chefchick

I’m here as well…I’m no newbie to NCL (platinum) and I knew what I was getting myself into, but the Epic is, let’s say, not my favorite ship. I got a great fare and a slow boat to Europe so it’s all good, but I’m afraid the crowds and weird cabin are only the beginning. Have a great cruise 🥂

Can sailor loot be used in the casino?

Maybe I’m just confused, but please reiterate…I’m currently have DBE (was status matched on my first cruise on Scarlet Lady). I will be boarding Resilient Lady next month (and this will be my third voyage overall on Virgin btw) so I assume my DBE perks will be as shown in my current invoice? But after that? Does the fact that I booked something in 2024 “grandfather” me in going forward? Or will I now have to book another 2 cruises to get back my full DBE perks? Or would it be 3 as the perks don’t take effect until after your 5th voyage?

Does NCL still have Prime Rib in the MDR or the buffet at least one evening? If not, has anyone ever ordered it from Cagneys? Prime Rib has always been one of those cruise “indulgences” like a pina colada or escargot so I hope I can still get it somewhere on board.

I am booked on a sold out sailing and was “forced” to take the last available cabin 8294A which is in line with the elevator, right above The Groupie and dangerously close to the Manor 😱. This is also a limited view sea terrace so not ideal to say the least. A few cabins have opened up recently (very few) but they are THOUSANDS of dollars more expensive. We are committed to going and are excited about it, but has anyone had experience with cabins above the karaoke space? How far does the Manor noise travel? I’ve tried scouring the internets for info but have found very little.

Thanks for your opinion, but even you must admit that taste is subjective. I too am a Culinary trained professional…did Test Kitchen blow me away? No, but I could honestly eat that mushroom pate dish every night. I appreciate that Virgin is trying to give its customers many options for dinner different than just the “standard” fare offered on other lines. I do have to ask, did you enjoy other restaurants on your Virgin cruise? And have you found other main stream cruises you thought had better “included” food overall?

Follow up question…best red and white wine choices from the standard beverage package? Also, do you have a favorite wine to choose from the platinum “free” dinner? I realize that inventories differ from ship to ship, but what have you maybe enjoyed lately?

For you stay in San Juan, can I suggest the Mezzanine for one of the best cocktails in town. 156 Sol St. 2nd Floor, San Juan. In old San Juan…on a quiet street. It’s upstairs from a restaurant I’ve never eaten at but it is worth going out of your way for.

Here is another question for “the experts” …I became platinum not too long ago… my husband who doesn’t always cruise with me is not. Can both of us sign up for the behind the scenes tour or is that for platinums only?

I have a 12 day itinerary coming up….i don’t always book a speciality restaurant on the first night but did this time….do you think they might offer Prime Rib on night 8 as well?

I often cruise solo and generally prefer to dine alone. Make your reservations for one. I have never been asked on NCL if I would prefer to share a table. I have been asked by others sitting near me in the venue if I would like to join them (I’m sure they were just being nice) but I politely decline. I really enjoy dining alone…enjoying my meal at MY pace (do I want to see a show and eat quickly, or do I want to savor every bite and take hours…it’s my vacation so I decide) 😎

I sailed the Prima in a Studio (my favorite of all the NCL studios…better set up with the “ separate” bathroom). The lounge was similar to others….there was a good coffee/espresso machine, water, juice and a pay for wine by the glass dispenser. Pastries and such in the morning, cookies and fruit in the evening. Yes, I think there was a hairdryer (I bring my own) but there is no coffee maker in the cabin. You could ask your steward for one, but I’m not sure they could provide one? Prima is a lovely ship. Have a great time

Regardless of what the terms and conditions say, in reality it all depends on the server you get, the restaurant manager, what day of the week it is, which ship you are on 😜…in other words, the only way to be sure is to ask (nicely, of course) before ordering.

Living in Seattle, I have cruised to Alaska MANY times and on many lines. Besides your itinerary (how long in port, are tenders or shuttles used, etc) how the ship is laid out and what is available on board is more important (in general) than in the Carribean for example. I have sailed Ovation and what I liked was the cabin (larger, even as a solo) and the crew was great. What I didn’t like was the layout of the ship. It was much more inward focused, if that makes sense with its main promenade and it always felt crowded. There were many activities geared to kids so that would be great for you, but so does NCL, for example. My advice? Decide YOUR priorities based on your needs and find a SHIP that matches (not just a cruise line). Alaska cruises are much more about excursions and scenic cruising (and the excursions are very expensive but generally once in a lifetime memories as well). Hope that helps.

Although not technically “lounges” if one wants a drink there is a casino bar, the draft house, the social club, and bars inside Razzle Dazzle and Pink Agave all that are air conditioned comfort. I enjoy a pre dinner cocktail myself, so I’m not sure why you would need more than two? I never had a hard time getting a lovely seat at either venue. Yes, at peak times servers were stretched, but not anymore than they are on any other cruise line…you obviously have a lot of experience, don’t tell me you haven’t had to wait for a cocktail on Royal, Celebrity, Princess, etc.?