SkaterJasp

Just got off Empress of the Seas! Another amazing trip. Put together a quick video that highlight what I did in port. I opt for the self guided people-to-people which included hiring a taxi for 40 cuban peso per hour and met with local skateboarders and talked about their day to day life.

90 Miles South

90 Miles South: Photo Journey

These two videos are mostly highlights of what I did and saw in port.

90 Miles South

90 Miles South: Photo Journey

OK - this next Thursday 5/14/15 the Legend will leave on a 10 night cruise to Hawaii leaving from - GASP - Mexico!

 

2,076 passengers (a completely sold out ship) most with USA, by God, greenback cash in their pockets will be put on MEXICAN buses from the San Diego pier and driven a few hours through MEXICO (Tijuana) to the ship so that RC can save $300 a nose in fines for violating the PVSA.

 

Yea, RC is real worried about Mexico.

 

BTW - I'm on that cruise and I'm very OK with it.

 

Sometimes RC gets the "brown flu" when it is very convenient for them and keeps the revenue on board.

Are you serious?!

Royal Caribbean is not worry about Mexico, just a small handful of cities.

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The one positive was the Blue Man Group. The show was amazing but it was the cast member than salvaged the cruise. I was in the gym and clearly upset about my experience and was taking it out on the punching bag. One of the cast member noticed me and asked what was wrong, we started talking about my whole cruise experience. Turn out he was one of the Blue Man Group. He felt bad about my experience on the Epic and didn't know what to do to make it up. This was day 6 of 7. Anyways, come day 7, I get a present from the Blue Man Group. Just a gift that was signed by the entire cast. Talk about going above and beyond!

Even though the Epic was my least favorite ship ever, it is still better than not cruising. There was good entertainment, good food that I didn't have to cook or clean up, and someone made my bed and brought me ice every day twice a day. If something is not going the way you want, then speak up while you are there and they will try to make it right.

 

Have a wonderful birthday.

Turn down service was a hit or miss, I'll come back at 9PM to the wheel saying "Welcome" and no turn down service. Mention it to guest services, they offered me a bottle of wine, told them I don't drink alcohol. They sent up a bottle of wine anyways. I'll give them an A for effort but F for listening. Again, I think I may of picked a wrong time to go.

I wouldn't worry at all, I may of gotten on the ship at a bad time. All my friends were surprise when I mention my experience on the Epic because I always have nothing but good stuff to say about ALL the cruises I've been on in the past, even on those poorly rated cruises out of Palm Beach / Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Regal Empress / Bahamas Celebration / Grand Celebration).

Right now I'm in midship, but informed that there is no midship elevator. Where is the best location for cabin?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would try and relocate to near one of the elevators. I was midship and it was a lot of walking.

I just got off the NCL Epic last week. It ended with me writing a 9 page complaint letter to Norwegian that is going to be mailed out tomorrow. I also submitted a review that hopefully would be posted.

I did not spend over $1000 and a week just to go on a ship to nip pick at everything wrong with it. I was actually looking forward to it. I've been on ships where other people did nothing but complain and I still found stuff to do and had a great time, like on Quantum of the Seas's maiden voyage where everyone said nothing worked and was horrible but I still had a blast.

Below is the review that I submitted:

NORWEGIAN EPIC FAIL

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Embarkation


I arrived to the port onboard the Disney Wonder. While onboard the Disney Wonder, I talked to several people that been on the Epic and had nothing but great things to say about the ship. I literally walked off the Disney Wonder and on to the Norwegian Epic. No driving, no shuttles, no taxi, and no spaceships. Just walked. It was awesome!

Upon arrival at the terminal for the Epic was pretty much where the awesomeness stopped. It was a total madhouse at the terminal. For starter, there are 2 terminals for the Epic, terminal B and terminal C. Make sure you enter in the terminal based on what it says on your cruise documents or be prepared to be yelled at by shoreside personal. To make it even more confusing, there were people waiting for tours outside terminal C so it was hard to tell where the line started. 

