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50 Shades of Jade Trilogy: My Big Fat 8/3/13 Sailing

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50 Shades of Jade: My Big Fat 8/13 Sailing

 

 

Prologue:

 

Three months ago my sister asked if she could throw me a giant barn party with a theme in my honor. Everyone would come including family, friends, and colleagues as the baby of a family of thirteen having a 50th birthday is a big event. Even so, a barn filled with black streamers and black balloons as loved ones laugh as I open presents consisting of Poise Pads was not my idea of a good time. Although I could use them...I responded I was not going to be around. She could still throw a family barn party but the theme would have to be "Where in the world is Coka?"

 

Part 1: Venice

 

Two sisters joined me and we flew direct from Montreal to Venice. Instead of sleeping on the plane ride, we talked. We discussed all the ways Rick Steeve's travel guide told us how we could be robbed and fooled while overseas. One sister (Balkan Soul), a now retired Army Colonel, brushed up on her "Do not even think about robbing us" tough stance and stern look while tersely proclaiming "Nay! Nay!" We also surmised the crazy port scenarios in how to get from point A to point B due to one sister (Sam) being in a wheelchair. We made the mistake of booking the trip first and asking questions later. I practiced fake sobbing "help us, help us, we do not know what to do and she can not walk...." in both Italian and Greek translation. Sam, the third sister, decided to use the wheelchair vulnerability to her advantage and save us all from any sort of thievery. Since she sits waist level to the human race, she decided she would pickpocket the pickpocket...

 

We arrived three days prior to embarkation and stayed on the mainland at the Hilton Garden Inn located in nearby Mestre, Italy mid way between Marco Polo airport and the cruise terminal. The Hilton Garden Inn is modern with large rooms that are wheelchair accessible. This includes the hotel entrance, the bathrooms, the pool area, and rooms with roll in showers. We learned to be cautious of Venetian hotels that tout accessibility. Although possible, there was no way we wanted to stay inside Venice.

 

Some hotels are indeed accessible, but one must walk over land bridges with stairs in order to get there. Other accessible hotels had water taxis that stop at them yet one had to plan in advance and hire a special water taxi that can take one wheelchair. All I know is that the ones we researched appeared to still be a challenge once we saw them in person. We were extremely happy to have stayed on the mainland nearby! Our package included free breakfast and we did not mind the hotel restaurant for dinner at night. We did mind being told three of us could not stay in a room with two queen beds due to "Italian law" and therefore had to get a second room...

 

From the hotel entrance we could take public bus #5 or #19 to Piazzale Roma which is the main entrance to Venice (and to the cruise terminal) for a few Euro each. These buses could handle a folding wheelchair well as the driver could make the bus drop towards the ground. We took a land taxi back to hotel for about 35-40 Euro total. We had to because although the bus stops on the return trip, the only way to cross the street is to go up a long flight of stairs then cross over the two double lane roads via walking bridge. An elevator lift was there on both sides of roads but they are out of order...similar to the lifts that no longer work alongside the accessible Venetian bridges as saltwater eroded their functionality within a few years after installation. At least they tried!

 

We explored Venice as much as we wanted for two days...we purchased a twelve hour public transportation pass for 18 Euro each. This included public bus and public water taxis called the vaporetto. If it had ACTV written on them, then a wheelchair could get on it. The first day we must have traveled the Grand Canal about five times. "Let's get on this boat and see where it takes us" was the theme of the day. This decision came shortly after me taking Sam over a bridge with stairs...twice. Thank goodness I brought along a spa product that sat on my dresser many years prior...Elemis Muscle Ease Body Oil...it finally got some use on this trip.

 

The hotel manager hooked us up the second day with private taxi to Piazzale Roma, private water taxi that could accommodate a wheelchair (the three of us were the only passengers), with a drop off at a glass blowing factory in Murano. The hook is the hope that we purchase something there. We planned to go there anyway so we accepted the tour for free and saw many other smaller canals the big water taxis could not use. We watched glass blowing in a thousand degree fahrenheit factory. Afterwards, we could peruse the store. The store was huge and had stairways roped off where only a few could go.

