kimberja14

We were on NCL a couple years ago and outside one of the bars there were 3 young boys playing kickball...inside. I had to dodge a ball on my way to the restroom. While in the restroom my husband was waiting just outside the door and was hit with the ball along with an elderly lady. My husband told the kids to knock it off. The drunk parents and their drunk friend came out of the bar after their boys went and told them and actually approached us very aggressively and said we had no right to talk to their kids. The dad kept yelling that it was a fun ship and his kids can do whatever they want. Here’s the thing...if you don’t parent your own kids, other people will do it for you. That said, most of the kids we have encountered on cruises have been well behaved and parents have mostly been pretty attentive.

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We own a business, so unfortunately for us, that means we cannot unplug for extended periods of time. My husband needs the WiFi and usually ends up working a couple hours a day. Luckily, the ship WiFi keeps improving which means we get to take longer cruises if we choose[emoji4]

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Oh my goodness...this is a great question because I often feel like getting ready for dinner after a day in the sun is exhausting [emoji23] I usually bring my own blow dryer and when I’m a pinch I wet my hair from the sink and blow dry it straight. I’m like you where I like to take full advantage of the photographers each night, so I hate to look a mess during dinner. Also, I’ve recently discovered dry shampoo which has also been a big time saver to refresh my hair.

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Free bathrooms are mostly an American thing. We were in Europe last year and it was common to have to pay a minimal fee to use a public bathroom.

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Its kind of hard to keep just scrolling on by when every time one logs on to Cruise Critic they find the same small sample of members have each started four, five, six or more nonsense threads in the brief interim since the last visit here. Especially when the "ignore" (sic) feature on Cruise Critic may blot out their posts on an existing thread but DOES NOT conceal all the new threads they have started.

 

So Bah Humbug. At least until Cruise Critic moves to an actual 21st century platform with actual teeth to its ignore feature.

The Bah Humbug made me smile[emoji16] just please try to remember that what may be “nonsense” threads to you, may be interesting threads to others. So, the things I feel are silly....like how many pats of butter people get on their plate....I just scroll past because I know I will just get irritated by the whole discussion [emoji23] different strokes and all that Jazz. Have a great day!

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[quote=.

Some of us need to take the time to ponder the relevance before posting every random thought that enters their head. Just sayin'.

That sounds pretty snotty. I think it will be a great thread as long as people don’t act all high and mighty about what they think is “relevant” or not. If you didn’t think it was a worthy thread than maybe next time just scroll on past instead of trying to make someone feel bad about what they posted SMH. This is the season of kindness and I wish you a happy and stress free holiday season:-)

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We prefer variety over loyalty too. We make our cruise decision based on the ship that best fits our vacation wants at the price we are willing to pay. Our wants and our budget are different for ever vacation. The key is to do your research. Even if it is a line you have sailed before, research would tell you that change is a constant in the cruise industry, and what you enjoyed before may be different today. While some people may profess their loyalty to a cruise line, cruise lines are not loyal to any individuals....that would be impossible based on the number and variety of people that sail with them. Then these cruisers get hurt and angry when "their" cruise line makes changes that impact their enjoyment. It's nothing personal on the cruise lines part... it's just business for them. Which is the way we should look at it. A cruise is a product we purchase. Do your research and choose the best product for you.

Literally the best cruise advice I have ever read and I agree 100% [emoji122][emoji108][emoji106][emoji4]

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Am I the only one that thinks the threat of arrest is extreme and uncalled for?

I agree with you that it was ridiculous for an employee to say that to you. I would have flipped out if they said that to me. I understand they couldn't accept the card but they could and should have been gentle with how they explained that and not automatically assumed you were a criminal. I recently cancelled a RCCL cruise to rebook with another line because of the terrible customer service I received. And if I had heard someone threaten me with arrest on a cruise I'm sure it would pretty much put a damper on the whole trip. So, I do understand and I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

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Marijuana is now legal in Alaska for recreational use, so the only issue you will have will be with the cruise line. I would give them a call about their policy. Hopefully it won't be a problem for you since it's a medical issue.

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I'm so so sorry that this happened to you and your wife...just heartbreaking. I also am impressed that although I hear frustration and sadness in your post, there is no blame. Hopefully you both will have another chance at the Alaskan cruise.

