strykes

Hi,

Looks like we are going to book a trip on the Epic for June. I've never been to Spain or any of the other ports in the itinerary. I'll be traveling with just my 13 yr old and am starting to worry.

Is Barcelona easy and safe to get around? I only speak English and my son has finishing his first year of Spanish.

We'll be arriving on Saturday morning and embarking Sunday morning. I'm sure we'll be exhausted from the flight, but do want to see some of the sights. Must sees?

Hotel suggestions?

Suggestions on how to get from airport to hotel and hotel to port? How about port to airport? I think our flight out is at 2 the day we disembark, so I assume going directly to the airport is best.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

We received great advice from our guide last year: No matter how good of a rider you are, if you are used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, in an emergency, you revert to what you know and that causes crashes when the other drivers are used to driving on the left-hand side.

Also, while there is a hospital on Bermuda, it's not what you are probably accustomed to. The guide told us everyone has to go elsewhere for surgery (he would be visiting NYC the following week for surgery). I can't imagine being med flighted back to the states for emergency surgery due to a moped accident. Just not worth the risk.

I recognize you from a parenting board!

I'm doubtful prices will drop until after final payment, if then (I think people some folks are doing AK instead of Europe this year). Keep an eye out and call if you see a lower price. You might be able to get the difference as onboard credit.

Since you have a group of 6, check for suite availability 30 days out. You might be able to get a Deluxe Owner's Suite or Garden Villa by calling the upsell number. (A search here will turn up the number.)

Moderno: Great salad bar and fun. It is a bright and open space. Service was good and it was fun for our family. Plenty of selection. Don't miss the grilled pineapple. Drinks were good as well and unique to the setting.

LeBistro: A more cozy, romantic setting. Plenty of space between tables/booths. The first time we went on the Jade, service and food was excellent. Second time both were very good.

Cagney's: Again, a more intimate setting. The first time the smaller fillet was excellent and the service was very good to excellent (we never wanted for anything but she wasn't as friendly as some servers we've had in the past). Second time, I had the larger fillet and while it was very good, not as good as the first. Service was excellent and friendlier than the first night.

Really, we enjoyed all three.

We did not do the Teppanyaki restaurant on this ship because the one on the Breakaway was so loud. However, when we walked by this one, it looked much smaller (only 2 cooking areas, each with 8 guests), so I wish we had tried it.

I'm a bit late to comment, but kudos to OP for the review and few comments:

 

 

 

 

I'd say that you misunderstood, if you take your used towel there and directly change it to a new one, there should be no charge. But if you want to take a new one without visibly returning your old one, that counts as a second towel and you must sign the deposit for it.

 

 

 

 

All the functionality OP described as lacking (even if some of it exist on newer ships) is free, you don't have to pay anything to use those features.

 

Only the call/text functionality has an activation fee and I didn't see OP complain about that.

You are correct about the iconcierge. My bad. :-)

 

IMHO, these are major differences between the two ships, especially on a TA.

 

We have sailed on the Jade as well as on two of her sister ships, the Gem and the Jewel, but not on the Star. The Great Outdoors is a terrific place, not just for eating but also for just sitting and relaxing, and with a great view of the wake. It's one of our favorite spots on those ships. And the Spinnaker lounge (the forward observation lounge) is a great indoor space for ocean viewing when you don't want to be outside. I think it's a shame that NCL removed it from the Star.

 

Again, we haven't sailed on the Star. I wouldn't rule it out if the itinerary were one that we really wanted and couldn't do on another ship, but those differences are disincentives for us. They might not be important to others, and obviously I'm speaking only for myself.

 

In the OP's case, where the TA winds up would also be important to me, as I'd be considering where we wanted to spend time in Europe at the other end.

I've also sailed Jade but not Star. I really liked the public spaces on Jade. The Great Outdoors was fantastic - we had a deck 10 aft suite, but the view from the Great Outdoors (only 2 floors up) was superior.

The spa was great with fantastic views from the front of the ship.