 

Balkan Soul went upstairs and was gone a long time. I left Sam to rescue her but it was too late. She already had her eye set on a one of kind glasswork from the family's private collection and she was being offered local wine. In the end, she purchased the cherished Murano glass rooster with a slight flaw that could be fixed wholesale...But not until we ensured the salesman (a.k.a. the owner's son) threw in a necklace/earring set for me, two sets for her step daughters, a glass horse for Sam, the entire bottle of local wine unopened for us to take back to the hotel, and a private accessible water taxi ride back to Piazzale Roma...

 

We also visited Burano which was very quiet, serene, and picturesque. Off the beaten path, we could walk around very easily. Balkan Soul FINALLy found her local olive oil product to bring home to her Italian mother-in-law. For days, nobody in Italy knew what olive oil was....until we found it and saw that it was Oliva Olea. Sam found a carnival mask for her daughter and a t shirt for her friend. I found that my heart would not be broken if I never set foot in Venice or in a vaporetto ever again...Well, in August that is!

 

************************************************************

 

Part Two: The Jade

 

On 8/3 embarkation day, critics might report the process was long and not good. The ship itself was far from the luggage drop off point and from where passengers checked in. It appeared strange because passengers either could take a shuttle bus or walk a ways to get on the ship after checking in to the terminal so far away. For special needs passengers, Norwegian had employees ready to assist and they had a special wheelchair accessible van to get us to the ship. All workers were gracious and helpful in answering where do we go questions even though printed signs pointing to the Jade were in full view. I was so happy we did not have to walk or to take an overcrowded vaporetto to get to Jade!

 

Our stateroom was an accessible mini-suite 11650 located on the port side of Jade's stern. The square footage is similar to the stern penthouse suites. Although this trip was the most ever paid for a mini-suite, I thought the value of its stern location and close proximity to the Great Outdoors was perfect. Since three adults were in the room, I knew mini-suites had the long couches that pulled out into a queen bed. This cabin had a closet with the pull down bar, a roll in shower with attachable seat, a bathroom mirror that adjusts down, long counter shelves with open space beneath, a ramp to the balcony, automatic open/close buttons for the balcony door, and pull chords in case of emergency all set up for special needs passengers. Having stayed with my sister in other handicapped cabins, this particular one was set up extremely well. There was plenty of space for all three of us. Our balcony had a full lounge chair, two reclining chairs, and a small round table. We all laid claims to sections of the room and there was still plenty of space left over.

 

Balkan Soul and I purchased the spa pass. The Jade's price is 119 per person or 199 per couple. We could not talk Sam into getting one even though we offered to assist her. Instead, her shipboard respite was enjoying the cabin solitude, the balcony view, watching movies, ordering room service, and sleeping in. The spa came in very handy for balkan soul and me. We used it every day and enjoyed the dry sauna room with the view, the steam room, the ice plunge, the tropical shower, the ice shower, the hot tub, the therapy pool, the heated tiled loungers, the cushioned loungers, the cold drinking water, the orange juice, the hot teas, the Elemis body lotion, and bathrobes. Whenever we went, there was hardly anyone there with exception to two other sisters who were doing exactly as us...thinking opposite the masses! We often went when we thought the rest of the ship was either eating breakfast, out on the islands, or eating dinner. The spa pass was therapeutic and the forward view showed us where we were going instead of where we had been. We had the best of both worlds!

 

Having booked through an online agency during a promotion, we received 425 onboard credit dollars. Norwegian was also having a dash sale at the time that included 85 onboard credit dollars, dinner for two at the Italian restaurant (never used), dinner for two at Cagney's steakhouse (never used), along with wine and chocolate covered strawberries. It all ended up on my account so I was glad I brought enough cash to give sisters their share. I found out I could transfer the OBC to their accounts but it had to be in certain increments such as 50 or 100. It just seemed easier to make it even myself as the share was 170 each. We did eat at Le Bistro using my platinum rewards and we ordered extra off the menu.

 

Most of the other times we just ate when we were hungry. We never made a reservation other than Le Bistro and we were totally okay going to a different venue if one was full during the moment we wanted to eat. Do not think your platinum status will get you in any faster like it used to years ago! If dining at a certain time at a certain place is important, then call ahead. If not, then go with the flow and know your options. One night we went to the mid ship dining room and waited a bit in line. I suggested my sisters look at the menu first prior to continuing the wait. They returned and said there was too much meat on the menu for them and they laughed at the beef stroganoff option. Beef stroganoff! OMG, I love Norwegian's beef stroganoff recipe but my sisters happiness was most important to me at the time.

