WendyCity11
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Posts posted by WendyCity11
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It sounds like you had such a wonderful time! I'm cruising again, but considering taking the family for the holidays. I can understand how you are having a hard time choosing something else. It is just such a beautiful island and the locals are so very nice. Just laid back, and not at all pushy. You are very fortunate to have the time share. I would book every week if I could! :) It has become my most favorite island so far, and I look forward to discovering more. Thank you so much for all your insight. It is very much appreciated! I hope you are able to make it back soon!
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Hi Buffy - I was at Royal Palms in November and fell in love with Grand Cayman. I'm heading back this month, and really want to walk the beautiful beachfront. I started walking the beach a bit when I was there, but wasn't too sure how far I could go up without having to turn around, and wasn't sure about how long it would take, so I didn't go too far from Royal Palms. I'm glad to hear I'm able to walk it. I can't wait to explore! About how long did it take you?
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Thank you CB! I wanted to make sure there were nothing along the beach (fences, rocks, etc.) that I wouldn't be able to walk around. I am hoping to be able to enjoy some of the beaches/cocktails/lunch along the walk, and want to make sure I can make it back to the ship in plenty of time. I appreciate your help!
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Is it doable to get dropped off at Calico Jacks and walk the beach to Royal Palms? It looks like about 40 minutes? Thank you for your help!
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On Deck 18 there is a nice quite area with cushioned loungers and a small bar. I'm not too sure about how much shade is available though. You can either take stairs to Deck 18 or take the black elevators located near the buffet to Deck 18. The area is open from 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM.
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November 2017 - Sorry! :)
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Attached are the Freestyle Dailies from my November 2017 (not 2018 - sorry!) Western "Thanksgiving" Cruise aboard the Epic. Below is the itinerary:
Day 1 - Embarkment - Port Canaveral
Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas
Day 3 - At Sea
Day 4 - Falmouth, Jamaica
Day 5 - Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Day 6 - At Sea
Day 7 - Great Stirrup Cay
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That would work out perfect! Thank you so much bookbabe!
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Would Smith Cove's be safe to leave my cell phone unattended in my bag while we snorkel? I have a travel safe that I could lock it up in, just not sure if there is anything I can attach the safe to?
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Thank you all for the responses. I did not know they were not covered under the UBP. It is one of my favorite too, so I will be doing little spoiling on myself. :)
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In Le Bistro, they offer a 3 oz tasting glass of Veuve Clicquot on the menu.
Are you allowed to keep ordering these, or do you only get to try one?
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I purchased some cute peel and stick decorations for my upcoming Thanksgiving cruise from Hobby Lobby. They peel off when you are done with no residue, stickiness, etc.
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Is the Nikon a goggle lens? Haven't heard of it...but not really "hip" on the goggle lens to begin with.
Oh my goodness no! I am a complete amateur when it comes to taking pictures! It is just a inexpensive CoolPix S33. I was reading reviews of what cameras were rated the best (I learned my lesson to read up on things before I go happy shopping! LOL), and the Nikon faired well in the survey with a low cost (It was only $140). Someday, I will work my way (and skill) up and purchase a more "high-tech" camera like yours. Your underwater pictures truly are beautiful.
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Actually I don't think I have ever wrote about it. Hmm. :confused: I'm not sure why.
My son-in-law (Kendra's fiance) bought it for me a couple of years ago for Christmas. I believe he got it at Brookstone.
I honestly don't have any tips because I don't use it as much d/t it using regular batteries instead of being able to recharge it in the camera. I carry this little paper that just tells me the "colors" it turns for what setting. I get confused a lot when I have it on with the colors and usually end up taking pictures when I'm trying to do a video and vice versa. LOL
You are supposed to be able to see the colors change when pushing the button (while having the mask on), but I usually take mine off just to see.
The issues I have with it (and why I don't use it as much) is that I can't get the straps to "lock in" and stay tight on my head. They are constantly coming undone and they won't lock at all. So, I haven't been using it as much.
I'm all fumble fingers when it comes to using this device, but it does take decent pictures. I should probably work on seeing about getting the straps to work right and practice with it a little before my upcoming cruise. LOL ;p
Thanks for the response back Kim! I appreciate it. I thought it was you?? Anyway, after I ordered it, I read a bunch of negative reviews on it (with the same issues you had - not fitting properly and having difficulty changing the modes, the pictures "fading" along the edges). I cancelled my order and got a Nikon instead! :) I hope I made the right decision!
