Timsierramist

This was my second cruise and my very first adventure into the Caribbean/Bahamas. So this entire experience is reviewed through the perspective of a first timer. Hope it helps or is informative in any way. I've also included a dozen or so videos to go along with the pictures as they can often display a story or review better than a picture can.

I'll continuing adding to this as I go. It's a monster of a review with hundreds of pictures and dozens of videos.

Questions/comments always welcome and appreicated. Enjoy!

Although a 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise is one heck of an adventure in it's own right, I couldn't pass up the opportunity during my 3 weeks vacation to extend it before and after. I decided to do something I have wanted to do my entire life and take an "EPIC" Cross country road trip to Florida from Southern California, visiting all the major attractions, museums, national parks, battlefields, landmarks and tourist traps along the way. So although my cruise started on the 14th, I left home in my trusty 2012 Prius C on January 5th making my way cross country on interstate 40 and made my way back afterwards on interstate 10 finally arriving home on January 25th.

So back on track, I woke up in my resort hotel room at Disney's Art of Animation Resort on January 14th after a few days at my second home, Walt Disney World and stepped outside to grab some breakfast. It was a beautiful foggy morning at Hourglass Lake, Orlando, Florida.

I headed down interstate state route 528 to Port Canaveral to the Doubletree Oceanfront Hotel in Cocoa Beach, Florida. I had snagged an amazing deal from Go Port Canaveral website offering parking for the entire length of my cruise and roundtrip transportation for 2 people for only $20. A bit less convenient than parking directly at the terminal, but the amount of money you would save was just too good to pass up. I arrived to confusion however. There was only one representative walking around the parking lot telling people to park in certain rows for certain cruise ships and then not to park in other rows or you would be towed and no signs or additional staff to help. It seemed like this entire operation was poorly executed, but I by chance managed to park in imaginary NCL Epic row and still thought it was worth the money.

Our luggage was loaded on a trailer being hauled in the back and we all crammed into the small bus with passengers from different cruise ships and made our way up North Atlantic Avenue to the Port Canaveral Cruise terminal a few miles away.

After getting off, we were not free to leave yet. We were gathered around in a circle around and told we needed to make sure we tipped the driver seen here.

You'll see as we go on in the review this is a pet peeve of mine. I tip, usually generously, but I absolutely loathe being told to tip or being put on the spot to do so before I have a chance. Often, when this happens, I'll tip the minimum 10%. And if I felt the service was genuinely terrible, I'll cross my arms and flat out refuse at all. You don't have to like it or agree with me, but I feel strongly enough on the issue that tipping was once a reward for good service and not a mandatory thing absolutely expected. Anyways, I tipped the driver his 10% and gave the NCL bag porters who didn't ask extra.

I had heard all the horror stories of how long it took to get onboard NCL Epic. How big of a ship it was with too many passengers and how unequipped the cruise terminal was to handle it all and was expecting the worst. It was about noon now and when I walked in, I was almost able to walk right up to an awaiting NCL representative and hand over documents/credit cards/ID's and obtain my ship card. Literally, there was only 1 person ahead of me when I walked in. I don't know if it was worse later, but it certainly wasn't worse earlier because everyone had recieved calls that they should not arrive at the port until 1200 (noon) because boarding was being delayed.

So here is the inside of Terminal 10. You can see the lines to get help are basically empty and everyone on the right is just waiting for their "color" (based on room location/status) to be called so they can scan their cards and go onboard. Everyone is in high spirits including me. I should mention I am taking this trip SOLO and that is the main reason I chose this cruise line. For their awesome Solo cabins.

While it's obviously convenient to park at the terminal, I'm always looking for a good deal and not willing to add another $100-$200 to my cruise. So I found a hotel a few miles away (Cocoa Beach) that offered cruise parking AND free transfers to and from the terminal for $20. 7 days of parking + transfer for $20!? I'll take it (and take that overpriced parking).

I booked about a year in advance though, so I don't know what deals they'll offer now, but I booked through here: https://www.goportcanaveral.com/services/cruise-parking.php

Because my arrival time I selected for Epic is earlier than the transfer though, I plan to take an UBER from the hotel and then take advantage of the van transfer on the way back.

Take a look at http://www.konokofalls.com/ and see if that meets any/all of your needs

That looks pretty spectacular and will definitely be one I will highly consider.

