littlelulu01

hopefully some better contrast pics of Glacier bay. This is the bay in May, just prior to coming up on Marjorie Glacier. We were sitting on our balcony and started to see more ice chunks so we knew we were getting closer. Then it became more of an ice soup by the glacier itself.

Very much looking forward to your thoughts as Alaska is on my bucket list. Hopefully you can compare/contrast May vs. August and give your opinion as to which would be better for a one time trip to Alaska. Thanks!

I'll try but I loved both trips. Glacier bay more dramatic in May but the crazy amount of whale activity in August is hard to give up. There were whales in May but you really had to look and they were in the distance. In Aug they were flipping, bubble feeding and doing all their stuff right off the ship no matter what way you looked at the entrance/exit of the bay. Temps of course warmer in Aug but this may or may not be the case for you. The ship will be chilly while underway regardless. Otherwise the towns were not much difference. Skagaway was very windy in May and not in Aug. but again could just be the day.

Thank you so much for your review on Haven vs inside on the NCL Pearl. Our next trip to Alaska in 2015 or 2016 will be on the Pearl and look forward to more pictures from you.

 

We have sailed on the Jade a few times, and the last B2B was just in January 2014. We had a window and a balcony, but not too much different for us. During the 28 days, we have only spent 10 on the balcony, but did like to look out the window when in ports. Some recent cruise review on the Jade was critical, but don't let that scare you. The Jade do have the South Pacific theme in many of its public area, so you can pretend you are in the Hawaii or the South Pacific.

Thanks. We have an ocean view booked on the Jade 14nt. It's so port intensive that although I would love a balcony but can't justify the cost. It's already turning into the most expensive vacation in my life with an ocean view! There sure has been some bad reviews of the Jade lately. I was scared about the Pearl food after reading reviews but other than the breakfast crowds in the Garden Cafe the food and dining experience were just fine. I'm expecting the Jade to be just as good if not better due to being in Italy and access to much better foods than the US.

Here's a comparison of the Marjorie Glacier in May and Aug

I had intentions of posting a review after my last trip however got busy with life and forgot about Cruise Critic. Recently booked the Jade 14 night Mediterranean for 5/2/15 and I’m now back on Cruise Critic eagerly awaiting others’ trip reports. Thought I would post a review of our Alaska trip while I wait.

Husband and I sailed the Pearl in a two bedroom haven villa May 12, 2013. We had an excellent 5+ star vacation. My daughter was getting ready to leave for college and I wanted to do a mom/daughter trip prior to her leaving. We booked a guarantee inside cabin last min on the Pearl to Alaska Aug 18. I was very leery of the inside cabin and had concerns with claustrophobia but for the price I figured it was worth a try. For reference this was my 2nd sailing with NCL so I have no status to speak of. My daughter was happy to go on a cruise but not especially excited about Alaska. She was going along more for the cruise experience. She wanted to meet new people, dress up and participate in ship activities. I looked into another line… and was going to book HAL but as I debated on the purchase the HAL ship sold out and the only choice was sailing the Pearl. For me it would be the second time in one season on the same ship. I had not been on a cruise for several years prior to the May sailing my husband and I took. After two wonderful cruises on the Pearl I am leery of booking with another line so our next cruise in Europe will be on the Jade.

My daughter and I had a fabulous vacation and loved almost every minute of it. I of course would rather have sailed in the Haven but I actually may have enjoyed this vacation more than the Haven trip with husband. The Haven entailed more pampering, better food, balcony, bathroom to die for, and a relaxing and very romantic vacation. The extra benefits of having a concierge and butler were also nice and the Haven area was also missed. The inside cabin and vacation experience was more about the ship, activities, being on the go, meeting new friends, and spending time with my daughter. We took advantage of what the ship had to offer vs. what the Haven had to offer. In all honesty I did not miss the experience as much as I thought I would and felt like we were still pampered and taken good care of with the inside, lowest priced cabin. I did however miss the balcony and sitting out there in my own private space watching the ocean and sea life. Cost wise though the inside guarantee cabin was so much less than the Haven so the savings made up for the loss of the Haven and a balcony.

I'm going to try to post several pictures with this review as well so bear with me in this process. I'll also review what we did in each port.

Just wondering if the cruise lines would consider something like the back 20 percent of one side of the ship for smoking balconies? If 20% of Americans smoke and 27% of Europeans smoke then there are going to be smokers on any given ship. Perhaps they could charge extra for those cabins and then leave the end of non smoking section empty, so one vertical row empty. If people really wanted to smoke they would probably gladly pay the extra. The cruise line could even sell the buffer cabins at a discount for non smokers who care less if their neighbors lights up on their balcony. That way the ship sails full and the only area left to complain about is the casino.

