zactak

I was on the Epic for Halloween in 2016. They had a costume party and a costume contest for the guests. A lot of people dressed up. They also had some minor decorations, and a "haunted house." The haunted house wasn't that great, but it was the effort that counted... it was nice of them to at least try! I think they had trick or treating at the stores for kids. They also had a themed Halloween party in Spice H2O that night, which is where the Halloween contest was.

With identity fraud so prevalent plus border security issues, I don't think intentionally applying for a passport with a fake name would be received lightly if brought to the attention of Border Control. By adding a fake middle name, it would evade detection of issues recorded under your actual name.

No. That's not the case at all. If this was the case, then many criminals would just apply for a passport with a made up middle name to evade law enforcement.

When you apply to renew a passport, you provide additional information including your social security number, new photo, and other identifying information. That information refers back to your previous passport information and current background. Your new passport has a new number, but also indicates you had a previous passport with the previous passport number. Border Patrol would have all the necessary information to confirm your real identity without any issues in this situation. Nothing the OP posted would rise to the level of criminality.

I'm not totally sure if you will have any issues regarding your passport, but I have seen situations where people have problems with the name on their passport not matching their reservation. I personally wouldn't want to take the chance of being turned away. I would probably get my passport updated if I were you, just to avoid any potential problems.

I wouldn't pay much attention to those saying you or your wife committed fraud or perjury. First and foremost, intent has to be there, and the burden to prove intent would be up to a prosecutor. By adding a middle name when you don't have one isn't defrauding anyone, using a totally fake name is. Perjury would only come into play if you lied about something in order to get approved for the passport. You'd likely be approved with or without the middle name. So, don't worry about any crime being committed.

I just wanted to note that the original agent you spoke with who indicated they could not make outbound calls was likely telling the truth, and not just wanting to make it more complicated for you in regards to getting AA on the phone.

I used to work at a call center for a bank, and I could only make internal calls. If I clicked to open a new external line, I would have started receiving more inbound calls on that line too.

I'm not saying it's not frustrating for the customer, or that your frustrations aren't valid. I just wanted to provide a little insight that the agent likely wasn't lying.

Many people dress up on the cruise, so you wouldn't be seen as the oddball family. I personally like NCL because there's no formal night, but I actually enjoy dressing up. I often wear a sports coat and a button down shirt during my cruises. So, if you want to dress you and your family up, go for it!

I didn't miss anything. His comment is irresponsible. Why bring up something totally unrelated - and unfounded - unless you have an agenda?

I'm pretty sure TheGinBoy was pointing out to the people that were quick to "ban" the passenger, including you, that there are often more details to a situation, and people should pause before making unfounded assumptions. He made no assumptions that she was pushed overboard, or that there was any foul play, or even that he knew the specifics of this particular case. His statements were general, yours, and others weren't.

The "ban" statements, and the statements about the woman being billed for the rescue effort were the irresponsible statements. We don't know how or why she fell overboard, we can only infer, but those statements imply that she was negligent in falling over board, and no one else was. Once the facts of the cases are known to the proper authorities, and if it's determined this woman was responsible, then that's the point at which a banning and/or bill to them should be considered, not before then.

Please feel free to document that ridiculous assertion. The woman in this story has been interviewed and says nothing of the sort. Thanks for the laugh.

Let "GinBoy" tell us.

I guess you missed the first part of GinBoy's post where he said "Although it doesn't seem to be the case here..." which is an assertion that he is speaking in a general sense, and not on this particular story. :rolleyes:

There's a lot of great suggestions here. A couple of things that I would add are to potentially bring any over-the-counter medication you might need that you don't normally take. For instance I pack motion sickness medication, even though I don't tend to get seasick, and I also bring aloe vera in case I get sunburnt.

Also, as others have mentioned bringing an alarm clock, I'd also suggest bringing a watch, or carry your cell phone around while on board. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know what time it is, because the ships don't always have clocks readily available.

Last Cruise I kept trying to get into the wrong cabin...:rolleyes::rolleyes:Those poor people :rolleyes::eek:

:') That's great! I did that when I moved to my very first apartment once. I got home at like 2AM and tried unlocking the wrong door. As I ran off realizing what I did someone yelled "HELLO?!" :')

I think I agree with what most people have said here. I would either try to sell them if that's an option, or see if you can speak to a supervisor and see if you can get anywhere with them. I had an issue with Celebrity a few years ago, and I was able to track down the email address of an executive. I emailed them, and they transferred my complaint to a higher department than their normal customer service center. You may be able to try a similar avenue with Norwegian to see if any agreeable terms can be met that satisfy what you want, though it seems rather unclear as to what you want.

