Spirit VS JAde 22 and 21 days respectively

[gardiner41]

We are deciding between 2 itineraries for our Grand Med adventure spring 2015.

 

21 Day east and west Med on Jade

 

22 Day Canary Island and Grand Med (east /west) on Spirit

 

HEre is a link to the 2 itineraries

 

http://www.ncl.com/vacations/compare?itinerary1=JADE21CIVLIVMCMTLNBCNVLCCAGPMONAPCIVKAKPIRKUSISTNAPCIV&itinerary2=JADE21CIVKAKPIRKUSISTNAPCIVLIVMCMTLNBCNVLCCAGPMONAPCIV&itinerary3=SPIRIT22BCNCASFNCSCTACEAGPBCNTLNLIVCIVNAPJMKISTKUSPIRVCE&sailmonths=4294936765+4294936762+4294925777&duration=8054&destinations=4294934557&cruise=1&cruiseTour=1&numberOfGuests=4294915774&pageSize=5&currentPage=2&sortBy=Featured&autoPopulate=f&from=resultPage

 

 

 

We would like comments regarding pros and cons (every ship has them) of each ship

and

 

On the Itineraries.

Are there any glaring omissions of must do ports on either Itinerary?

(we are going for culture, history and nature)

 

 

 

What type of clientele are on each ship?

Average Age Range?

More or less kids?

What is the overall vibe of the ship?

Entertainment? Both main shows and the ship wide music etc

 

Does Jade have a thermal spa? (I just looked at a pictoral review of Spirit and saw no Thermal spa.)

..all things being equal this would sway us the question is, are all things equal?

 

We REALLY liked the Jewel when we sailed on her in January and are booked on the Pearl for 3 weeks in December.

How similar is Jade? How different?

 

 

This is a big trip and one we will not likely do again. (never say never but there is still a lot of items on the "list" we need to cross off)

It has taken me months to narrow down which cruise line we will sail on and which itineraries.

Now that it is down to these two...I am hoping to have feedback on weather one really would be much different than the other.

 

 

We book cruises for ITINERARY first and ship Second. So if one of these itineraries is superior that would out weigh the ship pros and cons

 

I will be booking soon as we want double latitude points. This trip will get us to Platinum.

[Fishbait17]

I will tell you that the Jewel and Jade are almost identical (love the Jade). Haven't sailed the Spirit, so I can't help with that. Both itineraries look excellent. For nature, you might really enjoy the Canary Islands. Morocco used to be better, with two stops instead if one, allowing for an overnight in Marrakech, but now you get an extra stop in the Canaries, nice... Are the port time pretty similar? I also like the open ended itinerary, starting in Barcelona and ending in Venice, allowing you to explore both cities at either end... The Jade doesn't go to Venice at all - a beautiful city if you haven't been.. But then again, the Sprit does not visit Sicily, which I loved!

 

The Jade and the Jewel have the same general spa area, I think.. Don't know exactly how they differ, as I don't really do the spa..

 

Robin

Edited May 2, 2014 by Fishbait17

[herdingdogmom]

We have sailed the Canary Islands and the eastern med. itineraries on the Jade. Haven't been on the Spirit, but I know she is one of a kind and people love her. The Jade is in the Jewel class and is very similar to the Jewel, Pearl, Gem. The Jade does have the thermal suite at the front of the ship. We purchased spa passes for both cruises.

 

We like the Jade. The only slight negative is that it does still have some décor left over from when it was sailing the Hawaiian Islands as Pride of Hawaii. Didn't bother us.

 

Itineraries: Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Athens, Ephesus and Istanbul are rich in history and culture. We also really liked Madeira, but wouldn't return to the Canary islands, Malaga or Katakolon. Our port call to Casablanca cancelled due to unrest in Northern Africa in early 2011 so I can't comment on Morocco.

the overnight in Istanbul was terrific - there is so much to see there. It would be a shame to miss Venice on your grand trip, but maybe you could fly there from Rome for a day or two?

[gardiner41]

Thank you both for replying this is very helpful.

 

I have heard Venice is must stop from a couple of people..so that weighs heavily.

We love nature and have heard the Canary Islands are not to be missed for people who enjoy those kind of ports.

 

Good point about the extra time on either end of the cruise...never thought about that I was so focused on the ports. 2 extra days on either end to do a bit more exploring sounds perfect.

 

I looked at the Deck plans of both ships and it did not look like there was a thermal spa for Jade...that must be the "relaxation area" by the fitness centre? What all does it consist of?

