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

[clean1owner]

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

 

 

 

Blondie

 

For Sagrada Familia, do yourself a big favor and buy tickets online ahead of time. Schedule as early in the day as you can make work, as it gets very busy and the line to enter gets long pretty early in the day.

If you have plans to visit Park Guell, the same applies.

 

Las Ramblas is a very interesting place, with all the street vendors, and La Boqueria, the open air market. Give yourself plenty of time, as there many side streets to explore which are every bit as interesting as the main street.

 

Even though the weather probably won't be very beach like, there is a real nice beach right by the old Olympic Village, to the east of the port.

 

I did post a few pictures in my Epic review. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2294587

 

 

I also have many pictures I could email you or post in a separate thread as to not hijack this thread.

Edited January 9, 2016 by clean1owner

[clean1owner]

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

 

 

 

Jo

 

There is a shuttle that takes you directly from the pier to the train station. It costs E15 per person, round trip.

[SwissLe]

DAY urmmm 7

 

Hello again my criticers. It's nearly a week since I boarded the Epic and I have to say if I was getting off tomorrow there would be tears! Good job we've still got another 15 hey?

 

So let's get on with the update. Yesterday we were in sunny Tenerife. I had a visit to the private Haven Courtyard. It was certainly that as up until about 3.30pm there was not another soul to be seen.

 

 

Just me, two hot tubs, a shallow but warm pool, plenty of padded loungers, changing area with showers and a sauna. I look lunch in the courtyard bar area, I had the burger which was mighty tasty, overlooking Tenerife.

 

 

 

After sailaway I returned to the cabin to freshen up for dinner at 6.45pm in Le Bistro. A shower, again managing to flood the room, and I wore a jacket tonight as Le Bistro is supposed to be a little more formal.

 

The butler treats today were some really tasty chocolates, I will be finishing these ones later!

 

 

The service tonight in Le Bistro was patchy at best. The captain was having dinner with the Owner's Suite guest at the table adjacent which caused our server much stress. She basically fell apart. I had two portions of the bread delivered, then the starter and then I think the main course was forgotten about as it took a while to come; and it was only after ordering more drinks did she run back into the kitchen hastily after looking at my empty table.

 

Nonetheless the food was of good quality and adequate taste. It is not my idea of fine dining and defiantly on this occasion did not meet the service standards of a fine dining experience.

 

I chose the scallops to start and the filet of beef for main. Following those was the creme brûlée. Le Bistro will not be featuring in my report from now onwards.

 

After dinner I went to watch the Battle of the Sexes show in the Bliss Lounge which was funny but the audience weren't very into it. At some points it was just me and another guy at the bar joining in clapping and counting down.

 

When some guy started murdering Bohemian Rhapsody at Karaoke I made my way into the casino and spent my $20 pocket money in a slot machine. I came away with 0.5c but I played for around two hours, so good value for money!

 

It was Burn the Floor night earlier in the Bliss Lounge and the Latino music was still in full swing when I returned. I said hello to my dancing cruise friends but decided to be sensible, I hope you're reading Mother, and retired to bed.

 

We're in Funchal today and I'm getting off, yes you heard that right! I'll update you later with what I found on my gentle stroll.

[SwissLe]

 

 

 

Edited January 9, 2016 by SwissLe

[SwissLe]

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

 

 

I feel so offended by that; you can compensate me with a hot stone massage and a cocktail!

[liverpoollad]

Hawkey.

 

Good idea re SwissLe as I will be on the ship next week.;)

 

I did see the email part, so I will send an email to them & hopefully get a reply by Monday when my wife & I fly to Barcelona.

 

Cheers,

[SwissLe]

Some teaser photos of Madeira;

 

 

 

[SwissLe]

EMBARKATION

 

A couple of people have asked about the embarkation at Barcelona port. I thought I would post it here to make it easier for you.

 

Once you arrive at the port your luggage will be taken by local port authority porters. Tipping is not a requirement but I gave the guy 5€ for his trouble. He then wheels your luggage to a cargo area of the terminal and you walk into the passenger section. There will be a short queue at the initial security check where you have to remove coats/jackets/belts and scan your hand luggage. Once through this there is the entrance to the main queue for check in. This line was huge and going back into the security area.

 

There was a guy with a Haven sign on a paddle, he escorted me the Haven line. This is at the far end desk, with special assistance next to it and Latitudes next to that.

 

The Haven queue had two guys doing the check in, but only one computer able to take the photos. This meant that the check in was rather slow, with the special assistance line going much faster.

 

The process is also slower as the same guy will escort you to the check in lounge. This is a door opposite and really doesn't need the agent to take the time to walk you over.