With that said, what occurred can happen on any cruise line, and I doubt it was intentional. Proving it to be intentional would be nearly impossible, and I wouldn't consult your cousin over such a matter. I know if a friend or family member asked me to write such a letter, I wouldn't get involved (I'm not a lawyer or a paralegal, but I am in a law-related field).

Norwegian is first protected by the Next Cruise contract, which is also what you would have agreed to by making your purchase. It would be your burden of proof to show they sold you the certificates under intentional false pretenses. It's doubtful you have any record of the conversation regarding the specific cruise you were looking for took place and was "promised." Even if you had proof, such as a recorded conversation, you'd have to prove the individual who told you did so knowing what they were saying was false, and they intentionally deceived you so that you would make the purchase. Almost an impossible feat. I don't think a letter from an attorney would help in this situation, as there's no legal pressure that can be applied or even implied in a letter.

I understand your anger and frustration over this, I probably would be too, but this happens on a daily basis for customers on every cruise line. Just realize if you don't cruise Norwegian again, a similar situation, or even a worse situation may occur to you on another line.

The Sky 3-day is a GREAT weekend getaway! (Note the Pick 5 Offer is not valid on the Sky).

 

A day on the private island where you food and beverages are included. A day in Nassau.

 

To get an idea on what happens on the ship, check out our live post from the Sky https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2539744

The Pick 5 offer isn't valid on the Sky, however the Sky does have it's own version of the Pick 5 called the Free at Sea All-Inclusive, which includes choosing up to 5 of the following offers, depending on what type of stateroom you book: a photo package, $50 dining credit, $50 per port shore excursion credit, 100 minutes of WiFi, and/or 3rd & 4th guests free on select sailings.

I'm not speaking from any insider information or anything, but what I have gathered on the forums here is that there is a two-week block where the Empress of the Seas is not sailing, so it's assumed that she is going to be in dry dock. Since it's a short dry dock, I doubt there will be any major changes between the staterooms. The dry dock is probably more about preventative maintenance, fixing knicks, and maybe a minor update here and there. But, I'm basing that all off of my little knowledge and opinion :)

All booked for 6 April 2019 going as a solo. I got the single apartment which is 108 square feet. All I am going to do in the room is sleep and use the bathroom. I am not planning parties there or anything...HA!

I actually think two people can book that room, but I also booked the oceanview studio for the June 1, 2019 sailing as a solo. You'll have to let us know how much you liked or disliked it when you return! I've taken a cruise on the Norwegian Epic in a solo studio, and I think it's 102 square feet. It was small, but it was perfectly fine for my needs, so I am sure the oceanview studio will be fine on the Empress of the Seas for you. You'll be surprised how little time you actually spend in your cabin! Enjoy your trip.

As most everyone else has pointed out, if you're looking at a ship that does not have a solo cabin, a good rule of thumb is to double the per person rate being advertised, because you're probably going to be paying double occupancy rates. There are a few exceptions to that.

If you're curious about how much a particular cabin would cost including taxes and port fees, you can typically go through the process of booking the cabin online before providing your personal information and payment information without actually reserving the cruise to get a total.

Sometimes you can find great deals, especially last minute deals. Also, if by chance you do find a cruise you're interested in that has solo cabins, check to see if other cabins could be cheaper. The cruise I took two years ago sold normal interior rooms for cheaper than the solo cabins as the cruise date got closer. Just keep your eye out for deals, and when you find a price you're willing to pay, book it!

I've gone solo on two cruises, and I have another one booked for next year. My reasoning for traveling solo is similar to yours; no one wanted to go with me, because they couldn't afford it. I actually prefer to go on cruises and travel alone now.

As an American, I can't sympathize with the situation you had, but I can empathize and understand your frustrations. I had several friends complain about how it took them 2 to 2.5 hours to pass through immigration, which is definitely ridiculous. I actually had a friend that missed a volunteer experience, because it took him too long to get off the ship. From what I understand, this is on par for immigration in San Juan. My guess is its understaffing issues with the U.S. Immigration Department, and has a lot less to do with NCL.

