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

[kerrytens]

Don - Cheryl did point out in your review of this event (that you failed to mention) that she was the only one of our group who correctly guessed the perp! (yep -- she is STILL rubbing that in... :rolleyes:)

 

Tom

That is because Chicks rule!!!!

 

And dude:D:D I checked out the pics:D

 

Keep 'em coming sir!

[DGP1111]

Don - Cheryl did point out in your review of this event (that you failed to mention) that she was the only one of our group who correctly guessed the perp! (yep -- she is STILL rubbing that in... :rolleyes:)

 

And for that, I'm going to make it up to her by offering a small pictorial tribute to "Eagle-eye Cheryl" :D

 

Yes, she was a most observant soul on this ship by picking up on something that was very nicely themed onboard. Now, theming is not NCL's forte by any means, as some of the most obvious (and easiest to accomplish) are somehow overlooked, but . . .

 

Cheryl picked up on the fact that the carpet at the Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar matched the wall decorations nearby. Nice catch, pretty lady!! :)

 

 

[Cubechick]

I've been considering sailing the Epic again. I'm curious to see how the experience is now that she's finished (I sailed the TA). Your review has made me start planning instead of just talking. Thank you for a wonderful review!

[DGP1111]

Monday's luck in the casino continued to be dismal for me. :(

 

By the way, Teppanyaki chef's name was Jerry. Cool guy.

 

There is a slight chance that some time in the late afternoon I accidentally found myself near Shakers, and happened to purchase a 'large sample' of the Chocolate Love martini.

And as I later explained to Cheryl, that was not my intended selection at the moment, but he'd already started it for me as I was approaching. I thought that was amazing guest service, so there was no way in heck I'd have advised Armando any different. Plus, that choice was probably much better than my original idea. :)

 

Got phone confirmation after Monday's lunch that my NCL MasterCard application had been accepted, and I went down to get the paperwork they offered in order to have any past/future onboard charges moved to the new NCL card (for double rewards points). Done!

The card they had on file was for another cruise line, but I'm kicking that card (and cruise line) to the curb. ..La la la la la la :)

 

Also, it was a really total shock to have my actual new NCL card waiting for me in my home mail the day I returned from the sailing. :eek: I didn't even think US Postal Service was that fast, much less the required processing. Nicely done!

 

I've made reference to phone messages a few times, and that was a real bonus to the room. And when T-n-C or one of the onboard departments called, their name popped up on the screen. Yes, easy technology for sure, but several cruise lines have barely advanced past a rotor dial.

 

<< insert picture of phone here, Don, when you eventually find it >> duh

[DGP1111]

I've been considering sailing the Epic again. I'm curious to see how the experience is now that she's finished (I sailed the TA).

 

I hope you'll strongly consider a re-visit . . . and that you'll love it as well.

Everyone will have their own opinion of any cruise vacation, and I think it's become rather obvious here online what mine was/is. :)

[Medtech2]

the meatloaf?!?! What about that dessert picture? I am the only one that finds it a little suspicious looking?:o lol

lmao!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

 

<< insert picture of phone here, Don, when you eventually find it >> duh

 

I have started to sort out my photos (FINALLY) - here is a phone pic:

 

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Well, considering we have NO EVIDENCE :rolleyes: of said photos ... ahem (hint, hint)

:D

 

 

Look what I discovered...

 

 

 

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

And dude:D:D I checked out the pics:D

 

Keep 'em coming sir!

 

OK - I have loaded mine onto Smugmug (as you have already discovered). I have not yet worked those that Cheryl took onto there yet...

 

Tom

Edited March 29, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[DGP1111]

After the nice Asian-flair meal at Teppanyaki, there was time for the food to settle before the evening's entertainment of The Second City, held in Headliners Comedy Club. 11:00 adult-only show.

 

Although we'd seen these exact same performers earlier in the day, it was definitely a different show altogether. There improv skills were certainly evident. There was every chance possible that this could have turned into a raucous edgy-subject comedy show, due to the fact it's strongly based on the input from the audience, but it never got that way at all. The performers stayed in control and seemed to make sure it would be a fun experience for everyone present.

 

"To err is human - - but it take a better excuse the second time"

Therefore I didn't even take my camera out of the case. :)

 

I can strongly recommend the show.

 

I had the pleasure of chatting with two TSC performers several times during the week, and it became quite obvious that they enjoy what they do. Kudos to them for not letting a cruise ship gig become too routine.

 

OK, that's kind of the end of Monday. Four more days to go.

.

.

 

As has probably become very obvious in this thread, when a cruise line makes a wide variety of opportunities available for its passengers, there are some onboard who will take full advantage of that offer, and enjoy it to the max.

 

I do (I really do) get what numerous people have said about feeling that NCL does a "nickel and dime" routine on their cruise expenses. Yes, you can find yourself starting to spend more than you originally hoped. But I personally didn't feel that way at all. I personally disagree with the N&D phrase.

My advance research (well, tagging onto a lot by T-n-C as well) told me what would be expected if *I* personally chose to upgrade my own cruise experience. For me it truly was an upgrade, and nothing that was required.

 

Long prior to embarkation, I'd collected enough dimes and nickels to do the pre-planned onboard itinerary. It also allowed me to offer some feedback here online about a wide variety of experiences, and I do hope that is being even a small bit of help to some.

