19 decks to learb about, how about some secrets, and tips and...

[2010_cruisers]

Last updated: 8-26-210, 10:45 AM, Pacific

 

A-Z Complete (if you more tips come in, we will add them)

 

a)Show: BMG Best time to see Blue Man group without reservations is Saturday night. Lots of open seats and The first two rows are a “splash zone” where they provide ponchos and have plastic seats.

b) Fish and Chips, wings, chicken pot pie, Strawberry poundcake, Apple Crumble or Brownie Sundayvery yummy....and milkshakes (extra fee) from O'Sheehans

c) Pretzel Rolls (some call them pretzel balls also).

d) Fat Cats for major blues (amazing show)

e) Bowling at Bliss (but if it is busy, wait there or you will lose your place)

f) A q u a P a r k (expect long lines during busy times or hot weather)

g) Second City Comedy id great...but the Comedic-Magician is ok but not for kids.

h) Lobster Night Monday served in Taste ad Manhattan Club on Monday (TBA)

i) The pistachio cake and lemon pound cake is very yummy

j) Try the water slides before they close,. less busy time and the green water slide is the fastest and scariest, but go purple if you want short lines

k) Crique show: Go the washroom before you watch the show , they do NOT let anyone leave for the whole 2 hours. Also, the the show is a bit risqué and uses double entendres (for kids) and and has lots of gay and sexual references. The food also was considred fairly bland and very average.

l) Take a power strip with you. There's only one outlet with two plugs in standard balcony room

m) The spa has an aft balcony with loungers and two wicker couches. Awesome spot to watch the world go by (but you have to pay to be there)

o) On the last sea day they have a big sale on Epic stuff in the shops on deck15. 2 shirts for $10 is a good deal for gifts - some nice sweatshirts, jackets, hats and other items for 50% off.The main gift shops don’t have sales the last day.

p) In the spa, towels are in the huge wall racks, but there are robes hiding in the little basket by the door.

q) The ship doesn't supply conditioner or bar soap. Bring some if you need it.

r) The cruelest joke is the amazing salad bar at Moderno....and the Garlic beef was awesome.

s) There's an awesome out-of-the-way place for shaded lounging... under the sportsdeck starboard aft

t) There are at least four places to get a made to order omelet in the Garden Café at breakfast.

u)The public sun decks on 18 are virtually empty, even when the pool is full ( seating for about 100 people up there)

v) Feeling ill, go to the front desk for FREE sea-sick pills.

w) Discovered the fix for the sink splashing.......don't turn the faucet on full blast.

x)Wear your shoes while walking on the decks outside ( I kid you not the deck got so hot that we met a woman who got second degree burns on her feet

y) SVEDKA Ice Bar: Wear socks and long pants (it will help keep you more comfortable)

z)If you want any fruit-juices throughout the day or evening for yourself or your children (grab some during the breakfast time only - up until 10:30 am). They will offer, cranberry, orange and apple juice and that is it.

 

Bonus Tips:

-"Secret" aft stairs are aft - on either side at the very back of the Epic. If you look at the deck plan you'll see blank spots there. Here are some aft photos - the stairway has cutouts with side view.

- Note that the cabin telephone is very bright. It’s like a giant cell phone that is constantly on. On the upper right of the screen there is a light bulb, touch the bulb and the phone goes to sleep

- If you so desire a super-snack – try ordering ‘the home-made potatoes chips with blue cheese crumble’ trough room service.

- For patrons new to NCL ones or who may not be a Latitudes members yet –for a FEE they offer a private behind the scenes tour. For $55. It was a 2 hour tour that included talks from the entertainment/technical director, head chef, laundry, and other areas. Was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. It gave a new respect for the employees and how they are able to do what they do on such a large scale.

- For you sun-worshipers: brings lots of aloe gel or we also highly reccomend a product by Berts Bee's called Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother.

- On the outside where your room number is there is a wheel that you can change between Welcome, Do Not Disturb, Please Make up Room, and Please Turn Down Room. That’s convenient. Your cabin steward won’t even knock if it says not to disturb.

- Creme Brulee at Cagney's says Raspberry Creme Brulee

- If you’re going to play in the casino even a little, sign up for their casino club. The deals and discounts ($5 off slot/BJ tourneys, for instance) make it well worth your time.

- Alaskan King Crab Legs are cut in half at Cagney's so you don't need to crack them to eat them.