I was concerned about the decor, but it really was fine. If not for the Aloha bar in the lobby, I wouldn't have realized it had a Hawaiian theme. Le Bistro was lovely - plenty of space between tables, french/European decor, with some Hawaiian prints on the wall. So much better than Le Bistro on the Away class.

Yes, I'm looking for next year and can't find anything for under $2500 pp for the three of us. I think we'll do a land vacation, go back to Disney or try RC, Celebrity or MSC Yacht Club.

I have a question about Goff's Caye. When you do the snorkeling, I read that the boat takes you out but then you swim back to shore following the guides as part of the tour. Is this true?

We did this excursion ten days ago and took the boat out and back. We booked directly with Exotic Eco Adventures: https://www.exoti*******daytrips.com/tours/goffs-caye-snorkeling-and-beach-break I can't say enough about the guides or Goff's Caye.

Thanks everyone! Super excited. This cruise was originally planned for last summer and my dear 3 year old granddaughter was in an accident and had to have brain surgery last May so no travelling for her.

 

This is the "replacement" cruise and we are all thrilled. She is doing fabulous and that is the best of all!

Aww, that's great to hear!

I have booked the thermal spa package for our cruise leaving Saturday, were there robes in the spa area for use or what do people wear in the thermal suites area?

Yes, there are robes and towels in the changing room area. I think most people wore their swimsuits and coverups to the spa area and then changed the coverup for a robe. In some cases, I and others, arrived in clothes, but brought a suit to change into. Much more convenient to arrive in swimsuit.

ETA: the cold plunge pool is great for sunburn. It was quite the popular place after everyone was sunburned!

Wow - I really hope you had insurance to cover that bill! I had no idea seeing a dr on the ship would be that expensive.

We saw several people with the motion sickness patches. My husband had to wear one the first night (it lasts for 72 hours) but was fine later in the cruise. Yes, you could definitely feel the motion on the way back to port. My son and I were laughing though because it was nowhere near as bad as the Disney cruise we did without dad. The last night, we had dinner reservations at Cagney's. My son said he felt seasick so didn't go. Instead, he went to the arcade and kids' club since midship would have less motion. ;-) (Cagney's is midship.)

I think the iconcierge should be priced at a discount when it doesn't have full functionality.

It won't be an issue. They are used to large family groups traveling together and push tables together. On the Breakaway, we had a family of about 20-24 who were always seated in "their" area for all meals.

Here's a few other things I had heard:

 

1. Will we get "treats" delivered to our suite daily?

2. Can we get breakfast delivered from the suite restaurant (which is Cagney's without paying room service additional charges?

3. Is there a special elevator to disembark for parts and to leave the ship?

4. Will we have superior toiletries in the suite?

 

Thanks all!

Yes to 1-3.

4: They switched to Bvgari but I wouldn't call them superior. I only used the soap and lotion, but the lotion was not very moisturizing. I would definitely take my own toiletries. I've read people complaining about the smell, but it seemed to fade quickly.

ETA: I'd actually rate the lotion as terrible. I've never had such dry skin on a cruise.

We just got off the Jade and I noticed the same thing. Ex: IIRC, Cagney's only had 3 or 4 red wines by the glass and they were bottom of the barrel. That's crazy for a steakhouse.

You're welcome. Go to Greycliff manor also. Beautiful place

Safe sailing

We did a chocolate making session at Greycliff. Very interesting, fun and all ages enjoyed it.

Awesome! Congratulations!

Priority embarkation, tendering and debarkation.

I like to ask the butler to empty the fridge and keep a pitcher of ice water inside.

Breakfast and lunch in either Cagney's or Moderno (depends on ship) for suite guests.

Priority seating for shows.

Basically, the butler will take care of any needs inside the suite and the concierge will handle requests outside of the suite.

How was the food at LFK? I can't decide if I want to include the lunch ad 2 drinks in the price. There are four of us 2 adults 2 kids, and the wife and I don't drink so I don't know it the extra 30 per person is worth it. But good food would make me lean towards it.

