Hi fatandy We are doing this cruise on 13th June 2008. Will let you know what its like.
Regards
Taylaboo

hi there Taylaboo

Good choice, are you doing one week or two. Hopefully you are doing two or you may be disappointed hearing all the news from those doing two and still onboard to do their second week. But don't be disheartened, the week you are on have some lovely places to visit.

I've made a comment already on your other post on the main Emerald discussion thread about the ship and reading the reviews, some people on there have been on the celebration and do a direct comparisson. Take notice of the people who make the comments and if they are used to other ships, some people come from the very top end of cruising such as the queen mary 2 etc so do feel like they are slumming it, but if you respect the fact that the old lady is 50 years old, she is wearing very well. But make your own mind up, you may end up like us Emerald fanatics and keep returning, a fact that even thomsons can't explain why the Emerald has a huge number of repeat passengers. I've even return multiple times in the same year. I'm now in double figures for sailing on her, and have done your cruise around 8 times in conjunction with the other week (I can't do single weeks as I hate flying and would not relax knowing it was only for a week).

So the actual week you are on has some of my favourites and pet hates i will run through each port with what i like and dislike, but of course, everyone is different

Corfu

watch the ships as you approach the harbour by coach, the Emerald is usually the little ship hidden next to a huge Costa ship or similar dont be put off, trust me, lol. , if you get an early flight its worth checking out the fort in the harbour, and especially the duty free, you will get cheaper in Turkey so don't over load. You will see some interesting parts of the town on the coach so if you fancy anything you can gauge distance.

For a relaxing start and if your return flight is later, take a look around the ship and do corfu on your return. You will be guided to your cabin, on the walls by the lifts and stairs there are maps of each deck, take time to check them out especially if you are down on the lower decks.

Thira - Santorini

Lovely, beautiful, the Emerald is usually first in the harbour so get to the cable car early if you want to go up to the town, as later the huge ships come in and its huge queues. If you fancy a trip and dont mind walking, try the volcano. Its wonderful and the swim at the end is great, but watch the jellyfish. Ideal photo oportunity is from the bar near the lift exit overlooking the bay, once all the ships are in, about 1-2pm.

Kusadasi - Turkey

Wow, if you have never been before and like ruins, there no question, its Ephesus. Its amazing. its usually linked to a little trip to Mary's house (jesus's mum). If you are not this way inclined theres a water park not too far away. The port has benefitted from a new shopping area and duty free. smokers love it here as cigarettes are cheap. Try the thins, they are very cheap.

Mykonos Town - Mykonos

I dont like mykonos. Its a pretty greek town. Little white houses. saving grace is the little venice area. Its pretty but prices are high

Piraeus - Greece

I don't like it here. I usually end up walking round the harbour watching the ships. However, for a first trip its the acropolis. However, for an alternative trip, the ship sometimes offers a trip to the corinth cannal. This is good too. If the ship does not offer the trip due to numbers, you can always ask for one of them to sort a price on a cab, you wont get to go through the canal, but the cabs will take you over it and also to the city of corinth (ruins). We cut a deal with a local cab for about 80 euros for a cab with 4 people, and the cabbie gave a full tour and we were out for hours. Good choices for the new. It turns out I have family in the hills so this port is now a family visit. Word of warning, the acropolis is a hike and its always crowd.

Zante Town - Zante

A nice peaceful place, not a top favourite, but if youve never been, its the blue grotto. Its amazing the first time you go.

Thats enough of me, but when you get on board, if the casino opens after you leave port at midnight, take a look on the casino photo board, if theres two pictures of a fat bloke holding wads of money, thats me. I managed two jackpots last year, and they usually keep the previous years pictures up. lol

Whatever you do, I am sure you will love it, and don't forget, once you've been let us know. Even better, if you love it that much, save up and come out in October

Andy

Hi Andy Just seen that the Emerald is being taken out of service for Thomsons in October. Really glad I got to book before she leaves. Thank you for all the info. Will print it off and take it with me. 8 weeks tomorrow and counting!
Congrats on your wins in the casino.
Regards
Taylaboo

no problems, and dont forget, if you love the ship as much as some of do, write thomsons a letter about removing her from service.

lol

Andy

Still looking to see who else is coming.

Come on shout out loud

Andy