- Take cash with you to Howl at the Moon so you can tip the musician to stop playing an awful song... like your rival college football team fight song. ha ha ha

- No recording or flash photography allowed at shows in the Epic Theater or Spiegel Tent. Take your camera anyways for candid shots before the show begins.

- When you order a drink, they will give you a short glass unless you specify a tall glass, which is only a couple bucks more and you can keep the souvenir cup.

- Impossible to keep up with multiple passengers in staterooms going to different events. Take a dry erase board with a magnet on the back and stick it on your door. Leave messages for your friends & family on the board.

- You can drop off of bags at Headliners - to walk around without bags for a couple of hours.

- Spice H20 was a good “away from people” spot for lunch on embarkation day.

- Sports fan - on the big screen in the Atrium they will show games!

- NCL's White Hot Party was at Spice H2O ... Sunday night, starting at 10:15 pm.

- It's never too late unless you have left the restaurant. You can order as many appys and deserts as you like in the specialty restaurants.

- Studio Lounge Area: We liked the snacks they put in the fridge too. There is also coffee, salads, sandwiches, etc. Depending on the time of day. We never did see a bartender though, which is depicted in the brochures. Also, anyone can get in. There is not even a slot to swipe your card, so I am not sure why NCL talks about the exclusive key card access so much. They never even bothered to install one at all.

- Pastries in the Atrium coffee shop are free, coffee is free, but specialty coffees cost money.

- The slides are fresh water, and the pool is salt water (pulled and filtered locally). So, if going down the slides and you get some in your mouth - you will be fine.

- They have kiosks set up where you scan your card and it will bring up any pictures assigned to your stateroom. If you do posed pictures you present your cruise card so they know where to assign the pictures, otherwise they use facial recognition.

- When you head off to any of the beaches, it is good to bring some OFF-spray....epsically if it has deet.

- Debarkation Day - go for breakfast in the Garden Café before 9 AM as it is scheduled to close by then (it will be crowded). Everyone had to be out of their rooms by 9am and off the ship by 10:15

-If you are heading off the ship, need a ride, best transport is a cab. Since it’s only a 15 minute and $25 drive to the airport.

- On the last full day of the cruise, when the duty-free liquor store is open in the am, they let you take your purchase with you (rather than waiting until the evening to pick it up). This helps make reading the final cruise bill a little easier (and less expensive)!

[epicbride16]

Rock Chick - Thank you so much! Jenn.gibbs@live.com

[2010_cruisers]

Rock Chick ...are you looking to add any new friends to your msn or your facebook page, if so let me know and I will add you. ok Thanks and be well..

[2010_cruisers]

epicbride16

Cool Cruiser....maybe you can be added instead....if u wish.

[Rock Chick]

Rock Chick - Thank you so much! Jenn.gibbs@live.com

 

I would also love a copy of your findings,,,,,pretty please :p

If I give u my email addy would u b so kind to send it to me ?

avon_donna@yahoo.ca

Thanx a bunch ! ! ! ! !

Happy Cruising,,,,,,,,,

DonnaF :D

 

Hi there

 

I've emailed you both. Happy cruising.

 

Carol

[Rock Chick]

Rock Chick ...are you looking to add any new friends to your msn or your facebook page, if so let me know and I will add you. ok Thanks and be well..

 

Thank you that is very kind of you but, with respect, all my friends on facebook with whom I choose to share my photos and personal information, are mostly people I know personally and have done so for a considerable length of time. :)

 

Kind regards and best wishes

[2010_cruisers]

all good, moving on.....so, anymore tips, suggestions, ideas, hmm...

[2010_cruisers]

A-Z Complete (if you more tips come in, we will add them)

 

a)Show: BMG Best time to see Blue Man group without reservations is Saturday night. Lots of open seats and The first two rows are a “splash zone” where they provide ponchos and have plastic seats.

b) Fish and Chips, wings, chicken pot pie, Strawberry pound cake, Apple Crumble or Brownie Sundayvery yummy....and milkshakes (extra fee) from O'Sheehans

c) Pretzel Rolls (some call them pretzel balls also).

d) Fat Cats for major blues (amazing show)

e) Bowling at Bliss (but if it is busy, wait there or you will lose your place)

f) A q u a P a r k (expect long lines during busy times or hot weather)

g) Second City Comedy id great...but the Comedic-Magician is ok but not for kids.

