How limited is the operation while at ports - Med cruise

[smilegirl07]

So I am getting on the Viva in about two weeks or so to do a very port intensive Med cruise.  The ship stops at ports literally everyday for 10 days and I am not planning to get off at all ports since I have 7 days pre cruise and 7 days after the cruise to roam around Europe, I want to relax and rest on the ship while it is less crowded.

 

But when I watched this one Youtube review they said while at ports, most of the places were shut down, not much to do and not many places to eat(to be fair, I think they were in the Caribbeans).

 

Could someone please share your experience who has done a recent NCL Med cruise that is very port intensive?  How limited is the operation when it comes to the pool, restaurants and bars and some of the attractions(like the speed go kart?, game areas, sports court, spas and gym, etc)

 

Thank you so much in advance!  Happy cruising, everyone! 😊

 

 

 

 

Edited July 18 by smilegirl07

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

My suggestion would be to see if someone who has done this cruise would post the Freestyle Dailies.   Otherwise find Freestyle Dailies for port days on other cruises that visit the ports you are interested in.

[drew69]

Pools, spas, sports areas all open.  Some bars open and some closed.  Buffet open and some other eateries.  Casino and shops closed.  A few activities - trivia, deck things, etc.

 

Also, work is done on port days so may see areas closed while being painted, etc.  Life boat drills, safety practices for crew, etc.

 

Particularly in the Med, the emphasis is more on the ports.

 

Also, depending on country, bar service may be limited.  For example, in Greek ports only those with drink package will be served liquor, they won't serve and ring up a drink to your account while docked in Greece.

[smilegirl07]

3 minutes ago, drew69 said:

Pools, spas, sports areas all open.  Some bars open and some closed.  Buffet open and some other eateries.  Casino and shops closed.  A few activities - trivia, deck things, etc.

 

Also, work is done on port days so may see areas closed while being painted, etc.  Life boat drills, safety practices for crew, etc.

 

Particularly in the Med, the emphasis is more on the ports.

 

Also, depending on country, bar service may be limited.  For example, in Greek ports only those with drink package will be served liquor, they won't serve and ring up a drink to your account while docked in Greece.

Good to know, thank you!

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, smilegirl07 said:

So I am getting on the Viva in about two weeks or so to do a very port intensive Med cruise.  The ship stops at ports literally everyday for 10 days and I am not planning to get off at all ports since I have 7 days pre cruise and 7 days after the cruise to roam around Europe, I want to relax and rest on the ship while it is less crowded.

 

But when I watched this one Youtube review they said while at ports, most of the places were shut down, not much to do and not many places to eat(to be fair, I think they were in the Caribbeans).

 

Could someone please share your experience who has done a recent NCL Med cruise that is very port intensive?  How limited is the operation when it comes to the pool, restaurants and bars and some of the attractions(like the speed go kart?, game areas, sports court, spas and gym, etc)

 

Thank you so much in advance!  Happy cruising, everyone! 😊

 

The cruise staff plans to have some activities for those who stay on the ship. 

 

Some bars are open (many closed)

 

Breakfast: Normally Surfside Cafe, The Local, Hudson, Indulge, Observation Lounge. 

 

Lunch: Normally Surfside, The Local, Indulge, OL

 

Pools, sundecks, hot tubs, spa, The Stadium, gym, spa all open

 

Go Karts and Galaxy Pavilion closed.

 

Shops and Casino can not open in port.  

 

[smilegirl07]

9 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

 

The cruise staff plans to have some activities for those who stay on the ship. 

 

Some bars are open (many closed)

 

Breakfast: Normally Surfside Cafe, The Local, Hudson, Indulge, Observation Lounge. 

 

Lunch: Normally Surfside, The Local, Indulge, OL

 

Pools, sundecks, hot tubs, spa, The Stadium, gym, spa all open

 

Go Karts and Galaxy Pavilion closed.

 

Shops and Casino can not open in port.  

 

Perfect!  Thank you!

