03/01/16-24/01/16 - Norwegian Epic Live - Haven Spa Suite (H9)

[realcindylouwho]

SwissLe, I am now going to prove just how blonde I am. It was not Monica as our Concierge on the Jewel, it was Florentina! Monica was our Concierge on the Pearl in a 2 BR Haven suite in 2013. So sorry to bother you about this but I'm glad my DH pointed this out to me as Monica would have given you a blank stare, then smiled and replied "perfect". hehe.

[SwissLe]

SwissLe, I am now going to prove just how blonde I am. It was not Monica as our Concierge on the Jewel, it was Florentina! Monica was our Concierge on the Pearl in a 2 BR Haven suite in 2013. So sorry to bother you about this but I'm glad my DH pointed this out to me as Monica would have given you a blank stare, then smiled and replied "perfect". hehe.

 

 

Haha! I may just try it to see if she can actually smile! She must be having a bad week as a couple of others have said the same.

[SwissLe]

DAY 5

 

Gooood morning from dry land. We've made it, at the relief of the crew most of the passengers will be our of their hair for one day.

 

Let's first catch up on yesterday. After breakfast I headed up onto the outside deck at POSH (a private area for Haven guests and a small number of passes are available at guest services for a weekly fee). The weather was clear skies with low wind of around 10nm and temperatures of around 20oC. I did some sunbathing with jeans on enjoying the first rays of sunshine this cruise. Many were far more brave and donned swimming costumes but it was a little too chilly for me.

 

At around noon I could hear a light lunch tempting me back inside. I'd read in the cruise planner that there was a Mexican Buffet in Moderno today so I headed down. Gosh it was busy but easy to see why. Great American style Mexican foods washed down with a corona and a mojito. I had burrito, chimichanga, tacos and lots of cheese. For desert I had a slice of sponge cake with a Mexican flag on top.

 

Feeling like I'd eaten way more than originally planned I waddled back to my cabin and watched a movie on the bed for a couple of hours before being politely interrupted by our butler with his afternoon treats. Sandwiches, a huge fruit plate, chocolate strawberries and cookies today. It was only polite to try the cookies, but I left the fruit for later.

 

Day 4 marked the rescheduled Priscilla show. I'd booked the 7pm show online and received a call asking for haven guests to meet at 6.30pm for priority seating. I walked down at around this time and was escorted in by the assistant conceirge past a rather heated queueing system for other passengers; there was shouting and exchange of words from a couple of guests. Calm down - you're on vacation and it's just a show!

 

The entire left hand side of the Epic theatre was roped off for the haven guests again causing some dirty looks and people attempting to sneak over the velvet ropes. The staff managed to hold them back before allowing free seating around 5mins before curtain up.

 

Whilst waiting there was bar service, and plenty of multi-lingual announcements about the content of the show and it's unsuitability for children. This didn't deter many and there were kids of all ages; from babies to teens in the crowd.

 

The show is spectacular, the staging, visuals and performance were all some of the best I've seen at sea. The story may not be to everyone's taste but I think we're all at a stage in our lives where a cruise ship show isn't going to make us question are sexuality, right?

 

This didn't deter many from walking out during one of the first scenes where there are men crawling about wearing next to nothing, but sorry ladies - I think they're more interested in me than you!!

 

It was an energetic and well thought out show and something different. A welcomed change and this is from a massive fan of the Blue Man.

 

What does make me a little angry is the number of people walking out during the closing scene. These people have danced, sung and acted for an hour and half for you and you can't even hang about to give them a round of applause? Seems very rude to me!

 

After dinner I was feeling a little hungry so thought I would try my luck at Cagney's just above. I was able to get a table in just five minutes without a reservation from a very friendly restaurant manager.

 

My server was Thomas and he put in a stellar performance throughout. A real reminded how good cruise ship service can be. Caring, chatty and efficient throughout despite the late hour.

 

I had the baked potato soup followed by the filet mignon served with mac'n'cheese. Thomas also insisted I had a portion of truffle fries and also bought over a potato gratin. At this late hour and after my Mercian feast at lunch I was ready to burst, but that didn't deter him from wrapping up a cheesecake for me to take back to the cabin. I've probably got more food in the room than the stores downstairs now.

 

After a walk up on deck and I went to catch up with some temporary cruise friends downstairs in Bliss before calling it a night at around midnight.

 

I awoke on day 5 at 6am to the sound of the deck chairs being dragged out so reached for my earplugs and went straight back to sleep. The next time I opened my eyes we were docked in a slightly overcast Las Palmas.

 

As promised there is very little planned today, apart from a visit to the shopping centre opposite for the land wifi.

 

See you guys a little later.

[SwissLe]

 

[Bluenoser47]

Thank you for taking the time..We sail with you starting next week in Barcelona.

your daily read is a really component to my pre-cruise preperation and excitement building :-)

 

Any way you could take a couple of pics of just the evening entertainment portion of some of the dailies and post them? There is a thread with some from November and I am wondering if they are similar or with the new itineraries have changed that up as well.