If a smoking on the balconies ban is truly is about the comfort of the majority of the passengers then smoking would not be allowed indoors. A non smoking balcony rule but smoking ok in the casino public indoor space policy sounds to me like a rule that says you can drink and drive as long as it's only three miles from home.

Some people will go into a casino and the smoke won't bother them much. There are a few who are allergic to smoke and I understand their position, I am not one of them. I however can't be in an enclosed area with the eciggs. I find it hard to breathe around those things. Out in the open have at it and smoke wherever and whatever you want. Smoking out in the open is so much less offensive to me than an enclosed area indoors. Signed, kim in Washington state.... where it's legal to smoke weed but light up a cigeratte or puff an ecig and the angry mobs may just tear you to shreds.

Thank you for the wonderful review. What site did you use to upload your photos? They look uniform and are easy to view. Kim

Thanks so much for your help! We're planning to go in May -- getting ready to book.

I think you will love it. I would say anywhere on the ship except the front due to the wind. If you are not getting a haven room then really think about a spa pass. Nothing better then coming back to the ship after hiking all day to a nice hot tub and sauna. If you are getting a spa pass think about a room more forward To be closer to the spa. Our inside cabin was aft deck 10. A bit of a walk to opposite end of ship but still managed to use the spa once or twice each day. Feel free to ask any questions.

Lulu would you say port side then for the rest of the cruise? Not glacier bay specifically as I know the boat turns, but for actual ports and cruising? Thanks!!

I would say it does not matter that much. If going on the first or last sailing of the year you are cruising the inside passage by Vancouver which is incredible and excellent views on port side but I'm sure great on starboard too because land so very close.

The Pearl docked in different spots when we sailed her in aug vs May so no real way to tell which way they will have her docked in port. I guess overall I would pick port side but if there is an avail room starboard that you want I would grab it and know that you will have excellent scenery regardless. It's defin one of those trips you'll want to spend time outside to take in the views. Bring adequate clothing in case it is raining and chilly and that way the rain won't phase you at all. I was really surprised by all the people who did not have proper gear and were miserable, and were marveling at our stuff. We just had Arcteryx shells and then layered as needed under. Rain, wind etc did not phase us. Now when we went in aug I think it was hot and sunny for most of the trip but it can still get chilly when the ship is underway.

Can't wait to read the details. We are planning a 14nt May, 2015. After you checked into the ship did you walk to Venice?

FYI for those looking for bargain airfare, Norweigiwen Airlines is offering some low cost TA flights. They have checked baggage fees but they may save some $. They are currently booking thru March, 2015. Flights between London and Los Angeles operating twice a week, with prices starting at $340 each way. Flights between London and Fort Lauderdale operate twice a week and start at $306 each way. Three time weekly London-New York flights begin at $255 usd each way. Might be worth a look.

Whats the thermal suite package please

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It's a spa access package. I think it's $119 pp or $199 per couple and includes access to the spa facilities for the week. Treatments such as massages are extra. It's typically quiet, relaxing, excellent viewing, smells nice and is tranquil. Men's and women's separate areas and co-ed area in the middle. Thermal tile loungers, hot tubs, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms...Search youtube for video. They also give you a locker upon arrival. Spa shuts down last night of cruise at 8pm I think.

We made great use of it with our inside cabin. Only a certain amount of passes available for the week. We purchased ours just after boarding ship from a spa attendant who had a table set up outside. He put a sticker on our key card and we were valid for the week. I thought I also had to sign up at the spa so went up there. The attendants at the spa give you a, "tour" which is a prolonged sales pitch on all that can be done to make you younger and thinner, then afterward sell the passes. I went through this comical tour only at the end to be told I was already signed up and good to go. No sales pitches after the passes were purchased.

I love this idea, but have one question - are you worried about the luggage on the train? We have read where large luggage on a train can be a problem........ We read where there is not enough room on the train, etc.

Luggage on a train can be a real problem especially in the heat of the summer. The trains where you purchase an actual seat have more space available but even so it's not for travel with more than one bag because of navigating the stations. Our first trip we each brought one carry on roller bag and I was in tears running up and down stairs to get to the right platforms so as not to miss trains.

Next trip I purchased exact dimension backpacks that Ryanair would allow and they held up pretty good. We were able to get all our belongings in a backpack. Husband ended up purchasing shirts in airports etc and then throwing old ones away. Also had laundry done a few times.