 

The upgrade decision is not for everyone, but I do encourage all to consider "taking a lick of a few different ice cream cones" that are presented. One of my upgrade choices, I'd definitely not do again, but overall zero regrets. :)

Edited March 29, 2011 by DGP1111

[DGP1111]

OK - I have loaded mine onto Smugmug (as you have already discovered). I have not yet worked those that Cheryl took there yet...

 

Tom

 

Has your Smugmug been a wee bit glitchy last night or today??

[kerrytens]

Look what I discovered...

 

 

 

 

Tom

Your honour, may I present people's evidence #1:D

 

Nice job Tom - thank you to you too!!! These pics and Don's review are so appreciated ... you have no idea. Loving it:D

[DGP1111]

I have started to sort out my photos (FINALLY) - here is a phone pic:

 

:) Thanks a bunch!! :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Has your Smugmug been a wee bit glitchy last night or today??

 

Sluggish - to be sure!

 

Tom

[DGP1111]

Tuesday brought us to our first port stop - St. Maarten.

 

I'd been on this exact same Eastern Caribbean itinerary for Thanksgiving on a different ship (just 2 months earlier), and there was not much I'd anticipated about accomplishing this day, with the exception of lunch. Plans were to visit the brand new Hard Rock Cafe that was finishing completion during that last sailing (which just happened to find T-n-C, and MonaCD also onboard) :)

 

We took the water taxi ($6 pp round-trip) over and back. Smooth and rather quick transporation arrangement. Same cheesy recorded onboard spiel about tips being offered to their personnel. :rolleyes:

 

HRC turned out to be a bit smaller that it had appeared from the outside, but definitely in a smart location that should get it a lot of vacation business . . . as long as they get (and keep) their act together. Outdoor seating was not available so we dined indoors. There were some challenges with all three orders, and I'm not totally certain that our server wasn't brand new to the whole table service arena. Despite not getting exactly what I ordered, and also getting a bit of what I definitely asked not to be ordered, my meal was enjoyable nonetheless.

 

We popped into a few shops (jewelry, bamboo, fragrances, etc.) and then back to the ship.

 

Once back onboard it was easy to get some ship pictures that included few passengers. There is no doubt whatsoever that if you choose to remain onboard at port stops you will have have zero problems finding available lounge chairs throughout the pool deck.

 

 

[DGP1111]

Two views (from opposite directions) of a very nice shady area that's below the Sports/Activities Deck. If you desire a quality get-away from the Sun to enjoy a book or something, this might be a good choice . . .

 

[DGP1111]

Oh, dear . . .

I forget about the one extra St. Maarten stop we did before heading back to the ship. A nice shady table with a beverage.

Edited March 29, 2011 by DGP1111

[DGP1111]

And before heading off to bed, I'll add some pictures taken in the very very nice onboard spa. Really well done, on so many levels. I think everyone should take a moment to go visit, even if you don't participate.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 29, 2011 by DGP1111

[DGP1111]

Three more . . .

 

 

 

g'nite, all - - - see ya on the flip side. :)

[daffodiliaz]

Must be rough on the person (wo)manning that spa desk, with that horrible view and all. ;) Could you imagine?

[bqkali]

Thanks for this detailed (and fun!) review. I am enjoying your writing and your take on NCL :)

 

...and thanks to your review, I'm now adding the Epic to my short-list of cruises that I'm choosing from for later this year. I was going back and forth between two cruises, and had almost settled on Freedom of the Seas, but thanks to you, now I've got yet another cruise to choose from and an even harder decision :p

 

Looks like a great time, and glad that you gave NCL a try!:D

[ColinIllinois]

Nothing says "special occasion" like meat loaf and mashed taters. :D

 

Don, I agree with you that they need to do something with that door into the studios on deck 12. In the past I have always discouraged new folks from getting those two studio cabins right next to there. All the others are great though.

 

This may be one of the best threads yet on this forum.

[mtb242]

The upgrade decision is not for everyone, but I do encourage all to consider "taking a lick of a few different ice cream cones" that are presented. One of my upgrade choices, I'd definitely not do again, but overall zero regrets. :)

 

Was this the murder mystery lunch, or some upgrade yet to be discussed?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Was this the murder mystery lunch, or some upgrade yet to be discussed?

 

What I believe Don was referring to was that guests have the option to "upgrade" their "base" cruise experience - with the addition of a few additional cost items (Cirque Dreams... Murder Mystery Lunch... specialty restaurants, etc). In other words, one could easily get onboard and NOT pay any additional $ (other than tips I suppose) or one could "dive in" to whatever additional extent they wish.

 

I felt as Don did - we were not at all put off by the extra cost items. We were fully aware of the optional status to begin with, and enjoyed most everything which we did (whether it was extra cost - or "included").

 

Tom

[halos]

My advance research (well, tagging onto a lot by T-n-C as well) told me what would be expected if *I* personally chose to upgrade my own cruise experience. For me it truly was an upgrade, and nothing that was required.

 

:)

 

 

YEAH!!!!!!!!!

I get so annoyed with people who don't GET that!!!!

Your excitment over your cruise has me smiling and miserable all at the same time because now I have not only PCD but NCLPCD....and I don't have another NCL booking until 9/2012:eek:

This MUST be remedied!

Edited March 29, 2011 by halos