Norwegian Epic Transatlantic April 2013 - Photo Journey

[xenagurl]

Last month I took the Norwegian Epic TA from Miami to Barcelona I then flew to Marrakech and spent some time there. I'm documenting my journey a little at a time and it's available for reading here, but I just thought that I'd post some of my favorite photos from the Transatlantic after all they say 1000 words!

 

This is my second TA and I enjoyed every minute of it. I even had a wonderful surprise of meeting a friend from last year that I had lost touch with.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to ask and I'll answer them if I can. :)

 

Happy Cruising!

 

~XG

 

Sunset over the Atlantic ocean

 

 

Ship Legend

 

 

 

 

 

An adorable Pomeranian! I think her name was Carla. She really made my day. We used to have a Pommy that we miss so very much!

 

 

 

Orange Colored Stairwell on the Epic. These stairways are so colorful and inviting.

 

Edited May 15, 2013 by xenagurl

[xenagurl]

Towel Bunny!

 

 

 

Re:voiced Acapella singing group. They were awesome!

 

Edited May 15, 2013 by xenagurl

[xenagurl]

Margarita Tasting at Maltings

 

 

 

Margariiiiiiita!

 

 

Reflection

 

[xenagurl]

Leaving Miami

 

There was a girl in the car along the road there that kept screaming bye to those on the ship and whooping and hollering. It was hilarious and cute. A nice send off.

 

 

Balcony Room

 

 

 

Meet and Greet - CD Dan Olsen is now on The Epic! (From the Jewel) He said that there were a few familiar faces from the Jewel taking this voyage.

 

Le Bistro Menu

 

 

Balcony Room

 

 

Vino!

 

[SFO-F/A]

Nice photos, sorry we didn't meet you.

[xenagurl]

Nice photos, sorry we didn't meet you.

 

Thanks. Perhaps we'll meet in future. :)

[xenagurl]

Norwegian Epic Officers...I was going to write this down for those interested, but this is easier.

 

 

Deepak was recently on the Star, it was nice seeing him again.

 

 

 

 

[xenagurl]

Captain Frank Juliussen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[xenagurl]

A few more. Once I'm done with Part 2 on my blog I'll have more to share. If you haven't been on the Epic, you're in for a treat, if you have hopefully these bring back fond memories. :)

 

The Epic in Miami - Getting ready to board on April 20th.

 

 

 

 

 

The colorful slot machines.

 

 

Saying bye to Miami and heading out to sea.

 

Another Margarita --- This one tasting had 5 instead of the usual 4. Gotta love it!

 

[xenagurl]

Oh yum another one for me...

 

 

 

Between the two stairwells the blue is my fave.

 

And more vino. In case you're wondering I did do more than drink across the Atlantic. I danced. After all I had to burn off the drinks --- as it happens I lost about 4 pounds on this trip. Gosh I love cruising. :)

 

[meltingmoments]

Amazing photos!! Thanks for sharing! :)

I follow your blogs.....I really enjoy reading about your adventures!

We've done the Epic, so bringing back nice memories and I visit your Jade reviews to bring up my excitement for August........not that it NEEDS any bringing up, but hey!! :D

[xenagurl]

Amazing photos!! Thanks for sharing! :)

 

I follow your blogs.....I really enjoy reading about your adventures!

We've done the Epic, so bringing back nice memories and I visit your Jade reviews to bring up my excitement for August........not that it NEEDS any bringing up, but hey!! :D

Thank you! That's nice of you to say. Have a wonderful trip on the Jade and please come back and tell us all about it here. :D

[meltingmoments]

Thank you! That's nice of you to say. Have a wonderful trip on the Jade and please come back and tell us all about it here. :D

 

I certainly will!! :)

79 days.........and counting!! :eek:

[Florissouri]

I was on there, too, but I ABSOLUTELY HATED THE EPIC!

 

Kaj and the crew were wonderful, the food was great and Blue Man Group was entertaining, but IMO the Epic is an epic disaster as far as a cruise ship. No open decks so I felt like I was enclosed on a luxury prison ship.

 

You know the old saying, "Don't fix what isn't broken?"

 

Well that absolutely applies to the Epic. A lot of things were "fixed" that weren't broke, but everyone assured me NCL has "fixed" everything that is wrong with the Epic on the Breakaway. Gee...I can't wait.

 

[/sarcasm]

Edited May 15, 2013 by Florissouri

[xenagurl]

Some people aren't into her, but I'd done this trip last year and knew what I was in for and as long as I'm on vacation I'm grand! :D I did opt for a Balcony cabin this time, so I had a lot more light and sunshine. However I often slept most of the day away. lol --- In general though I do think that the Epic could use a lot more outdoor light and indoor lighting.

 

That's why the Breakaway has the promenade decks and encourages al fresco eating, to really bring the outside in, so hopefully you'll have a great time on the Breakaway. I'll be on her starting Sunday, so I'll definitely give my thoughts on how they differ and are similar.

[bluesea777]

We loved the EPIC TAs - we went on westbound twice (those 25 hour days) - we got the Posh passes and they were the best thing we bought - I was able to relax and unwind - managed to read 5 books on kindle! The bar tender there Mr. G was great.

