***LIVE*** From the Epic Transactlantic

[djmess]

Hi Suitecruiser

 

I've been following your adventure. Can't wait for my turn next year!

 

I have a big favor to ask. I will be doing this TA on the Epic October 2013. My 10 y/o son will also be onboard. Could you possibly ask how may kids are generally on for the TA. I'm really curious.

 

I know we have 2 other kids on our roll call. I know the kids club workers will generally tell you about how many kids they are working with. Thanks if you can find out

 

Debbie

[SuiteCruiser]

Don and Debbie, I will definitely try to find out for you :) I've been to Shakers, but I've only been drinking Margaritas, so will ask a bunch of the guys who hang out there more. I don't think Armando's on board, if he is, I will hunt him down and try one of those scrumptious looking chocolate martinis.

 

Day 8-9

 

Dinner was really good, and then off to the Ultimate Texas Hold'Em table. It's the busiest table in the house and I managed to grab a seat. About fifteen minutes in, I hit 4 of a kind :). Suddenly from different directions all of my friends converged on the table. I had 10 people standing behind me watching and giving me more good luck.*

 

I had earlier discovered a non-smoking UTH table, so we all headed over there so those who wanted to could play. We had some great luck, great dealer and we were loud and had a blast. We won the table of the casino award, which doesn't really exist, but the supervisors kept telling us a plaque was being made. It was just great. Dealer and luck changed, so we went to Let It Ride where Alan hit a 3 card straight flush, and I donated some of my winnings back. We then hit the craps table but it was cold.*

 

4 of us went to O'Sheehan's for a snack, I had a tuna sandwich (which was really good, I will be having that again!) and headed to bed around 2:00. Set the clock back again, and we're almost back to EST. I'm going to miss these 25 hour days.

 

This was one of my favourite nights so far. Just hanging out with everyone and enjoying their company. Several people just standing and watching us play and offering luck and cheering when we'd win. Really fun. I am going to miss everyone a lot when this trip is done. Sad to think we'll never have everyone together again when we all gel so well, and it seems like we've known each other forever. I still can't believe I stepped foot on this ship 8 days ago not knowing a soul. *I still miss my kids, my husband and my family at home, sometimes more when I'm having such a great time as I'd love to share these times with them too.*

 

Seas are good today, we'd been in a bit of chop yesterday. It's amazing how much movement you do feel on such a big ship.*

 

I'm heading to Posh to hang out there. It's 80 degrees out and sunny, so I'm going to grab some sun and read my book.

[SuiteCruiser]

Glad to read there is still plenty of good times happening onboard. :)

Enjoy!!!

Have you visited Shakers yet during this sailing?? If so, can you give some feedback about the quality of the bartender(s) there -- Thanks!!

 

.

 

Guess who I ran into at the pool bar today?!? Armando :) I told him you were coming on board next week and he knew exactly who I meant :) he doesn't know what bar he'll be at next week, but I'm sure you'll run into him. He said all of the bartenders are moving around, so whoever will be at Shakers will be different from this week.

[DGP1111]

Don and Debbie, I will definitely try to find out for you. I've been to Shakers, but I've only been drinking Margaritas, so will ask a bunch of the guys who hang out there more. I don't think Armando's on board, if he is, I will hunt him down and try one of those scrumptious looking chocolate martinis.

 

Oh, you simply MUST try one of those (Chocolate Love) :)

 

.

 

Guess who I ran into at the pool bar today?!? Armando :) I told him you were coming on board next week and he knew exactly who I meant . He doesn't know what bar he'll be at next week, but I'm sure you'll run into him. He said all of the bartenders are moving around, so whoever will be at Shakers will be different from this week.

 

I'm on a cruise now, and already in a great mood.

 

Who knew that your CC post would make that mood even better? Thanks!! :D

 

Never ever anticipated that Armando would still be anywhere near Norwegian EPIC. Yes, I will definitely hunt him down . . . like the FBI. :D :p

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!!!

 

.

[SuiteCruiser]

Day 10-12

 

Another bunch of fun-filled days. On Tuesday night I had dinner with Eric and Erik an awesome couple who are really kind and I know we'll be friends forever. * We ate in Manhattan, all of us had jerk chicken, which was really, really great. I had the calamari to start but was waffling because I also wanted the mushroom quesadilla. I knew I couldn't eat everything though. When I finished my calamari I saw that Eric had put one quesadilla on a little plate for me. I know it's a little thing, but it is one in a whole long list that showed how sweet he is.