You can just order food and pay as you go. I didn't see anyone finish their food, so you could easily share.

We booked Goff's Key and the snorkeling was amazing! The 30 minute boat ride was fun for kids and the guides were great with kids. Highly recommend.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thanks for such a fantastic video. You and Pamela look like a fun couple!

Thanks for the review! You didn't happen to see Jose the Butler?

No, I'm afraid not.

I really enjoyed your review. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Did you enjoy your aft suite ?

The reason I ask is we are in 10166 in August which is an aft suite.

Thanks again.

Billy.

Thanks, all, for your kind words.

Yes, I did enjoy the aft suite. The room itself reminded me of a Disney stateroom; It was nice and comfortable, but not a huge "wow". The balcony was superior to any we've had previously. The balconies on 10 are deep enough to fit a lounger facing the sea. I thought I would spend a lot of time out there reading, but the wake and sound of the ocean were too mesmerizing. The sound of the wake also covered the noise from our neighbors, and the dividers seemed to extend further to the railing, making the balcony feel very private. (However, if you were standing at the rail, people above could look down on you.) When we boarded, our balcony had one lounger, one chair and one side table. I asked our butler to bring another lounger on our first port day and he obliged. There was still plenty of room and having a lounger next to each divider offered more shade.

If we hadn't done the two-bedroom Haven on the Breakaway, I probably would have been more wowed with this suite and experience. I absolutely loved the bathrooms in the 2-bedroom and only recently realized the courtyard penthouses on the jewel class ships have the same bathrooms. I think that will be the next suite we try.

Location to other areas was fine, but we enjoy walking. Cagney's was mid-ship and three decks up. Two decks up in the aft was the Great Outdoors bar, making it very convenient to grab a drink. The spa was two decks up and forward, walking through the buffet and pool area.

I just looked to see where the Jade will be in August and see you'll be in the Med. I think this suite and balcony will be perfect for that type of cruise. Have a great time!

We just returned from a week on the Jade and I thought I'd jot down my thoughts while they are still fresh in my mind. Feel free to ask any questions.

We were in an aft penthouse suite. We've previously sailed Haven 2-bedroom on the Breakaway and an interior on the Norwegian Sea, IIRC (15 yrs ago?). We've also done a Disney cruise.

Pre-cruise: We flew into IAH and stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn by the airport. The shuttle was convenient. The hotel was fine for one night.

Debarkation: Very fast and smooth.

Ship: I was worried about the décor but it really was fine. I found I much preferred this size ship. Although we went over spring break, and the ship was full, the public spaces felt much less crowded than the Breakaway. I never would have guessed it was a full sailing.

Spa: This was my first time purchasing the thermal spa and it's now a must. I enjoyed a massage and facial while on board but while they were nice, I can't help but expect more than nice when paying their premium. I realized the pass provides great relaxation at a good price point. As I did on our last cruise, I noted "no sales, please" on the bottom of my intake form. Again, I received a sales pitch, but it ended once I stated I was not interested in purchasing anything.

Pool deck: While I didn't use the pools, I did walk by multiple times a day. It was much less crowded than the Breakaway. The pools had plenty of room and unlike the Breakaway, the lounge chairs weren't all lined up touching. I always saw at least a few available loungers, even on the main pool deck.

Bars: Wait was not an issue. I think the longest wait I had was at the Aloha/atrium bar; We wanted pop and coffee one morning and the coffee drinks can take a while to make. I will say the bartenders work very hard now. It seemed like they were always hopping to fill orders.

Restaurants: We had the UDP and Cagney's for breakfast and lunch. Unfortunately, the service for breakfast and dinner didn't come close to the service in the Breakaway's Haven. There were a couple of good servers, but others were downright bad. To contrast the two experiences, everyone knew our names in the Haven restaurant, and took amazing care of us; In my opinion, it was the same level of service one receives at a Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons. In Cagney's (for breakfast and lunch) it was often difficult to get more coffee or water and no one ever called us by name. We had the worst waiter again our last morning. I ordered eggs benedict, no bread; my standard order which I received correctly every other time. Instead, I received two poached eggs. When I asked for a side of hollandaise, he brought me cold hollandaise – the little silver cup was freezing. I did notice the poor servers did not work in Cagney's for dinner. I'm puzzled as to why they are assigned to Cagney's for breakfast and lunch.