 

As a platinum, we got 2 free sparkling wine, exchanged one with house red, took it up to Posh on last day intending to try to drink it. I JOKINGLY asked Mr. G if he'd make a glass of sangaria ... he said SURE!!! So he whipped up several glasses of it out of the flat house wine and they were great! He said if we had given it to him before he'd make a jug and store it overnight, "marinating" it for us.

 

In the evenings we dined and drank well and we had good time in our way.

[KJE Atlanta]

We've loved the Epic every time. Always had a balcony though. I do think that while there may not be as much open deck space in general on the Epic compared to other ship designs, if you want to see the water or be outdoors, there are still plenty of options.

 

Xena.... one of these days, I keep sayin' ... we're going to cruise together. You're on the Breakaway this Sunday. We'll be getting on as you walk off the following Sunday. :(

[xenagurl]

We loved the EPIC TAs - we went on westbound twice (those 25 hour days) - we got the Posh passes and they were the best thing we bought - I was able to relax and unwind - managed to read 5 books on kindle! The bar tender there Mr. G was great.

 

As a platinum, we got 2 free sparkling wine, exchanged one with house red, took it up to Posh on last day intending to try to drink it. I JOKINGLY asked Mr. G if he'd make a glass of sangaria ... he said SURE!!! So he whipped up several glasses of it out of the flat house wine and they were great! He said if we had given it to him before he'd make a jug and store it overnight, "marinating" it for us.

 

In the evenings we dined and drank well and we had good time in our way.

 

You finished books! That was my goal, then the sleeping in all day took over. LOL I'm looking forward to those 25 hour days in Fall! The Epic is my party ship, for some reason I'm just a bit more subdued on the others, I think it's having "Shenanigans" (O'Sheehans) to laugh and talk in after dancing all night in Bliss. Good times! :D

[xenagurl]

We've loved the Epic every time. Always had a balcony though. I do think that while there may not be as much open deck space in general on the Epic compared to other ship designs, if you want to see the water or be outdoors, there are still plenty of options.

 

Xena.... one of these days, I keep sayin' ... we're going to cruise together. You're on the Breakaway this Sunday. We'll be getting on as you walk off the following Sunday. :(

 

Oh no! We're missing each other again! Maybe we'll meet on The Getaway! I also seem to miss Bluesea777. It'll happen one day.

Don't worry, I promise to save some food for you all on The Breakaway. lol :D

[kerrytens]

I'm enjoying your review Xena. I'm booked on the 2014 westbound TA on the Epic (first TA!) and can't wait. I adore the ship as my 3 trips in a row will attest to:D

 

I do hope that there are more photos coming. Keep up the great work!

[xenagurl]

I'm enjoying your review Xena. I'm booked on the 2014 westbound TA on the Epic (first TA!) and can't wait. I adore the ship as my 3 trips in a row will attest to:D

 

I do hope that there are more photos coming. Keep up the great work!

 

 

Thank you! I'll be adding a some more tomorrow. I'll still sorting them, I forget how long it takes to re-size and sort when I'm busy clicking away. lol :D

 

I look forward to hear how you'll enjoy the TA. It's a truly relaxing experience I think that you'll love it!

To each their own... That's the great thing about having choices.

Agreed! I'm actually on another line this summer and I'm kind of bummed at the thought but I told some folks I would and I'm sure it'll be lovely, but I'm going to miss my freestyle cruising and the Epic. She and I will meet for the 3 time in Fall and I'm looking forward to the trip!

[KJE Atlanta]

Oh no! We're missing each other again! Maybe we'll meet on The Getaway! I also seem to miss Bluesea777. It'll happen one day.

Don't worry, I promise to save some food for you all on The Breakaway. lol :D

 

One day! After the Breakaway, we're on the Jade in August and then the Getaway next May...

[AquamarineBreeze]

Thanks for the lovely photos!

It looks like a second great experience for you on the Epic!

I'd love to do a TA on one of my future trips back to the US....

I was thinking of the Epic for this summer in the Western Med - but couldn't resist the Jade again :)

... I am tempted though....

 

Look forward to reading about the rest of what must have been an inspiring trip!

[xenagurl]

Thanks for the lovely photos!

It looks like a second great experience for you on the Epic!

I'd love to do a TA on one of my future trips back to the US....

I was thinking of the Epic for this summer in the Western Med - but couldn't resist the Jade again :)

... I am tempted though....

 

Look forward to reading about the rest of what must have been an inspiring trip!

Thanks for checking it out! --- Yes the Epic has me hooked as well. There is a Eastbound Barca to Miami TA on her in October that I'm planning on. Something to think about! ;) Did you have a fab time on your Jade trip a few weeks ago? I know it must have been a ton of fun! :)

[kerrytens]

Thank you! I'll be adding a some more tomorrow. I'll still sorting them, I forget how long it takes to re-size and sort when I'm busy clicking away. lol :D

 

I look forward to hear how you'll enjoy the TA. It's a truly relaxing experience I think that you'll love it!

 

!

Glad to hear that there will be more photos!!! Take your time, I have 500++ days to go until my TA:D

 

I'm looking forward my days of relaxation onboard the ship!