Aboard NCL Epic, first time cruiser questions

[widdis]

We're driving down to Port Canaveral the day before (Friday) and grabbing a room at a nearby hotel.  So many questions....

 

1.  Should the group head over to the cruise port together?

2.  What time should we head over?

3.  Is it easy to reserve a daily dining time for the group at one of the complimentary resteraunts?

 

  I don't know what I don't know about cruising but my family and I are super excited.  Thanks for any tips, tricks, or other recommendations!

[ready2cruzagain]

You don't have to go to the port together if you don't want to.  Are you using a park n cruise hotel or are you parking at the port?  We always use a park and cruse hotel in PC that provides a shuttle to the port.

 

We usually head over around 10:00am.  We like to get on the ship early and make our reservations for the shows and for the tenders.  You can do that at any kiosk around the ship and I highly suggest it. 

 

You can make reservations online before you go for the MDR restaurants which is the complimentary restaurants.  O'Sheehans does not take reservations it is free also and I recommend the rib eye if they still have it on special nights.

 

If you have any other questions, just ask, been on the Epic 5 times and one of our favorite ships.

[widdis]

Ready2cruzagain....most of us are likely staying at different hotels.  I believe my family is using a hotel which offers a park/cruise shuttle to the port.

 

I appreciate the info.  As stated, first time on a cruise.  Since we're a group, each cabin gets 2 perks.  We're using the adult drink package for my wife and I plus the pre-paid gratuity for my wife and i.  Either before we board, or once on ship, i'm buying the teen soda package and pre-paid gratuity for my boys.  Outside of any shopping/casino's/excursions/perhaps meal plus ups....are there any hidden costs that I need to know about?  

[17cruisesnsl]

I don't have teens but I have heard there is an arcade with a possibility of an arcade package and there are games, bowling, air hockey in O'Sheehans 

 

[ready2cruzagain]

Even though you have prepaid gratuities for the drinks there will be a DSC charge for each of you at $14.50pp per day. Just wanted to make sure you knew that.

 

Arcade, bowling, pool, air hockey are extra.  There is an ice bar if you want to go that is I believe $21 pp but not for sure if that is still the charge, might be a few dollars more.  Few extra dollars for casino if you want to gamble.  Room service (unless in Haven) has a $7.95 service charge each time you order.  There are gift shops onboard if you care to shop and spend extra.  Pictures are extra charge.  Shore excursions are extra.  Spa and salon services are extra. Some activities are extra such as pilates, yoga, wine tasting,  and bingo. 

 

Just what I could think of off the top of my head.

Edited January 19, 2019 by ready2cruzagain