[Erntrish4]

Just off the Escape med last week.  MDR options for breakfast and lunch will be limited.  Many bars are closed.  Fewer entertainment options before dinner.  Shops on board and casino always closed in port,  but plenty of options to relax indoors or out.  The spa usually runs specials on port days.  Also, don’t think the ship will be a ghost town.  The med is HOT in July and August….we saw many guests returning to ship long before all aboard time, particularly in smaller calls like Cannes, Corfu, Palma,Malta.

[smilegirl07]

4 hours ago, Erntrish4 said:

Just off the Escape med last week.  MDR options for breakfast and lunch will be limited.  Many bars are closed.  Fewer entertainment options before dinner.  Shops on board and casino always closed in port,  but plenty of options to relax indoors or out.  The spa usually runs specials on port days.  Also, don’t think the ship will be a ghost town.  The med is HOT in July and August….we saw many guests returning to ship long before all aboard time, particularly in smaller calls like Cannes, Corfu, Palma,Malta.

Good to know, thank you!  That is what I thought.  Hope you had a fantastic trip!

[Erntrish4]

Also…there were signs in multiple places on the ship about special VAT charges applicable to purchases (usually beverages) made while in port or territorial waters of Spain and France.  These charges do not apply to those on UBPs.

[schmoopie17]

1 hour ago, Erntrish4 said:

Also…there were signs in multiple places on the ship about special VAT charges applicable to purchases (usually beverages) made while in port or territorial waters of Spain and France.  These charges do not apply to those on UBPs.

I hope this is true. We had the beverage package (wouldn't cruise without it) and we paid taxes on all drinks in all four of our Spain ports in November, 2022.

 

Having said that, on our upcoming Med cruise we plan to stay on the ship in a couple of ports we have already been to, since this cruise has zero sea days. Hoping to have much of the ship to ourselves (to the extent that such a thing is possible) and that more than one bar is open, as well.

 

Edited July 19 by schmoopie17

[zqvol]

19 hours ago, smilegirl07 said:

So I am getting on the Viva in about two weeks or so to do a very port intensive Med cruise.  The ship stops at ports literally everyday for 10 days and I am not planning to get off at all ports since I have 7 days pre cruise and 7 days after the cruise to roam around Europe, I want to relax and rest on the ship while it is less crowded.

 

But when I watched this one Youtube review they said while at ports, most of the places were shut down, not much to do and not many places to eat(to be fair, I think they were in the Caribbeans).

 

Could someone please share your experience who has done a recent NCL Med cruise that is very port intensive?  How limited is the operation when it comes to the pool, restaurants and bars and some of the attractions(like the speed go kart?, game areas, sports court, spas and gym, etc)

 

Thank you so much in advance!  Happy cruising, everyone! 😊

 

 

 

 

I think if you were to look around and find some freestyle dailies (for any ship) you will get an idea of what goes on onboard on port days. 

[smilegirl07]

57 minutes ago, zqvol said:

I think if you were to look around and find some freestyle dailies (for any ship) you will get an idea of what goes on onboard on port days. 

Graet idea! 🙂 

[dilbertsdaddy]

On 7/18/2024 at 8:18 PM, drew69 said:

Pools, spas, sports areas all open.  Some bars open and some closed.  Buffet open and some other eateries.  Casino and shops closed.  A few activities - trivia, deck things, etc.

 

Also, work is done on port days so may see areas closed while being painted, etc.  Life boat drills, safety practices for crew, etc.

 

Particularly in the Med, the emphasis is more on the ports.

 

Also, depending on country, bar service may be limited.  For example, in Greek ports only those with drink package will be served liquor, they won't serve and ring up a drink to your account while docked in Greece.

 

Yikes!  I'm glad I found this out now rather than being surprised.

 

We did not get the free at sea drinks because my wife does not drink and it did not make sense for us, I plan to pay for my drinks with OBC.

 

First night we do not depart Athens until 10 PM, and the next night we do not depart Santorini until 10.  Every other night should be fine (last night Ravenna is 7 PM and I understand this also happens in Italy?)  Are croatia and montenegro ok?

 

I had not planned to take wine onboard since it makes no sense to pay $15 to drink a $20 bottle of wine, but now it looks like I better take two bottles with me for the first two nights.  What is the procedure, best way to handle?   Do I take it in my carry-on and how does the fee get charged? 

Edited July 20 by dilbertsdaddy