h) Lobster Night Monday served in Taste ad Manhattan Club on Monday (TBA)

i) The pistachio cake and lemon pound cake is very yummy

j) Try the water slides before they close,. less busy time and the green water slide is the fastest and scariest, but go purple if you want short lines

k) Crique show: Go the washroom before you watch the show , they do NOT let anyone leave for the whole 2 hours. Also, the the show is a bit risqué and uses double entendres (for kids) and and has lots of gay and sexual references. The food also was considred fairly bland and very average.

l) Take a power strip with you. There's only one outlet with two plugs in standard balcony room

m) The spa has an aft balcony with loungers and two wicker couches. Awesome spot to watch the world go by (but you have to pay to be there)

o) On the last sea day they have a big sale on Epic stuff in the shops on deck15. 2 shirts for $10 is a good deal for gifts - some nice sweatshirts, jackets, hats and other items for 50% off.The main gift shops don’t have sales the last day.

p) In the spa, towels are in the huge wall racks, but there are robes hiding in the little basket by the door.

q) The ship doesn't supply conditioner or bar soap. Bring some if you need it.

r) The cruelest joke is the amazing salad bar at Moderno....and the Garlic beef was awesome.

s) There's an awesome out-of-the-way place for shaded lounging... under the sportsdeck starboard aft

t) There are at least four places to get a made to order omelet in the Garden Café at breakfast.

u)The public sun decks on 18 are virtually empty, even when the pool is full ( seating for about 100 people up there)

v) Feeling ill, go to the front desk for FREE sea-sick pills.

w) Discovered the fix for the sink splashing.......don't turn the faucet on full blast.

x)Wear your shoes while walking on the decks outside ( I kid you not the deck got so hot that we met a woman who got second degree burns on her feet

y) SVEDKA Ice Bar: Wear socks and long pants (it will help keep you more comfortable)

z)If you want any fruit-juices throughout the day or evening for yourself or your children (grab some during the breakfast time only - up until 10:30 am). They will offer, cranberry, orange and apple juice and that is it.

Bonus Tips:

-"Secret" aft stairs are aft - on either side at the very back of the Epic. If you look at the deck plan you'll see blank spots there. Here are some aft photos - the stairway has cutouts with side view.

- Note that the cabin telephone is very bright. It’s like a giant cell phone that is constantly on. On the upper right of the screen there is a light bulb, touch the bulb and the phone goes to sleep

- If you so desire a super-snack – try ordering ‘the home-made potatoes chips with blue cheese crumble’ trough room service.

- For patrons new to NCL ones or who may not be a Latitudes members yet –for a FEE they offer a private behind the scenes tour. For $55. It was a 2 hour tour that included talks from the entertainment/technical director, head chef, laundry, and other areas. Was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. It gave a new respect for the employees and how they are able to do what they do on such a large scale.

- For you sun-worshipers: brings lots of aloe gel or we also highly reccomend a product by Berts Bee's called Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother.

- On the outside where your room number is there is a wheel that you can change between Welcome, Do Not Disturb, Please Make up Room, and Please Turn Down Room. That’s convenient. Your cabin steward won’t even knock if it says not to disturb.

- Creme Brulee at Cagney's says Raspberry Creme Brulee

- If you’re going to play in the casino even a little, sign up for their casino club. The deals and discounts ($5 off slot/BJ tourneys, for instance) make it well worth your time.

- Alaskan King Crab Legs are cut in half at Cagney's so you don't need to crack them to eat them.

- Take cash with you to Howl at the Moon so you can tip the musician to stop playing an awful song... like your rival college football team fight song. ha ha ha

- No recording or flash photography allowed at shows in the Epic Theater or Spiegel Tent. Take your camera anyways for candid shots before the show begins.

- When you order a drink, they will give you a short glass unless you specify a tall glass, which is only a couple bucks more and you can keep the souvenir cup.

- Impossible to keep up with multiple passengers in staterooms going to different events. Take a dry erase board with a magnet on the back and stick it on your door. Leave messages for your friends & family on the board.

- Regarding getting into shows: you should get to the shows about 30 minutes before it begins in order to get good seats (although the Epic Theater didn’t have a bad seat in the house, the comedy club had some terrible sight lines).

- You can drop off of bags at Headliners - to walk around without bags for a couple of hours.

- Spice H20 was a good “away from people” spot for lunch on embarkation day.

- Sports fan - on the big screen in the Atrium they will show games!

- NCL's White Hot Party was at Spice H2O ... Sunday night, starting at 10:15 pm.

- It's never too late unless you have left the restaurant. You can order as many appys and deserts as you like in the specialty restaurants.

