Miami Cruise port is the ports of embarkation for our Norwegian Jade Transatlantic cruise. A port in the past we have departed from and also arrived to. Sheer chaos both in arriving and departing, this time we were not disappointed, long lines taking over an hour to check in. At least you are rewarded in the view; it is in our opinion one of the prettiest ports to depart from. On our way from Miami Beach our cab passed the opposite the cruise port, with Norwegian Jewel docked, with Norwegian Jade behind, with a plain hull, and Majesty of the Seas also in port.

Even though we had to wait to check in we were still aboard by 12:30 and after depositing our hand luggage in our cabin we proceeded to the buffet for our lunch. As fairly regular NCL cruisers, we explored the ship, some parts were familiar with other ships, and some parts different. To people that has cruised NCL, it is a cross between Gem and Jewel. Naturally odd characteristics are different.

Muster drill passed by at 15:30 with the normal rush to see sail away at 16:00. Crowds had gathered on the outside decks, when the captain announced the ship will sail two hours late, the same announcement was made two hours later, we eventually left six hours late at 10pm. The ship was having a refit in Europe and crates of utensils were loaded onto the ship, then more came from the warehouse nearby. The captain informed us that the six hours were made up in the night. Looking at the bridge viewing room, the instruments showing the ships position indicated after the captain’s announcement that he had nine hours in reserve to arrive at the Azores in six days time. The refit includes removing 48 cabins on deck 6 to make a new casino, as gambling was banned in Hawaii. Replacing carpets throughout the ship. Painting the Hull. Renaming some Hawaii named restaurants and kids room. Extensive staff training is also planned for the lay over,

Six days at sea are always wonderful, crossing the Atlantic; you have times outside, and due to inclement weather conditions time inside. This time we ran into a force ten gale, with high winds and very rough seas. Ships like Norwegian Jade are fantastic for weather like this as they are fairly stable, with stabilizers doing a wonderful job. During lunch a rather big wave hit the side of the ship, it listed slightly and the ice buckets, which were on wheels ran amok with their contents falling all over the floor. Cruise Director immediately made an announcement for people to take care whilst moving around the ship. My forth Atlantic crossing, and the first time experiencing sea this rough. Naturally all outside doors were locked. As long as the ship is fairly stable it is an enjoyable experience.

After two days at sea the captain informs us that since Miami he had received news that the Jade was being kept in Europe till at least 2010 and a new itinerary will be announced in April. A mixed reaction with the crew greeted this announcement.

The captain also informed us this was the second cruise of the Jade, the first being from Los Angeles to Miami via the Panama Canal. Apparently it was a record toll for a vessel sailing through the canal. An American registration was changed to one of Nassau, and the ship crew became an international one, some from the Pride of Hawaii, some from other ships, and some that had never sailed before. Five days were allowed for the change from Pride of Hawaii to Norwegian Jade. All safety items such as lifeboats etc had to have the name changes, and life Jackets also had Norwegian Jade on presuming they were new. Hull was plain with just the ship name painted on the side and the free style logo. A makeshift Casino was in three rooms adjoining the entrance to the theatre. Underneath the funnel you could just read the painted out Pride of Hawaii.

Theatre shows were a mixture between excellent and poor, to our opinions. Food was better than other ships we had been on. As with all NCL ships we enjoyed our selves. Entertainment in bars were first class, the only blemish was the draught beer pull were not working throughout the ship.

Americans made up the majority of passengers, with a few Asian visitors, Canadian and Mexican, and a small minority from UK.

It made a change to visit European ports, and we did two excursions, one in Ponta Delgarda and the other to Nerja and the nearby caves from Malaga. Lisbon I had always wanted to go on the number 28 tram, around the old town, with steep hills and narrow streets. We accidentally found the tram terminus without actually looking, and had a fantastic ride. We had lunch on the ship, and went into Lisbon, a city full of Americans. Gibraltar, only half the city was open as it was Commonwealth Day, a national holiday. I still achieved my mission of purchasing a leather coat for my wife and myself. Palma was strange, approaching from the sea, which we just walked around. The ship docked in Barcelona very early morning, even though we carried our own bags of, the ones with coloured labels were being rushed to leave the ship as the crew were anxious to depart for there two weeks in Cadiz where extensive work was to be carried out.

The cruise was wonderful. We do like NCL and will travel with them again. We caught the local bus from the ship to Christopher Columbus statute, strolled through the Rambles, caught the airport bus at the top and we flew home.

Holiday started with a minor scare, as the airline we were travelling with were threatening to go on strike, it never happened, but we made other arrangements and arrived in Dublin a night early. A nice day was had in Dublin, and we flew to USA the next day. USA officials completed all Immigration procedures at Dublin airport.

We missed the connection for our third flight from Tampa to Miami, through bad weather. Ticket for next flight was already printed when we reached the gate. Boarded our 16 seater plane, then we learned the airport had been closed for an hour because of the swirling low clouds. The clouds suddenly turned to a gigantic rain storm, we were equipped with large umbrellas, to walk to the plane. Vibration and shakes, very noisy and bumpy for a memorable flight. It was wonderful. Three hours late in Miami, it was worth it for that flight. Miami Beach we had a great time.

On board it was also announced two new 150000 ton ships were being built in France, codename is F3. Each ship will hold 4000 passengers. To many for my liking, as with 2000 passengers you are still seeing different people on the last day.

The whole vacation was tremendous.

If anyone is interested then my photos are at the addresses below. Please press slideshow when the program loads to view.

Travelling to my cruise – part 1
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Travelling to my cruise – part 2
Photo Sharing by MyPhotoAlbum.com :: MyPhotoAlbum :: Travelling to my Cruise

Transatlantic 2008
Photo Sharing by MyPhotoAlbum.com :: MyPhotoAlbum :: Norwegian Jade Transatlantic 2008

Norman