 

 

Right now we are leaning toward the Spirit and the canary Islands plus grand med (East and West)

 

Would love to have some more feedback. It's very helpful.

[fragilek]

Without any doubt I would say Venice is a must see- However, the other cruise perhaps has other more interesting places on it including Istanbul. If you do not plan to be cruising the med again I would be tempted to do the 21 day cruise that ends in Rome then take the train to Venice for a few days (in fact you need a few days there as the most beautiful areas are not near st marks square but scattered on the circumference of Venice- the other Venetian islands are also worthy of a visit (can be done in a few hrs). I am not a big fan of Barcelona- but others are.

 

Just to add its was googling pictures of places mentions in some reviews of Istanbul that looked so fascinating we have changed our planned med RCI cruise to the ncl spirt cruise. I have never cruised ncl before but I think the Itinerary looks amazing.

Edited May 2, 2014 by fragilek

[gardiner41]

Without any doubt I would say Venice is a must see- However, the other cruise perhaps has other more interesting places on it including Istanbul. If you do not plan to be cruising the med again I would be tempted to do the 21 day cruise that ends in Rome then take the train to Venice for a few days (in fact you need a few days there as the most beautiful areas are not near st marks square but scattered on the circumference of Venice- the other Venetian islands are also worthy of a visit. I am not a big fan of Barcelona- but others are.

 

Thank you. Both itineraries have Istanbul. That was one of my requirements.

Which Ports do you think are more interesting..and why.

 

Can you give me more details about the Train?

Also the surrounding areas of Venice you would suggest?

 

I really appreciate everyone offering up opinions and suggestions, then we can take what suites us best and make a somewhat informed decision.

 

We are heading to Ireland in July and it took me a long time going through this same process to figure out how best to do it. In the end we decided on an extensive 15 Day escorted Tour of the entire country. Lots of included excursions plus lots of free time to explore on our own.

 

As I have researched the Med it seems cruising is the best way to cover the most ground.

We MAY get there again but if we do it will be a few years.

 

And one never knows what tomorrow holds so we always do every trip as if it will be the only time we will be there.

Then if we have the opportunity to go again...that's a bonus, if not, we saw what we wanted to see and experienced what we wanted to experience. :)

[fragilek]

Ok I have relooked - I did't use the link and just went in to site and didn't call up the 21 day cruise. Using the link I would say the 22 day one.

 

Venice has outlying islands around it and there are boats (bus boats) that go around venice and to the islands- you can get multi day passes. main other islands are Burano & Murano and the lido (beach resort area). Main areas of venice worth strolling about in that are away from the crowds are

Ponte dei Pugni, the bridge of fists, where a little vegetable barge was tied up next to the bridge on a narrow canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere

 

The Jewish quarter, Santa Maria area but just about anywhere is lovely- the further you walk from st marks the quieter and more authentic the area. The Rialto area and surrounding canals are also lovely- but I prefer them in evening when many of the visitors have left.

 

If you are starting in Barcelona- then Girona is worth a visit if you have time (but as In said I am not a fan of Barcelona)

[herdingdogmom]

I have heard Venice is must stop from a couple of people..so that weighs heavily.

 

I looked at the Deck plans of both ships and it did not look like there was a thermal spa for Jade...that must be the "relaxation area" by the fitness centre? What all does it consist of?

 

Sailing into Venice on a cruise ship is spectacular and one of my favorite travel experiences.

 

The Jade does have a thermal suite. It is part of the Mandara Spa and the co-ed section is labeled relaxation area on the deck plans

http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/jade/decks/2/12#tab_detail

It has heated tile loungers, a large hydrotherapy tub, then on the separate sides there are locker rooms, showers, steam and dry sauna, a hot tub and some comfy chairs with incredible viewsat the front of the ship.

 

With such a port intensive cruise, I don't know how much use you would get out of it though. We used it on sea days.

Edited May 2, 2014 by herdingdogmom

[gardiner41]

Ok I have relooked - I did't use the link and just went in to site and didn't call up the 21 day cruise. Using the link I would say the 22 day one.

 

Venice has outlying islands around it and there are boats (bus boats) that go around venice and to the islands- you can get multi day passes. main other islands are Burano & Murano and the lido (beach resort area). Main areas of venice worth strolling about in that are away from the crowds are

Ponte dei Pugni, the bridge of fists, where a little vegetable barge was tied up next to the bridge on a narrow canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere

 

The Jewish quarter, Santa Maria area but just about anywhere is lovely- the further you walk from st marks the quieter and more authentic the area. The Rialto area and surrounding canals are also lovely- but I prefer them in evening when many of the visitors have left.