 

So they went to smoking lounge while I walked upstairs to see if we could get into the Asian restaurant. We could, but at 9:15 or 9:30pm. I love Norwegian's Asian restaurant! My mouth waters thinking about the lettuce wrapped meat appetizers...But 9:15 was too late for them and my sisters happiness was more important. So off we went to the buffet where nobody goes at night time. We walk in to almost empty tables and sitting right there at the meat station was the a giant hunk of prime rib that just came out of the oven. I do not know what they ate from the buffet. All I know is that I had prime rib for appetizer, prime rib for entree, and prime rib for dessert! Thoroughly enjoyed at the Great Outdoors Cafe tables located outside under the big canopy protected from the wind. I was in heaven and it was worth the wait! Dining out there is peaceful, quiet, near a bar, and it only takes a minute to get it yourself.

 

We won dinner with not just one officer but two! We put our cabin number in the lottery (sign up with guest services desk the first or second day). Not sure if it is rigged, if nobody ever signs up, or if we are just really lucky. We won ourselves the Chief Engineer and the Executive Housekeeper. My question of them was if they too put their names in a drawing to win a dinner with us. One of my sisters, whom I have dragged to one such event in the past (she would rather poke her eye out with a pen), said this particular dinner was very enjoyable, very engaging, and these two officers made her feel most at ease. We saw them at other events or out and about the ship throughout the week and it was a treat to know them.

 

Another meal I thoroughly enjoyed onboard was the German Fest held on the first sea day. Held in the great outdoors cafe, they had all the fixings just like my mother in law used to make. They also had German beer offerings but the Jade stepped it up even further. Instead of having German background music, they brought out the orchestra as well.

 

The Jade orchestra is special in my view. Not only did they play the music for the big shows, but sometimes they were the show! They set up in the atrium during some nights and we enjoyed the New Orleans tribute. The conductor, aka the piano player, is quite the showman and very entertaining. Each of the musicians were unique and fabulous in their own way. They drew a crowd and kept the audience engaged. I do not think I ever commented on a ship orchestra in any of my reviews but these guys are worth checking out! They played extremely well together.

 

Okay, so you all do not call me a cheerleader, I am going to tell you that the Blue Lagoon chicken wings sucked! What? How can this be? Norwegian is famous for its Blue Lagoon chicken wings! I know, I know, but on this sailing they were the tiniest things I ever ate and they did not taste like chicken! LOL! I ate all them anyways along with the one sliver of carrot that accompanied them. Afterwards, I flossed my teeth with the remaining bones.

 

The soft ice cream machine was the best ever though! In 90 plus degree weather, the ice cream stayed firm instead of melting away to liquid water as I remember it in the past on other ships. This machine had vanilla, chocolate, and mixed. They also had sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, and waffle shavings to sprinkle on them. Cones, spoons, and bowls were right there as well so I appreciated the ease of getting this dessert. I saw many at the crepe station nearby during the evening hours as well. Other favorites of mine include bread pudding with vanilla sauce. Oh...the soft ice cream area also had chocolate sauce and caramel sauce too.

 

My sisters and I declared prior to this trip that we were not going to buy any clothes to dress up every day, we were not going to gorge on big dinners every evening, and we were not going to stay out partying until 3 am every morning. We did manage to take in some early shows and my three favorites were Showdown, Elements, and 4ever. We liked the Jade dancers/singers and Showdown included audience participation. We thought the back up singer Kat should have won! She and the other back up singers made the show a hit in our eyes but the main singers entertained as well.

 

Elements incorporated the dancers, the magician, the Polish acrobatic duo, and had great sound effects along with stimulating visuals. Stay in your seats for a special farewell as Norwegian does something else very cool after the show. We only went to one of 4ever's shows (four guys singing similar to Il Divo) and they incorporated Sinatra, Michael Buble, Queen (yes, queen, the rock group), with an Italian opera flare. I cried when they sang Il Divo's "mama" song as we lost our own mama this past February 14...I had never heard this song before and the lyrics rang so true as we miss her. We discovered we each brought something of hers on this trip...her favorite pajamas, her favorite silk robe, and a cross she always carried in her purse...although gone from earth, she still finds ways to let us know she is with us, so it is more happy than sad. She even managed to send us a symbolic sign in an "orb" found in one of the pictures we took of a sunset.

