jcamille

well, i took the plunge,and just booked the May 15 sailing from Rome!!!! SOOO excited!!! Now I just have to see if there's a roll call for it yet!

Sunbird - I debated the Barcelona/Rome question too. I decided to fly out of Rome because USAIR has a nonstop flight from my city. I am also flying on frequent flyer miles and I could fly first-class for 100,000 miles to Rome vs. 350,000 miles to Barcelona.

I was supposed to go on this cruise last year. What I found at that time was that the cruise price out of Barcelona for a balcony dropped as low as $699/person as the cruise date got closer. However, the price out of Rome for a balcony/person never dropped below $1,000.

I tried negotiating with NCL to get the same price out of Rome as was being offered out of Barcelona and they wouldn't budge.

I am on the Epic the week after you are. Have a great time.

Janet

From what I can see on plans and photos 9212 is totally exposed.

 

What about 9004 and 90012 - any news if they are a) covered and b) in front of or over the lifeboats?

Thanks so much!

I thought I read that somewhere.....but now when I go back and look, I can't find anything about a free drink card....where did you see this??? That could be worth about another $100-$200 for us........hmmmmmmmmm

 

If we 'pass' on this deal.....do you think they will send another one at a later time??

I read about the free drink card for CAS and HARRAHS guests on these boards and called NCL to confirm. Yes, the free drink card is supposed to be in your cabin awaiting you when you arrive on board. It is good for free drinks at the bar in the casino or when you are a seated player in the casino.

Don, I am in PR and Marketing and NCL needs to hire you. The best PR people are 'storytellers' and the most powerful form of marketing is 'word of mouth'. You are an amazing storyteller, and as you can see, we all have read every word of your review.

At the very least, NCL should give you a free cruise for this fabulous detailed review. I know you did not write this review for that purpose, but your experience and the way you told it, is a terrific testimonial for this ship and cruiseline.

I am going on my very first (big ship) cruise ever on the Epic to the Mediterranean on June 5 and I can't wait. I am also a solo traveler and have met some other solos on the CC Boards so I am not intimidated about going solo. I see it as a GRAND adventure!

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to give such great details. I loved your review. What a fun guy you must be to cruise with! Are you sure you don't want to go to the Mediterranean in June????

We could make that week 'National Dentists Get to Take Another Cruise Week'

Thanks again!

Janet

Tuesday brought us to our first port stop - St. Maarten.

 

I'd been on this exact same Eastern Caribbean itinerary for Thanksgiving on a different ship (just 2 months earlier), and there was not much I'd anticipated about accomplishing this day, with the exception of lunch. Plans were to visit the brand new Hard Rock Cafe that was finishing completion during that last sailing (which just happened to find T-n-C, and MonaCD also onboard) :)

 

We took the water taxi ($6 pp round-trip) over and back. Smooth and rather quick transporation arrangement. Same cheesy recorded onboard spiel about tips being offered to their personnel. :rolleyes:

 

HRC turned out to be a bit smaller that it had appeared from the outside, but definitely in a smart location that should get it a lot of vacation business . . . as long as they get (and keep) their act together. Outdoor seating was not available so we dined indoors. There were some challenges with all three orders, and I'm not totally certain that our server wasn't brand new to the whole table service arena. Despite not getting exactly what I ordered, and also getting a bit of what I definitely asked not to be ordered, my meal was enjoyable nonetheless.

 

We popped into a few shops (jewelry, bamboo, fragrances, etc.) and then back to the ship.

 

Once back onboard it was easy to get some ship pictures that included few passengers. There is no doubt whatsoever that if you choose to remain onboard at port stops you will have have zero problems finding available lounge chairs throughout the pool deck.

 

 

 

Don - I'm loving your revew! What deck are these shaded loungers on? That's where I want to be with a frozen drink in my hand!

Can't wait to finish reading your review!

Janet

Lusitanica - you are amazing pointing out cabins on Epic. What can you tell me or show me about 9072. I just upgraded to a balcony for a REALLY GOOD DEAL and I hope the balcony view is not obstructed.

Thanks for any information - if you have a picture of where it is on the ship, I would be thrilled to see it.

thank you,

Janet