- Studio Lounge Area: We liked the snacks they put in the fridge too. There is also coffee, salads, sandwiches, etc. Depending on the time of day. We never did see a bartender though, which is depicted in the brochures. Also, anyone can get in. There is not even a slot to swipe your card, so I am not sure why NCL talks about the exclusive key card access so much. They never even bothered to install one at all.

- Pastries in the Atrium coffee shop are free, coffee is free, but specialty coffees cost money.

- The slides are fresh water, and the pool is salt water (pulled and filtered locally). So, if going down the slides and you get some in your mouth - you will be fine.

- They have kiosks set up where you scan your card and it will bring up any pictures assigned to your stateroom. If you do posed pictures you present your cruise card so they know where to assign the pictures, otherwise they use facial recognition.

- When you head off to any of the beaches, it is good to bring some OFF-spray....epsically if it has deet.

- Debarkation Day - go for breakfast in the Garden Café before 9 AM as it is scheduled to close by then (it will be crowded). Everyone had to be out of their rooms by 9am and off the ship by 10:15

-If you are heading off the ship, need a ride, best transport is a cab. Since it’s only a 15 minute and $25 drive to the airport.

- On the last full day of the cruise, when the duty-free liquor store is open in the am, they let you take your purchase with you (rather than waiting until the evening to pick it up). This helps make reading the final cruise bill a little easier (and less expensive)!

- NCL has gotten really cheap with certain things. They were very protective over pens and paper. None are provided in the stateroom, so bring a pad-pen yourself.

[2010_cruisers]

Last updated: 8-26-2010, 10PM, Pacific

 

A-Z Complete (if you more tips come in, we will add them)

 

a)Show: BMG Best time to see Blue Man group without reservations is Saturday night. Lots of open seats and The first two rows are a “splash zone” where they provide ponchos and have plastic seats.

b) Fish and Chips, wings, chicken pot pie, Strawberry pound cake, Apple Crumble or Brownie Sundayvery yummy....and milkshakes (extra fee) from O'Sheehans

c) Pretzel Rolls (some call them pretzel balls also).

d) Fat Cats for major blues (amazing show)

e) Bowling at Bliss (but if it is busy, wait there or you will lose your place)

f) A q u a P a r k (expect long lines during busy times or hot weather)

g) Second City Comedy id great...but the Comedic-Magician is ok but not for kids.

h) Lobster Night Monday served in Taste ad Manhattan Club on Monday (TBA)

i) The pistachio cake and lemon pound cake is very yummy

j) Try the water slides before they close,. less busy time and the green water slide is the fastest and scariest, but go purple if you want short lines

k) Crique show: Go the washroom before you watch the show , they do NOT let anyone leave for the whole 2 hours. Also, the the show is a bit risqué and uses double entendres (for kids) and and has lots of gay and sexual references. The food also was considred fairly bland and very average.

l) Take a power strip with you. There's only one outlet with two plugs in standard balcony room

m) The spa has an aft balcony with loungers and two wicker couches. Awesome spot to watch the world go by (but you have to pay to be there)

o) On the last sea day they have a big sale on Epic stuff in the shops on deck15. 2 shirts for $10 is a good deal for gifts - some nice sweatshirts, jackets, hats and other items for 50% off.The main gift shops don’t have sales the last day.

p) In the spa, towels are in the huge wall racks, but there are robes hiding in the little basket by the door.

q) The ship doesn't supply conditioner or bar soap. Bring some if you need it.

r) The cruelest joke is the amazing salad bar at Moderno....and the Garlic beef was awesome.

s) There's an awesome out-of-the-way place for shaded lounging... under the sportsdeck starboard aft

t) There are at least four places to get a made to order omelet in the Garden Café at breakfast.

u)The public sun decks on 18 are virtually empty, even when the pool is full ( seating for about 100 people up there)

v) Feeling ill, go to the front desk for FREE sea-sick pills.

w) Discovered the fix for the sink splashing.......don't turn the faucet on full blast.

x)Wear your shoes while walking on the decks outside ( I kid you not the deck got so hot that we met a woman who got second degree burns on her feet

y) SVEDKA Ice Bar: Wear socks and long pants (it will help keep you more comfortable)

z)If you want any fruit-juices throughout the day or evening for yourself or your children (grab some during the breakfast time only - up until 10:30 am). They will offer, cranberry, orange and apple juice and that is it.