 

Once there we were immediately taken onboard by a member of staff. They take you through a service entrance to the main forward elevators of which one is reserved for haven guests on embarkation day.

 

They then drop you in the Epic Club Lounge before a butler will take you on a tour of the Haven facilities. Be warned that this tour does include a sales pitch for the photography studio and spa. Look interested as its only a couple of minutes and you'll be released.

 

After the tour they invite you to have lunch in the Epic Club Restaurant.

Edited January 9, 2016 by SwissLe

[Bluenoser47]

Sounds like we will be seeing a lot of you in the spa next week :)

 

Thanks again for taking the time. Would it be possible for you take a quick snap of days 6- today for the daily entertainment when you have a chance.

I am noticing a few changes from November.

 

A couple of questions.

What time did you embark? I usually go very early to avoid long lines but we plan to spend the morning at the market and if the weather holds a stroll on the beach.

So i want to make sure we are late enough we are not standing in long lines. Not my idea of a good start to a cruise..grumpy impatient people waiting.

 

Also in day 2 of the daily at 11:00 pm at headliners was an act called "the other guys" do you know what kind of show that is?

 

Enjoy your day. Looking forward to the next few before I board...and can hopefully thank you in person.

Angie

[clivep]

Great review.

 

We'll be joining the ship on Wednesday for the 11 night sailing.

 

I've booked our speciality dining but I'm trying to find out what menus are currently used in Taste/Manhattan. I've managed to download the 2015 ones and also the newest ones but don't know whether these are on the Epic yet (the new a-la-carte speciality ones will be on the Epic in March).

 

Would it be possible for you to post a picture of any Taste/Manhattan menu? Alternatively, could you let me know if the wording down the page on the left hand side says "Classic Dishes" (old menus) or "Classic Favorites" (new menus).

 

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[SwissLe]

Sounds like we will be seeing a lot of you in the spa next week :)

 

 

 

Thanks again for taking the time. Would it be possible for you take a quick snap of days 6- today for the daily entertainment when you have a chance.

 

I am noticing a few changes from November.

 

 

 

A couple of questions.

 

What time did you embark? I usually go very early to avoid long lines but we plan to spend the morning at the market and if the weather holds a stroll on the beach.

 

So i want to make sure we are late enough we are not standing in long lines. Not my idea of a good start to a cruise..grumpy impatient people waiting.

 

 

 

Also in day 2 of the daily at 11:00 pm at headliners was an act called "the other guys" do you know what kind of show that is?

 

 

 

Enjoy your day. Looking forward to the next few before I board...and can hopefully thank you in person.

 

Angie

 

 

Hi There,

 

Will do the snaps later of both the menus and daily newsletters for you.

 

We embarked at around 11.30 as we left the airport at 11am. We arrived as three or four coaches spat out passengers, hence the lines. I guess it's a little pot luck. By 2pm you had one dead terminal.

 

The Other Guys were onboard for 5 days and did 2 shows a day including a matinée on the cancelled port of Morocco. The show was a tribute to the Jersey Boys, Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons. Not my cup of tea, but people were raving about it - even those that had seen the stage show.

[SwissLe]

More shots from Madeira, such a beautiful town; especially on a day like today with the sun shining:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SwissLe]

 

 

[SwissLe]

There was a pretty funny nativity scene too, complete with running water!

 

 

[kevmoley]

More shots from Madeira, such a beautiful town; especially on a day like today with the sun shining:

 

 

I am sorry but you cannot show a picture like this and NOT tell us where you went :eek:

 

Great review so far :)

[Bluenoser47]

Hi There,

 

Will do the snaps later of both the menus and daily newsletters for you.

 

We embarked at around 11.30 as we left the airport at 11am. We arrived as three or four coaches spat out passengers, hence the lines. I guess it's a little pot luck. By 2pm you had one dead terminal.

 

The Other Guys were onboard for 5 days and did 2 shows a day including a matinée on the cancelled port of Morocco. The show was a tribute to the Jersey Boys, Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons. Not my cup of tea, but people were raving about it - even those that had seen the stage show.

 

Thank you.

Sounds like if we plan to board at 1 or 2 we should be fine.

I would have loved that show. Have seen Jersey boys twice. Perhaps they will bring them on next week again. :)

Thanks again for taking the time to post the dailies.

It is very kind of you

Angie

[love to holiday]

Hi. Thankyou for the wonderful review. I'm on ship end of this month doing canaries and morrocco itinerary. Can you tell me what the weather was like in these ports for your cruise please. Was it shorts and vest weather or did u need trousers and jacket for some ports?

Thanks :)

[nuclearmick]

Where is SwissLe?