 

I liked the onboard DJ's music as he played a variety while not concentrating on a particular theme for too long. This kept the dancers engaged and the dance floor was full the times I danced in Spinnaker's Lounge. The white hot party was how I remembered them years ago so the new glow party has not found its way to the Jade yet. Happy about that, the decorations for this party were really good and it was great to see the blinking drinks, the dancers on the tables, flashing lights, and passengers of all ages dancing for hours on end. The dance floor never thinned out for us so we created our own near the bar in the back. Others joined us along the way and we left them in charge at about 1am when we retired to bed.

 

I gambled in three different venues throughout the week. The first was twenty dollar krackit tickets prior to a show. I won four dollars. The second was playing the 50 Lions slot machine in the casino. It was my birthday night, I had turned fifty, and I am a Leo with a twenty year old lion tattoo on my back shoulder. I figured I would take fifty dollars and win big by betting the maximum due to all the karma. The only connection was that the money all disappeared in 5.0 minutes. But I had fun anyways and noted the Jade casino is the prettiest of the Norwegian casinos in my opinion. The third venue was Bingo on the last sea day. Twenty dollars bought three games with three cards each. I was the first to stand for having only one left for coverall. Everything else but B4 was called and someone else won. I had fun anyways and was glad I did not purchase the higher priced packages. For a full room of people playing, the first game paid out 118 Dollars, the second game paid out 138 dollars, and the coverall paid out around 758 dollars. If not for the coverall pay out, I would have declared Bingo to be pretty lame. Can anyone explain why the first and second game payouts are so low when so many are playing?

 

A few days we enjoyed the pool area but again thought opposite the masses. We hung out there from around 2-5 or from 3-6 and it was not too difficult to find a lounger. Peak times would have been difficult but not during port days. There were so many other things going on each day and night but I only wrote about what we did.

 

(Coming Soon...Part Three: Greek islands)

I will come back soon and write about what we did on the Greek islands. If you have any questions in the meantime, I will do my best to answer them. If you were on this sailing (cruisecritic Umpy, if you are reading this, it was nice to meet you and your wife), feel free to write your thoughts here too if you like!

 

Ciao for now,

coka

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coka,

Who was the Chief Engineer you won? I have a friend from the Pearl who is one of the Chief Engineers on The Jade- Mirko Laptalo.

I have another young friend on The Jade from Panama as the Assistant Cruise Director was name is Rodrigo.

 

Sounds like you had a wonderful adventure.

 

Mandy

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Thank you for the kind replies everyone. I felt like such a newbie on this cruise and it was great to see things for the first time ever. WWIII, the CE was Juran and the EH was Orlando.

 

*************

 

 

Part Three: the Greek Islands

 

I told everyone back home if I met a Greek Tycoon who wanted to show me the world via his yacht, then they would not need to water my plants. They could instead have them. Someone told us if we saw one Greek island that we would have seen them all. This is farthest from the truth! I found all four islands to be unique and interesting in their own way. I sure hope you do not ask me for pictures...but there are two cruise critics who influenced my decision to take this trip: Tiggerman and Cubechick. In addition to a wonderful review, they take beautiful photos!

 

Corfu:

 

We loved it! Green, mountainous, and full of really old olive trees! We set up a private tour with http://www.corfutaxitours.com as recommended by another cruise critic. Their email communications were timely, they customized the tour based on our needs, and we paid (cash only) upon completion of the tour. The car was very nice and our driver, Van, was exceptional! We booked for five hours at 45 Euro per hour. On a side note, this particular Greek itinerary does not have ship tours that can accommodate a paraplegic. We knew this ahead of time and therefore went on our own.

 

Van met us at the ship terminal in Corfu. Norwegian had a shuttle bus we could get onto from the ship to the terminal and that was nice. We totally could have walked it once we were dropped off and we ended walking back to the ship when the day was over. We first went to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and we drove about 40 minutes to get there. The monastery was very beautiful, peaceful, and spiritual. The views from some of the vistas were amazing. Sam could not get into the monastery due to the stairs but Van took her up a hill to see the gorgeous views. I lit a candle in the chapel for loved ones passed and for the living who could benefit from a little extra support. I bought a small olive wood plaque whittled by the monks who lived there. As we drove all around the rest of Corfu, I wondered if the monks made all the plaques in all the locations as they were all the same thing. I gave the plaque away.

