Costa Magica vs Norwegian Jade

[Reesesinmiami]

Planning a last minute vacation to the Greek isles leaving from Venice. Never having been on either of these lines. Which do you all recommend.

 

The Magica goes from Venice to Bari, Santorini, Athens, Corfu, Dubroknik and back to Venice.

 

The Jade goes from Venice to Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Olympia and back to Venice.

 

Thoughts on the ships, itiniraries, anything else?

[lambs2]

I have cruised on both ships. Both are beautiful vessels. The Jade has relly special memories for me, so that may color my opinion. Both itineraries are excellent. Venice is a magical city and starting a cruise there is a not-to-be-missed event and ending in Venice is super special too. be sure and spend at least one night in Venice before or after your cruise!!

 

Costa ships have traditional dining plus one or two alternative pay restaurants. NCL ships have freestyle dining, so no assigned seatings or times and a good variety of options to choose from - some included in your fare and others at an extra surcharge. English is definitely the preferred language on the Jade, but announcements will be in a number of languages on the Magica - and the predominant language will almost certainly, NOT be English.

 

Both itineraries are excellent. The Costa Magica includes one more port but then - assuming both cruises are the same length - you have an extra sea day on the Jade, which I like, and the Jade includes Mykonos and Olympia. Then again, the Magica includes Athens which I consider a MUST see on a Greek Isles cruise as well as stops in Bari, Italy and Dubrovnik, Crotia! A very port intensive cruise. The Jade itinerary is not quite as ambitious.

 

Good luck making a tough decision! Both cruises sound great to me!!

[Reesesinmiami]

Thanks for the input. Doesn't make it easier but I appreciate you taking the time to respond.