 

Bonus Tips:

-"Secret" aft stairs are aft - on either side at the very back of the Epic. If you look at the deck plan you'll see blank spots there. Here are some aft photos - the stairway has cutouts with side view.

- Note that the cabin telephone is very bright. It’s like a giant cell phone that is constantly on. On the upper right of the screen there is a light bulb, touch the bulb and the phone goes to sleep

- If you so desire a super-snack – try ordering ‘the home-made potatoes chips with blue cheese crumble’ trough room service.

- For patrons new to NCL ones or who may not be a Latitudes members yet –for a FEE they offer a private behind the scenes tour. For $55. It was a 2 hour tour that included talks from the entertainment/technical director, head chef, laundry, and other areas. Was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. It gave a new respect for the employees and how they are able to do what they do on such a large scale.

- For you sun-worshipers: brings lots of aloe gel or we also highly reccomend a product by Berts Bee's called Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother.

- On the outside where your room number is there is a wheel that you can change between Welcome, Do Not Disturb, Please Make up Room, and Please Turn Down Room. That’s convenient. Your cabin steward won’t even knock if it says not to disturb.

- Creme Brulee at Cagney's says Raspberry Creme Brulee

- If you’re going to play in the casino even a little, sign up for their casino club. The deals and discounts ($5 off slot/BJ tourneys, for instance) make it well worth your time.

- Alaskan King Crab Legs are cut in half at Cagney's so you don't need to crack them to eat them.

- Take cash with you to Howl at the Moon so you can tip the musician to stop playing an awful song... like your rival college football team fight song. ha ha ha

- No recording or flash photography allowed at shows in the Epic Theater or Spiegel Tent. Take your camera anyways for candid shots before the show begins.

- When you order a drink, they will give you a short glass unless you specify a tall glass, which is only a couple bucks more and you can keep the souvenir cup.

- Impossible to keep up with multiple passengers in staterooms going to different events. Take a dry erase board with a magnet on the back and stick it on your door. Leave messages for your friends & family on the board.

- Regarding getting into shows: you should get to the shows about 30 minutes before it begins in order to get good seats (although the Epic Theater didn’t have a bad seat in the house, the comedy club had some terrible sight lines).

- You can drop off of bags at Headliners - to walk around without bags for a couple of hours.

- Spice H20 was a good “away from people” spot for lunch on embarkation day.

- Sports fan - on the big screen in the Atrium they will show games!

- NCL's White Hot Party was at Spice H2O ... Sunday night, starting at 10:15 pm.

- It's never too late unless you have left the restaurant. You can order as many appys and deserts as you like in the specialty restaurants.

- Studio Lounge Area: We liked the snacks they put in the fridge too. There is also coffee, salads, sandwiches, etc. Depending on the time of day. We never did see a bartender though, which is depicted in the brochures. Also, anyone can get in. There is not even a slot to swipe your card, so I am not sure why NCL talks about the exclusive key card access so much. They never even bothered to install one at all.

- Pastries in the Atrium coffee shop are free, coffee is free, but specialty coffees cost money.

- Murder Mystery Lunch: Not sure this was worth the added cost. I’d probably recommend just going to see multiple showings of Second City shows during the week rather than this lunch.

- The slides are fresh water, and the pool is salt water (pulled and filtered locally). So, if going down the slides and you get some in your mouth - you will be fine.

- They have kiosks set up where you scan your card and it will bring up any pictures assigned to your stateroom. If you do posed pictures you present your cruise card so they know where to assign the pictures, otherwise they use facial recognition.

- When you head off to any of the beaches, it is good to bring some OFF-spray....epsically if it has deet.

- Debarkation Day - go for breakfast in the Garden Café before 9 AM as it is scheduled to close by then (it will be crowded). Everyone had to be out of their rooms by 9am and off the ship by 10:15

-If you are heading off the ship, need a ride, best transport is a cab. Since it’s only a 15 minute and $25 drive to the airport.

- On the last full day of the cruise, when the duty-free liquor store is open in the am, they let you take your purchase with you (rather than waiting until the evening to pick it up). This helps make reading the final cruise bill a little easier (and less expensive)!

- NCL has gotten really cheap with certain things. They were very protective over pens and paper. None are provided in the stateroom, so bring a pad-pen yourself.

- The slides are a lot of fun. I waited until the port days to use them since we weren’t getting off the ship anyway. I would recommend doing the same. Even if you’re getting off the ship, maybe before you leave or right after you return, try the slides. The green and purple slides never had more than a 2 minute wait, and the most the orange plunge slide had was about 7-8 minutes, when compared to a wait well over 30 minutes on a sea day.

