Shopping Galore transfer which was basically a transfer between the ship and the main shopping area in KL - our bus ride into the city was less than 1hr, but the return trip took nearly 2hrs!! We were indeed releaved that we decided not to take the train/taxi option. Once in KL we hopped in a taxi to Petronas Towers where we took pictures and did a bit of shopping in the centre before returning to the drop-off / pick-up point. Once back there we had only 45min before our return trip. The time allowed in KL is really not enough to see much of the city.

Thank you so much for the link. This was the kind of information I was looking for. Lots to think about before we decide on a plan of action!

Thanks for your input. I'm still hoping for feedback from somebody who's taken the train...

Thank you Chez. I have looked into the excursion option, but it is 11hrs and I think will be too much for my mother. We were thinking of taking the train to KL Sentral, from there with the HOP-ON bus around the city with a few stops. We're not really into shopping centres, but a visit to the Petronas Towers is a must for us. I'm hoping to do this within 6 hrs. Holding thumbs that somebody who has taken the train will respond:).

We will be on Superstar Virgo during December with Port Klang as a stop (14h00-24h00). Would we be able to visit Kuala Lumpur without taking an excursion?? We have travelled the world but not Asia as much. My research shows that there is a train service between the 2 cities, but how easy is it to get from the port to the station? What is the duration of the ride? Would it be easier/cheaper to just take a taxi to KL? We are a party of 4 - the youngest 11 and oldest 74! Any input & ideas are welcome!