Ram32

Hi... I wanted to give an honest review of our cruise. We did Norwegian Epic 3/24-31. I will say, we stayed in the Haven and will do a separate review on that part of our trip. I did a ton of research before but still learned a lot.

Arrival

We flew in to MCO and I need to highly recommend VIP Limo Cocoa Beach. Tony did three legs for us MCO to Hotel, hotel to Pier and Pier to MCO. For a family of 5 it was well worth it vs any shuttle. He was early and reliable and if you are new to cruising or the Pier and felt like a lost puppy (like me) he is your guy! Phone: (321) 947-4141

Embarkation:

A BREEZE!! But, we got to the pier at 9:30. Gave suitcase to porters. No line for security and we were the second people to check in at Haven. And from what I can tell the other lines were very short. Easy in, Easy out. All Haven guests were escorted by concierge to the Haven area. Since I was taking pictures we were at the end of the lines :')

Boat/Room: 16023

It's not new but it was amazing! I LOVED the Epic. Seriously, if you are worried about negative reviews just read, do your homework and enjoy your vacation. Yes, walking through the casino wasn't great but it wasn't as awful as it seemed. We did it numerous times and it didn't bother us at all. We loved Shakers and Maltings for drinks as well as O'Sheehans. My kids enjoyed O'Sheehans the best. Service was great. Was it slow at times, yes, but there were so many people on the boat. I didn't starve and got my drinks, so all good!!!

Dining:

While we did do some Haven dining, I did not want to stay only in that area so we ate at the following:

- Cagneys: AMAZING! Food was great, wine was great and service was outstanding.

- La Cucina: Very good, my chicken came out dry but everything else was really good

- Teppanyaki: Do yourself a huge favor and DO NOT MISS!!! Our chef was hysterical. We had the best time and kids loved it. An abundance of food and I even took a plate back to the room for later in the night ;)

- 15 Deck Buffet: Breakfast only but the kids like quick and easy; the choices are endless and the food was awesome.

- O'Sheehans: Fun, fast great pub grub. Yes the wings were that good!

Stops:

- Jamaica: We didn't get off in Falmouth. We stayed on and let the kids take advantage of no lines at the water park. They ran up and down the stairs for two hours so that wore them out!

- Grand Cayman: Went to 7 Mile Beach, then walked around the shops by the pier. Great safe place. You can take a taxi anywhere. Enjoy this beautiful island.

- Great Stirrup Cay: How anyone can complain about this island blows my mind. Yes, there is a line for the buffett, taco stand and drinks. The private island was AMAZING. The snorkeling was so much fun. You didn't have to go too far off the beach to see some pretty fishies! The water was cold, but I also thought the water in GC was just as cold. It was a beautiful day and they had a DJ at the Bacardi Bar and just overall fun!!!

Kids Club:

My kids weren't into it... They were in the 10-12 group and just didn't care for it. They tried a couple of theme nights and had fun but it didn't blow them away. They spent some time at the arcade but loved O'Sheehans for pool.

Entertainment:

- Priscilla - so good and best music!!! Enjoy this show, but take it for what it's worth. I did not let my kids go and there were some pretty young kids watching. They give you plenty of warnings beforehand that it's not really kid appropriate.

- Burn the Floor - So fun to watch!! Made me want to take up some dancing

- Cirque - By far the BEST! I thought it was fantastic. The food was delicious and the show was fabulous

- Howl at the Moon - Don't miss this either!! My only complaint was that a lot of nights it started at 10:30 and well... I just wasn't up that late after a day full of pool drinks :eek:

- Wine tasting: We did the black glass wine tasting and it was so fun!!

Disembark:

We left our luggage out the night before. In the morning, we went down stairs and once we got our luggage waited in line for customs and was out in 10 mins.

Negatives:

Chair saving. It seriously was so bad, even in the Haven. Families were getting up leaving the craziest stuff to save chairs. I was adamant that if we wanted chairs we would go out and sit there. So, my family and I were there by 7:30-8am ON the chairs. And it didn't bother me that they saved the chairs as much as they would save them in the morning and not show up for 3-4 hours later! It was rude. The only time we got up was to eat or get a drink. And even then my husband and I would split up. We even had the kids share a chair so other's could have one.

One more... go ahead and be inappropriate on the balcony if you want, but really... as a tender is showing up from GC? Were you two looking for an audience? My guess is yes, but still. Not cool, with all the little kids on the tender.

Overall:

Amazing trip!!! So fun and my family loved it. So much to see and so much to do! I'll be back on NCL!!!!

Hi... has anyone tried to visit Seafire resort while off the cruise ship? My brother, SIL and kids are staying there on the day our ship arrives. I want to spend the day at the beach and am worried about just walking into the resort to visit them (there are 5 of us too). She doesn't think it's going to be a problem.

Any advice?

We want to spend the day at the beach and I want to rent a cabana at Royal Palms. I know the pool is adult only, but how kid friendly is the beach? I have two boys 10 and 12 and I don't want to be in a complete party scene. I hear mixed reviews on it but don't see a lot of kids. I'm worried we will get there and they will be out place.

Our cruise ship is there all day and I just want to relax and enjoy the beach.

Thanks!

Thanks for all your help! Sounds like I have the right people, but maybe add some for bartenders, wait staff at specialty restaurants and something for the kids club!

Hi - First time cruiser and we are fast approaching our cruise! I need some help on gratuities, etc. Not how much but who I need to tip.

So here's what I'm looking at:

- Cruise fare for family - paid

- Pre-Paid Service Charges - paid

We are in the Haven so I know I will have something for the room steward, butler and concierge.

Do I need to tip bartenders after I order each drink? Or at lunches? Dinners?

Is there anyone else?

I want to make sure I have enough cash for everyone and don't want to feel lost on the cruise!

Hi- first time cruising in March and I want to get the kids OBC as a gift. I am curious about two things:

1. What can it be used for - specifically can they use it at the arcade? Shops? Treats?

2. If I purchase it under their names online is it on their card only? Or is it on our “room” account?

I guess I am assuming all of us get our own card for the room.

Thanks!

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