We had two dinners at Cagney's and one Cagney's dinner in our suite. All were very good and included very good service.

We also ate multiple times at Moderno and Le Bistro. Those meals were also very good and the service for our first Le Bistro meal was stellar. Service was very good for the rest.

Excursion: At the last minute we booked Tulum through the ship. It was a very well organized tour and they got the large group of us off the ship, onto the ferry and then onto busses very smoothly. Minimal amount of time spent standing around. We had a great guide and were glad we booked.

I pre-booked Goff's Key in Belize through Exotic Eco Adventures. What can I say? It was the best excursion we have done. I want to go back for a week to do it again (and again!) and check out some other snorkeling spots and learn how to scuba. Everyone we came into contact with in Belize was super nice and friendly. The guides we had were fantastic and very safety conscious – multiple people watching us from the boat and multiple guides in the water. It was my 12-yr old's first time snorkeling off a boat and I was a worried mom. After we were in the water, one of the snorkel guides heard me tell my son we would need to hold hands the entire time. The guide, Roberto, said "We are going to handle this so mom can enjoy herself, too". He had a life vest strap secured to his wrist and then he had my son hold on to the vest and pulled him along, stopping to show us things along the way. Roberto was a great teacher and both my son and I had an amazing time! The water was crystal clear and the coral was amazing. It was really unbelievable. (F'ing amazing was the descriptive that kept going through my mind.) One thing to note: on the way to Goff's Key, don't sit in the front of the boat as it is a very rough ride. If you do, it helps to sit on a life vest. The ride back is smoother.

Roatan: We got off to a late start this morning and were on the ship about an hour longer than I had originally planned (I think we headed for the tender around 9ish). We had reservations at Little French Key. It was a bit chaotic and we had to ask several people how to find the drivers, but it helped that there were other people from another cruise ship heading to LFK. Our driver was a great tour guide and we had a very informative trip. We got the $98 package because we wanted to snorkel again. I very well might have had a better experience here if we had been on the first tender but we just didn't have enough time on the island. When we arrived we were greeted and taken on a short tour. It was during the tour the snorkeling was explained to us. There is a little chalkboard near the snorkeling shack with the departure times. There was only one time that would work for our return trip to the ship. The island was packed. There were no loungers available so the person showing us around sat us at a table with a palapa near the horses and said he would return with loungers. That didn't happen and he never came back to get our lunch order as promised. My hubby went to get a short massage while my son and I went to eat. It took a while to get the food, so we only had a few minutes to get in the water before we had to head to the snorkeling. These guys were nowhere as safety conscious as the guys at Goff's Key. We noticed they had half empty beer bottles on the boat. When we got around the island, we pulled up near where several other groups (Carnival or private?) were snorkeling. They then asked if everyone was a strong swimmer because while we could snorkel where we were, the really good snorkeling is out past the reef/break and the seas were rough. I expressed concern because of my son, but others wanted to go out, so out we went. My son was fine, although we made him hold onto my husband's hand the entire time. While there was one guide in the water with us, who we were supposed to stay close to, people were allowed to go way off. Safety really seemed to be an afterthought with these guys. Life vests not required. At Goff's Key, everyone had to have a life vest with them, although we were given a couple alternative ways to wear/use them. That was in calm water.

