Live EPIC Mediterannean 11-Day Cruise from Marseille, France October 2, 2023-with pics!

[graphicguy]

1 minute ago, Smiller000 said:

Put us down for 3.  We'll plan on attending. BTW there is a rugby game in Marseilles the day we arrive.  I saw that you mentioned the World Cup earlier.  Looks like S. Africa is playing Tonga.  

Yay.....will include you in the list.

 

Looking forward to meeting you.

 

 

“This is looking to be a great group and a lot of fun.  Thanks!

 

 

So far…

 

-Graphicguy (1)

-biffluger (4)

-Northofu1 (2)

-Mary and Barbara (2)

-GrammieCruising (2)

-Ticatraveler (2)

-Smokelynx (2)

-Nicole (1)

-Ted and Dolly Farmer (2)

-Dumkat01 (5)

-Peacham (3)

-Vickie, Pat, Roberta (3)

-loveysbydesign (2)

-Thomas, Stephan and Leo (3)

-JL2007 (1)

-RedgeToo (1)

-Big Moodys Fan (1)

Sebastian and Sabine (2)

Smiler000 (3)

 

NCL is hosting our…

 

MEET AND GREET

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6 FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL NOON 

IN CAGNEY’S STEAK HOUSE!

 

 They will have crew to answer our questions!!!!  They usually provide drinks and snacks!”

[Smiller000]

Does anybody know if the Spanish 20% VAT applies to comp buffets, or just specialty dinners and drinks?  From what I read, we're going to get hit with that, at least while in Spain.  Could be wrong though.

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, Smiller000 said:

Does anybody know if the Spanish 20% VAT applies to comp buffets, or just specialty dinners and drinks?  From what I read, we're going to get hit with that, at least while in Spain.  Could be wrong though.

Buffets are no charge.  
 

I think the VAT charges seem to be filled with a lot of conflicting reports.  So, not sure!

[JIMESOPUS]

@graphicguy An early Bon Voyage, we will be leaving soon for Southampton, 10/3 on the Star. Will be monitoring your progress through the Mediterranean. Between your report and an earlier report by @mking8288 we should know where to go and what to avoid when we sail on the Viva through the Med.

 

Jim  

Edited September 28, 2023 by JIMESOPUS

[Captain-John]

We meet again.

 

Really keen to hear how you find Epic. I was on her last October and she was not as well maintained as I was accustomed to for NCL ships. So, hoping that's changed.

 

Regardless, have a fabulous time.

[graphicguy]

2 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@graphicguy An early Bon Voyage, we will be leaving soon for Southampton, 10/3 on the Star. Will be monitoring your progress through the Mediterranean. Between your report and an earlier report by @mking8288 we should know where to go and what to avoid when we sail on the Viva through the Med.

 

Jim  

Thank you!!!!!!

 

Will be following you, also.

 

Wishing you calm waters and blue skies.

 

 

[graphicguy]

So, about 90% packed….stuff that won’t wrinkle, mainly.

 

I keep reworking the contents….packing and unpacking.  

 

I also keep fining stuff I put in a place I needed to pack and find it.  Well, it took me a couple of days to trip over it.

 

Think I’m going to hit my goal of one (large) rollaboard and one backpack.

 

Will have to use the ship‘s laundry service and am bringing rinseless laundry soap.

 

Will be in the air 48 hours from now! 

[Sugar Magnolia]

28 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Think I’m going to hit my goal of one (large) rollaboard and one backpack.

 

By large, do you mean you are taking large checkin luggage?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

2 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@graphicguy An early Bon Voyage, we will be leaving soon for Southampton, 10/3 on the Star. Will be monitoring your progress through the Mediterranean. Between your report and an earlier report by @mking8288 we should know where to go and what to avoid when we sail on the Viva through the Med.

 

Jim  

 

Bon voyage, Jim. I will catch you on the Viva. Enjoy the Star and hope you make it to every port. It's a great itinerary. Was recently in Belfast, Dublin and Cork on the Dawn.

 

[graphicguy]

38 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

By large, do you mean you are taking large checkin luggage?

 

Large rollaboard.  It’s supposed to fit in the overheads.  Backpack will be under the seat!

 

 

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Bon voyage, Jim. I will catch you on the Viva. Enjoy the Star and hope you make it to every port. It's a great itinerary. Was recently in Belfast, Dublin and Cork on the Dawn.

For our NE-Canada Escape run earlier this month, 7 days - we managed with a single 23" and 24" rollerboard & spinner, tipped the scale at 36 lbs (well under EU airlines' 23 kg/50 lbs or LCC's 20+ kg/44 lbs limit) and the carry-on/personal bag near 10 kg/22 lbs ... mine was over with all the "mission control" digital gadgets (no, can't intercept missile launches but can/should be able to "watch" Space-X launch to expand Starlink ... WiFi for those of us at sea who "choose" to be connected)  Seasonally, we will pack - when our turn is next - some long sleeves & layers, but shouldn't have any problems doing 1 checked bag, below 50 lbs plus a carry-on p/p, outbound from NY typically isn't weighted. 

 

The Epic is a bit tired & in need of cosmetic refurbishment, showing her age if you look closely around the windows & metals (behind the curtains) as I think she hasn't been christened with a recent dry dock ... but I was equally surprised at some of the worn chairs on the Escape - in her MDR's, in need of reupholstery (seat covers).  

 

Here's to wonderful cruising ahead for all - and in case anyone wish to transfer over, I got the rear covered on the trail with Viva's older sibling - just hangout at Ponta Delgada for a couple of days instead, and we bring her to the pier. just kidding - will lurk & follow ya all ... cross-checking ship's port schedules, going to be in Lisbon ourselves to toast the Viva on her TA that afternoon.   Inside prices are insane, unbelievable TA bargains to be had.   