I arrived to the correct terminal but was yelled at almost right away by a guy in an NCL shirt stating that I was in the tour line and that the line into the terminal was over there.

As I approach the terminal door, people in front of me were being redirected to terminal B because thats where they were suppose to go based on their cruise documents. Eventually the person working the door into the terminal just started yelling at everyone in line saying that if you’re cruise document says terminal B you need to go to terminal B. This wasn’t a simple trying to be informative announcement trying to tell people what to do, it was a angry and frustrated type of yelling.

Than another guy came out telling us as we walked in that we’re lucky on NCL because NCL is the ONLY cruise line that would let people board the ship before the published boarding time. I only mention this because we didn’t even start boarding till 15 minutes AFTER our boarding time. Normally it’s not a big deal but because they made it a big deal, I figure I should include that little tidbit in my review. 

Check in went smooth and so did going through security. Took my cruise picture than ended up in the waiting room.

As boarding time came near, announcements were made to prepare for boarding. There was a small delay in boarding the ship but when the time came to board the ship, there were yelling again, this time over the PA, for people to keep the boarding door clear and that only people holding certain cards may board. I was number 11 so I waited for my turn to board.

At this point, I was not impress with NCL’s handling of the boarding process. It wasn’t the delay, it was more the shoreside’s idea of customer service.

One thing NCL need to realize is that first impressions do matter. I was excited to give NCL a try and was in a great mood after disembarking the Disney Wonder. I was looking forward to the Epic because of all the ship’s amenities. I also love large ships. I’ve been on larger ships and enjoyed the experience very much. With that in mind, first thing you see when you walk into the Epic is a closed casino with all the lights off as you navigate through the smoky scented casino tables and machine and into a brightly lit Atrium. I was so disgusted by the smell of the casino, that I didn’t even know what to think of rest of the ship. It looked nice but it felt more like a Vegas casino than a cruise ship.



Than there was the buffet, it was pure chaos with kids running around and people cutting in line. I took one look at the mad house and left and went down to Taste for lunch. I was traveling by myself and was having lunch by myself. By this time I had dismissed my experience entering the ship through the Casino and was excited for lunch. However, I waited about 25 minutes before the waiter came over with a menu. He said he though I was waiting for someone to join me. The person that sat me at the table for 2 removed the 2nd setting, leaving the other side of the table empty. To me thats the international sign of no one else is coming to this table.

I was like ok, simple misunderstanding, so I ordered my food with the waiter. Than it was more waiting. 30 minutes for the starter to come out, another 30 minutes after I was done with my starter for the entree to come. The waiter did clear the plate as soon as I was done with each course… but than I waited and waited for dessert. Eventually I gave up and got up and left about 30 minutes of waiting. A lunch where I only order 3 items plus an iced tea (with no refill) took almost 2 hours and I didn't even get the 3rd item.



I than proceed to the ship drill and it was a madhouse. They keep making announcements to not use any electronic devices such as phones and cameras… no one listened. The crew did nothing to enforce the rules. Everyone was chit chatting and talking loudly during the drill maybe less than 1/2 were paying attention to what was going on. Of my 41 cruises, this is the first time I actually felt the drill was a waste of time because it was obvious that no one cared. I could of easily just checked in and left and no one would of noticed. 
 


Stateroom


I got a studio stateroom because I really wanted to try it. I went in expecting it to be small and packed accordingly. Everything was functional and you’ll need to spend the first few moments looking around the room because there are plugs and storage compartment in places where you don’t expect them. For example, outlets and light switch for the sink was hidden by the towels. 

The big problem I had with the room is the lighting. If you can’t sleep with light in the room, good luck in NCL’s studios. The door doesn’t extend all the way down so light from the hallway leak in. Also above the bed are 2 buttons lit by blue lights that control the reading light / night light and the buttons are bright enough to lit up the entire studio with all the lights out. There room appear to be built more for looks than for functionality. 


For the studio, I’ll just have to say just because you did it first doesn’t mean you did it well. I only say this because I’ve been in a studio on Quantum of the Seas and Royal Caribbean did a much better job with the studio concept than NCL. 