Could NCL have a better process? Maybe. But you're going to have people lining up regardless of what NCL calls.

I think as others have pointed out, all of it really comes down to timing of booking the cruise and personal preferences. Sometimes inside cabins are more expensive, sometimes studio cabins are more expensive. A lot has to do with supply and demand.

In addition to the studio cabin, solo travelers get unfettered access to the Studio Lounge, which provides perks others may feel are important such as the pastries, cookies and coffees. For most cruises, solo travelers booked in other cabin types only get access during certain hours.

One person pointed out how they preferred the layout of the studio cabin while someone else pointed out preferring to have a mini-fridge, which aren't available in studio cabins. Those are personal preferences. I know for me, I don't need a fridge. I often travel alone, and I cannot think of any time when I needed one, so that wouldn't be a consideration for me, but it may be very important to someone else.

In the end, it's all about what you're willing to pay and what you feel you want and need. I'm going on a TA at the end of this month. I was initially in a studio, but upgraded. I know the studios are sold out and last I checked an inside is cheaper than what the studios were, but the insides were more expensive before final payment.

Hi, I am new to NCL and would like to know a few tips please?

 

3. Are the shore excursions worthwhile compared to DIY?

 

Welcome to NCL! The Epic is a great ship. I'm a big advocate of figuring out what you might want to do in the ports you go to, and see what fits your needs the best. If that means doing a ship-sponsored excursion, doing a DIY trip, or finding a third-party excursion, do what you want to do. I have done all three at different ports, and never regretted my decisions. You just have to be more careful with scheduling, and ensuring you get back to the boat on time when you don't go with the ship excursion.

I think many of you haven't cruised on any other line in many, many years.

 

Most of the major lines have dress up optional on any given night.

This thread was almost a year and a half old until someone revived it this weekend. There aren't too many newer posts....

I figure you're right in regards to most of the major lines don't have required dress up nights anymore, but I'm sure that's primarily limited to NCL, RCCL, Carnival and Disney. I'm sure some of the more mainstream "luxury" lines, such as Celebrity, Holland America and others still have official dress up nights.

Congratulations on your anniversary! Going on your first cruise is a great choice! My parents went on a cruise when I was a child for one of their anniversaries and they loved it so much we did a family cruise a couple years later. That's how my love for cruising started.

Here are some of my suggestions:

By searching around Cruise Critic, you can probably find some dailies that show what went on during similar cruises to yours, so you can get an idea of what may go on during yours. Connect with your roll call here, research what is available on your ship, and figure out things you might want to do while on board before you embark.

Don't just settle on the excursions provided by your cruise line. There are a lot of third party excursions available out there, and at many ports you can figure out things to do on your own without going through a company. Look into all the options available to you. I think this maximizes your experience. I have done third party excursions, and explored ports on my own without problems.... and I'm not *that* experienced with cruising.

A key note to this: if you choose a third party excursion, or choose to do something on your own, ensure you get back to your cruise on time. Doing a cruise line excursion guarantees you will get back to the ship on time OR they will get you to your next destination. Some third parties provide guarantees, but make sure you read what those guarantees include. If you do something on your own, make sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the ship.

I'm not sure how much you enjoy getting into water, especially on the cruise, but I bought a waterproof camera. It's nice to know I don't have to remember whether or not my camera is in my pocket, and if it is where to put it while I get in the hot tub. If that's not an option, you can always look into waterproof cases too!

I don't necessarily miss the dress up nights. I like that with NCL they still have nights where you can dress up if you want to, and it is a choice. I'm a person that likes to eat dinner in the MDR or a specialty restaurant and not at the buffet. I took a cruise on X last year, and I hated that they had a dress up night in order to eat in the dining rooms. With NCL, those that want to dress up can, and those that don't, don't have to dress up. I plan to pack my suit jacket next month.

I have never been on a Carnival cruise, or been to San Juan, but I would guess you could drop off your luggage sooner than 2:30. A lot likely depends upon when the ship comes into port from the previous cruise, and how easy it is to get into the port area to drop off your luggage. I'm sure others who have more experience in that area than I do can answer this question better.

Something else you could consider is if you are going to be staying at a hotel before you cruise in Puerto Rico, you can always ask if they can hold your luggage, most will. Also, you may be able to book a third-party excursion that will hold your luggage while you take an excursion before boarding. Many cruise lines also provide pre-cruise excursions. Those are options you could consider, as well.

