Norwegian Gem - Shakedown Cruise 6th October 2007 - Page 43

John · 10-01-2007, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanakuli

Hi Middy!

I'm beginning to get excited. Sounds like everyone else is too!

I asked about shore excursions in Amsterdam and NCL said there will be none.

Does anyone have any plans for Amsterdam? I'm hoping we can pick up a tour at the port.

Generally they put on a bus that takes you to the centre of town. However it is only a 10 minute walk away. If the weather is OK I will be walking into town with my parents and we will have a drink in a bar somewhere and do a bit of shopping, if any are open. We arrive on Sunday and on mainland Europe shops are normally closed.

nanakuli · 10-01-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

The two nearest hotels to the terminal are

Best Western Churchill Hotel & Health Club, Dover, Kent This hotel is very nice and good value However it is the middle of a refurbishment. Unfortunately the parts still needing a spruce up are shown up by the refurbished parts.

The other hotel is Make a booking | Step 1 - Premier Travel Inn

Dover Central. This is a basic hotel. It is a good little chain. It has a bar/restaurant attached to it.

Thanks, John! They both sound good. I will book at one of them. I want a good view of those fireworks, so that will be perfect.

nanakuli · 10-01-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

Generally they put on a bus that takes you to the centre of town. However it is only a 10 minute walk away. If the weather is OK I will be walking into town with my parents and we will have a drink in a bar somewhere and do a bit of shopping, if any are open. We arrive on Sunday and on mainland Europe shops are normally closed.

Ah - interesting. I've never done a shakedown cruise, so I have no idea what to expect. I'm sure whatever we end up doing will be fun though.

Glad you're traveling with your parents. That's wonderful. My husband and I started taking his parents on cruises a few years ago. This cruise is an exception, because it is so short and it's a long way to go. They don't like long plane rides.

John · 10-01-2007, 04:42 PM

This will be my parents first time cruising. They are so excited.

**middy** · 10-02-2007, 06:13 AM

Mary I'm staying at the premier travel inn on the friday night.

I've never done a shakedown cruise either so will be a new experience for me too.

**Ally** · 10-02-2007, 07:52 AM

Went and got the dollar travellers cheques this morning for use on the ship

Not taking many, seeing as it is just two nights on board. I am still opting out of the autograt though. On Jewel there were near riots when passengers went to clear their accounts before disembarkation as many had not realised the $10 a day autograt was taken....most assumed that as it wasn't a proper cruise as such, that the charge would be waived...it wasn't and I doubt it will this time either, and with over a thousand crew, there is no chance of meeting or dealing with them all in 2 nights. I tip those who I come into contact with, room steward/ess and wait staff either at the last meal taken or via the speciality restaurant bill receipt.

I have definately got to the stage that I just want to get on the ship and relax and forget about everything

**middy** · 10-02-2007, 08:58 AM

Just gonna have to check website as usually pay on American ships with a credit card that does not charge for doing it in dollars, unfortunately only have that card in other half's name. Wondering if they will accept direct debit cards. If not willl have to see how many dollars I have lying about.

**Ally** · 10-02-2007, 09:51 AM

I don't have cards, so travellers cheques suit me fine

The exchange rate is perfect too, £50 gave me $100...more than enough for the weekend

dizzycruiser · 10-03-2007, 12:17 PM

ooooooooh i bet youre all looking forward to it. hope you have a great time

wish i was coming but as we've already been on two cruises this year hubby thought it was a bit too expensive for such a little cruise!

(goes off into corner and sulks for a month!)

i will hear all about it though cos hubby will be there for the press day on friday and saturday the lucky ****** (thats bug*er by the way and not the other one!!). just found this -

Comedian and larger than life personality, Ruby Wax, will be adding a little gem-like sparkle of her own, hosting a media dinner and lighting the blue touch paper for a spectacular firework display set to light up the White Cliffs. Meanwhile, wine expert and all-round bon viveur, Jilly Goolden, will be a sharing her knowledge in inimitable style at a tutored Champagne tasting.

NCL has invited hundreds of travel agents from around the UK, press and representatives of other cruise lines attending the PSA Annual Dinner, which NCL is hosting aboard the Gem. They can all look forward to a glittering Gala Evening to include dinner, entertainment and an overnight on board. They’ll have the opportunity to tour the ship, checking out the bowling alley, rock climbing wall, the 12 restaurants and dining rooms, 11 bars and lounges and huge choice of accommodation from spacious staterooms to the ultra-deluxe Courtyard Villas and three-bedroom Garden Villas.

hmmmmmmm.............. will be expecting a huge doggy bag when he comes home and if hes staying the night (he hasnt yet mentioned that - or hasnt dared more like!) then i will just have to try and find a way to sneak in his suitcase - goes off and practices ............ whats it called when you can shrink to fit into small places??? - well that!

diz

**richardm** · 10-03-2007, 02:09 PM

You want to be a contortionist - ouch!

Does he know where the fireworks will be as some of us are going on Friday and would like to get a good view?
(Yes Middy I'll be in your bar at 6ish)

Richard