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I am officially back from my Epic cruise and trying to get settled back in and started on this review.
I'll get the "details" about me out of the way for those that do not know me yet...(copied and pasted from previous reviews WITH updates regarding this cruise status).
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A little about me and the family. We "try" to cruise often (3x a year...but this year we squeezed in a 4th cruise) and my little family consist of me, the hubby and our now 8 year old daughter, Sakari. (Pronounced just as it's spelled SA-KAR-I) for all of our cruises.
I have 4 "kids" (LOL) ages 30, 28, 22 and 8. All the adult children have children of their own. Most of the time my oldest daughter (Kendra-28 year old) and her family cruises with us, which makes for an interesting cruise. :eek: My youngest son (Kolin-22 year old) and his fiance, Courtney, tries to go at least once a year with us. My oldest son (Kenny-30 year old) went for the first time with us last year to Bermuda (and once when he was 13 years old) and decided cruising just might not be his cup of tea. This time, we would have 3 of the "kids" cruising with us.
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MY CRUISING EXPERIENCE:
My very first cruise was in 1989 on NCL Seaward. I loved it back then and said "Hey, I think I need to do this every year"....only to never cruise again until 1998 on Royal Caribbean, which we took the 3 oldest kids (then ages 13, 11, and 4). Then we didn't start cruising again until 2010...ON THE EPIC.
As you can tell from my signature line, we mainly cruise with NCL and my goal has been to do the entire fleet....I'm almost there with the Gem left to go of the older ships and the Escape for the newer ships. (Other than the POA, which I have a tendency to forget it's in the fleet all the way over there in Hawaii).
I have adventured out and tried Carnival four times now and absolutely loved the ships we have been on with them so far.
I to try NEVER cruise on the same ship twice. I would rather experience a different ship each time. HOWEVER, this will make our second cruise on the EPIC and ONLY because it was the only ship that Sakari (our youngest) has never been on...and she has not let us live it down. She has talked about the Epic for years and every time we are in port beside the Epic, I got that "look" from her and made me feel 5" tall for leaving her at home that cruise. So...we made an exception and cruised her for a second time. I feel like I'm off the hook now. :D
ALSO, this would be the first cruise back in the US after the Epic has been gone for awhile AND this would be my hubbys birthday as well. So, it was a no-brainer...we would sail her again.
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NCL EPIC would be the very first cruise for my hubby and I when we sailed on her when she first came out in 2010. I have always said that she was my favorite ship to date. I never really knew why I felt that way, but stood my ground with her being my favorite. Was it that it was my very first cruise with the hubby? Was it that I hadn't sailed in so long that it just simply amazed me at the changes in the cruising industry and ships? Was it that we didn't take any children with us? Was it that we had an AMAZING roll call that I got to know many months prior to cruising and have remained friends with A LOT of them and still cruise with some? I'm really not sure.....BUT I WAS ABOUT TO FIND OUT....would the Epic still keep her number 1 spot on my list of my "favorite ship"? Or would she fall short of my expectations and I would discover that there were a lot more factors that made her (or the cruise itself) my favorite? YOU ARE ABOUT TO FIND OUT! :D
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CAMERAS:
Another thing I get asked a lot is "what type of camera do you use?" Well, I'll get that question answered right now before we begin. I have 2 cameras. They are both Olympus Tough point and shoot cameras. The models I have (which there are TONS of them out there and always being updated) are 620 & 830 (see update below). I feel they take excellent pictures. I used to carry my DSLR with me, but I felt that it hindered my fun a little. There's just too much equipment to carry with me. It's heavy. It's bulky. I found a camera that does a good enough job for me and that's all I use now. I find that I can enjoy my cruise more. Are the pictures always perfect? Nope...I do a lot of walking and snapping...sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and get blurry. It is what it is.
Update...1 week prior to leaving for our cruise and charging batteries and preparing my camera "stuff" to pack, my 830 camera decided that it didn't want to turn on again. I panicked. Although I still had my 620, I always have to have a back-up. I started researching for another camera. I really love the Olympus and decided I would stick with it, but new that there were much newer cameras out there.
After researching, I decided I just HAD to have the Olympus Tough Stylus TG-4. After reading some of the things that it did, the reviews, and doing a ton of research looking at pictures taken with it, along with video, I knew that was what I had to have! Now let the search begin to find one. I would discover the next day that this camera actually came out last year and they were extremely hard to find in stores...well, actually all the stores located in my area (including the camera shops) no longer carried them or they were on back order. GASP! I did manage to order one online from a local store and they had it shipped and ready for pick up for me the next day. SCORE!
