Fairway Cruiser

On cruise critic page " overview " of the epic, scroll down to items not included in the cruise fare, and ice water is listed as not included in the buffet.

Is it true that there is a charge for ice water (not bottled water) in the buffet and restaurants on the epic?

Thank you!

Is there a past guest party on the Epic for the European cruises out of Barcelona?  If so, what day and time is the party?

Are U.S. issued credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc.) accepted in Barcelona, Naples, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Cannes, Palma Majorca for hotels, restaurants, shops, etc?

Thanks to all for the replies. We will be traveling in late October - early November.  So jeans may be a good option, given the average temperatures.   Also,  plain shirts and tops, and light jackets. We will choose comfortable walking shoes. We will be utilizing either money/passport belts to be worn under clothing, or front carried, slash proof bags. And we will not wear jewelry.

Thanks again for all the advise!

I've read in many places about how baseball caps, cargo shorts, gym shoes, logo/sports related shirts, etc. are types of dress that immediately make locals aware that you are an American, and might make you a better target for pick pockets.  What I have not read much about is what alternatives to these items are recommended? Any thoughts about head wear, pants/shorts, shirts, shoes that are comfortable, yet do not scream "I'm an American tourist?"

I've read in many places about how baseball caps, cargo shorts, gym shoes, logo/sports related shirts, etc. are types of dress that immediately make locals aware that you are an American, and might make you a better target for pick pockets.  What I have not read much about is what alternatives to these items are recommended? Any thoughts about head wear, pants/shorts, shirts, shoes that are comfortable, yet do not scream "I'm an American tourist?"

On the "old" version, there were threads for each specific ship located on the "home page" of each cruise line's message board.  On this "new" version, the links at the top  of the "home page" do not take you to a list of forums about each ship.  This needs to be corrected.

Thanks you to all who have posted comments!

Thanks for the replies. Any others?

I am considering booking a cruise out of Barcelona on the new MSC Seaview, June of 2019. I have cruised a total of 15 times, all on mainstream , American based lines, such as NCL, Carnival, etc., in the Caribbean, Hawaii, , Mexico, etc. The price on the Seaview is so much less expensive than the NCL Epic, and Oasis of the Seas, also sailing from Barcelona basically to the same ports.

I have several questions: 1. We speak only English. Will we be able to communicate with waiters, room stewards, etc.?

2. Is English general spoken by the Cruise, directors and entertainment staff? 3. What about English speaking tour guides for excursions? Will I need Euro's, instead of US Dollars. for tips, misc. purchases off the ship, etc? 4. If shore excursions are booked through the ship, do they guarantee to wait for you, if the tour is late in returning. 5. I would assume that the majority of the passengers would be European. But, will there be dozens of US citizens, or hundreds, on any particular cruise? 6. I would expect the food to be mostly Italian and other med. area type foods. A couple of my traveling party may not be quite as comfortable in these foods. Will there be an adequate variety of American dishes for them to choose from? 7. If I book through MSC directly, do they offer any air and /or hotel packages? I don't see anything about that on their website.

8. Finally, why are the MSC cruises so much less expensive, especially on a brand new ship?

Thank you for any help/advise you can provide!

The Serenity Deck on Fantasy class ships is only a small part of one deck on the aft of the ship. The Serenity Decks (plural) on Sunshine cover 3 decks and each deck portion is just as large or larger than the one deck on the Fantasy Class.ships. I believe that even most negative critics of the Sunshine would agree that its' Serenity area is one of its' best features. The "waterfall" is a neat feature, and the variety of chairs, clam shells, hammocks, etc. is wonderful. Also, it has its' own bar and I believe some food items are available there also.

The one negative I have heard that might bother some people, is the location overlooking the main portion of the Lido Deck can cause parts of the Serenity Decks to have a little more noise than some other locations (like the Aft location on the Fantasy Class ships).

Thanks!

I have a friend who wants to know if there is any advantage to signing up for the Carnival Credit Card on the ship, vs. just taking it out now. Any on board credit, bonus points, etc? We got our card on a cruise over 10 years ago, and I can't remember. Thanks!:)

Thank you.

Thanks, Joemurph!

So the water I see in the videos in the "caves" area would not be over the head of my short (5') wife?:)

I have read reviews here, and on Trip Advisor. I've also viewed numerous You Tube videos. I still can't fully determine if a non-swimmer can go through the "caves" at Virgin Gorda, and enjoy the baths and beaches. I am, of course, aware that a non-swimmer could not snorkel. But could they make the passage through the boulder/caves without being in water over their heads? Help, please, from anyone who has done this. Thanks!

Thanks, TomCruise48!

So, they will book your flights either a day or two or three before the cruise if you want to see the departure city before the cruise? I assume they would do the same after a cruise?

Thanks for your replies. Any others?

Also, does anyone know if they will book hotels, if you go in a day or two early?

Has anyone had any experiences (good or bad) with having Carnival PVP's book airfare &/or hotels for their European Cruises? I know that they will protect against fight delays, etc., by getting you to the next port of call if your flights are delayed and you miss the departure of your ship? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Does anyone have any information they can share about the current prices for alcoholic mixed drinks on Carnival ships? Trying to decide between purchasing alcohol by the bottle, and mixers, through the Fun Shops, or just buying mixed drinks at the bars. I see the prices for the Fun Shops, but not prices by the drink from the bars. Any help is greatly appreciated!:)

Can anyone share information on whether "weak or non-swimmers" would be able to see anything snorkeling from the beach? Or, are the life vests that they rent there substantial enough for a non-swimmer to feel safe? I've read that the guides would "tow" you out with you holding onto their kayak, so you wouldn't have to swim. If a non-swimmer had a safe life preserver, it would appear they would be able to possibly experience at least a small taste of what snorkeling is like. Any thoughts/information will be much appreciated!

My wife has a serious allergy to wasp/bee stings. We carry an epipen with us at all times. We have had to make ER visits in the past after a sting, even using the epipen. She is very apprehensive about our planned excursion to either Lamania or Xunantunich. Can anyone share any information about the likelihood of encountering significant numbers of wasps/bees on these tours during our April 29-May 6 cruise? We will, of course , use insect repellant, and have her epipen. Any thoughts?

Does anyone know if the Carnival Excursion called the "Beach Escape" is on the Malecon? The description refers to the club as the "Beach Escape Club", but another place refers to it as the "Jungle Beach Club". It says it is in Mahahual, but does not refer to the "Malecon".

Also, in researching on this page, I see a place called the "Jungle Beach Club", and it says it is 20 minutes from the port. I thought the Malecon was much closer.

Can any recent Carnival Cruisers to Costa Maya shed any light on this? Help, please!