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We loved the Escape! If you enjoy spas get the spa pass...totally worth every cent and literally the most relaxing thing I've ever done:-)

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We are taking the Oasis in February....very excited:-)

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We were there last summer. Your shoulders do need to be covered and I believe no shorts were allowed. They do have people selling scarves at the entrance for those who weren't aware of the dress code.

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Hey there...I live in Anchorage and the trains don't run very often but that does seem like a long wait for you. You might want to check the train schedule directly for more info. Whittier is accessed by a tunnel that the train and cars must take turns using.Although the ship may arrive at 12:30am I'm sure the disembarkation time is much later. If you have that time in Whittier I would recommend taking a boat tour of some sort. Whittier is beautiful and there is a wild feel to it. Enjoy your time there and the rest of Alaska:-)

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Love this!!! For sure made me smile:-)

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If you have arranged your own hotel, then arrange for a driver to take you from the hotel to the ship in Civitavecchia. There are many companies that do this including romecabs, romeinlimo, etc.

Thank you for the information:-) we found a shuttle service that will pick up at our hotel.

I hope this isn't a dumb question, but I was wondering where you find the transfer from the hotel in Rome to the port? I don't see anything about that on the website or excursions. We will be in Rome for 5 days prior to our cruise on 7/6 and I'm trying to make the transition as easy as possible.

My guess is those shows are being replaced with something better. They are really bad, nothing like the Jean Ann Ryan productions from the NCL of yesterday. Those shows were more like high school theater comparatively. You would think shows you have to book in advance would be the most outstanding entertainment on the ship and not to be missed. .

Wow...I really disagree with you. We were on the Escape last Thanksgiving and we thought "For the Record" was amazing!

Thank you for sharing your review!! We are taking Epic from Rome in July, and I'm reading everything I can about it. By the way, I had no problem reading and understanding your original post[emoji122][emoji4]

Please report back after your trip. :)

 

 

 

Epic is a great ship, sailed her a few occasions, if you use the in-room curtain and work around each other's shower/bathroom moments you'll be more than fine. No need for a shower curtain of your own, save that space in your suitcase for more useful things.

 

 

 

CC is about information and sharing, not about scaring people or letting them think anybody can see them getting in or out of a shower or other near impossible situations. We like to provide accurate information, that's all. Happy cruising!

Good to know:-) I'm super excited to be on her even with all the bathroom controversy...lol.

My daughter and I will be on the Epic in July and I have worried about the bathroom set up. So, I am thrilled for for the idea of a shower curtain for a bit of extra privacy. I'm not sure why people seem upset that some of us like a more private bathroom?? People on these boards seem to get worked up over the smallest things. Thanks for posting the pictures...very helpful and much appreciated[emoji106][emoji4]

And what about the people going thru the caves? Since you were technically going the wrong way...didn't you cause a traffic jam?

No...no traffic jam. We did come to a stop as people were coming the other way so we just went through another opening and found ourselves in an area of the baths totally alone on our own. It's not always good to follow the flow...sometimes you get the better experience by going on your own path. It sure worked out well for us and we didn't hold anyone else up while having a great experience.

We did this during our Thanksgiving cruise. It's awesome! Here is a tip...go to the left down the path to Devils Bay when you first get there. Everyone else goes straight to the baths. We had this beautiful trail all to ourselves seeing many hermit crabs and lizards and mounds of butterflies . Then it opens up to reveal Devils Bay beach...wow! We were the only ones there for awhile...so amazing. After awhile we took the trail to the baths and found our own private little area. A once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget:-)

I was on this same cruise and didn't experience anything so negative as what your describing. We loved the staff we encountered. Did you eat at Food Republic? It was amazing!! I agree the Buffett was not great...but we loved the rest of the food. There was a lot of movement on the ship...cause ya know...it's a ship...on the ocean...so I expected and enjoy feeling the movement of the ocean. I'm sorry you will remember your experience negatively. But for anyone else reading this...don't let this stop you from experiencing an amazing vacation on this beautiful and exciting ship. [emoji4]

We were on the Escape with you and we also loved it! However, my husband and I were both terribly seasick on Thursday so we didn't even leave the room that day:-) I'm glad to see someone else had a great time...it seemed odd to me to read so many complaints.