Jade- Transatlantic Feb 29th - Page 3

cruisecouple · 02-27-2008, 12:53 PM

Norman, just saw the news:

"Following a period of intense negotiations, the threat of a strike at Aer Lingus has been narrowly averted after an agreement was reached on reforms and work practices."

-Belfast Telegraph

cruisecouple · 02-27-2008, 12:56 PM

We are on our way to Florida via Amtrak train. For the benefit of those of you who are in the UK, I will describe a little of our journey.

We drove to Palm Springs to catch the train, but little did we know the conditions that awaited. Palm Springs may conjure images of golf courses, warm weather and beautiful surroundings. Although those exist, there is another part of Palm Springs - the windy part. There are huge windmill farms right next the train station, which is good, but with wind and desert combined = sand storms. The station was under a constant pelting of sand with very little refuge at the station (if you could call it that). My wife is European and could not believe the lack of ANY facilities at this station.

Apparently the city of Palm Springs did not want a full station. Further, the train does not even go through all the way to Florida. After hurricane Katrina the tracks were fixed but Amtrak refuses to reinstate the New Orleans-Orlando segment, though there is considerable demand. Another oddity of the American train system. Nevertheless, our reward awaits in Miami! By the way, the food and service on the train was very good so I would still recommend using the train, if you are considering, regardless of the comments above.

But I digress..This is a cruise forum. I was interested in Norman's comment about boarding before noon. We too planned to get there a little early. If we could board before noon that would be great.

I was not aware there were formal nights with freestyle. We were on the Princess Dawn to Mexico last cruise and, really, they had freestyle dining as well but did not call it that name. They had formal nights too. I prefer to just rent the suit rather than mess with bringing one, just for one or two nights. It's a little pricey but worth the convenience.

We were thinking of doing a tour in Lisbon - any recommendations?

**Ally** · 02-27-2008, 01:01 PM

The last time I was in Lisbon, I was about 10...so no help on the 'what to do' side of things, I'm afraid

I hope that you & your wife have a wonderful time aboard Jade though, Norman & his wife are already over there by now.

We shall look forward to hearing all about your experiences

Oh and many British stations are a bit short on facilities too, so Palm Springs is certainly not alone in that department

Have a great time!

**Ally** · 03-13-2008, 05:48 PM

Welcome home Norman

Hope the cruise was everything you wanted it to be...and much more besides

**Norman** · 03-13-2008, 05:51 PM

Have just returned from an enjoyable transatlantic cruise on Norwegian Jade. Will write a report later.

Norwegian Jade sets sail today 13 March 2008 for Cadiz from Barcelona where she will spend two weeks in dry dock.

48 cabins in deck 6 outside the theatre are being removed to make way for a new casino. Small rooms on the last cruise were used for the casino.

Carpets are being replaced around the ship.

A few room names connected to Hawaii are being changed.

Pictures and statutes around the ship connected to Hawaii are being retained.

Hull is being painted as per standard of NCL.

Ship has been assigned to Europe till at least 2010; new itinerary will be announced in April.

Norman