You will enjoy the cruise I can guarantee you that. We've done that itinerary twice now and did different tours both times. Kusadasi and Ephesus is fantastic, but a long hot day so take plenty of water (just watch out for the carpet shop tours on the way back to the ship). Athens and the Acropolis is also a must see (although we didn't get off the ship the second time we went there). I guess they are still going to Santorini this year? That is one of my favourite places anywhere. When you visit Santorini you take a tender to shore which is interesting in itself as you have to go down into the bowels of the ship to get to the exit to catch the tender. You pass through the staff areas - it's very interesting to see how they live - 4 up, mixed gender, mixed nationality, you name it! I wouldn't bother with a tour in Santorini, you can catch a cable car or take a donkey ride up to the shopping area - there's plenty to see and do there.
Rhodes old town is also very nice. I wouldn't bother with a trip here either as you're right outside the main town at port. There are shops and cafes a-plenty. I'd need to look at my photos to remember all the other places we've seen but I have some very fond memories of that cruise.

With regards to dress code, most evenings are smart casual but there will be at least one and probably two evenings where a smarter dress is advised. Most men wear either a DJ or smart suit, the women and girls nice dresses. I'd say it is worth making the effort for these evenings, I can see how you could quite easily feel a little inappropriately dressed but that said no-one will judge you for how you are clothed. It's all part of the fun to dress up nicely once in a while. After all, it's not an every day thing, is it?

Hope this answers your questions. If there's anything more you want to know please ask.

Phil.

Thank you for the replies. Really excited about the cruise especially going to Santorini - this is the day of our Silver Wedding Anniversary so hoping to have nice meal somewhere as the ship docks here on the night. Anyone know if there are many children on the ship ie my daughter is aged 14 - is there anything for teenagers? Also on the captains night would she be ok in her 'fashion' wardrobe?

CONGRATULATIONS on your Silver Anniversary!

They will certainly make a big fuss of you in the restaurant

What would the fashion wardrobe be If it's low cut trousers and lots of
bare midriff then don't think so

Like Phil said a pretty dress would be fine, or smart trousers or longish skirt and glittery top. That kind of thing. Maybe her first little black dress

As for men, I spoke to quite a few who wore formal day wear, ie long sleeved shirts, ties, waitcoats or jackets, that type of thing for their first few cruises to get the feel of it, then put in a note to Santa for dinner jackes. If I was a man and had already had a dinner jacket, then I would definately take it with me and decide on the night.

I'm sure your wife and daughter will love dressing up for the Captain's dinner, and it's a great opportunity to have some lovely family photo's taken, but if you all hate the idea you can avoid the whole thing and eat elsewhere.

Bon Voyage Chrisie

phil (pj large)
can you tell me what to expect from the entertainment on the emerald

Hi

We'd like to know the answer to this one too But I'm willing to bet it's really good

We were on the Emerald 2 years ago, and the entertainment crew change about every 6 months. I loved the Emerald, a really friendly ship where we felt part of a big family. We found there were lots of deck games during the day, the quizzes were generally lively affairs, and the shows of Thomson standard (very good).

The memory that will stay with me for ever is sailing along the Bosporous? towards Istanbul, as the spires of the minarets, and domed roofs of the mosques came into misty view the cruise director played Vengelis 1492 (theme from Christopher Columbus, Conquest of Paradise) through the PA. I'd never heard it before, but it was really appropriate, and I bought the cd when we got home, from the number of people asking about it, I'm sure sales rocketed.

chrisie

There is as much or as little as you want to do to be honest. They play organised deck games most days, the chefs do demonstrations such as cocktail making, ice carving, that kind of thing. If you don't fancy it there are plenty of other places to go for peace and quiet. There is usually a quiz on the lido deck at least twice a week as well. In the evenings there are various shows / quizzes / live entertainment depending on which lounge you go into.
The 'Cruise News' that gets delivered to your cabin every evening lets you know all about where you will be the next day and a full rundown of what's on and where. Quite often the crew do port walks as well for people that aren't going on the organised trips.

