Recap of first-time-ever NCLer going on EPIC . . .

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Don - see what you've now gone and done? !!

 

These people need periodic FIXES, and you are obviously out and about taking care of things in your daily life with no regard for the NEEDS of others! :eek:

 

:D

 

Hey - I must admit, I am enjoying reliving it again! Even though the whole buffet thing (on the Epic) is new to me - as we never went in there! Between the Epic Club and O'Sheehan's we never got around to it!!

 

Tom

Edited March 27, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[pambo]

Hi Don...great review!!!

 

I am on the same cruise with Lynn and CruzinMel....also trying to make a decision about getting the Posh pass...looking forward to your thoughts on that.

[lynnquenby]

Hi Don...great review!!!

 

I am on the same cruise with Lynn and CruzinMel....also trying to make a decision about getting the Posh pass...looking forward to your thoughts on that.

 

Don! Don! Don! (That's me cheering for this completely AWESOME review.)

 

But. . . hurry back - we need more!!!

 

I'm with Lynn on the Epic in just a few weeks and I'm also trying to decide about Posh. . . can't wait until you get to that part!

 

Hope there are enough to go round!! Looks like an early embarkation for us all ;)

[escentialssoycandles]

This is a fabulous review! This is my first NCL cruise and I have 20 months to wait....but this is awesome! I am traveling with over 20 people and almost all of them are newbie cruisers, so its refreshing to see such positive comments and great in depth info! BTW I am gonna get that camera for our trip, it takes great pics! Looking forward to reading more!

[sdmike]

Thanks Mike...........off to hunt them out now!

 

Lynn

 

Here's one of them if you don't have any luck

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1382093

[lynnquenby]

Here's one of them if you don't have any luck

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1382093

 

Thanks Mike.....actually managed to find them (which was a miracle as can't generally get the search function to work!)

 

Just struggling now for pics on the puclic sundeck on deck 18! Don;t suppose you have any of those :)

 

Hurry back Don!! we need another fix..........!!:D

[LoraJ]

Your photos are gorgeous. Can't wait to hear and see more.

[DGP1111]

Back in the saddle.

Great competition at the UCF Arena today (my first time there since they transitioned to the new building) with much better viewing.

But now it's time to chat about the cruise again . . . .

 

This Eastern Caribbean itinerary was perfect for me to do on a brand new ship, as it had two full days at sea after embarkation. I knew the arrival day would be completely full with all that is getting on the ship, and that the next couple of days would allow to go on a complete Explore-a-Thon, which I totally did.

 

After a quick (and enjoyable) breakfast in Garden Cafe, I headed to the pool deck area to get a closer look at everything. Our trio had ventured through it the previous day, but just as a way of getting from Point A to Point B. The layout of the area creates very minimal bottle necks, and I just personally liked the 'feel' of the area.

 

 

 

 

 

Also . . . BIG Kudos to NCL for providing those who need extra assistance with a way to experience the pools along with the rest of the passengers. :) Some other lines provide assistance as well, but definitely not all.

 

[DGP1111]

Continuing on to the back/aft/ass end of the ship, I got to closely check out Spice H2O, the adults-only area of the ship that (at least to my knowlege) did successfully remaing that way throughout the week. Signage is clearly positioned, and I assume that staff is properly monitoring the space, if needed. On sea days the place can get quite full -- indicating to NCL (and other lines who might care to listen) that there is a definite desire for quality locations like this during cruise vacations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep, that last shot was taking on a port day while most passengers were off the ship.

[DGP1111]

Had read about the Bridge Viewing Room on this ship, and decided to check it out as well that morning. I don't recall seeing any earlier pictures, so what I was expecting was a small window and a map that listed the various bridge stations, and everyone would just take turns getting a sneak peek.

 

Nope, it's a much bigger experience for sure, and I appreciated NCL for making that available.

 

 

 

 

Went back a short while later with T-n-C when they expressed an interested in seeing it as well.

[DGP1111]

Before I head into discussing something on Sunday that was a definite highlight of the cruise week, I'll bring up a subject that I probably shouldn't. Perhaps everyone will share in the intended humor.

 

I know NCL would like to make everyone feel special, and recognize them by name whenever possible. Kinda like the way your room steward remembers the name of everyone in your cabin right after that first greeting. It's a personal perk, and makes a good impression.

