Arkansas Cruise Family
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We will be visiting Sagrada Familia in September. I'm not sure which tour is better, the audio version on our own, or the guided tour. Anyone have opinions?
Also, it seems that there is not a ticket available for purchase for the guided tour that included the towers, but there is with the audio version. This might make a difference in which we would purchase, as the towers seem to be "can't miss". Thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Christy
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On this itinerary in September! Thanks so much for your review! We've cruised RCCL and Celebrity before so it's our first NCL cruise.
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[quote=Arkansas Cruise Family;56475569]Enjoying your review. We do the same cruise in September. We've booked Italy Eu Tours as well. We did not book inside Colosseum tickets. Do you think that is a mistake? I know the day in Rome is going to be rushed, and I'm traveling with my parents, as well as my husband, so, I thought maybe just seeing it from the outside would be ok. Thoughts?
Are you the only ones in the group or are you sharing the tour with other people? If you are touring privately, may be you could tour the inside of the Colosseum and spend less time elsewhere? Personally, I could have skipped the stop at the Spanish steps. Also, how mobile are your parents? The entry level to the Colosseum is fairly even, but the steps to the upper level are quite steep. I'm guessing there has to be an elevator, but I'm not sure where it is. The Colosseum is certainly impressive from the outside alone and there's lots to see in the immediate area. Whatever you choose, it will be rushed. Just decide what's important to you. Our daughter is into ancient history, so seeing the inside of the Colosseum was a highlight of the trip for her.
We are not the only ones on the tour. It's a small group one. I really appreciate your input!
Also, can you share a bit about your thoughts on the ship, food, etc? We've never cruised with NCL, so I'm a bit anxious about it.
We have cruised on Disney, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. I'm guessing you read the Epic staterooms have an unusual layout. The toilet and shower have separate stalls right when you walk in the door. The sink is in the stateroom itself. There's a curtain for privacy, so there is no real bathroom. For us, the main issue with this was if someone came in late (like my husband from the casino), he woke us up while he was brushing his teeth. The pool is small and on the sea day chairs might be difficult to find. Overall, the ship is well maintained and we found all the staff to be friendly and polite. We were so tired from long days of touring that we only made it to one show--Burn the Floor. It was amazing. DD and I also spent a little time at Howl at the Moon which is the dueling piano bar. We always have fun there. I think my favorite thing about Norwegian is NO formal nights. I was already struggling to pack lightly. Having to add formal clothes was one less thing for me to worry about. You can dress up if you want to and many people did, but it was OK to go casual as well. I enjoyed the food on the ship. The buffet is a buffet, but I always found something to eat. We usually ate breakfast in the dining room. The service was prompt and got us in and out pretty quickly. We had the dining package. Our meals at Cagney's and Le Bistro were excellent! We had eaten at Moderno on another ship and loved it, but this trip is was a disappointment. Service was really slow and the servers kept passing by our table and we had to flag them down to stop. Other than the filet, the meat was on the dry side. All of our meals in the main dining room were very good and I thought there was a good selection to chose from. DD and DH ate at the Sushi Bar one night and enjoyed it. We all ate at the Noodle Bar on the last night and thought everything except the fried rice was tasty. And we never had to wait for a table in the dining room.
I hope this answers your questions! Let me know if you have any more!
Thank you so much! Exactly the type of info I was looking for! If I come up with anymore questions, I'll be sure to ask!! Thanks so much for sharing your review!
Christy
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Jumping in because I guess I didn't realize there are costs associated with each "perk" you choose. So, there's a a service charge for UBP? Are there other service charges added to the other perks as well? Wifi? or Dining?
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Rome!
For our Best of Rome tour, we used Italy EU Tours once again. Our van held 8 passengers. If the van is full, someone will have to sit between the front seat passenger and the driver. I'm 5-6 and barely had enough leg room. It's not very comfortable. Also, in order to see all of the major sites of Rome, you will have to keep moving. There isn't much time to linger at any one place. Our driver/guide was Giovanni and he was wonderful. How he manages to negotiate the traffic and scooters in Rome and not lose his cool is a miracle!
Our day started at the Colosseum. We had tickets to go inside, but the others on the tour did not. Giovanni dropped us off first and then guided the other ladies where to go to see sites close to the Colosseum. We had timed entry tickets and passed through the line and security with ease. We had about 30 minutes to tour the inside. Like I said...you have to keep moving! We met up with the group at the van and continued the tour. We had photo stops at the Victor Emmanuel monument, the Trevi Fountain (about 20 minutes), and the Spanish steps. For lunch, we stopped near the Pantheon. We had about 1:30 to see the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona and eat lunch. After lunch, it was off to the Vatican. It was about 2:00 when we arrived and it was packed! We joined another Italy EU Tour group and we shared a private guide. It took awhile to get tickets and headsets and to clear security, but we got in. Sadly, this part of the tour was not so good. Our guide spoke heavily accented English and it was hard to understand her. We started in the art galleries and spent almost all of our tour there. I was watching the time and asked two or three times if we would have time for the Basilica. Our guide assured me we would. After seeing the statues, the maps, and the tapestries, we finally got to the Sistine Chapel. From what I could see, security fills it up, a priest comes out and leads a brief prayer, and then people leave, and another group comes in. Even packed in like a sardine, it's an amazing place to see. After the Sistine Chapel, we reached St. Peter's. Our guide told us we had 5 minutes. Only 5 minutes to tour all of St. Peter's Basilica!!! We were very disappointed. After that, we got back in the van and headed back to ship.
