NCL Jade 26th July from Southampton anyone?

by **Mrs Johnson** on Sat Jun 06, 2009 19:10 pm

We've just booked 14 days away on the NCL Jade leaving Southampton on Sunday 26th July 09 - would love to hear from anyone going on the same cruise. Also anyone who can tell me what the ship is like. We've cruised a few times before (Thomson, Royal Caribbean) but never from Southampton before.

by **HW tenpin** on Sat Jun 06, 2009 19:53 pm

Hi Mrs Johnson,#

NCL is a very casual line with plenty of dining choices, little bit on the loud side on some cruises, but should be okay this side of the pond.

Sailing from S'hampton is the best, no luggage restrictions three of four suitcases is ok, parking is by valet normally, then your car is moved close to the terminal on your return. As you leave terminal look to your left and the return car park is accross the road. If travelling by coach go to your right.

If you have a choice then 2pm is the best time to arrive for quickest check-in.

If you are traveling far and want to overnight, the Holiday Inn Express is right by the terminal.

Overall think Thomson but more up market with the on board facilities.

Have a great cruise.

by **lau4a** on Sat Jun 06, 2009 20:23 pm

Hi we are going on the same cruise as you, never cruised before so dont have a clue what to expect...any advice would be appreciated :)

by **HW tenpin** on Sat Jun 06, 2009 20:33 pm

Hi Lau4u,

With cruising you will either love it or hate it, as I said NCL is very casual, with plenty of places to eat. Mainly thse ships are for a younger crowd than normal teens to mid fifties, unlike other ships which are 35 to old.

Based on freedom cruises offer a reasonable standard of cabin, though slightly on the small side.

Click on the blue link below that will take you into the cruise forum, plenty of tips about cruising in there.

by **Mrs Johnson** on Sun Jun 07, 2009 13:31 pm

Hi HW Tenpin

Thanks for the info regarding Southampton. We're intending to stay over the night before as we live "up north" so the Holiday Inn sounds a good bet. We are in latter category age wise (but not Old!) but we loved Royal Caribbean and sailed in August last year so we are used to noise.....it was very lively but good fun.

Would you know what the balcony cabins are like and if there is any room on the balcony for chairs/table? I know some balconys can be on the small side. Also is it OK to smoke out there? My hubby is hoping he can.

Hi Lau4u

Thanks for replying - it's good to hear from someone who's on the cruise as well. If the cruise is anything like our last one, you'll have a wonderful time. On our first cruise we were completely blown away with it all, once we got our bearings we were fine. Most cruise ships produce a daily list of activities so it's worth studying what's going on and where.

7 weeks to go!!!!

J

by **HW tenpin** on Sun Jun 07, 2009 16:07 pm

Hi Mrs Johnson,

Every balcony supports at least two chairs and a small table, as of last year smoking was still allowed on the balcony and indeed in the cabin, (though they did ask you not to if possible)

Other smoking areas around the ship are well posted, and there was still one smoking bar as well as the Casino Bar.

www.HolidayInn.co.uk

just click on Southampton for rate, we have used this and found it okay,check out can be up to 2pm by arrangement. Other options can be found by googling S'hapton hotels. City centre is about 10 mins away from terminal.

by **Mrs Johnson** on Sun Jun 07, 2009 17:51 pm

Hi HW tenpin

Thanks for the info re the balcony, as long as hubby is happy I will be too!!!

I note you live in Hampshire so the journey to Southampton must be relatively easy. We live in Cleveland so we have a long journey down to the port, still as it's our first holiday sans children for 26 years we shall be like teenagers and enjoying every minute.

J