schmoopie17

Let me jump on the bandwagon to point out your error regarding only hard liquor. Plus, if people weren't informed about the banning of drink sales/serving until after they boarded, how were they to know ahead of time to bring 6 bottles of wine on board? If I have the drink package, I'm not dragging numerous bottles onboard.

This has nothing to do with salmon, but a breakfast stop at the Local is worth it if you can get Frankie as your waiter. Priceless...

@ChiefMateJRK I think the increased price is to pay the gondolier for his skills with the pole and his singing. The lower price is if you pole the gondola and sing yourself.

We have canceled cruises by calling and nothing was required in writing. Unless that's a new policy, never heard of it.

Many travel agents offer extra perks (cash rebates, paid gratuities, etc.) that a PCC can't offer. Having said that, we have a great PCC who either answers his phone immediately, or calls us back in a few minutes. He has never let us down. and can handle requests, make changes immediately, etc., without having to wait on hold, like a TA would. So, there's no easy answer.

It's like the old political question...what did they know and when did they know it. In any case, if this happens on future cruises out of Southampton, my advice would be to down a few pints at a local pub before boarding. At least that's what I would do. (Of course, they won't accept my UBP at the pub, but that's another story...)

I'm hoping you'll do a comprehensive review of the Epic. We're booked on her for Italy/Greece next September and I'm envisioning horror stories from what people have said in the past. It sounds, from reading your excellent review, that things were "okay". My fingers are crossed...which makes typing very difficult...

Did George get credit for buying the BIG salad? More importantly, given the whale sightings, did you see any marine biologists?

All this anti-Epic talk is giving me the willies. We booked a Greek Isles cruise on Epic for September, 2024. And even more concerning is the fact that we talked our neighbors into joining us...and this will be their very first cruise. Not a great introduction to cruising or NCL. Yes, I've been around this board for several years and I've heard that the Epic is not exactly everyone's favorite ship. I know about the weird cabin layout, the bathroom, the deck plans, etc., but figured we could overlook those things. But now it sounds like it's a hellhole. Might have to do some fancy footwork to find something else. Which is too bad, because the itinerary is awesome. I need someone to talk me off the gangplank...

French fries and French onion soup. What...no French toast? In any case, when in Rome...er, Paris.

OOPS...I'll need to make sure to close the door all the way the next time...😉

An old salt like you should be able to find pepper in Spice H20...

I know you were being facetious, but keep in mind that they have a record of who was dining at every table and at what time. If something turns up missing prior to the next diners being seated, they know who you are and you could be getting a knock on your cabin door after dinner.

I can't imagine more than two adults in a cabin...whether it's a Club Balcony "suite" (in this case, just a larger bathroom, with the living area the same as a "regular" balcony)...or just a regular balcony. I know people manage to pull it off, but it's not for me. I realize I may be the only one who feels this way, but I'm used to it...😁

When did this change go into effect? We departed from Livorno on the Escape last November 1st and there were no such signs. The first thing we did after boarding was head to the bar for cocktails...

Jeans without holes (I'll never understand the fashion trend of holey or ripped jeans) are perfectly fine and a better choice than dress pants or khakis that wrinkle.

I would assume the $150 offer is on future bookings only. Too bad...

Do you put the leftovers in a Ziploc?

Late night to us old folks is 8:30...

Is that Livorno rule new? We left from Livorno on our TA in November and the first thing we did after boarding was order a cocktail. Actually, a few cocktails...

You need a new PCC. Ours answers his phone or calls back a few minutes later.

Every time you write a review/trip report, I make sure to read every word. You have a gift. Your dad sounds just like me. We both like to complain, drink beer and get grumpy when our hair gets messed up. If I were 11 years older and actually ever won something in a casino, I could swear I was your dad.

Regarding the winery, how many wines did you actually get to taste? What did they have for lunch? We're weighing this tour vs.doing a Pisa/Lucca tour and trying wines and having lunch on our own, for probably less money. Decisions, decisions.

The Escape is our second favorite NCL ship (after the Bliss). Our November TA was only about 55% full, so it was even better.

Are they still doing the lame "Washy-Washy" songs in the buffet? The first morning it was (sort of) cute, but after hearing it every morning for 16 days on a TA it got to be annoying.