NOW>>>>>> the big PLUS of this camera is that you have the option to buy lens to put on it!!!!!!!! WOW! I immediately started searching for a wide angle lens and found that you just couldn't find them anywhere. I did manage to find a fish eye lens on amazon and did the 2 day Prime shipping and it arrived the day before we were to leave on vacation. WOO HOO!
Ok, so some of the new things that I found this camera does (and there's probably more, but I haven't had enough time to explore the options)....
*Adding different lens
*You can also do TIME LAPSE!!!!!!!!! YES! I wanted to try this out for so long
*I believe there's an added underwater option now too and they also decided to give the underwater option its own button, which makes it easier to just flip to that instead of scrolling the entire "program" mode to find it.
*There's also a new microscope button and man it's pretty awesome with the close ups and bokah.
I'm sure there's a lot more, but I really can't think of it at the moment...I just know the above made my decision to get this camera.
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MY THOUGHTS:
I do my reviews as honest as I can and I know everyone has a different expectation during a cruise and will have a different experience, even when on the same cruise.
We are a fun loving and goofy family that loves to have a good time. We make the best of everything even if it's a bad situation. Anyone who follows my reviews knows the "crap" I've dealt with on cruises from breaking my hand in St Maarten, breaking my toe on the Getaway, missing our flight due to my "dear daughter" :rolleyes: Kendra...who is the most non-punctual person you will ever meet, to anything else that is thrown at us. We make light of the situation and we roll with it! This doesn't necessarily mean that I don't get upset at times or not like the way something is going. If it pisses me off, I'm going to tell you about it. But, I'll get over it and it won't spoil my fun!
We crack a lot of jokes (and I have a quirky sense of humor...my kids and hubby do as well) and love adventure and trying new things. My youngest (Sakari) is an animal lover and if there's anything involving animals, we have to do it. We have done swims with the stingrays, dolphins, manatees, sharks and held so many things in the sea (yes, even those we didn't know better and paid the price for it). She LOVES to draw. She's actually really good at it too. Sakari would rather sit around drawing (mostly animals) than playing with toys. I include many of her "masterpieces" in my reviews because that's what she does in her "off" time on the ship. She has actually been tested by her school and qualified as "gifted" in her drawings/art. Sakari has been cruising since she was 3 years old (this will make her 15th cruise...you're welcome daughter for us making you Platinum before you're 18) and she just thinks it's a way of life. She is a DAREDEVIL!!! She will do anything we do and doesn't think twice about it. She zip lined in the jungle, by herself at the age of 3, cave tubing, held tarantulas, jumped off 2 story decks into the ocean, went on the biggest waterslides on the ships (and yes, even the ones that you stand in and the floor drops out from under you)...the list goes on. There's nothing she won't do. She's like having an extra adult with us...other than the fact that her age and height sometimes restricts her from certain things...otherwise she would do it. We LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach. So if I can find a beach or snorkeling...that's where we'll be. If you ask me some "touristy tour seeing the history" type of thing, forgetaboutit...because that's not me.
I tell my story through my eyes and my take on things. Everyone may not agree or have the same opinion, and that's ok, but I'm honest with the way "I" see things. I'm a planner. I do EXTENSIVE research prior to any cruise. I read reviews, I look on the web, I take notes, copy maps, save websites, make spread sheets and everything has to be perfectly planned. That's just me. The family just "rolls with it". I crack up because I feel like a mother duckling and they follow...in a line and (seriously) if I turn one way, they do too, if I quickly turn back, they do too. Sometimes I start weaving back and forth in a "S" shape just to throw them off...then they'll catch on to what I'm doing and laugh. It's all a game and I have fun with it. (See what I mean? That's my quirkiness coming out). Don't worry, the hubby is the same and he pays me back. He's my personal GPS and he likes to throw me off too as a payback. ;)
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WHY I DO IT:
With that being said, these reviews are meant to be helpful to others, show you around the ship, places we go and give you some ideas. I feel that a picture is worth 1,000 words, which is why you'll find my reviews very picture heavy. I'm a site person and I know it really helps me to put a picture to something someone is trying to explain. By no means do I ever try to influence you one way or the other to do the things we like to do, but merely give suggestions based on MY experiences. I try to help out others on this board the way they have helped me so many times in the past and I am so grateful for that. I feel this board is a wealth of information and I try to give back as often as I can. I don't like drama and I try to stay neutral. Life is too precious to be negative and dwell on things. So if I have a negative experience, I will report it, but I try not to dwell on it and like always...in time it will fade into just another memory that sometimes you can laugh at. It's life. :)
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A lot of people also ask me how I organize my reviews. There's A LOT to it and my organization skills are probably a little OCD, but it works for me. If you want to read how I organize everything to prepare for my reviews, you can find it HERE. If you give it a minute to load, that link should drop you off right at the beginning of my explanation (with pictures of course) of how I do things.