It will probably be a heck of a lot less crowded than Dunn's River Falls I'm guessing.

I'm sailing to Ocho Rios on NCL Epic in January. I'm an avid hiker (even though i'm a bit out of shape) and I realize one thing I've always wanted to do was hike through a rain forest. Since a lot of the island is in fact covered in forest, i'm curious if there are any nature parks that are within a short taxi ride from the port or even one of the shore excursions that has this added benefit.

I don't mean like a long day hike or anything. A short 1/2 mile trail through an epic rain forest would suffice ye 'ol Bucket list, even if it isn' the Amazon ;-).

Not really interested in a guide necessarily pointing out this fern or that tree, just want to hike solo, even if there are a few people on the trail. For example, Dunn's River Falls is a park. Besides the obvious, any further forest trails to explore?

Since this is my first visit to Jamaica (well, the Caribbean actually), you know I have to hit up the Cruise Critic Forums from the experts (that's you).

Thanks folks!

I'm loving the app you're using to track the ship. Can you share the details of it? Thank you!

 

 

Before heading to bed, I decided to check up on where Imagination was. Looks like it's inbound towards long beach.

Sure. It's a app called "Marine Traffic" available for iOS, Android and Windows phone.

http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/p/mobile

Hello all,

 

I'm currently aboard the carniVal sunshine where things have taken a turn. I'm an avid cruiser and decided to take my dad and sister on a cruise aboard the sunshine. Me and my partner booked one room and I out my dad and sister next door and we had the balcony divider open. We are now on day 3 and upon waking up at 6am there was flooding outside our cabin and we placed a call. They r now moving my dad and sister to a new floor and while I understand issues happen but I am completely upset by us no longer being next door. They are being out on the opposite side of the ship and 2 floors up. We are not moving bcause they have no other rooms for us to go so we currently have fans sitting in our room. They are altering what I had planned months in advanced to have a family escape.

 

They are not able to give me any details and I came back to my door wide open, nobody around and fans sitting all over after coming back from port.

 

 

I'm in limbo sitting here with nobody able to tell us anything and honestly just want to leave and try a do over. Does anyone have any advise on how to handle this.

I guess it would be past that 24 hour Great Vacation Guarantee, but I would sure be raising hell for Carnival to make it right. We spend way too much on our vacations and invest way too much precious time. Even though there isn't a way to stop all "disasters" from happening, the least they could do is give you credit for your next cruise or possibly refund you on this one.

Thanks for the info.

The free Passport bus picks up in the QM parking lot and has a stop around the corner from the Blue Line stop. Many crew take this to Walmart. This savings will buy a beer onboard :D

 

Our MetroLink (San Ber'do Line) ticket is only good for Metro (Colored Lines) AFTER the MetroLink portion has been completed. Unfortunately, you have to buy the reusable TAP ($1) card and the fare ($1.75) going back. Something to do with how it gets validated. Voice of Experience.

Was your ticket scanned by someone on the return? The 7th Street Station is an easy transfer. Others you have to go thru gates.

 

For the 3day cruises we park at port, longer we take the rails.

I knew the bus was around. But I chose to skip it because I didn't want to wait in the rain. $5 was nothing for being on vacation. ;-)

That's a great choice for a first cruise. Only thing I'd change is the ocean. The Caribbean ROCKS! BTW, Bahamas very similar to Ensenada :rolleyes:

Haha, that's pretty funny. I never thought of the Bahamas in similar fashion to our 3/4 day Mexico cruises, but I guess that does indeed make sense.

Is the Bahamas not exotic in the slightest? I know out here, in relation to Ensenada just feels like you walked into a rough part of Southern California somewhere. The pictures I see of the Bahamas has a Caribbean vibe to them, with the white sandy beaches and the crystal blue waters, etc.

FYI - There is a free bus (Passport) from the LB station to the QM. The stop is on Ocean Blvd. across the street from Rock Bottom Brewery. The QM stop is at the green median in the middle of the parking lot.

 

For Metrolink, you need to buy 2 one-way tickets. The 1st for getting to Long Beach. Going from Long Beach back home, you need to buy a future dated ticket starting at the Long Beach Transit Center and ending at your station.

 

We have been to Ensenada many times and just ignore the shop keepers.

Because of the rain, I decided to skip waiting for the bus and just jump into an Uber. But as for the train, that makes sense now. I did choose a future date for return, but since the tickets were for roundtrip from Union Station, I guess Metro wouldn't know otherwise.