 

If you are starting in Barcelona- then Girona is worth a visit if you have time (but as In said I am not a fan of Barcelona)

 

Excellent and very useful info! Thank you:D

 

I think we are pretty much decided on the Spirit and 22 days plus maybe a day or 2 extra on either end.

Though that itinerary does have an overnight in Venice at the end included.

 

Thank you for very thoughtful responses everyone!

 

Now to wait a couple of weeks and see if NCL or one of our preferred travel agents is going to offer any booking perks. As long as I book by the summer we will get our double latitude points. Which is key for this cruise, so we can reach Plat on this trip.

 

If anyone has any more suggestions for the best way to make the most of this trip please comment. Those insider tips can make a good holiday a fantastic holiday.

[gardiner41]

Sailing into Venice on a cruise ship is spectacular and one of my favorite travel experiences.

 

The Jade does have a thermal suite. It is part of the Mandara Spa and the co-ed section is labeled relaxation area on the deck plans

http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/jade/decks/2/12#tab_detail

It has heated tile loungers, a large hydrotherapy tub, then on the separate sides there are locker rooms, showers, steam and dry sauna, a hot tub and some comfy chairs with incredible viewsat the front of the ship.

 

With such a port intensive cruise, I don't know how much use you would get out of it though. We used it on sea days.

 

Thank you for clarifying :) I have heard Venice as a port is spectacular from several people. This seals it for us. 22 Day on the SPirit. Canary Islands and Venice as well as greek Islands and Istanbul.

 

I am a little eoverwhelmed thinking about all the research I need to do and planning for the ports, but with all the great info in the port threads and detailed reviews I am sure it will come together when I start really focusing on it.

[gardiner41]

We have decided on the 22 Day Spirit Itinerary for April-May 2015

 

Any more tips on must not miss excursions/activities for this itinerary

Canaray Islands, East and West Med. with an overnight in Venice at the end.

[AF-1]

Congrats on booking your cruise. You will have a great time. To clarify a few different posts to this thread. The Jade does go to Venice. My wife and I will be sailing Jade May 2015. We are on a 14 night B2B. We have sailed out of Venice before and plan on spending Two days prior to our cruise. It's a very walkable city and the food and scenery is great. Here are a few tips:

Malaga Spain. Home to Pablo Picaso. His family have a museum downtown

Barcelona:Has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe

Florence/Pisa:The bell tower in Pisa is so cool, Florence academy cathedral is a must. Lots of history there. And gelato.

Rome: they say you can't see Rome in a day. We saw Rome in ten hours and had private tours of Vatican and coliseum.

Naples: two choices here. Pompeii or almafi coast.

Mykonos: beautiful island. Everything is white and pastels

Ephesus: here is where religion comes in. The apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians here. Some of the New Testament was written here while Paul was there. He spend about three years here.

Istanbul: two words. Blue Mosque. Oh and the Grand Bazaar

Athens: acropolis/Parthenon

Venice: pizza, st. Marks square, Rialto bridge and shopping by bridge, pizza, academy of art, pizza, murano glass

Hope this helps.

[gardiner41]

Congrats on booking your cruise. You will have a great time. To clarify a few different posts to this thread. The Jade does go to Venice. My wife and I will be sailing Jade May 2015. We are on a 14 night B2B. We have sailed out of Venice before and plan on spending Two days prior to our cruise. It's a very walkable city and the food and scenery is great. Here are a few tips:

Malaga Spain. Home to Pablo Picaso. His family have a museum downtown

Barcelona:Has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe

Florence/Pisa:The bell tower in Pisa is so cool, Florence academy cathedral is a must. Lots of history there. And gelato.

Rome: they say you can't see Rome in a day. We saw Rome in ten hours and had private tours of Vatican and coliseum.

Naples: two choices here. Pompeii or almafi coast.

Mykonos: beautiful island. Everything is white and pastels

Ephesus: here is where religion comes in. The apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians here. Some of the New Testament was written here while Paul was there. He spend about three years here.

Istanbul: two words. Blue Mosque. Oh and the Grand Bazaar

Athens: acropolis/Parthenon

Venice: pizza, st. Marks square, Rialto bridge and shopping by bridge, pizza, academy of art, pizza, murano glass

Hope this helps.

