NCL Epic Haven 2 BR Trip Report requests...

[MRBOOKEND]

Hello,

 

So, what would you like us to include in report for you????

 

We are booked in Oct 2014 on Epic out of Barcelona in Haven 2 BR class S4.

 

This site has been so great for info for us, we thought might be nice to give back by taking (reasonable) requests for what you would want in a trip report?

 

I have scoured this site for info and a few things I am looking for are:

 

What does check in and/or screening area at port look like?: so will put this in.

 

Picture of where electrical outlets in room are.

 

Last but not least is picture of me winning big in the casino like I did 30 years ago ($2000) which paid for the only 2 cruises I ever took. (Wishful thinking)

 

 

 

So, what would you like us to include????

[benona]

We are on Epic next October...I would be interested in what weather you get (warm enough for the kids to swim?) and whether you notice much movement up so high and forward...

 

Long time until we sail...but very excited!

[MRBOOKEND]

Hi Benona,

 

Will let you know about the weather and hopefully water temps aboard. I suspect it will be just fine.

 

Not sure if will find out about swimming ashore. Just a heads up that the beach nearby the Barcelona pier is possibly a clothing optional beach. I vaguely remember reading about it.

 

Less than 6 weeks for us....

[benona]

Thanks.

 

Have fun!!

[MRBOOKEND]

Just got back from our trip. We stayed in cabin 16023 (2 bedroom) aboard the Epic. I would definitely recommend that cabin. Never really felt much at all that far up even in one day of high winds that prevented us from docking at Livorno. Was very quiet overall. The pools on board were used but not crowded. Adults and kids using the slides. Air temp was a little cool but while in sun was nice and many people sunning themselves in their swimsuits.

 

I took along some warmer clothes but never wore them except in Paris the last night: a sweater. My friend wore her shawl at night but I was in polo shirt most nights aboard ship. Of course I enjoy cooler air.

 

Only beach that we were close to notice any swimmers was in Cannes with about a dozen or so swimming in the sea.

[TSUmom]

We will be in 16001, a two bedroom in May. What did you think of the overall Haven experience? Any pictures?

[MRBOOKEND]

We will be in 16001, a two bedroom in May. What did you think of the overall Haven experience? Any pictures?

 

It had been 30 years since I went on a cruise on Disney by myself while between assignments, so I don't have much to compare the Haven experience to. I upgraded to the Haven as a surprise for my girlfriend as it was her birthday during the trip.

 

Probably the most important perk was priority disembarking at the ports but NCL seemed to do a pretty good job of getting everyone on and off. Also, if you go to the shows, sure is nice to skip the line and have seats available for you at the last minute. My friend and her friend who have been on many other cruises really liked the two bedroom. Previously, they had always chosen a balcony or inside. It is quiet and comfortable and roomy but if I remember, you can get two adjoining balcony rooms for much less than the price of one 2BR. The butler and concierge are very accommodating.

 

Probably the one thing that was a little underwhelming was the Epic Club restaurant which is available only to Haven class. Though the restaurant was very serene, the food was no better than the Garden Cafe buffet or Manhattan. However, I thought the buffet was very good. I did use the Haven area whirlpool one time which was a nice perk.

 

Overall I think cruising is not for me especially on a shore excursion intensive trip. I would rather rent an apartment and take my time to explore an area.

 

This probably wasn't a very good answer to your question because of my limited experience cruising. Hope to have my friend who took all the pics to post at later date after recovering from time change.

[benona]

Thanks for your feedback!!!:)

[CRAustin]

I was on this cruise. Not in haven and it was my 11th cruise with NCL. I agree with you trips to Europe require more time. You just don't get to see and experience enough and you don't use the cruise ship. I barely ever left the Aft area went from my spa mini suite to the spa to the casino to eat and then to go on excursions. Went on deck once!

[TSUmom]

I was on this cruise. Not in haven and it was my 11th cruise with NCL. I agree with you trips to Europe require more time. You just don't get to see and experience enough and you don't use the cruise ship. I barely ever left the Aft area went from my spa mini suite to the spa to the casino to eat and then to go on excursions. Went on deck once!

 

That is what I am concerned about. Spending money for the Haven and not taking advantage of it. We really did not have a choice though, my SIL is traveling with us and is a very inexperienced traveler. I looked at booking her in a solo and thought about 2 balcony cabins also but she will stick to us like glue so the 2 bedroom just seemed like the best option. Oh well, it is only money and it will be her trip of a lifetime.

 

Thanks for your thoughts on this cruise. I know it will be a busy one!!