Don't think i'll visit Ensenada again in the near future. I've got my sights set on the Caribbean now...and Alaska.

However, I may do a 7 day Baja Mexico eventually. Would probably be cooler to go way down south somewhere.

A great way to learn more about different cruise lines and ships is listen to the cruise radio podcast on iTunes.

LOVE Podcasts. Always subscribed to a few (and Cruise Radio is one of them).

I even used to be a part of a fairly successful one called DLNT (Disneyland News Today) back in the day. We've since gone our separate ways on that one, but I still often feel nostalgia with it, especially when i'm at Disneyland.

Thanks for the review.

 

Did you take Uber to Upland? What was the cost?

I used Uber and Lyft. The rates can vary depending on a variety of circumstances, but I'll post below.

House to Montclair Metrolink Station: $6.04 - Uber

Long Beach Station to Queen Mary: $5.95 - Lyft

Cruise Terminal to Long Beach Station:$4.96 - Uber

Montclair Metrolink Station to House: $5.46 - Uber

The only strange thing I had happen with my Metrolink Ticket is on my return trip, it wouldn't validate my fare when I tried tapping to board the train from Long Beach to Union Station (Metrolink tickets have RFID chips in them now that allow you to tap and go when making transfers from Metrolink to Metro). I guess the wiz kids at Metro have not figured that far ahead that folks would possibly be doing round trips a few days later and might want to come back the same way they came.

I was concerned it might cause some raised eyebrows from deputies or other fare inspectors, but it didn't.

Regardless. It was well worth the hassle versus paying the outrageous (in my humble opinion) City of Long Beach Parking prices.

Great review and excellent photos. I hope you plan to cruise soon - you definitely have the bug. Since you're a west-coaster I recommend Alaska - we had a great time.

I've got my next cruise already booked (with deposit anyways). And I'm going ALL OUT (for a young, solo cruiser on a budget anyways.

7 night Western Caribbean onboard NCL's Epic.

Hope NCL isn't as bad as I keep hearing. Somehow I doubt it. I'm not very hard to impress. And it's the best value for a budget minded solo cruiser.

Going to hit all those "as seen on TV" islands. Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Conzumel and NCL's private Island.

As a bonus, I'll visit Disneyworld a day or two before...

Find it funny that you braved the Blue Line and scared of Ensenada. Furthest we go is about 6 blocks up. I'm shorter, grayer, fatter and of the opposite sex.

 

Go Highlanders!

The Blue Line was just a joke. But Ensenada, yes. In my profession, you have some concern.

MOVIES! MOVIES! MOVIES!

Complete video of pulling into port at Ensenada, Mexico!

Complete Tour of my Interior Stateroom, U32!

Riding the Atrium Glass Elevator from Bottom to Top!

Boarding Carnival Imagination! Complete Gangway and Atrium walk.

Stepped off Imagination at 1039 hours...

...and by 1051 hours, I was through Customs, had picked up my luggage and was calling an Uber.

Promised to go on a diet when I got back home after this cruise. But what's one more slice of "pretend" Pizza Pirate after a journey home.

And...oh wait, is that the end? I thought this thing was going to go on for all eternity. Well. As they say. All good things...

~Tim

Heading back to Long Beach.

Last meal on the ship. Breakfast in Horizons.

A ship refueling Imagination.

This is what a sign n' sail card looks like. I don't think I will do Bottomless Bubbles next time. They definitely made money off me for using it. Every time I got a coke, I always felt compelled to give a tip because they make you sign.

I chose the Relaxed Debarkation, which entails leaving your luggage outside your room before midnight so the crew can unload it for you. You'll get to stay on the ship for another hour or two as well. Self Assist got off faster, but they seemed to take the longest and most people seemed to use it. Having to stand in long lines instead of sipping on some coffee relaxing didn't seem the way to go. GoRelaxed Debarkation or Go Home...well, you know what I mean.

At dinner, the head chef came out to say hello.

I've heard both sides of the American Table debate. That said, whatever happens with it, the bread and butter have to stay! Just as good as the main entree in my books. ;)

Italian Wedding Soup

If I remember correctly, this was pork. REALLY TASTY!

I also ordered the red fish.

Preparing for my favorite show on the trip. EPIC ROCK! Hell, I don't even care for rock. Never even been to a concert. But this was just awesome. These young actors are just so talented all around.