[gina4655]

These are wonderful tips! Thanks to all!

[2010_cruisers]

1 more travel tip...

To get in contact with people on board or thereafter: we make business cards to hand out that has our home contact information, cruise itinerary as well as the cabin we are staying in. It is a convenient way to give information to the new friends we meet instead of writing our addresses, emails on a slip of paper that eventually gets lost.

[btyko]

I had read on the main boards that the carpets on the port side of passenger decks are orange. On the starboard side, the carpets are blue.

 

It took me a few days to notice this, but lights on the elevator buttons and the signage near the elevators are also orange on the port side, and blue on the starboard side.

[2010_cruisers]

btyko

Cool Cruiser

 

Thank you for that observation, I will add it for people to review on the list.

[pianoplayerla]

Thank you, 2010 Cruisers! Fabulous job compiling these tips - I will print out tomorrow before I leave - maybe I will return with a few of my own to share. ;)

 

Bon Voyage Gici!! Can't wait to hear what you think of the ship when you return!!

[2010_cruisers]

:cool: All good. stayvsane, safe and happy everyobe - glad these may enhance your trip. ;):)

[2010_cruisers]

Last updated: 8-27-2010, 7-25 PM, Pacific

A-Z Complete (if you more tips come in, we will add them)

 

a)Shows: BMG Best time to see Blue Man group without reservations is Saturday night. Lots of open seats and the first two rows is a “splash zone” where they provide ponchos and have plastic seats.

b) Fish and Chips, wings, chicken pot pie, Strawberry pound cake, Apple Crumble or Brownie Sunday very yummy....and milkshakes (extra fee) from O'Sheehans

c) Pretzel Rolls (some call them pretzel balls also).

d) Fat Cats for major blues (amazing show)

e) Bowling at Bliss (but if it is busy, wait there or you will lose your place)

f) A q u a P a r k (expect long lines during busy times or hot weather)

g) Second City Comedy id great...but the Comedic-Magician is ok but not for kids.

h) Lobster Night Monday served in Taste ad Manhattan Club on Monday (TBA)

i) The pistachio cake and lemon pound cake is very yummy

j) Try the water slides before they close,. less busy time and the green water slide is the fastest and scariest, but go purple if you want short lines

k) Crique show: Go the washroom before you watch the show , they do NOT let anyone leave for the whole 2 hours. Also, the show is a bit risqué and uses double entendres (for kids) and has lots of gay and sexual references. The food also was considered fairly bland and very average.

l) Take a power strip with you. There's only one outlet with two plugs in standard balcony room

m) The spa has an aft balcony with loungers and two wicker couches. Awesome spot to watch the world go by (but you have to pay to be there)

o) On the last sea day they have a big sale on Epic stuff in the shops on deck15. 2 shirts for $10 are a good deal for gifts - some nice sweatshirts, jackets, hats and other items for 50% off. The main gift shops don’t have sales the last day.

p) In the spa, towels are in the huge wall racks, but there are robes hiding in the little basket by the door.

q) The ship doesn't supply conditioner or bar soap. Bring some if you need it.

r) The cruelest joke is the amazing salad bar at Moderno....and the Garlic beef was awesome.

s) There's an awesome out-of-the-way place for shaded lounging... under the sports deck starboard aft

t) There are at least four places to get a made to order omelet in the Garden Café at breakfast.

u)The public sun decks on 18 are virtually empty, even when the pool is full ( seating for about 100 people up there)

v) Feeling ill, go to the front desk for FREE sea-sick pills.

w) Discovered the fix for the sink splashing.......don't turn the faucet on full blast.

x)Wear your shoes while walking on the decks outside ( I kid you not the deck got so hot that we met a woman who got second degree burns on her feet

y) SVEDKA Ice Bar: Wear socks and long pants (it will help keep you more comfortable)

z)If you want any fruit-juices throughout the day or evening for yourself or your children (grab some during the breakfast time only - up until 10:30 am). They will offer, cranberry, orange and apple juice and that is it.

 

Bonus Tips:

-"Secret" aft stairs are aft - on either side at the very back of the Epic. If you look at the deck plan you'll see blank spots there. Here are some aft photos - the stairway has cutouts with side view.