 

We mostly wanted to see the landscape and to see how the locals lived. Van took us to places high in the mountains and to places low on the sea. Not in the ways that Mr. Grey did Anastasia, but enough to shout out exclamations of pure joy to the beauty of the scenery. My favorite stop was in Makrades where I found all sorts of olive soaps and olive creams (day, night, eye) hand made by the Makri family. Four generations of women assisted me in finding the right skin cream for us. Such things become important when you are fifty or over. After years of searching for expensive products to get rid of the bags beneath my eyes, who knew that success would be found in a 2 Euro bottle of hand pressed sweet almond oil? I can not wait to crack open the jar of natural face lifting cream...

 

Of our entire trip, Corfu is where Balkan Soul wants to return for holiday.

 

Santorini:

 

Our first words upon viewing our sail into Santorini were "What on earth were they thinking?" House upon house atop cliffs of volcanic rock. An interesting sight to see, we knew it would be more interesting from atop those cliffs. This island was the one we definitely knew Sam would only see from the ship and she was totally okay with that. She is sort of like Zorba The Greek and is the happiest person I know on this planet. We told Sam upon our return that Santorini was "Sort of Meh, Okay...Kind of Dirty in Places...Hot and Crowded...Long Bus Ride...Did Not Miss Much. "

 

That was a lie. I selected the Greek Style Fiesta Tour through Norwegian because lately I have been getting urges to smash plates. My older sisters say I only need to worry when I actually do. So I figured for 159 dollars, I could get that aggression out and be done with it. Everything else about this tour was a bonus!

 

Everyone met in the Jade stardust theater and assigned bus numbers as we left the ship. The staff gal was well organized, clear with her directions, and ensured all knew what to do. A beautiful boat picked us all up from the ship and took us to a nearby section of the island. One can sit outside upstairs or sit inside downstairs on very comfortable pleather cushioned seats. I was first impressed by the luxurious appearance of this Greek tender. I was next impressed by the very comfortable air conditioned bus that had bottled water available to us. Each bus had a tour guide and not once did it get crowded as some took different routes to places.

 

I thought I got my money's worth once the bus zigged and zagged its way to the volcanic cliff top. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and kept us organized when we all stopped to take pictures from a vista. The local winery was amazing too. Somehow I envisioned a thousand degree grape factory to see wine created. Better than that, the winery was atop a hill with another gorgeous vista. Tables and chairs were set up overlooking the sea. Tables full of sweet, red, and white wine filled glasses were for our consumption. Tables of olives, cheeses, tomatoes, breads, and cracker plates were abundant. We could stand, sit, or walk around the area to take awesome pictures of the moment. A rooftop covered most of the open view which provided shade as the Adriatic breeze assisted in our happiness.

 

Our bus took the back way to Oia where we could see the other side of the island closer to sea level. Oia is beautiful too and it has a lot of shopping opportunities. If you are elderly, know that there were lots of stairs our guide took us up in order to get to certain lookout vistas. The views looked just like the pictures Tiggerman took. I think we got about 1.5 or so hour free time in Oia before heading out to dinner. Huh? I thought the olives and cheese was our dinner!

 

The restaurant for the traditional Greek cuisine is called Lolos located on Kamari Beach Road. The four busloads all met here at the same time (although we did not travel together the entire time). The restaurant had long tables with each bus number assigned to them. Balkan Soul and I sat with a group with of women from the United States and I sat next to one who was interested in smashing plates too. Not only did we have the same goal, but we had the same career path.

 

The buffet dinner of traditional Greek fixings was absolutely delicious. The indoor/outdoor setting was beautiful as were the huge karafes of red and white wine per each four diners. A band of musicians played Greek music and the hired dancers showed us traditional dance techniques that told stories. The dancers did a great job at getting most of us to partake in the festivity. It was nice to burn off the calories and get little aerobic exercise in. The elders who owned the joint sat near the bar in approval of their employees work and with their diner's delight. The gal next to me thought she was supposed to smash the plate she dined from until the grandfather stopped her. Good thing, because I too was ready to throw mine. Case after case, sets of plaster plates were distributed and we were taught how to gently throw them upward so they did not injure the dancer who danced around the flying plates and broken pieces. Now there is one in every crowd...one who takes it a bit too far...and was definitely smashing plates in true aggression. It wasalmost uncomfortable. He would pick up broken pieces and smash them some more. Ironically, it was the type of person that the other gal and I work with on a daily basis! I totally forgave him...