When we got home after the trip, Italy Eu Tours contacted me and asked about our tours. I told them about the problems at the Vatican. They responded by telling me that is not how the tour is supposed to go and not up their standards. They offered me 50% any future group tour with their or any of their affiliated companies. I'm glad the offer doesn't expire because we don't have plans to return to Europe any time soon!
Advice for future travelers...if there is a place or site that is super important or special to you, do everything you can to do a private tour. That way, you can customize the tour and prioritize what you want to see.
Enjoying your review. We do the same cruise in September. We've booked Italy Eu Tours as well. We did not book inside Colosseum tickets. Do you think that is a mistake? I know the day in Rome is going to be rushed, and I'm traveling with my parents, as well as my husband, so, I thought maybe just seeing it from the outside would be ok. Thoughts?
Also, can you share a bit about your thoughts on the ship, food, etc? We've never cruised with NCL, so I'm a bit anxious about it.
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I read the article posted about NCL and fees. When we booked our cruise, we chose the 3 meal specialty dining pkg and the internet package, I think 250 minutes. We aren't drinkers. Though we could have enjoyed a glass of wine, or a fruity drink in the past, we avoid sugar, so those things don't really work anymore. We stick to water most of the time. And we love coffee, though we don't do many specialty coffees these days, just plain. So I didn't book the UBP because I didn't think it would be of any value to us. Specialty coffee and bottled water aren't available on that UBP anyway, right? But, I also don't really think I need the internet minutes, but I had to pick something. Anything I'm missing? Am I thinking correctly?
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Thank you all for your replies! I understand much better now. I appreciate your help!
Christy
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I read the sticky post, but some of it applies to cruisers who have special perks for sailing previously. I am new to NCL, and Free Style Cruising. We have the Specialty Dining package of 3 meals, that came free when we booked. I'm not exactly sure what I'm getting for free. Cagney's I've booked. Will I pay extra there? It says Ala Carte? Also the French restaurant says the same. If I use dining credit there, then what am I charged for? The Moderna restaurant says 0.00 so I'm assuming no extra charges there? I apologize in advance. I'm just not quite understanding.
Christy
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We sail on Epic out of Barcelona in September. I can now book Specialty meals and shows. How necessary is it that I do immediately? Is one more important than the other? I’m a Disney traveler and at 180 days out, you must get some restaurants booked or you will not get a reservation in them. I’d love suggestions on the specialty restaurants, though I understand it’s subjective. Thanks in advance.
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It helps to remember that you will have the ability to book dining and show reservations early if you WANT to. You do not "need" to book them early, and you do not "have" to book them early. NCL is only providing this ability for those who "want" to.
I've read that we may not be able to see any shows or eat in the preferred restaurants without prebooking. Is that not entirely true?
Thanks again,
Christy
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I do have pictures of a few of the specialty restaurant menus in this review from NCL if it’s helpful. Also- we have a blast at howl at the moon and there is a video clip here. https://gotravellife.com/2018/01/03/about-us/
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
Thank you ! I'll check it out!
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Christy, it might be a bit more helpful if you provided a bit more info like who are you traveling with, ages, kind of food you like,etc. Some shows might not be appropriate for the young'uns.
Epic is a great ship, you will have a fantastic time.
GOSH, so sorry! I got in a hurry and left out important information!
My husband and I are 50, and have been married for 32 years. We've been to Europe, but never cruised the Med. We have done Caribbean cruises with Royal and Celebrity before. We are bringing along my parents who will be celebrating their 70th birthdays, have never Been to Europe but have cruised with us before.
We are not bringing along any children, though all of our kids are adults now. We have all enjoyed the entertainment on other ships, though I think my dad might have napped through most of it, which is a huge possibility on this trip, since most days will be chock full of sightseeing in the ports.
We all four eat ketogenic diets so we'll be enjoying high fat, low carbohydrate foods which I'm certain we will be able to find.
Maybe this will provide a bit more info about us! Thanks in advance!
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In 23 days, I'll need to book dining and show reservations for our NCL Epic Mediterranean cruise in September.
I would love suggestions for where to book meals, suggestions for times, and also shows that we must see. I've researched quite a bit about port cities, but these ship details have eluded me.
I'd appreciated any and all input!
Thanks in advance,
Christy
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Rogerb - you have done an incredible job keeping up with the posts, and questions about your city. Thank you!
We will be arriving on NCL Epic in September. Our ship docks at 1pm and leaves at 8pm, so not much time. We will have spent three full days touring in Italy, and I'm traveling with my elderly parents, so I think we will need a relaxing day, with easy to navigate transportation, a nice meal, and beautiful scenery. I'd love to get a taste of the city, and maybe a view of the beach too. What itinerary would you recommend for our group of 4?