 

Well, a couple of times a day, each and every day, this ship recognized me by name and posted it in numerous locations throughout the ship, so that I could clearly feel their love for me. Or perhaps I did truly fly under the radar during the embarkation process (with no waiting or issues), and this was their way of getting back at the 'newby'.

 

So no matter if it was love or not, this was my private experience several times throughout the week.

 

 

Yo, NCL, what's up with that!!??? :p

[DGP1111]

I've attended many Cruise Critic roll calls, and on several lines. Some are well attended, and on a few other occasions it was just me. They have certainly afforded me a great opportunity to make new cruise friends. A select few have been quite memorable, and I'm thankful those were that way.

 

But I know for sure nothing had previously compared to what was going to take place on Sunday.

 

Tom had been the catalyst between the roll call and NCL for getting us set up for a meet-n-greet (thanks T!!). When attempting these on a day other than embarkation, it can be a crap shoot on who will remember the plans. But a vast majority of the roll call did remember, and I had zero clue that the onboard crew/staff/officers would turn out in the numbers they did. I can seriously say I was completly blown away by this.

 

Cruise Director, Guest Services, Hotel Management, Chef, Operations officers, and even the Captain. And all willing to offer a bit of chat time with those in attendance. Just amazing.

Thank You, NCL, for recognizing Cruise Critic among your many passengers!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter if what the Captain said was scripted or not, and perhaps delivered to each and every MnG group, it made an impressionn on me. Thanks, again, NCL!!

[jim63366]

Don -

 

Thanks so much for the review and the great pictures. I'm boarding the Epic next Saturday; my first NCL trip after 10 trips on Carnival. I thought I was excited before, but after seeing this review, I can't wait.

 

I'll also be in one of the studio cabins, so additional thanks for that perspective.

[DGP1111]

Lunch time arrives, and there are numerous options to choose from that I've yet to sample, but being a creature of habit when I find something I enjoy . . . I headed right back to the Noodle Bar, but this time as a trio.

 

Yet another enjoyable lunch in this venue. :)

 

Interesting situation with one passenger there who was herself Chinese. She seemed quite perplexed that her server didn't speak Chinese, and that the food served to her didn't meet expected standards (and ingredients). She sent back the first two items, and eventually accepted the third. She also had not only missed the ingredients listed on the form to be filled out, but that this was a fee venue as well. That created a challenge with the staff.

 

I left the Noodle Bar feeling full once again.

 

4:00 arrives and I definitely know what I've got pre-listed on my itinerary (thanks in great part to comments posted on CC by member MiamiSpartan). It was time for the Martini Tasting at Shakers Bar. This would that start of a fun relationship between The Trio and a superb crew member.

 

 

The 'head proprietor', driver of the bus, Grand Poobah, of this great bar is a crew member whom I think represents all that any cruise line would want in their employees. Someone who (true or not) acts like they're enjoying every moment of their duties, keeps his passengers/audience engaged, and puts a fun personality out there for all to enjoy who care to.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you . . . . Armando!!!

 

 

The martini tasting was designed to be both educational as well as fun for the tongue. There will certainly be a martini 'purist' here who will advise that almost nothing we sampled could be officially called a martini . . . and they'd probably be right. But since I'm personally not a gin enthusiast whatsoever, I was glad it was what it was. For the record, one was totally gin based, and I did give it a quality sip. And then I made a face. And then I slowly pushed it aside.

 

This is the chef at work in his kitchen --

 

 

After it was completed, Tom had stepped away for a moment, and Cheryl and I continued some chitchat with Armando. We mentioned a few martinis we've enjoyed on another line. That's when he said, "Wait a minute", and headed back to his 'kitchen'. What he did next stated a trend that would be repeated amost daily. He introduced us to his creation he called Chocolate Love. :D

 

 

I looked over at Cheryl and I see her eyebrows are raised, and I have to assume mine were the exact same way. It was deeeeeeelish!!

Edited March 27, 2011 by DGP1111

[DGP1111]

A few more photos taken at Shakers . . .

 

 

 

 

As you can probably assume . . . I highly recommend this place. :D

[slotaddict]

OMG Don, this is a great thing that you are doing.....but its making me more antsy than I already was.....4/30 is a long wait....