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Ok....on to the review!!!
Hi Kim - I couldn't find the post where you wrote about the snorkeling mask with camera that you have, but I remembered you mentioned where someone could purchase one. I just bought it (so excited to use it - only nineteen more days!), and was wondering if you have any tips for using it? Do you let it continually snap pictures or do you find it easier to snap as you go? Is it easy to switch from camera to video or do you need to take it off to see what mode you are in? Thank you so much for all of your help! Again!
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Hasn't anybody taken a taxi within the gates????
Hi Slotmomma - We are also going to Royalton via taxi. Did you end up taking a taxi from within the gates? Going next month, and wondering the cost. Thank you so much for your help!
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I am so sorry. I never did get a notification that you posted on here back last year. I'm not sure if you are still looking for this information or if you have already cruised. So Sorry.
I have several friends that are scrambling to make last minute plans due to Irma. I feel so bad for everyone and especially those on the islands. :(
Absolutely YES! I would recommend LFK, even to a single traveler. No worries at all. They will be waiting for you outside of the port, easy to spot with their bright yellow shirts and transport you directly to their place. You will be on a private island and nothing to worry about. Completely safe. Go have some fun in a beautiful paradise! :D
I definitely will book LFK if we end up heading that way! From your reviews and their website, it sounds absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for your imput - it truly is appreciated!
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Hi Mitsugirly - I was scheduled to do an Eastern Caribbean cruise, but due to Irma, it looks like it is going to be moved to the Western Caribbean . As I too love to plan waaaaay ahead of time and have all my ducks in a row, and details to the very minute :), I am looking at some possible ports we may visit instead. As a single traveler, would you recommend Little French Key or the Maya Key private island? I have never done an excursion on my own, so just wondering if I would feel safe going to LFK? Thank you so much for your input, I truly appreciate it! Your posts and reviews are great, and so very helpful!
Epic Disappointment
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
So, I am that person that always sees the glass half full. I have gone on four cruises (to some that is not a lot, but to a hard-working person, it is a gift), and although there may be things that are not so perfect, I always think how blessed I am to even be able to have the luxury to cruise. I think of those who cannot, and count my blessings. Nothing is perfect, and I would rather have an "iffy" day at sea, than a good day at the office.
My first was the Getaway 3 years ago, and my favorite. They always say your first cruise will always be your favorite. I agree. Because of this, I have only chose to cruise with Norwegian. Some would consider me a "Norwegian Snob". I am a Silver Latitude Member (not that this matters). I tell everyone how wonderful NCL is, and that I wouldn't consider cruising another line. Until this trip....
I was on the Epic in November. I loved it so much, I booked it again for last week's sailing. In fact, I wrote a review about my November sailing, and had people ask me if I was on the same ship as them, as they had a horrible time. Like I said, I see the glass half full. I am always extremely polite to staff, count my blessings, and consider the circumstances before responding. Yes boarding is a little long, but it's 4,000 excited people trying to get on one ship at the same time. I knew that, so I knew what to expect. No complaints. I'm getting on a ship for vacation, not an elevator for work. Think positive.
In November I booked a balcony. I read all the reviews and knew what I was getting into with the bathroom situation. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the waves, so I picked my battle. I was fine with that. This cruise I picked a solo cabin. I stayed in one on my first cruise and loved it. They are so cozy, and tons of storage (trust me, I pack. A lot!). I was so excited to stay in a solo again. I walked in my studio cabin (12509) and the entire closet door was missing. A huge disappointment. But, I knew (or thought I knew), I could just call Guest Services, and they would have it fixed. I called, and they told me "Oh, that must have happened on the last cruise". I asked if they could fix it, and she said that they could only put up a sheet. OK, seriously? A sheet? I work hard for my money, and cruising is a luxury for me. I told them that was not acceptable. She apologized, and that was that. I am now staying in a run-down hotel. Wonderful. I spoke to my room steward Bryan (who was absolutely fantastic!), and he said he would check into it. Two days later I had a door.
