kelib

When you board check to see if they have a special that night. On the Edge originally it was 30% off but then once seated we were offered a AYCE on certain items for $40. There were 5 of us and they brought 2 of the large seafood towers, different sushi’s and rolls, and other stuff, including desert. This was back in January so not sure if they still do it but does not hurt to ask.

Ocean view cabin was a waste. Lower decks which put you eye level with the pier or in view of some other random boat. Had to keep curtains closed the entire time in port. We then sailed at night and when I went it was dark by 6:30 so nothing to see. Should have kept my inside room instead of bidding (luckily was at minimum bid)

Had Concierge lunch on the Edge and even though it was nice not doing the buffet I personally found it underwhelming. I just ask my steward to change out my bottle of bubbly for a bottle of Chardonnay. No issue to change out.

What about reservations for 8. Not for every night but a few nights for celebrating. Do any of the specialty have larger tables or do you have to reserve 2 tables of 4?

They usually only sail between islands at night so a little hard to see whales in the dark

I get on the CC roll call and other conversations for my specific cruise. Introduce yourself to others on the page as traveling solo and if anyone is interested in meeting up for sharing meals. Also if you are around any trivia/group games ask if you can join a team. NCL is usually the best, especially on their Breakaway class ships since they have scheduled meet ups for solos.

There is not a mini bar/ fridge in the studios. You can always get reservations for specialty restaurants. If you make the reservation always make it for 2 since the system does not recognize table for 1. On board you can do the following. If you have a reservation already you can ask if someone else would like to join you when you have the solo meetup. Also depending on the solo host, sometimes they will arrange a group to go to one of the specialty restaurants. (Some solo hosts are better than others) I would either make your reservations that you want before the cruise or right when you get on board, and then cancel if you make other arrangements. Hope this helps.

Like previously mentioned check the East Coast board. Prior to Covid there were a few hotels on the Jersey side that had stay and park shuttle service, they filled up fast. Other alternative is stay near Newark airport and take train into the city.

Unless you were planning on spending time in Orlando, I would stick with sailing out of Miami. Options for hotel and transport to the port are much easier.

It worked on Epic September 2019

The studio is strictly 1 passenger rooms and are priced accordingly.

I can empathize, you look forward to a trip and when something like this happens not only does it become a big disappointment, but making decisions in a foreign country on a limited time schedule can be rough. 3 years ago I was traveling solo on the Epic when 30 minutes outside of Barcelona I fell and broke my shoulder in 3 places. Luckily I was nit charged by the medical center but I had to go to a clinic in Naples after the sea day. After spending almost the entire day there, getting X-rays, CT Scan and consultation I was told I would need surgery. I just did not know what to do, the ship was leaving fairly soon, all my luggage was on board, it as stressful to say the least. To make a long story short went back and stayed on the ship for the duration of the cruise.( Had issues getting flights, would be alone in a hotel waiting for a flight in a middle seat instead of the Premium Economy booked, then knowing I would never get an orthopedist appointment Labor Day weekend) Many crew members knew me, they helped me on the ship and some passengers helped me to take 2 small excursions When I got home I never heard any follow up on their part. I guess I never really expected it but it might have at least given me a warm and fuzzy feeling. THAT WAS PRE PANDEMIC Now I see a customer service team understaffed trying to deal with all of the passengers dealing with Covid in foreign countries all with different protocols, passengers testing positive prior to the cruise and needing to cancel, ships that are cancelling and the passengers yelling how they waited on the phone for 30 minutes to remedy a $5 overcharge. As much as it would be nice to hear from them in a follow up, I just think they have too much on their plate. At least you were able to make it home safe and get the care needed. You did what you felt was right at the moment for your family and sometimes you just want what you have gone through acknowledged.

Any reputable excursion company that deals with cruises will honor a refund if ship does not make it into port. Make sure any 3rd party company has that clause, if not go elsewhere.

Would anyone on board recently know if they still offer the wine bottle package? I used to do sailaway package and get 6 bottles of wine since that is pretty much what I drink. Between them and the cheap bottle you get as a returning passenger that I used for mimosas I was pretty much set.