CruiseSmith123

We just returned from a cruise out of Barcelona on the Epic and would like to advise you regarding a transfer problem we ran into. I was concerned about finding a cab when we arrived at the airport or being ripped off by an unscrupulous cab driver. So, I booked our transfer in advance with a company called Zip Transfers. I wasn't careful enough in reading over the Terms and Conditions. They said the driver would wait an hour after our arrival, but if we were detained in customs or baggage we could call a 24/7 phone number to advise them we were running late. What I failed to note was that they defined "arrive" as when the plane landed...which means you lose all the time while the plane taxis, hooks up at the gate and disgorges its passengers and baggage. Then we ran into an under-staffing situation at passport control and a huge line. We called to say we would be delayed about 15 minutes past the hour wait and they wouldn't hold the driver for us. The second thing I failed to note in the T & C was the line "they would hold the driver if he was available to wait." We ended up forfeiting our prepaid fare and having to pay twice for the transfer. The important thing for you is to know that taxi cabs are very abundant both in Barcelona and at the airport. There are always black and yellow cabs everywhere you look. Their rates are standardized and they are very well regulated. For example, when we left our hotel in Barcelona at 4:00 am to take the ride to the airport to go home, we stepped out onto Las Ramblas and a cab came up immediately. He got us to the airport quickly and for only 34.50 Euro. Hope you can profit from our mistake.

Wow!! That's great! We really appreciate you sending these. We can "preview" the on board activities now.

Hmmm....that's disturbing that NCL would announce the job done and tell me in person over the phone that it is done and yet it isn't. How did you learn that it isn't? Do you have someone on the inside at NCL or have you talked to a recent cruiser? Guess I'm still holding out hope that the Epic will get an upgrade prior to our sailing in late September.

I just spoke to NCL and they claim that they have installed the new "Speed Net" system on all their ships now. It's supposed to increase band width by 4 times and help with the slow WiFi problem. However, I remain a skeptic. Has anyone who recently cruise on NCL tried the new "Speed Net"? I'd be especially interested in anyone who sailed on the Epic, since that's the ship i'll be on in late September.

I've been looking for someone who has sailed recently on the Epic. We're sailing in late September and wondered how well the WiFi worked. NCL was aware of problems with slow WiFi and was supposed to be working on it. Did you experience/use the WiFi and how was it? Thanks.

Midwest Traveler...Thank you so much. Your's is the most current info' I've gotten, since you were just there. We weren't sure how easy it is to catch a taxi at the port and you make it sound very doable. Also, for three of us it's actually cheaper than the shuttle. Given your information we'll probably opt to take a taxi to town, then rent a car for the day so we can see Cassis and the Calanques at our own pace. We'll just have to be sure to "dodge" your taxi driver who's so friendly with the police!!! Thanks again.

Thanks so much. I didn't even realize you could access the on-board newsletter, so after your comment I googled it and am finding a wealth of info!

I'm looking for anyone with recent experience on the Epic during a stop at Marseille. We will be getting there on Sat, Oct 1st and want to get into Marseille so as to make connections to visit Cassis...but, the port is huge and the information about transportation somewhat confusing. I've read postings about people waiting in long lines for buses, etc. Other posts refer to NCL providing shuttle buses (for a price) but the people at the NCL Excursion desk know nothing about them. They say perhaps it's something you book after you board, similar to the "tender" tickets for Cannes. Can anyone shed some light on this for us?