 

Missing his fascinating daily reports! With all due respect to those concerned, it seems as though his thread has been hi-jacked by people trying to get a cheap ride to Pisa. Try starting a new thread or use the Epic Roll Call

 

Please come back SwissLe

[A&L_Ont]

Where is SwissLe? Please come back SwissLe

 

Where are you SwissLe? I hope nothing happened like you slipped on the wet floor from the shower.:eek: All joking aside I have been coming to the NCL board just to read your review. I first started reading it as I am interested in the Haven but your writing style would still have me subscribed if you were in an inside cabin. I hope all is well.

[bellevuemountain]

Where art thou, SwissLe? We are missing your prose!

[SwissLe]

 

 

 

 

[SwissLe]

DAY 7 cont.

 

Apologies for the lack of updates, I've had issues with both the Internet onboard and mobile data. We're back on track now though.

 

So I left you on the morning of Funchal. After a stroll along on the boardwalk, a look in the outdoor market (next to the cable car), I went to my usual cafe just next to the cathedral on the way to the seafront (look for the grey chairs with a sign advertising crepes. My sincere recommendation is the ice cream crepe. Like nothing I've tasted before! A bottle of water, Coca-Cola Zero, egg tart and the crepe came in at €9. What a bargain.

 

I took this opportunity to stop and write some postcards to those land lovers that aren't digital and send them home - the postbox is just at the top of the road. There is also free wifi in this cafe, and in many parts of the city.

 

I then took a walk back to the ship past Blandy's wine lodge and bought a bottle of Madeiran wine for a friend back home. The Ritz Cafe was bustling and had a band playing, a great atmosphere as I walked past.

 

Once back on the ship I relaxed up on deck (the Haven Courtyard) with a cocktail. Before getting ready for dinner at La Cucina at 6pm.

 

La Cucina is located on deck 14 (but accessed through the Garden Cafe on Deck 15). It's views are spectacular over the bow of the ship, and has recently been refurbished to create a more upmarket vibe. The tree has been replaced with a stone fountain and beautiful floor tiles. The rest of the restaurant has been given a cream theme with some nice new chairs.

 

I had a table for 4 overlooking the bow, watching the sunset as the first course was delivered. I went for the Bruschetta to begin and I have to say it wasn't a patch on the one served in the Haven. For main course I had the Chicken Parmesan which was supposed to be served with spaghetti but as I was dressed in white for the White Hot Party I requested penne. Smooth move right? The dish was nicely cooked, enough cheese to keep the farming industry happy and a big enough portion for even the largest of Americans.

 

Service was attentive throughout, but the atmosphere and polish were missing to make it fine dining. The restaurant is also a firm favourite for families, so not one to be getting down on one knee, despite its romantic location. Overall La Cucina is not one I will be returning to on those cruise and certainly wouldn't pay the additional charge without UDP.

 

After dinner I went to the casino to play slots until the White Hot Party started. This event was really well attended and much busier than any other evening in the Bliss Lounge. Oh yes, that's right, it's too cold in Europe at the moment to have it in Spice h2o. The cruise team were dressed it white, but very few other guests made the effort - in fact a couple of people asked if I worked on the ship. I guess this comes from the number of orange 'First Time Norwegian' cards seen onboard.

 

I danced the night away with my neon band and retired around 2am to O'Sheehans for a hotdog and fries. The guys here are really good at deal ok with tipsy people, always bring loads of water and offer service with a smile. Can't fault them, but I can fault the Deal or No Deal Machine for never letting me win. It's ruined my cruise vacation and I will be writing a strongly worded letter to NCL and the makers of this addictive machine.

[SwissLe]

DAY 8

 

So another day at sea. We've had a lot of those this cruise, sorry - must be boring to read!

 

I woke up too late for breakfast anywhere with service, so headed up to The Great Outdoors for a hearty brunch. I must say there is a great selection here at all times and in an easy location for guys on the regular pool deck to grab something.

 

A burger with cheese consumed, I used the private elevator to get to the Haven Courtyard where I had the place to myself again. A punter did come to use the sauna at one stage but it was either too hot or my glare at him ensured he left my private pool within minutes.

 

Early afternoon I popped into the courtyard for some lunch. Interesting fact, the waiters cannot serve food in the courtyard pool area but you are welcome to take it out there once they deliver it into the bar area. A couple of cocktails and a snooze made for a lovely relaxing day at sea.

 

Tonight I had another visit to Teppenyaki, this time a reservation for 6pm. This time our table of 8 was made up of 6 others who didn't speak English or didn't want to interact with the chef or other diners. It made for an awkward session as the chef went through the motions to stoney faced guests. The food was perfectly cooked, and the waiter was fantastic, I left feeling sorry for them.

