CantSwim63

It looks like you have the train information for your planning, so will only add another item for Pompeii. The line up to get tickets to get in can get quite long. There will likely be guides forming impromptu groups and they can buy "skip the line" tickets. I understand your budget is limited, but there could be value in saving an hour or 90 minutes in line. (We had a semi-private tour on the 20th and walked by approximately 40 NCL cruisers who had paid for transport and just left to get their own tickets, and talked to one frustrated cruiser who's family had time for an early lunch for about an hour.)

Cheers! Roehl

My apologies if you already know this, but note that Airbnbs will likely not have plug in adapters, so bring your own. Some of the more experienced hosts will have them for rent for a small fee, but having your own makes sure you do not have to scramble to buy one.

Cheers! Roehl

I've read articles about some people booking an Airbnb and then having it be cancelled last minute. Did you do anything in particular to avoid this?

We've never traveled to Europe before so I'm nervous about being so far out of our element and then also trying something new like an Airbnb.

I don't know if it allowed here, but can you post a link to the place you rented?

Thanks!

I used Airbnb because a lot of my airline friends use them all over the world, so have not read any negative articles. I do know there are some negative experiences, but only with "new" (quotations because new has different meanings for everyone) listings. Regarding reducing risk of a cancellation, I think the poster "Adventures ahead" had excellent suggestions and add the following ideas or specifics that my friends and I have used (not necessarily to reduce risk, but to make sure we pick the right room/place for our needs): the number of reviews is important (yes, more is generally better), but if the reviewers mention the host by name that is a very positive sign; keep the host informed regarding any change in your arrival or departure; personalizing/engaging communication by asking for advice on the best way to get to the place as well as recommendations for the first dinner or skip the line tickets you should get online; check the availability of the place surrounding your dates, if back to back bookings make sure you negotiate or ensure an appropriate check in time or at least be able to drop of your luggage (if flight in or disembarkation is earlier than set time); check Google Maps and see what is around the area (maybe even the satellite imagery to get a visual of area); and use a taxi rate calculator to budget transport. On a personal note, what I will make sure of in the future is having a Roaming package that has data on my phone so I can ensure that the cab I am in is taking me to the right place. We got into Barcelona after 10:30 pm and did not have a good experience with getting to our building. Just realized I have written a rambling post, so apologize if I bored you, still recovering from jet lag and must have a cluttered brain lol.

Cheers! Roehl

PS: Here are the links that I have for the Barcelona rooms. Don't know if they will work, so added the headings. Note that the first one has over 330 reviews and is very hard to get. Unbelievable value and one of the few times I have found where the axiom "if its too good to be true, then its a fraud" does not apply. The second one only has six reviews. And I admit to going against the grain of avoiding new listings, but the location was too tempting to pass up. Stayed in both, so if you have questions about them, I will be happy to answer.

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/763176

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/18439787

VERY CENTRIC, PERFECT FOR TOURISTS

Prívate room. Perfect location

Just used two airbnb rooms in Barcelona (June 17 and 26). Nuri and Ramon were the hosts, both places close to Parallel and La Rambla. Great experiences and wonderful hosts. Can answer questions if you want more information. Cheers! Roehl

Heres hoping!! I'm studying up in prep for our 2nd of July sailing! One final summer before I myself enter the world of accountancy and get put off!

Thanks this thread (even though it is driving us odds obsessed gamblers crazy lol). Two ahh moments for me, the first being the silly gambling days and now the entering articling (slavery?) work with the big firms. Or are you leaving articling and actually doing accounting? (Oops, my apologies if articling isn't done in Ireland.) In any case, have a great cruise and a great career!

Cheers! Roehl

Agree with previous poster that if you have specialty dining that you make reservations, at least for the number of meals you have on the plan. And on the Epic, if you are considering seeing the Cirque Dreams (or current name) show, I recommend reserving that, with the note that it is an upcharge (even with specialty dining plan).

Have a great cruise!

Cheers!

Roehl (boarding Epic June 18, 2017)

hmm... I checked with my boyfriend who was also there as was starting to doubt it myself! Definitely was 2:1 on blackjack! Perhaps it was a promotion that week...I guess we'll never know!!

Well, now I have to bone up on my basic blackjack strategy plays. Boarding the Epic on the 18th so hoping the casino folk get the crazies and put on a 2:1 bj promo. And to think I was ready for my cruise lol.

I remember the first time I played Spanish 21. It was actually called Fun 21 or something stupid like that. I didn't know and thought it was blackjack. I was getting paid 2:1 on blackjack and even just getting to 21 with any amount of cards. I was re-splitting aces and always given the chance to surrender or double down at any point. I thought, "this is the greatest game ever created. Why does a casino allow it to exist and why am I not winning huge amounts of money?" It took me a while to realize there were no tens in the deck.

Ahh, the good old days of not knowing odds and playing whatever fun game the casino had set up for me to lose my money at lol...yes Spanish 21, Caribbean Poker, War, and who can remember what else I played to contribute to build the fancy hotels lol? Now, I have wrecked it all by letting the accountant side of me talk me out of the latest wacky games.

Definitely Blackjack! :confused:

I wonder when it changed..definitely paid out 2:1 in June 2016! Guess I'll be graduating to the 15$ tables!

If a casino paid 2:1 on blackjack, depending on other rules and card shuffle, the player has an edge of about 0.4 and up to 2.0, so I am with the other posters who are having trouble with this type of payout. The odds on most (all?) blackjack tables for insurance is 2:1 for a dealer blackjack (after an ace is shown as dealer's first card). Can this be what you remember?

