RVachon

Sorry, but all you paid for was the ship to transport you from point A to point B, which in this case was a NYC round trip. Ports are never guaranteed. If you cruise for ports, you should take a land vacation instead.

Yeah that's a load and you know it. Don't make excuses for NCL.

It should be called the Brokeaway. 9 sea days on a 13 day cruise is not what I paid for. Ridiculous.

Terminal is an absolute hell zone. People were still disembarking at 630 even though the ships been docked since 2. There's no where to sit in the terminal. It's 7 PM and still no boarding announcement. Hindsight I would have waited until tomorrow at 2 to board.

If I understand correctly....you are arriving at penn at 1pm on Friday Jan 5? For a cruise that was originally set to leave on Friday Jan 5 ?

 

Good thing the ship has been delayed I guess

 

 

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Why? 2 hrs from Penn station to the pier is not enough? Please. :rolleyes:

So our train pulls into NY at 1 PM tomorrow. What the hell are we supposed to do for 6 hours with 3 large suitcases and a couple small ones? Called NCL about getting into the terminal early (Not even to check in, just to hang out) , and she said she can't answer that question for sure. ***? It's one thing if it's nice out, but it's supposed to be -8* windchill in NY tomorrow afternoon. :mad:

Sailed on Epic Dec 3rd. Fastest embarkation I've ever had. From getting dropped off by shuttle bus at the port to being on the ship, about 35 mins. Got at the port around 12:15 PM.

Never get Standard seating. You miss a 1/3 of the show. They shouldn't even charge as much as they do for the Standard seating.

We were on the same cruise (Dec 6-13) and our first time on Carnival.

Overall I really liked the ship - the decor and layout - seemed bigger than it's size. Only bad thing is lack of hot tubs. Only 2 hot tubs for the entire lido deck is ridiculous, and at one point, the one by the main pool wasn't hot, and the one in Serenity was a small 5-6 person size. As soon as someone came out, there was a mad rush to try and beat everyone else to get in. Bad design. You look at any NCL ship, and they have at least 4-6 on the lido deck, 7 on the Epic.

Loved the comedians (adult shows), great karaoke with Oohh LaLas (Nadine is hot. :D). Only did the MDR once in Your Time Dining and wasn't impressed. Food was fast and warm, just not very tasty. Did the buffet most of the time, and David's Steakhouse on Saturday night - now that was amazing. Great service and food was outstanding - had the Surf & Turf.

The Pizza Pirate - not my cup of tea. It's basically sauce & cheese on a thin pita crust.

Entertainment wasn't great but dancers were, especially Erin - I've never seen someone with such an infectious smile and also smoking hot. :D

Staff in general weren't as friendly as we've experienced on NCL cruises. There were a few that were great, but overall, nobody seemed too happy.

We'll cruise Carnival again - it wasn't as bad as we tought it was going to be. ;)

How was the noise since you're butting up against the elevator?

I just booked with CCL this morning and asked the PVP about the program. He forwarded me an email that all PVPs received from corporate regarding the program. I copy/pasted below:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Using the CHEERS! beverage package, guests can enjoy a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits (including cocktails and frozen drinks), along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails throughout the voyage at one convenient flat rate plus tax and a 15% gratuity added on at the time of purchase of the package. It is required that all guests 21 years of age and older in the cabin must purchase the package.

 

Pricing will be subject to change. Accordingly, we will now publish a price range, per person/per voyage, depending on the duration of the cruise. 9 day and longer voyages will have voyage specific pricing. Taxes and gratuities are additional.

· 3 day cruises: $165-$210 per person/per voyage

· 4 day cruises: $180-$200 per person/per voyage

· 5 and 6 day cruises: $212.50-$296.50 per person/per voyage

· 7 and 8 day cruises: $262.50-$399.50 per person/per voyage

· 9 day and longer cruises: Cruises will have voyage specific pricing. The ‘per day rate’ will be no higher than the ‘per day rate’ of 8 day cruises taking place at the same time.

 

CHEERS! is not offered on 2 day cruises, charter cruises, on ships sailing from Australia (Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend) and beverage purchases made at Half Moon Cay and Little Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas.

 

This program can only be purchased on board; it is not available for purchase online or via telephone order. Guests can sign up for CHEERS! at the Atrium Bar, Casino Bar or the bar at the main pool area.

 

Here are the package details about our awesome beverage program- CHEERS!

 

With the purchase of this package, you will enjoy the ease and convenience of paying one flat price for your spirited beverages (yep, that’s with alcohol) all cruise long - this package is an amazing value! Simply use your newly-stickered Sail & Sign Card and you’re ready to enjoy!