Entertainment


Blue Man Group was amazing! It was very similar to the Blue Man Group show on land. I’ve seen the Blue Man Group in Las Vegas, New York, and Boston in the past, several times. Although the acts are the same or similar, you’ll always see something that you may not of seen before. 



Cirque Dream Dinner was a total joke. NCL reservation agents would try to promote it as a Cirque Du Soleil type show, some will even say theres a Cirque Du Soleil show onboard the ship. Although the show was decent, if you go in there thinking you’re going to watch Cirque Du Soleil, you WILL be disappointed. It was more like those circus that visit your town every year and you’ll probably save money going to that than paying the cover charge for Cirque Dream. 


The service is just as bad, I understand the waiter only have a given time frame to serve and clear the table.

The problem I have is that I was seated, along with everyone else at the table 30 minutes prior to the show. We sat down and open the menu, before we even get a chance to look at the menu, the waiter comes over and take the menu away. He than proceeded to tell everyone at the table that theres no point in looking at the menu because everyone get the same food. He only instructed us to order drinks.

If they don’t want us to look at the menu, than don’t put it out there as a tease. 



Dining Room


After my experience with Taste during lunch on Embarkation day, I did not even go back to the main dining rooms (Taste and Manhattan) for dinner. So there isn’t much to review.


The buffet was decent, the taste was good…. but the crowd was so uncivilized that it ruined the experience. This is no fault of NCL, but never had I seen so many kids running wild around the buffet line and people of all ages cutting in line. At least say excuse me or something. Every time I went in there, I’ll be waiting in line with everyone else and someone would come in and push me aside and grab what they wanted and leave. It’s like these people never seen food before.



Specialty Dining


So this happen. One 2 separate occasion I wanted a second entree and told them I am willing to pay a 2nd cover charge or an up charge for a second entree… they say it can’t be done and eventually did it and saying that there will be a charge. It’s not like I expected the food to be free and was willing to pay for the extra food. 



The topper was Moderno, the waiter was more interested in the order I ate my food than me enjoying the experience. On several occasion he would come over and flip my card from Green to Red, thinking I wasn’t ready for more meat. He didn’t ask, he just did it. I don’t know why he think I don’t want meat, all I had on my plate was the fried banana he bought out along with the rice, beans, and mashed potatoes.

Than at the end of the meal when I switched the card to red, he comes over and switched it to green because my plate was empty. I feel like I’m on an episode of Punk’d and was just waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out and say “You’ve Been Punk’d!”



As for the Teppanyaki, the cooks are very talented. The chefs are on par with those on land at similar teppanyaki restaurants. It was fun and all, however, I believe the chef need to adjust their jokes based on who’s sitting at the table. There were a couple kids at the table, along with more kids at an adjacent table. While the Chef was putting scallions on the fried rice, he referred to it as “Japanese Marijuana”. The chef at the adjacent table said the same thing to his group of guests. One kid asked her parent “What’s Marijuana?” I normally don’t get offended by the jokes but there are stuff you just don’t say in front of kids. It’s like you don’t expect a comedian making adult jokes in a family show.



Ship Amenities


Big ship, big crowd, small room. That is basically the best way to explain it. A lot of the shows and events are standing room only, not because it’s popular, it’s more because the public areas are tiny for the ship this big. And walking around the ship makes you feel like you’re in Time Square for New Years Eve, except more crowded.



Also if you’re going to spend your day inside on deck 6 and 7, be prepare for cigarette smoke because the casino surround the atrium at deck 6 and I smell smoke and felt like I was choking every time I try to walk from one end to another end of the ship on deck 6 or 7. 



After being on the ship for a week, I now understand why some of my friend that went on NCL Epic as their first cruise never want to cruise again. It was the first time in all of my cruises where I actually consider disembarking at one of the ports and just fly back, the problem was finding the flights on such short notice at the start of spring break. 


With bookings opening up next week for Harmony of the Seas does anyone know if a deck plan is available? I suspect the cabin layout will be fairly similar to the revised Oasis deck plans but I'd like to look them over to be sure.