Thanks for the review Kathy.

We are on the June 18 cruise, so very timely and informative for us.

Did you book a tender time for Cannes (if yes, when and where)? And what was your experience regarding leaving the ship at Cannes (lines, boarding process, etc.)? Let's just say that there are varying degrees of experience expressed on these boards and would appreciate a current viewpoint.

Cheers!

Roehl

We are sailing on the Epic in December, there are 4 of us ladies going and staying in one cabin (free at sea promo)

We upgraded to a M2 cabin on the 13th deck... with a balcony

Has anyone stayed in this type of cabin? If so can you give me pro's and con's for 4 adults please

Make sure all of you are aware of the "interesting" layout of the sink, toilet and shower; and prepare whoever might have privacy issues. I believe you are in a family mini-suite, so also decide on who gets to sleep in the drop down bed and the sofa bed.

Agree with business casual posters, with one tip for ladies who get chilled by air conditioning. Depending on venue and location of seats, a shawl or light cover might come in handy for shoulders or legs (might sound weird, but my at Wicked, my mom actually covered up her legs from a draft lol). Cheers! RR

Hi, for a change of pace my girlfriend and I are looking at renting bikes and doing a half day ride around in Majorca. We get into port at 1 pm and departure is 8 pm (Saturday June 24).

If you have rented bicycles or taken a bike tour in Majorca, your recommendations/reviews would be appreciated.

Cheers!

Roehl

I bought my wife a Canon 60D, I think about a year and a half ago. To this day she has never used it. It has gone on a couple of cruises but never saw the light of day. We are going to Alaska for two weeks in September and she promisis to use it. This is her dream cruise and I want her to get the best photos shes ever gotten.The question I have for you experienced photographers is. What camera setting do you use for overcast days and what settings for bright days in port and at a glacier? Her outfit has a 58mm and a 200mm lens and all the basic filters and lens hood. I know nothing about real photography, just point and shoot with a small digital. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Agree with no shortcuts other than taking the camera out for a few "spins".

A starting point might be these how to videos:

Cheers!

Roehl

I know you are in countdown mode (and sorry if it is mentioned when you are cruising and I missed it) so may not be needed in May...mosquito repellent, especially if for fishing husband and/or June.

Ask the hostess when you arrive because it will depend on availability.

Thanks! Looking forward to spending some quality time with my lady and a supper club experience should help with relaxing from what has been a rough year.

Cheers!

I've eaten in Manhattan Room/Tropicana Room probably 10 times, and there have always been lots of people dancing, regardless of the music style playing. I have never NOT seen someone dancing in there.

Hoping your version (and many of the others who have answered) is the experience we have. Thank you for sharing.

Cheers!

Don't know what type of cabin and price your friends are looking for, but based on what is being offered, it looks like a balcony can be had for the current (already >60% off brochure price) price of an oceanview; plus onboard credit.

Cheers!

That is what I love about this place . . . two different people, two different answers.

Yet we complain that the NCL phone reps can't give the same answer to the same question...:rolleyes::confused:

And adding a "different" answer. Booked a balcony (got a mini suite, but that is another story lol) on Epic for June 18 - 25, 2017 out of Barcelona on April 2, 2017 and was allowed to use two certificates, so even the "ON SAILINGS AT LEAST 6 MONTHS OUT" isn't necessarily followed. I didn't even ask, the NCL rep asked if I wanted to use both or just one of the certificates on my account.

Cheers!

No, the dance floor is huge and the tables stay. You don't need a reservation for the Manhattan Room, but it's not a bad idea during peak times. If you're eating late it shouldn't be an issue at all. The key, though, is getting a table up by the band.

Thanks for the advice. Thinking thermal spa after a day in port, then late dinner and dancing. I have made the reservations for 8:30 but do you know how I can request getting a table by band? Should I go directly to Manhattan Room on embarkation or do you think it will it be easy to get every night? Probably over planning this, but literally trying to sweep my lady off her feet.

If I had a girlfriend I would take her to the Manhattan Room every night! After dinner it turns into a dance club.

Sounds great. So if I make reservations for the last dinner time, then we would have a table for the dance club? Or do they remove the tables?

Hi, trying to figure out dinner reservations for cruise on Epic (June 18 - 25) and hoping cruisers who have been on the Epic and dined at the Manhattan Room can answer some questions about "...The Manhattan Room is our version of a private New York City supper club. Guests can dance in style while..." My girlfriend like the idea of having dinner and dancing between courses, but wonder if going more than once or twice is worth it.

Is it live music or recorded? Do people actually dance? How was the volume (distract from table conversation)? Did you enjoy the Manhattan Room?

TIA!

Cheers!

Roehl

Wow! Thank you all for your input and great info. Amazing what a group of like minded individuals can provide. I learned a lot...including that I have preconceived notions ("facts" that aren't facts lol...and won't mention the new phrase about that lol).

Thanks again. Now all I have to do is figure out what night to book.

Cheers!

Roehl

Thanks King...and dacsmom, I appreciate your comments.

Looks like I will need to make reservations.

Cheers!

Hi, for those who have seen land based Cirque shows before. I have seen nine Cirque productions and really enjoy them, but wondering how a ship theatre can compare with a land base. Basically, is it worth it to do the Cirque dinner show on the Epic?

My thoughts are that this itinerary (Barcelona - Western Med; June 18 - 25), is port intensive with full days on excursions so maybe spend the money on a specialty dinner instead?

Thanks.

Cheers!

Roehl