In the endless Lanyards are for Newbs battle, I bring you the start of my epic campaign promoting lanyards pride Everywhere!!!

Sun beginning to set over the Pacific.

Hasbro the Game Show

One of the shops next to the Dynasty Lounge selling mostly Jewelry and Alcohol. Great combo.

Latest and last friend who came to my cabin while I was away.

Also, skip the gym and do the Behind the Fun Tour.

Decided to go have Brunch in the Pride Dining Room.

Nice view and table set-up.

Toasted Bagel and Salmon

Everything was awesome!

Rarely did I miss a comedy skit in the Punchliner. These guys were good. Much better than I ever expected after reading bad reviews. Jorge Solano was definitely my favorite, pictured here.

Waking up early so I could see my first sunrise at sea!

Boy was I in for a treat.

I did the Behind the Fun tour which was incredible. It only cost $39.99 per person. We covered a lot of ground in the 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Galley, Engine Control Room, Storage areas, Laundry, Crew Dining Rooms, Crew Bar, Crew break areas including the pool, Crew Gym, "I-95", Crew Training Room, Bridge (including picture with the Captain) and backstage with the performers and stage crew. We spoke and had our questions answered with all the executives of the ship. From the head chef, 1st Engineer, Captain and even the actors and stage crew themselves from Epic Rock and Divas. The sweetest gig on the ship is probably being one of the Comedians. You have 2 half hour skits to do, get your own room and are switched around to new ships regularly, so you would get to see new vessels and ports of call.

You get a few souvenirs too. The platter is compliments from the head chef. Also, your tour guide, in my case, the Human Resources Director, will hand deliver the photo you took with the Captain on the bridge.

After I got back to my room, I realized we were turning back to Long Beach. :eek: So soon! We just got onboard. Where did the time go!!!

It's not Peanuts. It's not Charlie Brown. The film is called SNOOPY!

The Medical Center on the ship located on deck 3, the same area you leave or enter the ship in a port of call.

Ensenada is kinda pretty at night though when you are hiding the rest of the town under cover of darkness.

A new friend waiting for me back at my cabin.

Chanced upon the Captain Himself at the Vittorio Cafe! He was in the Italian Navy as an officer, then captained a cargo vessel for a number of years before joining Carnival.

It's not exactly exotic as I live in Southern California. Parts of So Cal can easily be mistaken for Mexico in their own right. But also the port was and town in general were pretty dirty, not really comfortable hanging around even 1 step outside the tourist areas. And that is coming from a Marine Vet in his late 20's who weighs 235.

Carnival Imagination docked in Ensenada

The shopping was meh. Didn't buy a single thing because to my untrained eye, it all looked like the exact same thing. Mexican arts and crafts and silver. But I found a Thrifty Ice Cream!

Back to Ensenada. The shop keepers really harass you as you are walking down the street. One guy even put his hands on me to try and push me (gently, but still) into his story. Had to stop and tell him "I'm Fine". More than once was insulted behind my back as I walked away declining to shop at stores. One guy for example was naming of stuff I could buy in his store as I was walking buy. Seeing clearly I wasn't interested, he said "Naked Little Boys" as I was walking away, clearly in earshot. Otherwise I got the standard Gringo or curse words. Talking or listening in to other passengers on the ship, I heard similar stories exact to my own. No way around it. Hated Ensenada. If I ever do this cruise again, I'll simply stay on the ship or petition Carnival to choose another port. Something farther south.

The Municipal Police were rocking and rolling in some sweet new Ford Police Interceptors though. They seemed pretty professional as I judge law enforcement by American standards, which is top of the line in my opinion.

Pulling into the Port of Ensenada.

The beautiful, immaculate Port of Ensenada. No, those guys aren't there to pick up the trash.

Docked in Ensenada.

After docking, I went to the Horizons Bar and Grill to grab some of the Breakfast Buffet offerings.

Stepping off the Cruise Ship unto the dock. I could already tell even before I booked this cruise that Ensenada would go down as easily my least favorite port of call.

If you thought the Atrium was cool during the day...

...boy does it really shine at night!

One thing I was really wondering was how on earth do they see at night. It was pitch black out there. But yeah, having FLIR would solve your night vision problems real quick.

Approaching Ensenada, Mexico.

You rock T-Mobile! Thank you!