 

After dinner, it was back to the tables where I found out two other groups of friends had come looking for me to take to dinner, which shows how blessed I am.

 

We all made an early night of it because we had to clear customs in St.Thomas early the next day. This meant going down to one of the lounges, passport in hand, and getting it checked. Every single person on board needed to go which took a long time. Canadians luckily were able to clear with the Americans and when I went down I just walked right through, easy peasy. The other Nationalities had long lines and waited over an hour in line. The only bad part for me were the constant announcements starting at 6:30.

 

One thing I have to say is that daily the captain comes on to tell us his report, sometimes there is an art auction announcement, and very occasionally another. There are no "It's Bingo Time" announcements or hard sells, which is terrific.*

 

Back to St. Thomas :) I had arranged to meet Scott and Alan at my favorite jewelry store in the world, which happens to be in Havensight Mall right at the port.

 

I was there 5 years ago, and their level of service was outstanding. *Of course, they are there to sell, but they don't hard sell.

 

I found the guys at a jewelry store a couple of doors down where they were completing a sale for a gorgeous new diamond wedding band for Alan. They came to Bliss, my store, afterwards and I bought a new pair of hoop earrings. I really had my eye on another pair, but they were way out of my price range. They told me whenever I come back, they will give me full value off if I wanted to upgrade, so nice to have that knowledge in my back pocket :)

 

Alan was looking at these beautiful blue tanzanite pendants but wasn't quite sold. Just for fun he looked at the rings and found an amazing ring, rectangular surrounded by flat-cut diamonds. The store has a master jeweler on site, so they were able to convert the ring to a pendant with the veil running flush underneath and it is absolutely stunning. I'm not giving away the price, just say that Scott loves Alan very, very much ;)

 

They took all of my rings and had them steam cleaned while I was there, no charge and they all look brand new. The guys brought their jewelry over in the afternoon for the same treatment, and I will just say we were all very sparkly last night :) I even more so, but that comes later.

 

I had to get back to the ship to prepare for my excursion. I was doing the St.John Champagne catamaran an snorkel tour. We ended up at Christmas Cove (where I'd actually been before funnily enough) because St John had high chop.

 

We drove in open air busses for twenty minutes to a marina, boarded the cat, put up the sail and got to the cove under motor/sail. Loud, fun music and juices and water being served. We snorkeled for about an hour, I saw lots of rays and colorful fish. I love being in the water, so it was great.*

 

Back on the boat and the champagne and rum punch start flowing. It was really fun, no obnoxiously drunk people, just fun.

 

Returned to ship for a shower then onto the the pool deck for sail away. They start with the typical line dances, then, because it's Halloween they start teaching the Thriller dance, so I actually joined. Craig encouraged me, and watched my stuff. It was really fun :)

 

I went looking for the guys and found them in the casino. Even though it was closed. We arranged dinner in Le Bistro for 6 of us at 8:30. We played a little when it opened, then off to another awesome meal. Back to the tables where Eric and Erik showed up one wearing pink flamingo antennae and the other wearing a feathered flappers hairband. Most of the dealers dressed up and it was fun. At some point in the night Eric dropped to one knee and asked me if he could be my gay husband. He gave me a 60 carat plastic ring, so it was official! Very cute.

 

More snacks at O'Sheehan's late and then a good sleep in with the weirdest grouping of dreams, but still refreshed.*

 

I headed up to Posh, where I'm writing this. A bunch of the guys came in and ordered a bottle of really good champagne so I'm really living a rough life up here. Only one more sea day and then home. The trip has flown by.*

 

One of the Haven group has ordered us all lunch up here, so their butler will be bringing it shortly.

 

BTW I did try twice to ask about the number of kids on board for Debbie, no luck yet, but I will keep trying.

[sdmike]

I'm really enjoying this thread. Thank you for sharing this all with us. I feel like I'm there with you. It warms my heart to see what good friends you've made on this trip and how everyone is looking out for each other.

 

By the way, if you haven't heard, the Hurricane hit the New Jersey coast pretty hard and really knocked NYC for a loop. Lots of flooding, power outages, etc. I'm sure you'll read more when you hit Florida.

 

Keep feeding us Epic junkies!