To be honest, cruising has spoiled every holiday I've been on since. I get bored to tears on a normal land based holiday now and end up climbing the walls. This never used to happen before we went on a cruise. There is so much to see / do on board that it will definately change your outlook towards holidays. There is a new view every day and lots of people to talk to if that's your thing. If you like people watching, you'll love it!

Hope this helps

Phil.

Hi Phil

We agree with what you say. Maybe we should do a poll on how many people, having cruised. would prefer a shore bound holiday

chrisie

I dont think many people would enjoy a land holiday as much after doing a cruise. The best bit about cruising is if you don't like the destination, you're somewhere else tomorrow!

Phil.

Oh Yes - that's true :!

I have been reading up about the ship and i am starting to panic as it says that the voltage on the ship is only 110V. I would be taking electricals such as mobile phone chargers, hair straighteners and a camera charger etc but these all need a larger volt. Any advice, anyone been and know the answer. Thanks

Hi Pestee

If your electrical items are not dual voltage, some phone chargers are, then you can get them charged at the Purser's Desk if you have the charger.

Regarding the hair straighteners, mine are not dual voltage, but they heated up enough to be able to use them in Las Vegas where the voltage was just 110v.

luci

Time fast approaching, awaiting the Postman every morning in expectation of tickets arriving.
Looking forward to 8th July when we set sail on the Adriatic Explorer cruise. I have been keeping an eye on posting , but everyone seems to be going on the FREE DAILY EXPRESS cruises LOL.
Anybody else going on the Emerald on the 8th July would be glad to hear from you. We have opted for 1 week cruise staying other week in Corfu at the Corfu Chandris.
Any hints or tips, must sees or must avoids??
Kilty Jock

Hi Kilty Jock

I have merged all the previous Emerald topics into this one so that the information is all in one place. You may find the answers to some of your queries in the previous posts.

luci

Sorry to everyone who has left me messages in respect of the Emerald either in general or about the October cruise to Beirut amongst others.

Been ill' then went to France and bought a house, came back and found computer at work rebuilt.

Ah well, be warned, I am back with avengance.

Luci, can I have a T-Shirt LOL

hi kilty jock Won't be long now....

Well at long last tickets have arrived. Just the Tchx and currency to organise and then we're off a fortnight today.
In the mean time SWMBO has a significant birthday, and we're not talking 21 here.
We will be overnighting at Newcastle on the way out , to get in the holiday mood and fly off on the Friday about 3.45pm.
We are staying in Corfu for the second week for a chance to catch the sun and chill out before coming back to face a Scottish Summer.
Anyone else going on the Emerald for the Adriatic Explorer cuise leaving an the 8th July? It would be good to, hear from any other HT members going.

Having glanced back at a message we left on this topic, it has now been amended. We liked Kudasi, but, because of a punctuation error it looked as though we said we were sorry we went when we would really like to go back some day.

For info

Kusadasi and Ephesus was excellent, coach journey is a bit of a drag but interesting.

In my honest opinion, the site at Ephesus was awe inspiring. (however, if you are ever in Corfu (maybe if doing a cruise and stay) consider doing the flying dolphin to Albania and do the ruins tour there. Its not so commercial, and a lot more is under the ground still, but its nice to see it as its being discovered.

As for on board entertainment. I use the Emerald at least once a year and usually two. The entertainment crew from 2002 left (jackie/drew etc) but it was nice to know that the new staff trained under some of the old, and were watched once they started by a couple of the old entertainers. Some of the old musicians are still there.

The first year was a settling in year, but they are now in full swing, as far as I am aware they are still there for this year, i'm not sailing till October on the Beirut trip.

As far as other entertainment onboard goes, it can be considered a bit Butlins, but thats the laugh I suppose, for past travellers Jo was still on board last year, and may be back this year.

Anyone out in October, give me a shout.

Andy

Before we went I was unaware that Kudasi is the port for Ephesis, which I think is quite far inland isn't it Andy? got me quite for a while.

We didn't go to Ephesis last time, too busy enjoying shopping in Kudasi