 

The entire tour lasts a long time and know that the bus will drop you off in Fira and your guide walks the group up a big hill to get to the road that leads to the cable car. There are stairs that lead to the cable car and the cable car has stairs as well in order to get into them. As we walked to the cable car, the sun had set and I was envious of the people who did not have to catch a cruise ship. The shopping here looked great and the restaurants all along the top looked romantic. Now that I have seen a large part of Santorini, if I ever went back on a cruise again, I would just hang out at the top of Fira.

 

Coming up: a continuation of part three... Mykonos and Katakolon

 

Ciao for now,

 

coka

 

 

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Mykonos and Katakolon

 

Sam said she had the entire Jade almost to herself in Santorini. Well, her , the employees who asked where her bodyguards were, and the non English speaking passenger who tried to hit on her.

 

In Mykonos, we saw the dock and parking lot. I suppose we were not meant to visit the party island, the beach filled island, the Ibiza of Greece. The Greek gods of Delos were not with us that day and neither were the tycoons in their yachts nearby. The Jade docked and provided a non accessible shuttle bus into town. Even if we tendered, it was so windy that I doubt Sam would have wanted to take one.

 

For most the of the morning we sat out on our large balcony sipping mimosas. I woke up my sisters announcing I was finally fifty and served them. They were very good along with the chocolate croissants found only one deck above at the great outdoors. We spotted a lone taxi cab and realized he was parked at a taxi stand. We could do that so we got dressed and headed out. Although I wore sundresses most of the time, this day was a Capri day...it was sooooo windy.

 

Once outside, a small ship and three passenger/automobile ferries arrived in port. A serene setting suddenly turned extremely crowded and very busy with traffic. About 50 people were in line for the now vacant taxi spot. We know not how they made it to their destinations, but cabs were not prevalent here. I remember reading about this issue on cruise critic and we decided not to wait to take one into town because what would it be like trying to find one back to the ship.

 

So we admired the town from afar. We admired the little beach nearby that people walked up and down a big hill to get to get to. We admired a little tavern outside the port area and decided not to find out if there was a ramp or lift to get in. Earlier, I had debated to go to Delos and walk the avenue of the lions but once seeing how windy it was outside, it seemed even less appropriate to leave Sam a second day in a row. I wondered if the tour or ferry to Delos was even going to happen. Umpy answered that question in his review of Spirit/jade trip. From my prior research, I read Paradise beach is a fun one and St. John's Beach Resort is a good deal for a day's outing. We finished our terminal outing by admiring our balcony from below and that ended up being our best option. So we returned to Jade and finished with our mimosas.

 

Katakolon:

Van from Corfu had a friend in Katakolon who offered to take us to Olympia for a few hours for 120 Euro total. We thought it too much and we planned to just catch a cab to see what happens. Taxis were available in this port and we agreed to a few hours in Olympia for 60 Euro. There were four drivers available but once they saw we were disabled (or American), none wanted to take us. We could see the embarrassment from the gal who oversaw the taxi arrangement and it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what was going on although we know not the Greek language. So we thanked her for trying and moved along.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed this port area! Only three streets, we liked the stores. I almost purchased a fur coat and I almost purchased a leather backpack. We decided this port is the place to buy the olives, the oils, the creams, lotions, and potions. The deals were much better here. We also enjoyed the first street walkway where the restaurants and bars are located. My plants back home were almost going to be given away as I almost was going to stay and live in Greece with a restaurant owner' s son.

 

The restaurant, Karousos, is at the far end from the port and it was the most busy. When out of town, we tend to select the busy spots figuring others know something more than we do. Bonos, the owner, was the host and his prices were very reasonable. I marveled at the four giant swordfish hanging fresh in the refrigerator. I also liked the 2 Euro local beer titled Alpha. We also enjoyed the the true flavor of ouzo as it turns milky when poured over crushed ice. And we enjoyed the appetizers. Karousos appeared the most successful of the range of options and I seriously considered marrying Bonos' son. He was a very hard worker as he waited on the tables. The deciding factor for me was although he owned a boat from which to catch those swordfish, it was not the size I had envisioned. Besides, there was no berth for Mr. coka.