 

Thank you!

 

Angie

[SwissLe]

Thank you for taking the time..We sail with you starting next week in Barcelona.

 

your daily read is a really component to my pre-cruise preperation and excitement building :-)

 

 

 

Any way you could take a couple of pics of just the evening entertainment portion of some of the dailies and post them? There is a thread with some from November and I am wondering if they are similar or with the new itineraries have changed that up as well.

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

Angie

 

 

Here you go, let me know if you can't see them;

 

 

 

[SwissLe]

 

[SwissLe]

DAY 5 cont.

 

After leaving you last time I headed to the only place left open for breakfast, The Great Outdoors. This is an al fresco buffet area with fixed seating next to the pool bars and pool deck. The sun was shining and I had a quick snack on some pancakes (I think they'd been under the hot plate a little too long) and chocolate milk. I could've sat soaking up the sun all day but wanted to at least touch dry land after 3 days.

 

So as planned today was just a short stroll around the city. I ended up in a department store and grabbed some bargains on Biotherm men's products which were already a good price but has an additional January discount of 10%. The shops were busy for a Thursday but it must be because the holidays have just come to an end here. After looking in Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear and a few other shops I decided to head back to the ship.

 

A quick lunch was consumed in the Garden Cafe, it was very quiet compared to the last few days. The choices here are endless, and everything was piping hot. I had a salad, freshly made pasta and a cheeky pretzel roll - salty heaven.

 

As the Garden Cafe filled up I decided I would collect my laptop and nip to the shopping mall opposite where on the 3rd floor there is a McDonalds and Burger King both offering free WIFI.

 

As I was walking out of the restaurant I nearly slipped on an unmarked wet patch on the floor. Before I could tell a member of staff another lady took a tumble right in front of me. She hit her head and arm on the counter, but quickly got back to her feet (refusing my help) and staggered on her way. She was stopped by an restaurant manager but didn't want his help either.

 

My plans for stealing wifi from the shopping centre were scuppered when McDonalds and Burger King told me their connections were down. This left the shopping centre network which is worse than useless. I sent some emails using this before moving on to HyperDino supermarket for a bottle of water. 2litres for €0.20 - a little cheaper than on the ship!

 

I'm now back in the cabin and just rearranged my restaurant bookings. I had planned to see the Priscilla show again tonight but this one has also been moved to the next night. Instead of eating at Le Bistro tonight I will be dining at Moderno at 18.45 and Le Bistro tomorrow night at the same time.

 

The butler has added to the feast of food with a vegetable dip platter, a huge plate of cake and a bottle of bubbly. I'll add that to the one in the fridge.

 

After that I've planned to meet some more temporary cruise friends in the Atrium as one of them is partaking in the dance contest at 10.30pm. Her sisters have told me she's a professional dancer so it should be interesting to watch!

 

Signing out from Las Palmas.

[SwissLe]

 

[SwissLe]

https://vimeo.com/151042889

 

Tepenyaki Timelapse

[nuclearmick]

Hi There SwissLe

 

Really enjoying your daily updates and looking forward to joining you next Wednesday. I have booked the shows and dining venues in advance for most days although struggling to book anything for the 16th Jan?

 

I've noticed you haven't mentioned the casino at all but was wondering do you know whether you can use cash in there instead of the onboard account? If so, is it US$ they take? I presume the onboard account will be billed in US$

 

Also, can you tell me or possibly find out, what is the latest you can disembark on the last day in Barcelona (24th Jan)

 

Thanks in advance

 

Mick

[Bluenoser47]

 

 

THANK YOU!!! They came out perfect!!! :)

 

Angie

[TheCaveman]

Thanks for this review. We will be on the Epic in 7 weeks… can’t wait…

[SwissLe]

Hi There SwissLe

 

 

 

Really enjoying your daily updates and looking forward to joining you next Wednesday. I have booked the shows and dining venues in advance for most days although struggling to book anything for the 16th Jan?

 

 

 

I've noticed you haven't mentioned the casino at all but was wondering do you know whether you can use cash in there instead of the onboard account? If so, is it US$ they take? I presume the onboard account will be billed in US$

 

 

 

Also, can you tell me or possibly find out, what is the latest you can disembark on the last day in Barcelona (24th Jan)

 

 

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

 

Mick

 

 

Hi Mick,

 

Latest would be 10.30am I believe. I will confirm this later today though.

 

All onboard transactions are in USD, in every location. In the casino there is a ATM with a 3% charge for this on top of any currency charge your card issuer may make.

 

I've had no issue swapping my dining reservations around, if I am flexible on time or days. It's not so important the order of them, just as long as I cover them all!

 

Any other questions let me know, happy to find out.

[nuclearmick]

Cheers

[blondie1746]

Depends on your interests. We spent 3 days pre-cruise in Barcelona and saw a lot, including a Dentist office! Let me know what you like, and I might have some suggestions.