[djmess]

Thank you for trying to find out the number of kids. It's not a huge deal, I'm just curious. My son is an only child, so even one other kid and I know there are 2 others on our sailing, will keep him well entertained.

 

 

Hey SDMIKE, if you happen to read this. On your Alaska cruise, I know you did the tracy arm tour thru NCL. How far in advance did you book that. I don't want to wait and then it get sold out, but as I'm a little under a year out, don't want to book quite this early.

[Nalagh]

I am loving your blog\review! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us. If you see Maxi the Butler by any chance, tell him Cherie says hi and is coming in January.

 

Enjoy the rest of the cruise, and best of luck at the tables!!

 

Cherie

[sdmike]

Thank you for trying to find out the number of kids. It's not a huge deal, I'm just curious. My son is an only child, so even one other kid and I know there are 2 others on our sailing, will keep him well entertained.

 

 

Hey SDMIKE, if you happen to read this. On your Alaska cruise, I know you did the tracy arm tour thru NCL. How far in advance did you book that. I don't want to wait and then it get sold out, but as I'm a little under a year out, don't want to book quite this early.

 

We booked around 3 months out, but I'll tell you the boat wasn't full. I'm not sure if they fill up or not, but at least on our trip it wasn't a problem booking at 3 months.

[djmess]

We booked around 3 months out, but I'll tell you the boat wasn't full. I'm not sure if they fill up or not, but at least on our trip it wasn't a problem booking at 3 months.

 

Thanks, didn't mean to hijack this thread.

 

Thanks suitecruiser, Love hearing about this TA. Mine can't come soon enough

[SMSACE6]

Thanks for the update SuiteCruiser! I have been following along, and enjoying reading about your adventure! Sounds like you have a great group on board with you! So glad your sore thoat and sinus trouble was cured by the chicken soup! There is truly nothing like it to nip those symptoms in the bud! Wishing you continued fun for the remaining time on board.:)

[SuiteCruiser]

Day 12 to Debarkation

 

Debbie, finally spoke to someone and although they didn't have the actual number, it was between 80-100. I hope that's helpful.

 

Had our salads up at Posh, then went down to see who I could find on Deck 6. The gang was there, so I watched them play and then went to change out of my beachwear and made plans to have a late dinner in Cagney's.

 

Back to the casino, where I found Allen (sorry I had misspelled his name the whole time!) at a slot machine trying to rack up points for a free drink card. He and I tried another machine, with a bit of luck, then went looking for one of the machines that has a bonus element to it to make it more exciting. We walked about 40 feet away and Allen realized he didn't have his wallet. He went back to grab it, and it was gone. Less than a minute had gone by and it was gone.

 

He filed a report, told the casino staff and was told they would review the cameras. *We kept checking to see of it was turned in. But no luck. He was worried about the credit cards and money, but mostly his original wedding ring was in his wallet. He put it there for safekeeping the day before at the jewelry store.

 

We all went to dinner, knowing they would contact us as soon as they heard anything, but everyone was worried and gloomy and shocked too. *Erik suggested he also tell the front desk to deactivate his room card, so no one else could put charges on it.

 

Allen ran down to the front desk and was gone a long time. He returned with his wallet, which was lighter to the tune of almost $700 in cash and all of their pre-bought wine tickets. Someone had turned it into the box office. Thankfully his wedding ring was in there, so we were relieved, yet still upset for him.

 

The next day Allen updated me with the news that they reviewed the tapes and quite clearly see a guy steal the wallet, go up to the 9th floor, empty the cash and tickets from it and then go down and return it to the box office. Obviously not the swiftest criminal, as there are so many cameras in the casino and others all over the ship.

 

They interviewed Allen and were interviewing the guy who stole the wallet afterward. They let Allen know that he was in custody and that the police would be waiting for him when we docked.

 

Then NCL refunded Allen every cent that he'd lost. They didn't have to do that, but again, it shows how great a line they are.

 

It was our last day, and it was great news.

 

I spent some more time up in Posh, then had dinner reservations with *5 of the first group that I'd met. We all went to Le Bistro and I changed up my meal to onion soup and Swordfish, with the requisite escargot.

 

The gang all met up at the casino, where there were gloomy faces and tear filled eyes as we said goodbye. We exchanged contact info and had lots of hugs.