Thanks in advance!
Christy
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I definitely plan on comfortable walking shoes, but can someone advise in a bit more detail just how difficult the walking might be in Pompeii? My parents are 70, and both in pretty good shape, but they're not in great shape!
Thanks in advance!
Christy
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We just returned from our Med. cruise on Norwegian Epic and used Italytours EU for Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi coast and also for Pisa and Florence and had very good tours on both days. We got to see everything that we wanted to and more. I especially enjoyed the free time in Sorrento to shop and have a wonderful lunch. We also used Barcelona Day tours on our debarkation day to go to Montserrat and a Cava Winery. They picked us up at the port and dropped us off at our hotel near the airport after, as our flight home was the next day. Very convenient. I had booked with the ship for that but cancelled as they only drop at the airport or downtown. Worked out perfectly.....Just found out they are a sister company to ItalytoursEu and I got my advice from this site, so thanks to all on Cruise Critic for helping make the trip great!.....Patti
Patti,
I'm so glad you had a wonderful cruise on Epic, and that you enjoyed your ItalyTours.EU. We will be cruising the Epic in September. Any tips, insights, favorite do not miss things either on Epic or the ports to share? I'm traveling with my parents, age 70, who have never been to Europe and I want to make this the most memorable trip for them.
Thanks in advance,
Christy Paterson
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We just returned home after sailing the NCL Epic from Barcelona April 22-29 2018. We booked ItalyTours EU for each of our 3 Port stops in Italy (Naples, Civitavecchia, and Livorno)
We loved EVERY single tour webooked with them! We booked (3)excursions, and each one was excellent. In speaking with fellow cruisers who booked their excursions through theship, we knew we made the right choice! We paid MUCH less and we feel like we got MUCH more! We were a bit nervous (we never bookedoutside of the cruise ships before) about making it back to our ship in time, but the drivers put us at ease every morning – they made it clear that theirpriority was for us to have a good time AND be back to the ship on time. We LOVED the vans and small groups - our drivers were literally taking us down side streets and through the towns where the busses would never have been able to get - we feel like we saw sides of Italy that our fellow cruisers missed out on!
All of the drivers were good,but Salvatore (in Naples) stood out. Hewas AMAZING! That tour was our favorite(Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi Coast), by far in terms of the overallexperience and the itinerary. Salvatorewas extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. For example, we passed some beautiful fields/winerieson the way to one of our destinations, and one of our fellow passengers said“oh wow, that’s beautiful!” – next thing we know, Salvatore is telling us “I’mgoing to pull over so you can get out and take some pictures”. That NEVER would have happened on the big busfrom the cruise ship! The stop at the Limoncellofactory was awesome and a nice surprise as well as stops at various points onthe Amalfi Coast for us to get out, sample some local food or drinks, or justtake in the view.
The guides we had in eachlocation were excellent as well (Francesca in Pompei, Isabella at the Vatican, Marco in Florence)
We are already talking aboutgoing back to Italy again and we will ABSOLUTELY use them again!
We are cruising on the Epic in September. I just booked ItalyTours.EU based on your recommendation as well as others. My question is how easy was it to disembark the ship to make it to your meeting time in each port? Did you select the meeting time or did Cristina? Was the meeting spot convenient to where you got off the ship, or did you walk a ways? I'm traveling with my parents, and giving them as many answers as possible seems to ease their minds, as they've never been to Europe.
Thanks for your time!
Christy
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Hi Jan, If you are still looking for information I can talk to you about my Epic Med cruise, I also just got back from Italy if you still have questions about Rome, etc....
joe boschmann at gmail dot com
Hi Joe,
I saw your reply to Jan and thought maybe I could ask a few questions. I'd love to pick your brain if possible.
We are cruising on the NCL Epic in September, beginning and ending in Barcelona, with stops in Naples, Pisa/Florence, Rome, Cannes, and Palma de Morcca.It will be my husband and I, and my parents who will be 70, and have never been to Europe. We have all cruised before, on RCI, but only in the Caribbean. I definitely want to make the most of our trip, and I'm planning to book some tours, on our own, not through the cruise line. When traveling the Caribbean, I've found that very easy to do. But, I'm curious your opinion.
Truly, any information you want to provide would be greatly appreciated.
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We are sailing on the Epic in September. We have to book our own air, not through cruise ship. The person in charge of booking the flights has suggested an 11:00 am flight from Barcelona on the day the ship returns. Is this doable? Flying from Barcelona back to the US? I've never been to that airport, or sailing in Med. It makes me nervous. I'd like to just stay an extra day, but my husband's employer is paying for and booking the flight. Anyone who can speak to this? Thanks in advance!
Compulsive cruise prep
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
Mini fan? Because the room is hot, or because you're going to a tropical location? Mediterranean Cruise coming up in September on Epic. I do sleep with a ceiling fan - so is a portable fan going to be necessary?
Thanks in advance!
Christy