graphicguy

Internet is probably the best I’ve had on any ship. Was surprised to see Starlink implemented! Doesn’t feel crowded. Those pool pics were taken today, a port day! But even yesterday didn’t feel crowded. Atrium bar had a line aT dinner last night. But, even that wasn’t bad!

Yeah…..probably just go back to the cabin to shower!

Haven private workout area!

Saw a question about VAT. VAT is a European specific consumption tax. We’re on a European cruise. So, it’s charged. No one likes taxes….me included. But, I’m not here to fight Spain or wherever they charge it. I’m in their country and waters. I play by their rules. Simple as that. No arguments. If you don’t want to pay VAT, don’t shop in their stores, or order any drinks, or buy from the gift shops, etc when docked or in their territorial waters. Far be it from me to tell them what they can or can not charge when I buy from them while here. End of discussion. I request this discussion goes no further in this thread!

Posh

Beautiful ship. It’s in great shape! You’ll enjoy it!

Not picturesque…but we’re docked in Barcelona!

More from last night…

More pics from wandering around…

Oh yeah….the ship was chartered by a promotional company for rugby fans for a few weeks before this cruise. Didn’t sound like it was successful. Promotional group paid for the entire ship, non-refundable of course. But, most of the guests were only on board for 3 days at a time. And, there were never more than 200-300 guests on board at a time. As Ezry, my new fave bartender said…”weird only seeing a few people wandering around the ship every day”!

Dinner in the Haven Restaurant…. -lobster deviled eggs -caesar salad -tuna tartare Gorgot to take pics, but it was excellent! Pulling into Barcelona. No plans except to explore. We’re spending the night. Off to breakfast!!! Yesterday met some of my fellow travelers and did my favorite thing…..sharing our stories. All has been great!

Starlink speeds….not bad

Real smoke……redwood I believe?

Haven Bar? 10-ish?

And…we’re smoking drinks…

Not sure…gin, juice with cayenne on the rim! Ezya made it for me!

Little back story…last time I sailed EPIC was over 10 years ago. She was new and totally unlike anything I had experienced before. I was sailing with someone who meant a lot to me. We sailed in a balcony room. I liked it, although some malign it. The ship has perhaps the only escalator at sea, fercryinoutloud!!!!! I view the Epic as the ship that set the precedence for so many other ships and cruiselines. It’s the ship that had me coming back to NCL over and over! So, perhaps I’m being nostalgic. But aside from some updates here and there, it’s the brick and wood and SOLID feeling ship (no creaks) that I remember. This ship makes me happy to cruise. Hope I won‘t wait so long the next time. Really looking forward to this. She appears to be in good shape.

1st drink of the cruise..

And just like that, someone hit a switch and let me post pics, again! Dailies…outlets on both sides of the bed.

For some reason CC has quit letting me post pics. This could be the end of “Live With Pics”! Will let you m ow in words only, I suppose!