I can hardly stand it, I will have to live vicariously through your posts til then...:D

[DGP1111]

. . . I did have to laugh about you purchasing a water proof and freeze proof camera - I have done the exact same thing ... and it's the Fuji XP10 (please don't tell me it is the green colour though because I will then be very scared. hehehe). Great minds obviously.:)

 

Mine was the blue one (the only color available in local Best Buy retail stores). It served its intended purpose during the cruise, and for the most part I was pleased with the pictures it took. But the LCD screen was a goobered up mess. If the sun was to my back, the only image I could see on the screen was reflection of Me. Grrrrrr :( That negated me being able to use the zoom properly as I feared the image would be all wrong.

The cruise ended on a Saturday, and I returned it on Sunday. The new version out now (XP30) has corrected that error, increased the megapixels, and also added GPS tagging, which is amazingly cool to have. I had to order it online, and have been using it for about two weeks. Love it!!

[bluesea777]

Oh crap!! Your review makes me wish that our return to Epic is 7 weeks away instead of 7 months!! :D

 

During our TA on Epic we vow to do every itty bitty thing on the ship including the things we didn't do on our 14 day b2b last summer!!

[DGP1111]

. . .These people need periodic FIXES, and you are obviously out and about taking care of things in your daily life with no regard for the NEEDS of others! :eek:

 

:) But believe me, I was feeling the Force while away, Obi-Wan Kenobi. :)

[hencoll]

Awesome review!! That Chocolate Love looks AMAZING!!! :)

[DGP1111]

Next after martinis was a combo of dining & entertainment . . . the Cirque Dreams experience in the Spiegel Tent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were seated upstairs at the long table wrapping around the plexiglass.

 

Multiple opinions have been expressed here online about what is considered 'best seating' options. I was very completely pleased with our location, but I still think it is one of those personal preference choices more than a blanket answer for all. Given the option to repeat it again, would I choose the exact same spot? Yes!

 

The meal was OK, but nothing to write home about. I also don't think that's the main focus of the experience by NCL either. It is what it is, and I had a really nice time.

 

For the record, let's just say this picture taken without flash, and not even knowing where the camere was pointed for that brief second is NOT mine. I'm merely borrowing it from other online sources I researched.

 

 

[DGP1111]

Now after a full day of explorin', drinkin', eatin', and tightrope walkin', the average person might say that was enough to call it a day. But the three of us were far from being done. :)

 

The arrows on the cruise treasure map led directly to Fat Cats, the onboard jazz and blues bar . . . and it offers some really enjoyable entertainment. This venue also occasionally incorporated the vocal and instrumental talents of some of the passengers.

 

 

 

 

 

.

.

Later in the week when I went back for another show, there were additional musicians added, and that was fun.

 

[DGP1111]

After Fat Cats was a brief visit to check on the Bliss Lounge (where we'd earlier had our CC meet-n-greet) to see it as an evening venue.

 

The use of the water vapor 'curtain' at the entrance with the video projection is really neat. Some times it's the logo, and other times it's a video of what's taking place on the stage you see after entering. Cool effect.

 

 

.

Also during this day, I made a few brief visits to the Casino to try out a bit of luck on this new ship. I'd been 'gifted' a small token of appreciation in the form of some complimentary casino play, which did not last long at all. Whoooosh!!

I also tried out the Triple Play Chips I'd arranged from the Bon Voyage items online. As long as you win, the chips stay in play. $15 value for $10 purchase. It's like having a coupon in the grocery store, right?

 

Hello Mr. Roulette Table:

Bet #1: Odd (result = Even)

Bet #2: Black (result = Red)

Bet #3: Odd (result = Even)

 

Curse you, Mr. Roulette Table. :(

 

Speaking of roulette tables, they do have one onboard that is totally electronic with no live dealer whatsoever. I played it a few times and came out a tiny bit ahead.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Awesome review!! That Chocolate Love looks AMAZING!!! :)

 

Looks... AND tastes!!

 

I will add in here - IF you happen to let your taste buds make the decisions for you after having one of those (and thus have another and another) - well just let's say you heard it here first! :eek:

 

Tom

[DGP1111]

Of course, while in the casino area, there is one huge visual icon of the ship, and numerous pictures are already been posted online, but here is my own capture of the EPIC Chandelier . . .

Darn, that thing is big!!