 

Clean1owner, thanks for your reply. My husband and I are up for anything. We want to see Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. I've heard there is a beautiful large park somewhere. We like good food and alcohol. beer/wine/cocktails. Hope to not have to see a Dentist! :) Any input would be appreciated!

 

Blondie

[jodieh12]

Reading your review with wonder. I'm just off the epic (3 January) and am back there again on 7 April. When you get to Livorno can you let me know what the shuttle arrangements are. We are hoping to go to Pisa on the train but I think the shuttle drops off in town and you need to make your way to the station from there but am not sure as the info I've found are quite old.

 

Many thanks

 

Jo

[SwissLe]

Good Morning (just) from the lush island of Tenerife. We docked on time this morning and the sun is shining for us.

 

We parted ways yesterday afternoon where I was chilling in the cabin before going to dinner at Moderno.

 

I had a cocktail at the new bar between Cagney's and Moderno before going in and was excited that a new cocktail menu is launching in the next few days. Some exciting additions including one which requires them to infuse gin with lavender at each bar a week in advance. I will return to this bar to get more information during the next few days.

 

A beautiful window seat was allocated to me in Moderno. Friendly staff explained the card system for the waiters carrying all the meats around and that I should start with the buffet. The buffet is extensive, not your usual salad bar. Cheese, vegetables, pasta and cold cuts are also included.

 

After filling up on salad your waiter will change your plate and turn the card to green, signalling for the meat-fest to begin. Sausage, beef, chicken and more. Just see the menu posted below. They are served with your choice of sides, all beautifully presented and tasty.

 

The meal was great and the people carving the meat very friendly and wanting to chat - unlike this type of restaurant on land.

 

After dinner I waddled to the top deck for a walk, before coming back down to the shakers bar. I bumped into the head bar supervisor who was working the haven captains cocktail party and he'd promised to make me a Singapore Sling but was called away. He shot behind the bar and made it before carrying on his work - excellent service.

 

At 10.30pm I went to the dancing competition to support a girl who was wanted to compete, but her name wasn't picked due to huge demand that night. The show was OK, but it was more a silly event than a serious dance competition so lucky she didn't get picked!

 

After this the seven of us went to Bliss and danced the night away. Throw in some sambuca, more cocktails and a 3am finish in O'Sheehans and you could say I am not feeling on top of the world today. I'll be staying on the ship and I am about to head up to the Haven Courtyard for a dip, bubble and snooze in the sun.

 

See you later!

[SwissLe]

 

 

 

 

 

[SwissLe]

 

 

[hawkeyetlse]

I'm just off the epic (3 January) and am back there again on 7 April. When you get to Livorno can you let me know what the shuttle arrangements are. We are hoping to go to Pisa on the train but I think the shuttle drops off in town and you need to make your way to the station from there but am not sure as the info I've found are quite old.

There are actually two separate shuttles, that is probably why you are seeing different reports. But I would not bother with either of these shuttles, they are both very annoying (and overpriced) and you will still have to wait for another bus or train to get you to Pisa.

 

If you just want to go to Pisa and don't particularly care about visiting downtown Livorno or the train station, I would recommend this but service that goes all the way to Pisa directly from the ship:

Low Cost Bus from Livorno Port to Pisa City

 

Book it in advance, because they were charging 25 euros per person for walk-ons in November.

Edited January 8, 2016 by hawkeyetlse

[CruisingSwedes]

Thanks for your great review! I am following eagerly as we board in March, however I feel like I'm gaining weight just looking at your pictures and reading the food descriptions LOL. Thanks especially for the Freestyle Dailies - I'm already taking note of extra things I need to pack for all these activities!

 

If you get a chance it would be lovely to see some pics of the spa renovations - I haven't seen those anywhere yet. I'm planning on spending a large amount of time in there! :p

[liverpoollad]

Hawkey. Saw your Low cost bus from Livorno port to Pisa & am very interested, but when I clicked on to their site there was no way I could book this bus. How can this be done? & is this from the ship & therefore don't have to pay for a shuttle bus to get out of the cruise terminal?

 

Thank you.

[SuiteTraveler]

They give us so much food at Moderno! I've only tried a small amount of what they have on offer - I just can't eat all that much at one time. How did you like the Mango Rice pudding? I've only had the Papaya Cream which is OK, but not as good as at Fogo de Chao.

[hawkeyetlse]

Saw your Low cost bus from Livorno port to Pisa & am very interested, but when I clicked on to their site there was no way I could book this bus. How can this be done? & is this from the ship & therefore don't have to pay for a shuttle bus to get out of the cruise terminal?

It is directly from the ship so you don't have to deal with any of the other shuttles. When I click on the booking link I get a web form to e-mail them, but if that doesn't work for you, maybe try calling the phone number. Or maybe you can get SwissLe to buy tickets for you, if he can drag himself out of bed and/or the spa that day :D Edited January 9, 2016 by hawkeyetlse