That night, I woke up to use the bathroom, and walked into a puddle of what I was praying was water on my bathroom floor (I showered at 2:00 AM to be safe - seriously. Just gross). I called Housekeeping that morning and they said they would send someone up. I got ready for the day and left my cabin. I came back to my room late afternoon and there was more water in the bathroom. I put towels on the floor so I wouldn't step in it. I explained it to my steward that I wasn't being rude leaving towels scattered on the floor, it was because of the leak. I got ready for dinner, and went to Guest Services. They said they were sorry, and send someone to look at it. They told me I should have contacted them instead of Housekeeping?? The next morning, someone looked at it, as I now had towels crammed up against the walls in the bathroom soaking up the water. Hello Motel 6. I went to Guest Services again and spoke to a gentleman there. He told me it looked like it was water leaking in from the AC pipe (which was somewhat reassuring as I thought it was waste). I explained that I truly am a nice person, and not a complainer, but this was getting out of hand. He told me not to worry, he completely agreed with my concerns, and the ship is not a good ship "and that is why I'm transferring to another". He explained how it was the only one built in France, etc. He was very kind and polite.
So, now it's tendering day to Grand Cayman. I absolutely LOVE Grand Cayman. It is safe, beautiful, the people are gracious and kind. Just wonderful. So, the first day after I boarded, I went to Taste to lunch so I could use my iconcierge app to book my tender right away as I wanted Tender 1. It took me about 20 tries to connect and I was finally able to. I felt so bad that I was being rude to my waiter (who was so nice) because my head was stuck to my phone trying to book. Score! I booked the 1st tender off the ship! In the Daily, it said tendering would begin approximately 9:00. I thought I would be clever and get there early in line. Ha. Everyone was clever that day! :) The line snaked out of the dining room. But, that was OK. I was booked on Tender 1. I thought "man, that must be a big tender boat to get all these people on it". It turns out that no one was checking bookings, so people just got in line who weren't even in Tender 1 and got right on the boat. I ended up on the 2nd tender. I didn't complain, as I was on Grand Cayman, didn't have a specific place or time to be (I just wanted a long day) and that was all that mattered. So, don't worry if you don't book a tender. It looks like you can tender whenever you want. Just get in line whenever you want.
Great Stirrup Cay. I would book a cruise just to go to this island every day. It is beautiful, so many things to do. Just a relaxing, perfect day. Last time I was there, I missed the taco stand that everyone was raving about, so decided to wander over. I ordered a fish taco, and as I was chewing started coughing and gagging on something. This lovely piece of thick yellow plastic was in my taco (I took a picture for my new best friend at Guest Services). Needless to say, I visited the bathroom to get sick (the thought still makes me gag), and that was the end of my eating for the day.
On a positive note, I want to say the staff was over the top amazing. I continually tipped my bartenders, servers in the specialty restaurants, my steward Bryan, my casino dealers for the great service they provided. . Not to get good service, but because they provided good service. They were genuinely nice (yes, before they even got a tip). I don't know how they remembered my name with so many people on board, but always made a point to say hello to me, or ask me about my day or plans I had. I met so many people on board, and made a lot of new friends. I participated in many activities (the Ice Bar, Escape Room, gambled, danced the night away, water slides, chocolate/wine paring). I filled out and left many cards in the box at Guest Services with the names of specific staff that really stood out to me. They truly deserved positive recognition, and I gave it.
I see a lot of negative reviews and comments, and I didn't want to be another faceless person to Norwegian about my experiences, so I booked an appointment with the head of Guest Services. I went in and met with her, and explained my situation. I told her I am not one looking for a handout, or is always unhappy or complaining. This was my first time ever experiencing this. I told her about all the positive things that happened, but never experienced anything like I did on this cruise. I was going to do the "CruiseNext" to book Bermuda and Hawaii this year (Happy Birthday to me), but cancelled it. She said she never heard about any of my problems, and would look into it and get back to me. I have not heard a word from Norwegian since.
I was not going to write a review until I heard back from Norwegian, and heard their explanation. Obviously they do not have one. I understand things go wrong, and not everything is perfect. But, this was a bit much for me.
My girlfriend is cruising on her honeymoon this year, and I went on and on about how she needs to book with Norwegian. I told her to look into another line. I would be so embarrassed if this happened to one of my friends or family.