 

Beverages included in the package are:

· All spirits, including cocktails and frozen drinks, as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $10.00 or lower menu price

· Sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

 

In addition, guests who purchase CHEERS! are entitled to:

· 25% discount off the menu price for bottled water

· 25% discount off the menu price for any spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink

· 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle

 

 

Beverages excluded from the package are:

· Non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

· Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses

· Bottles of liquor

· Bottled water (offered at a 25% discount)

· Wine and champagne by the bottle (offered at a 25% discount)

· All spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink (offered at a 25% discount – drinks count toward the 15 drink total per 24 hour period)

· Beverages offered at gangway while debarking

· Beverages offered through room service as well as mini bars and/or other in-stateroom beverage packages

· Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets

· Beverages offered through Enomatic wine machines

· Coffee beverages and food items

· All other beverage-related packages including cookbooks and bar books, beverage seminars and classes, as well as cigars

 

 

The following restrictions apply:

· Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors.

· Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the package.

· Guests must purchase the package for the entire cruise - this package is not offered on a per day basis.

· Only one drink at a time may be ordered using CHEERS! - sharing is not permitted.

· Guests may purchase a round of drinks for themselves and friends. One drink will count towards the CHEERS! package and the remaining drinks will be charged to the guest’s Sail and Sign account.

· Package allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (6:00am-6:00am); once the limit is reached, the guest will not be served any additional alcoholic drinks.

· Package allows for unlimited soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails.

· Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason.

· Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this package is used within US waters. The tax is based on the particular state’s tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily package rate). For example: if the drink price is $5 and the tax is 10%, the guest’s Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.50 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call).

· For ships sailing from Texas, due to state laws, CHEERS! Is not offered on embarkation day – guests will purchase drinks in the usual manner; on the 2nd day of the cruise, guests can purchase CHEERS! and use for the remainder of the cruise.

· Package is non-refundable.

· Price is subject to change.

· CHEERS! is not offered on the following:

§ 2-day cruises

§ Charter cruises

§ Ships sailing from Australia (Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend)

§ Beverage purchases made at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas and Little Stirrup Cay, The Bahamas

 

 

Thank you for purchasing

CHEERS!

Have fun, but drink responsibly while you’re at it, okay?

I forgot to mention that we ordered one of the $5 pizzas one night. If you are looking for a large thick cardboard disc covered in a ton of mozzarella, then this is for you. If you are craving pizza, go to La Cuccina!

I actually enjoyed the $5 pizza. :-)

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Do you bring your mixers in a carry on with your wine?

I had a 12 pack of soda but it was in my normal checked luggage along with 1 bottle of wine. They never charged me the corkage fee on the wine either. I was waiting for it to show up on my onboard account but it never did. Bonus! :)

Funny - I see a pattern; everything is loud to you.:D To me, the only time it was loud is when they had the kids stuff in the Atrium. That was unbearable. Rest of the place was fine for me, including the shows.

...and bring your own mixers. They say they supply 3 but there isn't enough mix for a full bottle and you'll pay premium price for more on the ship.

We did Feb 2-9 and on the first full sea day (Monday), this is me in Spice H20 at 11 AM. :D It was about 70* (but sun was hot) so don't pack too heavy.

I got a few cans too. No biggie. Used to get none.

 

Can't believe anyone would expect 20 cans which cost $2.50 or so each. Doesn't add up for NCL.

 

 

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Not asking for 20 cans, 8 should do it. Sorry but those cans don't cost NCL $2.50 ea, probably more like $0.25. If they're that hard up for cash that they can't include $2.00 worth of mix after I give them $80 for a $20 bottle of booze, then they're just greedy.

Yeah, when it wasn't included, the bottles were also cheaper. Just look at CCL - there's aren't included and the bottles are typically $10 cheaper than NCL for the same brand & size.

Hmmmm...well, I have purchased bar set ups on other lines and I *think* I did it once on the s/s Norway (before Noah's flood) and not had this problem. If this is the case, then I guess I would agree with both sides: bad on US for assuming and bad on THEM for not being fully clear.

 

I'm glad to know this going in, because I was planning on buying it also and probably still will --- but I am glad for the clarification. I'm sorry you were frustrated and upset.

It didn't bother that much - like I said I had brought some extra mixer in case this happened. My point of the post is to make people aware what they'll be getting and should prepare for it.

Sorry, but I don't believe bar set-up was advertised as providing enough mixer to cover the whole bottle. they only provide limited amount.

That's the problem - the details are lacking but, if you're supplying a "bar setup" at a premium price, I shouldn't be expected to supply half the "bar" with enough mixer to cover the bottle.

They said they supply up to three mixers and two garnishes. While they don't say they supply enough for the bottle, it is implied that by purchasing the bar set-up, you were also getting mixers for the "bar".

 

Perhaps they need to be clear about that. We were also considering the bar set-up.

Exactly DinaS. When I placed the order for the bar setup, I asked the person how much is "3 mixers"? 3 cans? 3 bottles? 3 litres? She didn't know and couldn't find any documentation specifying so.

They need to update their documents with specific details so people know what to expect.

I didn't put this in my review because I thought it deserved it's own mention.

I was on the Breakaway Feb 2-9. I ordered the Bar Setup for my cabin a couple days ahead of time. My order;

1 bottle of Seagram 7 with diet pepsi mixer, no garnishes.

1 bottle of Smirnoff Vodka with cranberry, orange, and bloody mary mixers, and orange & strawberry garnishes.