 

Back to the studio for the last sleep, knowing that the announcements to "get the hell off" will start early.

 

I did the easy walk off around 8:15 and hopped in a taxi to the airport.*

 

Already texting with Allen, and we know we need to make plans for a visit soon.

 

Thanks for coming along for the ride. I will do my best to upload some photos when I get home.

 

As a post script, all of those affected in anyway by Hurricane Sandy are in my thoughts. We heard bits and pieces and were saddened by all of the loss of life and property.

[Single Cruiser]

Hey Sally, sorry I missed you. Just said goodbye to the Eric's at the airport. They are flying into Newark and I'm into JFK.

[Single Cruiser]

http://twitter.com/NclSglcruiser/status/264745129464717312/photo/1 Epic in Miami this morning

[wheatengirl]

Thank you, thank you Suitecruiser! I enjoyed the ride so much. Everyday I couldn't wait to get on cruise critic to see if you had posted an update. We will be on the Epic in a few weeks and your review has helped to pass the time. Thanks again.

[NJLVW]

This truly is a remarkable review. I am so glad I came for the ride. It sounds like you had a magnificant time and met some wonderful new friends. Thank you so much for sharing your whole vacation. Is it January yet and time for me to board???

[sdmike]

I'm glad Allen got his wallet back, but man am I disappointed that it got stolen. Goes to show you that regardless of what you think the "quality" of people on a cruise ship are, there are always bad people around. Glad he's going to end up in the custody of police too. I bet that jerk didn't think that's how he'd be ending HIS vacation.

[wheatengirl]

Sdmike, I remember on your cruise your sons cruise card got stolen. It seems that you can't be careful enough on a cruise especially when everyone is in vacation mode and most of us have let our guard down a bit. It's truly a shame but just a reminder that it can happen anywhere. I am pleased that this jerk is going to jail and I am shocked that NCL stepped up and reimbursed Allen. That is certainly going above and beyond.

[david_sobe]

Nice review

Glad the wallet turned up. I had the same thing happen to me but I can tell you, even though they stole all the money, the license, credit cards, etc were still in the wallet.

For him to have his wedding ring returned in the wallet, etc, I still think it is a good situation. Shame it got stolen but it is a mostly happy ending.

[SMSACE6]

Have a safe trip home! :)

[Christmas Cruiser]

Great review - thanks... Going on the EPIC for the 3rd time on 11/24 - so it was nice to get a reminder on how wonderful the boat is.

[youngestof9]

loved following this thread. Thanks for bringing her back to the States :)

[SuiteCruiser]

Thanks everyone! Craig, so sorry not to have seen you to say goodbye. Really enjoyed meeting you.

 

I so appreciate all of the kind comments. I am trying to get back into work mode, and having a tough time.

 

I never dreamed that the cruise could have been so amazing. It tops all others, except perhaps the Tahiti to Hawaii cruise I did on Princess. I met so many great people and am happy to be corresponding with them all already.

 

Scott and Allen got safely home, I spoke to Scott last night. They've named Allen's beautiful pendant "the Sally Stone" which is so sweet, and Allen says everytime he looks at it, it reminds him of me. I hope Scott doesn't mind that, but I think it's a great deal that Scott paid for it, and I'm getting the credit :)

 

Anyone thinking of doing a cruise on the Epic in the Studios, I highly recommend it. There are such vastly different age groups in the Studios that everyone found someone to spend time with.

 

Again, thanks for following and I appreciate the time you all took to comment.

[arjay9]

Thanks SuiteCruiser for your posts. I'm scheduled & looking forward to the Epic TA next October :D :D :D

 

Also, so glad that Allen got his wallet back.... Our rental car was broken into on a recent trip to San Fran & I know all too well how upsetting something like that can be. Sooo glad that it all worked out so well :)

[kirsty_r]

Thank you for trying to find out the number of kids. It's not a huge deal, I'm just curious. My son is an only child, so even one other kid and I know there are 2 others on our sailing, will keep him well entertained.

 

 

Hey SDMIKE, if you happen to read this. On your Alaska cruise, I know you did the tracy arm tour thru NCL. How far in advance did you book that. I don't want to wait and then it get sold out, but as I'm a little under a year out, don't want to book quite this early.

 

In terms of kids, my transatalantic only had 40, but that was very RARE for the EPIC, but typical for a repositioning cruise.