Edited September 29, 2023 by mking8288

[surfclam2003]

Enjoy! Will be following as we will be on the Epic in April for 22 days. 12 days TA in a 2 bedroom haven then a balcony for the additional 10 days. 

[graphicguy]

4 minutes ago, surfclam2003 said:

Enjoy! Will be following as we will be on the Epic in April for 22 days. 12 days TA in a 2 bedroom haven then a balcony for the additional 10 days. 

That sounds like a great trip!

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

By large, do you mean you are taking large checkin luggage?

 

Here it is…ready to go!

[Sugar Magnolia]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Here it is…ready to go!

 

That does look exciting 🤩

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

2 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Here's to wonderful cruising ahead for all - and in case anyone wish to transfer over, I got the rear covered on the trail with Viva's older sibling - just hangout at Ponta Delgada for a couple of days instead, and we bring her to the pier. just kidding - will lurk & follow ya all ... cross-checking ship's port schedules, going to be in Lisbon ourselves to toast the Viva on her TA that afternoon.   Inside prices are insane, unbelievable TA bargains to be had.   

 

I shall look for someone who resembles Q.

 

[LauraAnneC]

Bon Voyage! Looking forward to reading your report!! I won’t be too far behind you on the Prima!

[mking8288]

Dan - Bon Voyage, safe & happy travel day ... let this journey begin later today.  Going live soon, huh 😎  we are waiting.  

 

"Q" is tracking your in-bound flight, looks good on flightaware - DL 229 on her way, departed on time from origin/destination airport ... should be on the ground by 3 PM, servicing & become DL 228 to CDG.  

 

/mking8288 - Henry

[graphicguy]

28 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Dan - Bon Voyage, safe & happy travel day ... let this journey begin later today.  Going live soon, huh 😎  we are waiting.  

 

"Q" is tracking your in-bound flight, looks good on flightaware - DL 229 on her way, departed on time from origin/destination airport ... should be on the ground by 3 PM, servicing & become DL 228 to CDG.  

 

/mking8288 - Henry

Thanks, Henry.

 

Yeah...will post live from the airport later this afternoon.  Ready to kick this one off!

[Sugar Magnolia]

Safe travels across the pond.

Will you have time for duty free shopping at CDG? Maybe a nice Hermés scarf?

 

[graphicguy]

21 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Safe travels across the pond.

Will you have time for duty free shopping at CDG? Maybe a nice Hermés scarf?

 

Is that a hint?  LOL!

 

Yeah...I have a 3 hour layover at CDG.  Plenty of time to wander around.  But, last time I was there about 4 years ago, I was pickpocketed while walking in the terminal.  So, probably just go to the Centurion Lounge or the Delta Sky Lounge and hang out, grab a bite.

Edited September 30, 2023 by graphicguy

[Sugar Magnolia]

1 minute ago, graphicguy said:

Is that a hint?  LOL!

 

Yeah...I have a 3 hour layover at CDG.  Plenty of time to wander around.  But, last time I was there about 4 years ago, I was pickpocketed while walking in the terminal.  So, probably just go to the Centurion Lounge or the Delta Sky Lounge and hang out, grab a bite.

 

Yes, imagine how grand you would look in your French couture walking through the casino on the Epic.

 

So sorry to hear you were pickpocketed at CDG! What an awful experience to encounter anywhere, especially while overseas. You invested well purchasing that vest. I think that's how the word investment was derived. 

 

[Cruising Lynne]

Hope you have a great trip.

 

I have not followed the whole12 pages of pre-cruise excitement, but I had to go back and see what was up with the vest. I like the idea of the neck pillow better for some items. Plus it will help with comfort on the long flight. May have to go back and see if there is any other useful info in the 12 pages. 😉

[graphicguy]

53 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Yes, imagine how grand you would look in your French couture walking through the casino on the Epic.

 

So sorry to hear you were pickpocketed at CDG! What an awful experience to encounter anywhere, especially while overseas. You invested well purchasing that vest. I think that's how the word investment was derived. 

 

Yeah....France, and particularly CDG are notorious for pick pockets.  Sadly, I remember the guy who did it.  He had to be another passenger as I was waiting in line to board when it happened.    

 

I'm usually pretty cognizant about my surroundings and who's around me.  This guy was in back of me.  He acted like someone behind him, shoved their way into me.  Then, he mentioned to no one in general, that he had to leave the line.  

 

I didn't think anything about it until I had boarded and we were taxying for take off.  I reached in my back pocket and my wallet was gone.  I looked up and down the aisles of the plane when were were able to move around, and I didn't see him, or maybe didn't recognize him.

 

I only had about $300 in my wallet.  But, my driver's license was in it, as well as 3 or 4 credit cards and my ATM card.

 

When I landed home, I started getting "pings" about charges made all over the place.  I wasn't responsible, but it was a PITA to replace everything and notify my bank.

 

Lesson learned.  I do have cash, but not on me and in a place no one would think of looking.  Plus, as mentioned, I travel with only carry ons, so my luggage is with me at all times.

 

Just picturing myself with a scarf flowing behind me as I traverse CDG.  Have to admit, I think I could pull it off.  What others would think is an entirely different story.  LOL!

[graphicguy]

17 minutes ago, Cruising Lynne said:

Hope you have a great trip.

 

I have not followed the whole12 pages of pre-cruise excitement, but I had to go back and see what was up with the vest. I like the idea of the neck pillow better for some items. Plus it will help with comfort on the long flight. May have to go back and see if there is any other useful info in the 12 pages. 😉

Didn't miss much. 

 

Let me give you the READER's DIGEST version.  

 

I booked a cruise on the EPIC in the Mediterranean from Marseille.  I'm flying out today to meet the ship.

 

There....you're all caught up.

 

😉