- Pub Crawl Reunion Tour happens 2x in a week: Saturday and Thursday Night. We met in Martlings Bar at 9 pm. It was $25 per person. We visited 5 bars in 55 minutes. We had 4 large shots. I would say like a double shot size. We also had one whole beer along the way from one of the games and then more beer during the flip cups game, and we finished with a full-size Bahama Mama.

- Note that the cabin telephone is very bright. It’s like a giant cell phone that is constantly on. On the upper right of the screen there is a light bulb, touch the bulb and the phone goes to sleep

- If you so desire a super-snack – try ordering ‘the home-made potatoes chips with blue cheese crumble’ trough room service.

- For patrons new to NCL ones or who may not be a Latitudes members yet –for a FEE they offer a private behind the scenes tour. For $55. It was a 2 hour tour that included talks from the entertainment/technical director, head chef, laundry, and other areas. Was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. It gave a new respect for the employees and how they are able to do what they do on such a large scale.

- To get in contact with people on baord or thereafter: we make business cards to hand out that has our home contact information, cruise itinerary as well as the cabin we are staying in. It is a convenient way to give information to the new friends we meet instead of writing our addresses, emails on a slip of paper that eventually gets lost.

- For you sun-worshipers: brings lots of aloe gel or we also highly recommend a product by Berts Bee's called Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother.

- On the outside where your room number is there is a wheel that you can change between Welcome, Do Not Disturb, Please Make up Room, and Please Turn Down Room. That’s convenient. Your cabin steward won’t even knock if it says not to disturb.

- Crème Brule at Cagney's says Raspberry Crème Brule

- The carpets on the port side of passenger decks are orange. On the starboard side, the carpets are blue. It took me a few days to notice this, but lights on the elevator buttons and the signage near the elevators are also orange on the port side, and blue on the starboard side.

- If you’re going to play in the casino even a little, sign up for their casino club. The deals and discounts ($5 off slot/BJ tourneys, for instance) make it well worth your time.

- Alaskan King Crab Legs are cut in half at Cagney's so you don't need to crack them to eat them.

- Take cash with you to Howl at the Moon so you can tip the musician to stop playing an awful song... like your rival college football team fight song. ha ha ha

- No recording or flash photography allowed at shows in the Epic Theater or Spiegel Tent. Take your camera anyways for candid shots before the show begins.

- When you order a drink, they will give you a short glass unless you specify a tall glass, which is only a couple bucks more and you can keep the souvenir cup.

- Impossible to keep up with multiple passengers in staterooms going to different events. Take a dry erase board with a magnet on the back and stick it on your door. Leave messages for your friends & family on the board.

- Regarding getting into shows: you should get to the shows about 30 minutes before it begins in order to get good seats (although the Epic Theater didn’t have a bad seat in the house, the comedy club had some terrible sight lines).

- You can drop off of bags at Headliners - to walk around without bags for a couple of hours.

- Spice H20 was a good “away from people” spot for lunch on embarkation day.

- Sports fan - on the big screen in the Atrium they will show games!

- The water fountain in the gym is small and warm because they want you to buy water. Take your water bottle to the buffet, and fill it with cold water before you hit the gym.

- NCL's White Hot Party was at Spice H2O ... Sunday night, starting at 10:15 pm.

- Like to bowl, it is at BLISS - Bowling is $5 per person per game.

- It's never too late unless you have left the restaurant. You can order as many appys and deserts as you like in the specialty restaurants.

- Studio Lounge Area: We liked the snacks they put in the fridge too. There are also coffee, salads, sandwiches, etc. Depending on the time of day. We never did see a bartender though, which is depicted in the brochures. Also, anyone can get in. There is not even a slot to swipe your card, so I am not sure why NCL talks about the exclusive key card access so much. They never even bothered to install one at all.

- This ship has the most beautiful gym I have ever seen on any ship. Great state of the art equipment that even charges your I POD while you are exercising.

- Pastries in the Atrium coffee shop are free, coffee is free, but specialty coffees cost money.

- Murder Mystery Lunch: Not sure this was worth the added cost. I’d probably recommend just going to see multiple showings of Second City shows during the week rather than this lunch.

- The slides are fresh water, and the pool is salt water (pulled and filtered locally). So, if going down the slides and you get some in your mouth - you will be fine.

- They have kiosks set up where you scan your card and it will bring up any pictures assigned to your stateroom. If you do posed pictures you present your cruise card so they know where to assign the pictures, otherwise they use facial recognition.

- When you head off to any of the beaches, it is good to bring some OFF-spray....epically if it has deet.