Next week? I thought it goes on sale April 2. Are they letting CAS members book early like they did with Quantum?

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Just got off the Grand Princess, here is a video with clips from various part of the cruise.

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Flowrider in 3D

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RCCL is a better, less tacky, experience than Carnival. I only use Carnival for a fast cheap getaway and Royal Caribbean for my vacations.

For starter, Royal Caribbean doesn't need to tell you you are having fun whereas Carnival stick the word fun into everything to make you think you are having fun.

Although theres been cutbacks at both cruise lines, the food options is still significantly better on Royal Caribbean but that can be subjective.

Also the Dreamworks characters are way less disturbing than Funship Freddy.

Also the entertainment is better on Royal Caribbean, the production shows aren't stuck in the 80s. Even the Funship 2.0 shows are kind of meh.

In the end it's you get what you paid for.

Was searching for information on Grand Princess and stumble across this post. I had E210 on Golden Princess a few months ago, here are the pictures. Despite what the deck plans shows, it's obstructed. You can still see out on to the water and people walking pass.

Speaking as someone who, through Mlife, had to WORK at reaching and keeping that level - I have my own feelings on that! ;)

 

Tom

Kind of work both way since MLife members will be getting perks on Royal Caribbean too.

Las Vegas Gold Tier

Access Benefits

15 World-Class Resorts Offering Unique Experiences

Ability to Room Charge from any other MGM Resorts Destination

Dedicated Reservation Lines

Access to M life Moments

Access to Exclusive/Personalized Offers

Gaming Benefits

Earn Express Comps

Earn points and convert to FREEPLAY or Express Comps

Earn Holiday Gift Shoppe Points (Las Vegas only)

Invitations to Members-Only Events and Tournaments

Earn 20% Bonus Points

Earn 20% Bonus Express Comps

Hotel Benefits

Room Discounts or Comps

Best Room Rate Guarantee

Room Upgrade (subject to availability)

Priority Check-In Line & Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out

Shopping Benefits

10% Discount at Participating Retail Shops

Dining Benefits

Buffet Line Pass

Coffee Shop Line Pass

Fine Dining Priority Reservations

Entertainment Benefits

Pre-Sale Ticket Access to Concerts/Fights

Discount to Select MGM Resorts Shows

Exclusive Seating at Arena Events

Show Seating Upgrade at Select MGM Resorts Shows (when available)

Special Access to Nightclubs and Pool Day Clubs for You and a Guest

Transportation Benefits

Avis Rental Car Discount (at on-property rental counters)

The email I got from Royal Caribbean just says diamond members will be gold in M Life.

Just got an email today!

"Royal Caribbean International and MGM Resorts International® have entered into an exclusive loyalty program relationship. This means that as a loyal Crown & Anchor® Society Diamond member, you’ll experience M life Gold benefits at all M life destinations, including ARIA®, Bellagio®, MGM Grand®, Mandalay Bay® and The Mirage®, to name a few."

The train station is right at the harbor. Maybe a 5 minute walk. This of course depends where your ship docks. If it is docked at the E2 or W2 berths it is 5 minutes. If you are at the cargo area, I suggest taking a taxi to the train station.

 

Also nearby is the "Airbus" that goes to Taipei. Appx, 40-45 minute ride.

 

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

P.S. If I can dig out a photo of the Harbor area with the train station in the shot, I'll post it.

Thanks for the info! The Rhapsody of the Seas is well over 50,000 tons, its about 78,491 gross tonnage so I'm think its pretty safe to say it's gonna be at the cargo area.... any idea how much a cab ride might be to the train station? The scary part might be trying to get from the train station back to the ship since I think translation might be an issue. I can say train station and can say boat but I'm sure telling the taxi driver boat will do any good trying to get back to the ship hehe.

How far is the train station from the cruise ship terminal in Keelung? I could never find a decent answer to that question. I'm gonna onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas and thinking bout taking the train from Keelung to Taipei since its only like a 30 min train ride.