They advertise this will be in the room when you board.

When I got in my cabin, this is what I got:

No diet pepsi, no juices, no garnishes.

I call front desk they said they'll swap for diet pepsi, but juices, they can bring 1 glass each. If I want more, I have to pay for them.

I'm sorry, but if I'm paying $80 for a bottle, I expect to have enough mixer to cover the bottle at a standard 3:1 mix ratio. And having to deal with a juice glass? Why not have small juice boxes or something?

Anyhow, I ended up returning the vodka and kept the Seagrams. Also, 4 cans of soda doesn't cover the 3:1 mix ratio on a 1 litre bottle. I would need at least 8 cans. Good thing I had brought some extra on my own.

With that said, I probably won't be doing the bar setup again until they have a better setup.

Thanks for the review. Sounds like you had a great cruise!

 

Please let me know if you were able to use the Waterfront on deck 8. If so, did you sit outside for drinks at either Fat Cats, Malting's or Shaker's?

 

Thanks in advance!

We will be cruising on her this summer with a group of 10.

 

Cheers!

 

 

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I did see some people drinking and smoking there, but I didn't stick around for the smoking reason. You wouldn't think it matters when the ship is moving, but since most people that go there are smokers, you always get someone's smoke in your face.

I only did the 2 "drop slides" and the water wasn't cold, and it was not salt water on those slides.

Anybody knows how many hot tubs on this ship and which one that you have to pay?

 

Thx!

 

Tony

There's 4 hot tubs in the main pool area and 2 in Spice H2O. They're all free.

Great review. Just watched the Firework display, it was great thanks for posting. I was on the same cruise and WOW I agree, the Rock of Ages was awesome. Great upgrade you got, we wound up from a balcony to a mini suite. I sure could use a little bit of that sun we had right about now! Glad you enjoyed..

Yeah, it was pretty depressing pulling into port yesterday and seeing all the cars on the top level of the parking garage covered in snow. :(

I had a 7 hr drive back to Canada afterwards and it was uneventful which is good.

I'll preface to say that this was only my wife & I's (age early 40s) 3rd cruise, all 3 with NCL. 1st was the small Sky, then Epic last December, and now this one out of NY. This was a last minute decision, a quick getaway from the cold - we booked on Wednesday Jan 29th, left on Sunday Feb 2. Booked a GTY inside, and they put us in a Mid-Ship Balcony so that was a bonus that made us happy.

Embarkation in NY wasn't too bad. We got there around 10:30 AM and the line ups were minimal at that point. Since it was Superbowl Sunday, the ship was docked at Pier 88, but we had to check-in at Pier 90 so there was a little bit of weirdness there. We were sitting in O'Sheehans for lunch by noon, rooms ready around 1:30.

The ship itself is beautiful - it's new, what do you expect. I like the layout overall better than the Epic, except I still don't like having the casino in the middle of the place taking up most of Deck 7 including the smoke. I was there for an hour one day and when I went back in my cabin, I smelled like I had been in a smoky bar all night.

One thing I was disappoint with was Spice H2O. Since we don't have any kids, we like to spend a considerable amount of time there as we did on the Epic a couple months ago. But they changed the design from Epic - pool is gone and replaced with a waterfall type sitting area, the restaurant is gone, and the area seemed smaller overall. Still a good place to hang around if you don't want to deal with the kids running around and invading the hot tubs.

The food was fantastic. We didn't do any of the specialty restaurants but did eat at the Manhattan Room (1 breakfast and 1 dinner), Savor/Taste (2 dinners), O'Sheehan's (a few lunches, 1 dinner), Uptown Bar & Grill (2 lunches), and the Garden Cafe (a few dinners, lunches, and breakfasts). The menu in the MDRs were pretty good, and there was some overlap of items between Manhattan and Savor/Taste.

The entertainment - Second to none as far as I'm concerned. I'm not a "dancing type", nor do I watch "Dancing with the stars", but Burn The Floor was amazing.

Rock of Ages, outstanding! There were a few technical glitches but the laymen would not have noticed (I use to do sound production so I notice these things). In speaking with some New Yorkers that see Broadway shows, they indicated that RoA was better than some Broadway shows they've seen.

Second City in Headliners - they do a couple different scenarios. Some shows are improv only, others are skit comedy with some improv. We saw both versions at least once, improv twice. Always a good time.

Howl at the Moon - Not bad but I thought it was kind of ridiculous that they basically said that unless you give money with your request, you're probably not going to hear your request. I thought I paid for this entertainment as part of my cruise fair.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy - I was a little disappointed with this one because I saw the version on the Epic 2 months and it was WAY better IMO, more entertaining. Food was good though.

Finally, the fireworks. Loved it! It was on the Thursday after we left Nassau, during the 80s Remix party in Spice H2O. They were fired at 9:15 PM to a soundtrack, and lasted approx. 5 mins. I recorded them with my cell phone so the sound wasn't great, but it gives you an idea. Here's the link for the video:

Traffic worries unfounded. Drove right in without any issues.

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