- Debarkation Day - go for breakfast in the Garden Café before 9 AM as it is scheduled to close by then (it will be crowded). Everyone had to be out of their rooms by 9am and off the ship by 10:15

-If you are heading off the ship, need a ride, best transport is a cab. Since it’s only a 15 minute and $25 drive to the airport.

- On the last full day of the cruise, when the duty-free liquor store is open in the am, they let you take your purchase with you (rather than waiting until the evening to pick it up). This helps make reading the final cruise bill a little easier (and less expensive)!

- NCL has gotten really cheap with certain things. They were very protective over pens and paper. None are provided in the stateroom, so bring a pad-pen yourself.

- The slides are a lot of fun. I waited until the port days to use them since we weren’t getting off the ship anyway. I would recommend doing the same. Even if you’re getting off the ship, maybe before you leave or right after you return, try the slides. The green and purple slides never had more than a 2 minute wait, and the most the orange plunge slide had was about 7-8 minutes, when compared to a wait well over 30 minutes on a sea day.

- For other games...air hockey was $1.00 and pool was $1.50. You just swiped your card.

[2010_cruisers]

- Buffet was well laid out and had a good variety, BUT, was the same every day and by the end I was rather tired of it. Often VERY crowded and hard to find seats. I had read that crew members would direct you to open seats but I never saw this. For a treat (maybe dinner) or for real gourmet dining plan to visit the pay restaurants, but then you will have the best dining experience at sea.

 

- all menus for all restaurants are available for viewing through interactive in cabin TV.

[Kristalyson]

Rock Chick-- I would also LOVE to see a copy of your tips you've compiled. Would you please e-mail it to me? I would really appreciate it!

kristalyson@hotmail.com

 

Thanks

[lantzwr]

Hi there

 

I've emailed you both. Happy cruising.

 

Carol

 

Rock Chick,

 

May I get a copy emailed to me also, rocketman1@me.com

 

Thanks.

[2010_cruisers]

Rock Chick - is your list or tips different, ro are you isng this one. If I am missing anything please send that to me also and I ca post it here also. It is fore the benefit of us all...anyways - thank you all and keep em coming to me I will add them to 1 master list. ok.

 

Let me know ASAP..thank you...

[2010_cruisers]

If you want your cabin darker, touch the lightbulb icon on your phone.The sleek nightlights by your bed also glow a bit. Washcloths covering the base of these lights cures this nuisance.

[Rock Chick]

Rock Chick - is your list or tips different, ro are you isng this one. If I am missing anything please send that to me also and I ca post it here also. It is fore the benefit of us all...anyways - thank you all and keep em coming to me I will add them to 1 master list. ok.

 

Let me know ASAP..thank you...

 

I am using your list but only the bits which pertain to my particular back to back cruise, plus some personal tips for myself for my 2 night stay at the IC in Miami such as stuff to do and see and some port info plucked out of various threads on the boards, bearing in mind I am a solo traveller. I have emailed it to all those who requested it but there's no point in publishing it on this thread as all the info is already here and most of the other info isn't relevent to anyone other than those staying at the IC. If you really must see it then I can email it to you, but if you're expecting a fancy spreadsheet or any surprise tips that aren't already here then you'll be disappointed, as it's literally tips which have been cut and pasted from various threads and most are from your list. You won't be learning anything new :)

 

**I've remembered something I read on the boards about not being allowed to wear flip-flops in Manhattans dining room, not even the expensive toning ones or even sparkly ones**.

Edited August 29, 2010 by Rock Chick

[onebzyldy]

**I've remembered something I read on the boards about not being allowed to wear flip-flops in Manhattans dining room, not even the expensive toning ones or even sparkly ones**.

 

WHAT ? ? ? ? R U serious ? ? ? :rolleys: I don't even bring closed toe shoes on cruises,,,,,,,u mean no sandals ? ? ? I am confused :confused: I sure hope that is not the case :o

Please confirm :cool:

Happy Cruising,,,,,,

DonnaF :D

[time2cruise1]

A simple tip for future cruisers, You don't need to use your key card to keep the lights on. Any card will work. Just put it in the slot by the door.

 

[Landlocked1]

The evening buffet was a little deceiving. One example. The 'fast food' portion. There were usually two or more stations serving burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, etc. However, there would be slight differences. One of them had chicken strips. Just past another they had a mexican food station. Bottom line, don't assume all the stations have exactly the same assortment, even when it appears so from afar.