 

This is very helpful thank you.

 

I think what folks were referring to was the Jade does not go to Venice for the Itinerary I was comparing with the 22 Day on the Spirit.

 

 

I appreciate you taking the time to mention things about each port.

What tours did you do in Rome and can you share the links please?

 

Thanks again :)

[milolii]

Hi there, we took the12 day Med cruise last year from Venice. Amazing trip. The options for tours was so confusing I developed a spreadsheet and table to sort it all out. I can send to you if you would like. I followed the roll calls from 2012 and picked up names and tours. Email me Miloliihalehonu@yahoo.com

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[AF-1]

We used a company called Romeinlimo in both Rome and Pisa/Florence. Their website is Romeinlimo. The meet you at port with a Mercedes minivan. They have cooler of bottled water, they will stop for bathroom breaks, ATM withdrawals. They buy tickets to the collisium, Vatican, and any other site that requires admission. They go with you at all The sites to make sure you get in and bypass all the lines. They will take you to lunch and souviner shopping. You will get back to ship 45- hour prior to sailing. It depends on traffic.

[gardiner41]

Thank you both for your responses.

I have sent an email for the spreadsheet. It will be very helpful for planning and keeping things straight!

 

I will look up the limo company. Sounds perfect.

[Sauer-kraut]

Try going to Herculaneum instead of Pomeii. This is a DYI on the train, very inexpensive and easy to do. Herc. has more villas and the mosaics and frescoes are still vibrant and beautiful. Also, there are fewer tourists that visit here so there are no hoardes of people. You will find it shadier here as well, and makes for an enjoyable visit. My mother, who was 80 when she visited here, was so thrilled with this place. It really stood out on their Med cruise.

[milolii]

Ok, I sent it to you. Enjoy

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[gardiner41]

Try going to Herculaneum instead of Pomeii. This is a DYI on the train, very inexpensive and easy to do. Herc. has more villas and the mosaics and frescoes are still vibrant and beautiful. Also, there are fewer tourists that visit here so there are no hoardes of people. You will find it shadier here as well, and makes for an enjoyable visit. My mother, who was 80 when she visited here, was so thrilled with this place. It really stood out on their Med cruise.

 

This sounds like exactly something we would enjoy.

Can you give details on the train and where to catch it, which one cost etc.

HAving never been to this area I know nothing and am just starting to gather all these types of details.

 

Thank you! :)

[gardiner41]

Ok, I sent it to you. Enjoy

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Received THANK YOU!!!!

 

I will look at it a little later and email any questions directly.

This will be a HUGE help for me I really appreciate it!

Angela

[Lucinarei]

Hi there, we took the12 day Med cruise last year from Venice. Amazing trip. The options for tours was so confusing I developed a spreadsheet and table to sort it all out. I can send to you if you would like.

 

I just emailed you as well- going on the Grand Med in July '15. I hope you don't mind. :)

[CanadaTraveller]

For the grand med on Spirit, we did the Vatican excursion to Rome. When the cruise ended in Venice, we spent a few days there, caught the high speed train to Rome, for more days of touring. It was a nice way to end the trip, wander the streets casually, and get a direct flight back to Canada. And, rooms are cheaper in Rome compared to Venice.

 

I remember reading that the best way to see Venice is to get lost in the narrow streets. We did this after dinner one night. It was incredible. It felt safe, with so much to discover, without the crowds. Every so often, you turn a corner, and come upon pubs and restaurants, have a drink, then back into the streets. It was one of my most vivid memories.

[Sauer-kraut]

This sounds like exactly something we would enjoy.

Can you give details on the train and where to catch it, which one cost etc.

HAving never been to this area I know nothing and am just starting to gather all these types of details.

 

Thank you! :)

 

This is why the PORTS OF CALL for EUROPE are so vital to peruse them. Here is all you could want to know about how to get to Herculaneum :D

The station is Ercolano Scavi you walk downhill about 1/2 mile from the station and you are there.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1618858&highlight=herculaneum

Edited May 4, 2014 by Sauer-kraut

[milolii]

I just emailed you as well- going on the Grand Med in July '15. I hope you don't mind. :)

 

Of course, happy to do it. Enjoy

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Cruisercl]

Of course, happy to do it. Enjoy

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

I am jumping on the bandwagon.............I just sent you an e-mail for your research spreadsheet. I also hope you don't mind. :)