Roadsofa

In looking at a time zone map, the area of Mexico that Costa Maya and Cozumel are located appear to use the eastern time zone while everything around that area is central.

So the post about the launch of the Upgrade Advantage Program makes me ask, has anyone that booked through NCL webpage received an upgrade offer? I'm a little over two weeks out and have been hoping to at least get a chance to try...

Two years ago we sailed on the Getaway when the Pats played the Seahawks. We watched the game in Spice outside on the big screen. As I understood things it was played in other areas, like O'Sheehans and maybe the atrium, as well. They had a "tail gate" spread along with some themed games in the casino. Being a Pats fan really enjoyed myself. I am sailing on the Getaway this coming Super Bowl; looking forward to whoever the Pats will be playing this year. ;)

As I understood things when I read their policy, if an upsell is offered you have the option/ability to bid on a 2 category upgrade. An example as I see things would be an inside would be able to bid as high as a balcony, outside/ocean view to mini suite and so on.

Still hoping an email invite arrives for my upcoming cruise. I would at least like to make an offer for an upgrade.

Two years ago on the Getaway when the Pats beat the Seahawks. Will be on the Getaway this year and looking forward to the Pats winning again! NCL had the game on the big screen in H2O with "tailgate" food and plenty of beer. My Bruschi jersey is already folded waiting to be packed.

Go Pats!!

I just re-read the listing for 2017 staffing and I made a mistake. I misunderstood how the description was written and thought that "Joy CD" meant that a Joy was taking over. I now understand that it meant that Belinda was moving to NCL Joy mid January as CD. That now brings up the question "Does anyone know who will CD on Getaway after mid January?"

If you stay at a hotel pre-cruise just keep the key card from the hotel. Works.

I just read the new posting listing the crew for the Getaway for '17. I see where the current CD will be leaving mid January. Joy is listed as taking over. Anyone have info on Joy? 2 years ago we were on the Getaway and had a phenomenal CD staff. I think JC(?) was head with Tyler Gray as assistant. Great chemistry with the passengers. They were able to get me to dress up for an 80's skit and I was basically sober; for me unheard of. Any info appreciated.

Neil

I think it is a shame that they decided to remove the Star Bar. That wash favorite place for a cocktail in the evening anytime I was on a Jewel class ship. On the Epic last year and missed the atmosphere of the Star Bar. Oh well.

Goose was the man. I went to him every night for a Manhattan. I thought he was going to Getaway and was hoping he would be there for my cruise. I'm glas to hear he is headed home for a bit. I had fun every night at Maltings with him and his wait staff (Nick and I can't remember the girls name).

Up until last year on the Epic I had not come across Woodford Reserve on NCL. They might have had it the year before, but, we tried RCCL that year. Needless to say I was extremely happy last year when I found the Woodford as that is what I prefer for a Manhattan; just hoping that Getaway will have it in a few weeks.

Neil

Kinda hoping that if they are promoting a Super Bowl themed slot event that they will have the game. Fingers crossed!!

Neil

Let me know how things turn out. I will be on Getaway during the Super Bowl. Being from MA myself, I am hoping to have the same issue in watching the Pats play ;);) Either way I am looking forward to watching the game while on board.

Neil

I'll throw my $.02 in the mix. I too thought the area was rundown and found the vendors/taxi drivers VERY pushy. I had two stops planned while there; stop at the Harley shop for a T-shirt and then straight to Margaritaville. I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun we had there! I found the food good, drinks good (won a free margarita) and the atmosphere fun. You will find the locals sitting along the property line by the water trying to pedal their stuff. They will also walk knee deep in the water as previously mentioned. Had a good time!

I see you had a forward facing angle. I have one booked for the end of January. How was the wind while underway?

Thanks,

Neil

Just booked a cruise on Getaway 1/31 and hoping to get a question answered regarding bar stock. Last year on the Epic they stocked my favorite Bourbon, something that they never had on previous NCL trips; Woodford Reserve. I never found Woodford on any list prior to the crusie, so I am hoping that is will be available on this trip. Anyone have any insight?? Not the end of the world obviously, but, made for a very pleasant surprise last year.

Neil

Not sure I understand the complaints of only two elevator banks. I will admit that the three banks on the Jewel class make moving around easy, but, I was on RCCL Independence of the Seas (Freedom class) and they only have two banks of elevators. I had no issues getting around on that ship and they are slightly larger than Epic. After Sunday I will have first hand comparrison and will report back.

Neil

Check out www.bananacoast.com for info. Has a link to excursions etc... Site says that the port is located 32 miles from Roatan.

Neil

I assume you are talking about the problem with docking in St. Kitts?

There was a pretty terrific crosswind that morning. Fairly certain that was the first time Epic had been to that port. Also, I don't know that any of the other Big Berthas call there.

 

When I woke up that morning and stepped out on the balcony, there was a tug with line attached straining its butt off to turn the ship. Didn't go look, but I am sure there was a tug on other side pushing as well.

 

It took quite a while to dock, so they extended the time on the other end.

We went to St. Kitts last year on RCCL Independence of the Seas... 2nd largest Big Bertha out there. They had no issues, but, it was not windy.

Title sucked me in too. Glad to hear you liked it, especially since I leave on her Sunday.

Neil

I've done three NCL crusies so far and did a Royal last year for the first time. I found the food to be about the same. Some instances better, some not. I did find the Garden Cafe (buffett) to be better on NCL then on Royal, but, personal preference will decide that. I found drink prices to be a bit cheaper on Royal, although maybe a bit smaller on. Keep in mind that our last NCL cruise was 2011 so things may have changed as far as size, price etc... I defineately noticed things to be much quieter on the Royal crusie last year. It seemed as most venues were empty by 1030 or so. Only once did the "disco" seem to be active later into the night. I found myself wondering around the ship looking for some entertainment, drink in hand, only to find nothing. Hoping this Epic crusie will have a bit more late night action. No matter, enjoy your trip!

Neil

Would it suck to miss my return flight - yes. Would I be unhappy about any expenses incurred - yes. Considering I never want my cruise to end when the final day comes I would hope that I would consider it a delay in having to return to work and enjoy the extra time on board.:D

Neil

If you look up some TV shows of the refirb of some RCCL ships. Those shows had some minor interior changes made, replacing of carpets etc... I would expect the same with this drydock. Any mechanical inspections/repair/replacement below the water line, the change over of Blue Lagoon and anything else that has been needed and is not possible to do while the ship is occupied. Some extreme cases there have been some significant changes made on some lines such as adding/removing cabins, changing large portions of the interior design and other similar changes. Doesn't sound like anything that drastic will be taking place. She should come out of drydock gleaming. Enjoy your upcoming cruise.

Neil

Glad to hear there are no issues. I leave on her in a little over a week.

The sideways thrusters in fwd are pretty much the same on every cruise ship, whether there are traditional propeller(s) or azipod(s) in the aft. To my understanding pretty much only ships to possibly have azipods also in the front (or actually smack down in the middle) of the ship are tugboats that need the same power and movability all around. :)

True. There are small pleasure craft that have bow thrusters, however, because Epic does not have azipods for general propulsion she needs stern thrusters. The Jewel class and Breakaway class (not sure about Dawn, Star, Sun etc...) have azipods making them a bit more manueverable. If she were having issues with either set of thrusters she would need assistance.

Neil

Any issues once underway? If she is just having problems maneuvering once in port I would have to guess she is having some type of thruster issue. Unlike most of NCL's other ships, the Epic has traditional prop shafts for forward/aft propulsion; no azipods. Maybe some issues poppped up with either the forward or aft thrusters.

Neil