 

At the end of the three streets is a few local museums that Balkan Soul and Sam went into. I walked further and found a local beach where locals and passengers hung out at. Not sure the name, but from my prior research I learned that in Agios, five minutes from port is Andreas Beach which is rocky and has some stairs. A 25 minute ride from the port is Kourouta or Courouta beach that looked flat and had restaurants overlooking the beaches. Pyrgos is a town that was another option. Of course, you can always book something through the ship.

 

I do want to mention that although flat, there were times Sam had to wheel in the streets as the sidewalks are narrow and when filled with people, was not always easy to navigate. Since I had extra money in my pocket due to not touring Mykonos or Katakolon, I bought gifts for Mr Coka...olive face cream, olive after shave balm, and olive foot cream.

 

Overall, we enjoyed the four ports of call. We are pretty easygoing and as you can tell by now, we are not big planners. For this trip, Corfu was the most important to the three of us. Everything else was a go with the flow and see what happens. If you are considering this trip as a once in a lifetime vacation, then I do suggest planning each port ahead of time. At the other extreme, someone mentioned on cruise critic that the four ports can be also enjoyed without ever getting off the ship due to the shear beauty and this is true as well.

 

If you have any questions about the four ports I will do my best to answer them. I will come back with closing thoughts which include our vacation heroes. I have to recharge my iPad at my next "port" stop. For although I traveled half way across the world to get on a ship to see a Santorini sunset, it still does not beat the ones I see over the Adirondack Mountains from my "yacht" on Lake Champlain!

 

Ciao for now,

 

coka

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Loma, I have not seen the movie but just read about the plot. I think this happened to me while visiting Balkan Soul one time in Macedonia...!!! I do remember sitting nearby Bonos to see if he promised his son to other passerby tourists! Hahaha

 

Confused123, Yes. Norwegian had a complimentary shuttle into town. The buses were large air conditioned ones. They ran them all day and the freestyle daily said when the last one back would be. There was no charge.

 

Cubechick, I swear I thought you took this trip already! Hey, I'm fifty and forgetful, lol

 

coka

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Loma, I have not seen the movie but just read about the plot. I think this happened to me while visiting Balkan Soul one time in Macedonia...!!! I do remember sitting nearby Bonos to see if he promised his son to other passerby tourists! Hahaha

 

Confused123, Yes. Norwegian had a complimentary shuttle into town. The buses were large air conditioned ones. They ran them all day and the freestyle daily said when the last one back would be. There was no charge.

 

Cubechick, I swear I thought you took this trip already! Hey, I'm fifty and forgetful, lol

 

coka

 

LOL I'm not too far behind you! My next cruise is the Norway, Faroe Islands cruise (next month) if you're interested! It's only a once a year cruise...so I don't know how many folks will be interested in my report!

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Norwegianprincess

Norwegianprincess

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Cubechick, I hope you have a wonderful cruise to my beautiful country :) Don't get shocked of the steep Norwegian prices - we who live here are used to it :eek:

Coka, I have read several of your reviews earlier, it's always a delight to read, and you make me laugh :)

I cruised on the Jade in June 2012, and will cruise on her again this october, from Venice to Rome. It is a lovely ship, my favourite place is The great outdoors. (A lot of lovely food there :rolleyes:)

Santorini is a wonderful island. I stayed there for a whole week back in 1978, with very few tourists, and then again in 2004. I hope to be back some day.

 

Kirsti

Norway

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HokiePoq

HokiePoq

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LOL I'm not too far behind you! My next cruise is the Norway, Faroe Islands cruise (next month) if you're interested! It's only a once a year cruise...so I don't know how many folks will be interested in my report!

 

I will be really interested! Be sure to write a review as well as post here so we can be sure not to miss it. I was just telling DH before I got online that the September cruise is on my bucket list. Have a wonderful cruise!

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Cubechick

Cubechick

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I will be really interested! Be sure to write a review as well as post here so we can be sure not to miss it. I was just telling DH before I got online that the September cruise is on my bucket list. Have a wonderful cruise!

 

I'll definitely be blogging from the ship!

 

I'm sure I'll write a review...I won't be able to help myself. ;)

 

It just won't generate the interest the Breakaway did, LOL.

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