By the time we returned from snorkeling, we were supposed to have about half an hour before we had to leave for the ship. (Last tender at 3, so they wanted us to leave at 1:30.) I headed to the bar to order some drinks. And waited, and waited. My husband passed me as he went to change. I'm still waiting, all the while standing next to an employee who was also waiting for drinks and telling me they would be coming any minute. They announced that people on our ship needed to be off the island at 1:30 and that meant we had one minute. I told the employee I had to go and he again reassured me the drinks were coming and I'd be fine. He finally got his drinks and I left a second after him. Looking back, I think they really pushed the time forward. There were so many people waiting to leave, we had to wait for the third boat. When we got back to the other side, there was a wait as they split everyone up for the return bus ride. I think it was 1:30 when we actually started driving towards the port. I feel like we basically paid $300 to snorkel and for my son and I to have lunch. My husband never had time to eat and we never got our drinks. My impression is LFK has really gotten popular and they just aren't able to keep up. I would not do this excursion again.

Concierge/Butler: Omar was the concierge and Pedro was our butler. Omar seemed very fun and engaging. Lots of smiles and laughs. I made dinner reservations in advance but asked to have several of them tweaked and he did so without issue. The priority tendering was a great perk. Again, I feel like I'm nitpicking, but Omar never learned our names. Anoop, our conceirge on the Breakaway was more reserved but he knew our names pretty much on the first day. Also, we didn't see much of Omar. He never once sought us out after checking in with our son the first day (I was in the spa and dad was indisposed).

Pedro did what we asked of him. He seemed nice, but very reserved and not talkative. A substitute butler delivered my son's dinner one night and he seemed like the great butlers I read about.

Jun was our room steward and was a gem. Our neighbor commented to us that Jun was always smiling, which he was.

Staff in general: This was the first cruise where I heard multiple staff singing as they worked. I thought that was a good indication.

Kids' Club: My son really enjoyed it. The counselors were great – one was a teacher in her home country. They learned the kids' names immediately and really made sure the kids had fun. This was my son's best kids' club experience, including our Disney cruise.

Entertainment: We saw Soul Duo, the comedian, and Elements. All were very good. The comedian had us in stitches. We stumbled upon Carlos in the lounge outside Le Bistro the first night and really enjoyed him. I think we heard him 5 nights.

Disembarkation: Pretty smooth. Omar walked us to the ship's exit and said goodbye. Once we got down the gang plank, we were held and told to line up and wait while the terminal emptied. We happened to debark with a Garden Villa party. Omar came out and walked them (and us) down to our luggage. He commandeered the porters for them, so we walked to the other end and waved someone over. The custom's line was short but slow. The porter told us he heard they were having problems with the computer system. Our cab driver told us someone on the boat was going to be arrested when they debarked so that was slowing things down as they tried to make sure they didn't miss him. Who knows. All in all, Houston isn't the most attractive port, but it seemed very efficient to me.

Other cruisers: I'm guessing the majority of cruisers were from Texas, with a good number from bordering states and the midwest. The Texans were so friendly and pleasant! It seemed someone was always striking up a conversation. I really enjoyed the friendliness and would sale out of TX again just to experience sailing with Texans again.

There were a lot of kids on the ship but they were fine. Only once did I see a teenager swinging on the stairs. Yes, there was some congregating/blocking of the stairs, but they moved as soon as you approached and apologized. I thought it was funny to observe the teens – once they got to meet others they started hanging out in groups and you could find large groups of them in the Garden Café or La Cucina. Kids were being kids but even my 12-yr old remarked at how well-behaved all the kids he came across were.

We had a great week and I think our next cruise will be on a jewel class ship.

Signed up in January before our last cruise. Done 1,2,3 - no charges on bill from Mexico

Did you sign up online? Do you happen to remember the name of the plan?

Thanks!

I suppose I should apologize now for my child being in the Haven when we sail on the Escape next year. Thing is, for us, there isn't really an option give the depth of the "family" pool that even has a sign in front of it that warns against pregnant women, child and folks with heart conditions from using it.

 

That said, my child is well behaved and doesn't run around or jump on things like a crazy person.

Please don't feel that way! My (well-behaved) son has been in the Haven and he and other very well-behaved children were treated with the same level of respect they displayed. Honestly, I think everyone is just so relieved to see respectful children they go out of their way to express their appreciation.