 

After dinner I headed to the casino again to blow a huge $20 big ones on the machines. I lasted for around 1 hour before heading into Bliss for a nightcap. That nightcap ended up with sambuca shots and getting home at 3am again. Sorry liver, but the bartenders and DJ don't care about you so why should I?

[SwissLe]

DAY 9

 

So today was supposed to be Malaga, Spain. This is a place I've spent many months in for work and indeed visited on many occasions via cruise. I awoke around 9am and after seeing sunshine in the sky and warmer temperatures I would spend another relaxing day at the pool. After all, we have some intensive cruise ports looming next week.

 

On a port day the Epic Club restaurant closes at 9am, so I'd missed breakfast there. I went to the Garden Cafe but boy it was busy. People, plates, chairs and children everywhere. I headed out to the Great Outdoors again and made myself a tasty English classic - a bacon sandwich. Interestingly they have so many types of bacon here. American style hard crispy stuff, British undercooked slices, gammon style Canadian bacon and longer but less cooked streaky bacon too. If you can do it to a pig, it will likely end up on NCL.

 

After breakfast I headed up to POSH, grabbed a double lounger bed and made it my own. They offer waiter service here so I was kept refreshed with Pepsi until lunch time. I managed to make significantly inroads to my kindle collection today. Feeling a little sun kissed I headed into the courtyard bar for a cheeseburger and fries around 13.00. I met some friends around the bar and we chatted for ages and the bar tender made us some funky cocktail inventions whilst we had some funny stories.

 

It has surprised me how many people have been staying onboard on this cruise. Far more than usual, I think this is taking its toll of the staff and coupled with the additional sea day with the cancellation of Morocco has made it even worse for them and their level of energy.

 

As it got busier on deck as people returned back to the ship I staggered down to the spa. I picked a heated tile lounger and had a snooze before heading out onto the balcony to watch our sailaway from the final port of this cruise. The spa was pretty quiet, with just a few heated loungers and a couple of people using the pools.

 

After watching the sailaway I used the spa to get ready for dinner. A nip back to the cabin to do my hair I had a message to say that Monica had called.

 

It transpired that they have found me a suitable cabin in the Haven for next week. I'd put in another note about the noise from above and flooding from the shower. Monica also said that my steward had also told her is mentioned it to him and also that my air conditioning wasn't working.

 

That means you guys will get to see another cabin type when I get to WIFI and that I'll be able to sleep in even later and shower in my cabin. Winning!

 

I will be sad to say goodbye to Abner and Jonathan who've looked after me so well this past cruise though, they've been faultless throughout. Abner is a veteran steward with over 20 years of NCL service and it shows. Jonathan is only four years as a butler but I've never seen someone so dedicated and willing to please. If you get either of these guys you are lucky!

 

Anyway, I've digressed enough. The cruise isn't over yet and we're heading to dinner. As a curve ball I decided to try the Manhattan Room tonight. I was seated immediately, I've not had a wait yet in any venue. Really impressive freestyle cruising.

 

A table for 2 at overlooking the back of the ship and a band playing really made for a great atmosphere. The server was friendly and really wanted to please. I started with the Grilled Med. Vegetables which were light, tasty and well seasoned. The chefs special of turkey, stuffing and roasted vegetables to follow. This wasn't so great, the stuffing had a aftertaste and the turkey was rather dry. I was so full after 9 nights of overeating I didn't really mind, but our waiter was overtly concerned and desperate to bring something else. I insisted everything was fine, he stopped and chatted for a while and then we said our goodbyes but not until we'd had another debate about why I didn't want any dessert!

 

I took a walk across the deck to The Garden Cafe where I picked up some soft serve ice cream and sprinkles. A very friendly girl behind the ice cream station chatted to me for a while about where I was from etc - everyone is super friendly today - and then took my ice cream one deck up to The Marketplace where they have new swinging chairs hanging from the ceiling. Combine these with some funky new lighting and this area has really been transformed from a useless corridor to somewhere to chill.

 

I retired early to bed tonight, 9 nights of partying have taken its toll on me. I watched the movie Amy on the cabin TV on demand before falling asleep just before the end.

[hawkeyetlse]

I will be sad to say goodbye to Abner and Jonathan who've looked after me so well this past cruise though, they've been faultless throughout. Abner is a veteran steward with over 20 years of NCL service and it shows.

Abner was our steward back in November. He told me he has 16 cabins to do every day! :eek: Hopefully they are all spa cabins and no one uses the shower in their room (we hardly did, either).