Our trip next year we will have way too much luggage but only using the train from Florence to Vennice and purchasing the fast train so it will be hard to get to the wrong platform (fast trains look much different) and assigned seats so not the fighting for overhead storage. You see people all the time with tons of big luggage in the train station (all Americans). When the bin changes and you have to run for the next bin it can be a total melt down situation.

We will have three large checked luggage, daughters belongings from study abroad, and four of the largest size airline overhead bags. It will be precarious but I plan on hiring a station wagon taxi to get us from Florence to Florence train station, and then probably getting off train in the Vennice Mestre station and taking a taxi (35 euros) to port from there vs the main Vennice station and then people mover. When you call for a taxi you need to clairify that you need a bigger taxi. They will then send you a Mercedes station wagon vs. regular taxi which won't fit a bunch of people or luggage.

Are you taking about the Freestyle Sundeck on deck 15? And for Glacier Bay

if you had to choose one side would it be port or starboard side?

The public deck on deck 15 with not much traffic that I'm talking about is more mid ship, by the smoke stack. Port side of this deck is for Haven only, starboard is public and does not get much use. There are lounge chairs stacked on this deck, I'm sure when it's sunny and warm it gets more use.

Port or starboard for glacier bay? Depends on cat. booked. When we stayed in the Haven we were port and I guess I would have preferred starboard only because the private sundeck for Haven was directly above our room. Had we been starboard we could have just walked up to haven sundeck when the ship turned. It really is a negligible difference though. We ordered breakfast into the room, ate and watched the bay from our room then the port side was first viewing for glacier. There was a public deck below us and a group of people were fairly obnoxious below us. I could not hear the ranger talking over them. If you were on your balcony it would probably be less noisy if you had staterooms above and below you vs public deck. We were in 14512, so right above the public deck.

It really won't matter all that much though because the ship starts turning and continues to do so until it leaves the bay. When we stayed in 14512 port side the ship started to turn and we went to the front of the ship for more viewing. It was a little chilly and windy up there. Not sure what deck it was perhaps deck 15 forward? There were quite a few people up there and also a Plexiglas that you viewed through so probably not the best for pics but good panoramic viewing. Went to spinikers and rangers were selling stuff from parks department there. I think this is also where the ranger who spoke over loudspeaker was talking. Went aft by the garden café outdoor seating area and this was also a good viewing area. Walked up the stairs from aft outdoor eating area to area where sports court is and viewing from there seemed very good. Then went back to cabin to enjoy the relaxing from room and watching from balcony. We did not plant ourselves in any one area. Just walked around and were able to see some excellent calving/hear the groaning of the glacier. This was in May, 2013.

Went back in Aug, 2013 and the bay, while beautiful was very different than May. In May the bay was full of ice chunks, mountains snow covered and glacier calving very active and audible. In Aug the bay was free of ice and the glacier was not active the day we visited, which may have just been coincidence. On the plus side there were a lot more whales in the bay. As we were leaving the bay we were in the spa and saw bubble feeding. Some friends of ours were in the blue lagoon on deck 8 and saw a ton of fin slapping, breaching and all right along the side of the ship. There was so much action going on with the whales that I imagine no matter where you were viewing from you were treated to quite a show.

For our Aug trip we stayed in an inside cabin and found that deck seven was a good place to view. I think deck 7 is the only deck where you can walk outside around the entire ship so easy to move from one side to the other. I did not even know about deck 7 during our first trip in May. Deck 7 also had some park rangers who were excited to talk and explain what was going on.

Half of deck 15 above the Haven is the haven sun deck, I think haven deck is port side. The other half is public sun deck and not very crowded. You end up moving around because the ship moves around. Deck seven seems less crowded and rangers are around to talk to and explain things. A ranger also talks over the loudspeaker and has very interesting commentary. Another less crowded area can be the area where the bleachers are by the sports court but the nets can cause some obstruction. The rangers will be selling items in spinnaker lounge, I think cash only, not to be confused with the ncl generic alaska stuff for sale by the pool and also avail at any port for half the cost. We had the ranger give a very interesting slide show and speech in the theater too.

Our bill did not cost any extra. The last day it bounced back between Canada and USA. No roaming fees this day either on ship but I suppose one could incur fees depending on which tower you pick up. We did not have any sort of extra plan added. If we were out at sea and could not see land we did not make calls as I'm sure we would have been using the ship service. I think the phone displays network avail so pretty foolproof

We are in the same boat. From everything I read it looks like Europe cruises do sell at higher prices and the further ahead you book the less expensive. If you are a member of the big box warehouse co then you can search all cabin prices, obc etc. I ended up saving several hundred over what the other ta's and ncl wanted. I did not check with a ta on a package price because I used miles and also the study abroad student would only need one way airfare but a ta may be able to get you a better deal if you need to purchase airfare. I don't think it would hurt to check.