Lastly, you may be able to find your specific cruise in the Carnival Roll Call, and see what others may be planning to do, or to see if anyone has any suggestions. It's a great way to get to know fellow passengers, and see what they're planning to do!

I second GTO-Girl's suggestion to look into Bernard's Tour for St. Maarten. I used them in 2013, and I was not disappointed one bit. It's one of my most favorite places I've ever been to. They were very friendly, professional, and I had enough time at each stop to enjoy everything.

In St Martin I would recommend booking a tour with Bernard's Tours. You will get s great tour of the island, beach time, a stop in Marigot the French Capitol and then to the airport at Maho to watch the planes land.

 

Bernard is well known on the island and a very successful businessman. You will have no worries about getting back to the ship in plenty of time.

 

Have a great cruise!!

These are all great tips to provide for people that are looking for more insider information in regards to the Epic.

A couple of tips I wanted to add:

In terms of making reservations for shows, if you're a person that really knows you want to see a show, and you're worried there won't be any seats available, don't hesitate to reserve. If you prefer to do things on a whim, you can go to the shows without reservations, but you do have to wait in line until people with reservations are seated, and there's always a chance you may not get to attend that showing. It's important to weigh what you want to do/see and the best way to do it for you and your party.

There are TV screens throughout the ship, and accessible in your cabin to see what times are still open for reservations at the speciality restaurants. When I was on the Epic three years ago, we could call a little before we wanted to go and get reservations without any problems. Of course, this can also vary, and if you want to ensure you don't miss out, then by all means make a reservation.

On the room numbers outside the cabins, there is a gauge you can turn that includes things such as "Do Not Disturb."

For those that are in a Studio cabin on the Epic, which is the solo traveler cabins on Decks 11 and 12. Those cabins do not have mini-refrigerators or coffee machines in them, but there is coffee and tea available in the Studio Lounge.

• Spice H20 was a good “away from people” spot for lunch on embarkation day.- I don't think they served lunch here for us. Try O'Sheehans instead for a quieter spot

There are sometimes lunch buffets in Spice H20 from 11:30 - 2:30, however it is definitely not as big as the Garden Cafe. My guess is whomever was providing the tip of going to Spice was referring to going to the Garden Cafe to fix your plate, and take your plate to Spice H20. It's a bit of a trek, but something to consider, especially if someone wants to eat outside, and the areas near the Garden Cafe are full. There are also appetizers available in Spice at certain times.

I am at 88 days out, and Cirque Dreams is now available in MyNCL, as well.

Missing the ship is always a worry of mine. Last year, my ex and I were on a cruise. I kept emphasizing to him the importance of getting back on board in time. In Key West, he was lolly gagging around, and I kept rushing him, but he was having nothing of it. I looked up and saw a gangway getting pulled into the ship, so I started running. I looked back and saw he didn't have the sense of urgency that I did. I didn't care, I kept running. I got back on the ship and after I got through security, I heard someone yell "RUN!" I looked back just in time to see my ex running on board. They pulled the gang way immediately after him. I remember he said, "You were going to leave me?!" I was like, "Yep!" It's a wonder why we're no longer together :rolleyes:

I have only been to St. Maarten on your itinerary and I absolutely loved it there! It is actually one of my most favorite places I have ever visited. I was a little sad when I had to leave so soon on one of my cruises. I'd love to go back and spend more time there someday. Sarafina's on the French side is a must see place, if you enjoy pastries and have the time.

In regards to what you asked, the most important thing is to wear what you are comfortable wearing. It will be humid in the areas you are visiting, so you will definitely want to plan accordingly. I am very much like you and hate wearing shorts. If you're not used to the humidity and don't handle it well, you may want to find something you can wear that is lighter that you feel comfortable in. I almost exclusively wear jeans, even on cruises. The only time I wear shorts is when I know I'll be getting in the water. I'm used to humidity, growing up in the midwest, so my tolerance level is rather high. I was the guy that walked around Singapore, a country with very high humidity, in jeans.

I think packing more than you might need is better than packing too light and not bringing something. I never seemed to have problems with bugs anywhere I went, but if it is a concern of yours, you can certainly pack it. I hope you get to sit back, relax and enjoy your cruise!