I ended up with the jade 14nt. Cost wise and port wise it worked out better for us and our flight choices.

You could always try to save on flights by booking to a less expensive major hub and then switch to low cost carrier like Ryanair within Europe but this can be costly if you need to transfer, make any flight changes or have luggage to check.

Good luck. I know it takes a ton of time to research but once you have the cruise picked out and deposits down it will be less hassle. Perhaps check with your student too. I had wanted to do a different cruise but after talking with daughter decided on the jade itinerary. She wanted to see new places and knew she would tour most of Northern Europe, Italy and Spain by the time we arrived, thus the jade itinerary. Btw, we opted out of balconies and currently have ocean view. I'm hoping price will drop and we can upgrade but ocean view was half that of balcony. I just could not justify spending that much more for balconies, especially considering cost of excursions, pre and post hotels and transfers. That and not knowing where our usd will be against the euro got me feeling just fine about the ocean views.

You will probably need at least two hotel rooms. You may want to look at vrbo for an apartment stay. Have not stayed in Venice or Barcelona but a few years ago rented an apartment for a couple weeks in Florence. Much less in cost because we could do laundry, go to the market and not have multiple hotel rooms. We had a fabulous three bedroom flat on the Arno river just across from ponte vecchico for less than half the cost of a hotel. Of course renting an apartment is a whole other research project. Trip advisor and vrbo are good places to look to get an idea. We used a broker but they were Tuscany specific. If really on the cheap, there are some convents that rent rooms but they have strict rules.

If you have rewards points for hotel chains such as marriott they can be very valuable in Europe. We've stayed in London on points and there is no tax on the rooms with rewards points which is a huge savings when talking about conversion rates to GPB or Euro. You have to book way ahead when using points. It's such a good deal that they don't allow many rooms to go for points only reservations.

We are planning on taking a day trip to Viareggio from Florence at the end of our vacation. Has anyone been there? How are the beaches? Sand or pebbles or large rocks? I understand we will need to "rent" space at one of the beaches to get loungers and umbrellas. Any suggestions for the best location with really good food? Thanks in advance!

I know everyone has their own opinions but I was not crazy about Viareggio. It has newer buildings and felt like some place usa to me. It was busy when I was there in June 2012. We drove from Lucca. Can't remember drive time but it was not a difficult drive. There was a large, newly built pier and restaurant at the end of the pier. Water was pretty crowded, so much so that we opted not to swim. If I remember correctly the access to the beach in much of the area is via the hotels and places where you change into a swimsuit and rent your chairs so I don't think we even walked on the beach.

Perhaps we were there on a very busy day but it just did not have the charm of other areas in Italy. I know it is a popular vacation spot. Perhaps you could google pics of the beach and area to get an idea of what it looks like. I think we just walked around and eventually found a place that looked good to eat and it was. Can't think of any place in Italy were the food was bad though. The worst thing I ate in Italy was better than the best I have eaten in the US.

We are a family of 6 planning our first Med cruise. We are debating between the 2 itineraries. Both cruises are on the Spirit. The only difference is that Kotor and Dubrovnik are added ports in the 14 day cruise. In terms of price difference, it will be $300 more per person. So that's an extra $1800 more than the 12 day. We have a split decision within the family. Some would rather spend the $1800 for extra days pre and post cruise. Any advice would help. About us - Middle age parents with 4 kids age range 13-22yrs.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Have you priced out airfare, hotel and airport transfers? That may make a big difference in costs. Also convenience factors pre/post cruise with the flights you need and your interest level in Venice vs. Barcelona.

I ended up booking the Jade 14nt over the other options and the big deciding factor for us was the airfare and connection times for flights I wanted. Nothing worse than terrible connections with flights post or pre cruise. Of course ports visited was also a deciding factor. Really wanted to sail on the Epic but the ports were not as interesting for us despite ease of access with flights and less expensive costs of the actual cruise.

That's certainly something to take into consideration before you make any changes. Make sure you ask the question FIRST! Sometimes they need to cancel your current booking and if they do you might lose everything or nothing, it depends.

 

We made changes to our next cruise and lost our extra latitudes points but we saved over $100/pp so we're ok with that. And we'll be platinum by the end of our next cruise anyway.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks.