Liztoybiz

Here is the Epic feedback I promised from my med. cruise on July 31st. Slots on the low end were about normal, as far as payout goes. They did have some of the Goldfish games and a few other popular ones, but not many of the new ones at all. $1 and higher slots were pretty awful. I know my usual % of payout and NOTHING was paying on the $ slots. I visited with a few other dollar players and no one was winning anything! I generated a little less than 5000 pts. and usually lots of that is recycled money but not this time. I think the hosts realized I was trying, because I'd lose a bunch on slots and then have to go win some of it back on roulette. This went on all week. Very frustrating! I didn't play much video poker this trip and no other tables so I can't help there. On the up side, Jose (server) and Victor (bartender) were awesome, making me Mojitos and Painkillers and bringing them to me, sometimes two at a time, lol. I found that it really worked well to tip $5 up front and find out their name, let them know we'd be seeing a lot of each other, and they would usually come and find me. I always gave them $2 or so extra each time. Staff was very nice, dealers were mostly good, and pit bosses were even fun, esp. Tony. I just hope you all have a winning cruise, hoping ours was just a fluke...

ps. Just under 5000 pts. plus all that roulette only yielded $200 off my acct. for comparison sake.

Happy cruising!

Liz

Hyla, thanks for reviving an older thread. Do you think we'll be able to find others to join us once we are onboard? We are doing the RIL excursion that includes Positano, Sorrento and a pizza making class. I'm just a bit concerned as we leave in a week and we haven't had any responses yet. Of course, it's only been 2 days, lol.

Also, have you been to these two towns? Positano is a place I've always wanted to visit and that coastal drive looks dreamy. Last time I was in Italy, clinging to the side of a mountain I was the one driving, so this will be almost relaxing by comparison...

Hope you get to cruise again soon,

Liz

Anita, congrats! I am going on the Epic as a CAS guest as well, boarding a week from Sunday!! So I'll try to take notes for you. I haven't sailed NCL since the Norway so I'm excited to experience some of the differences between Epic and Oasis, which we were on last month.

So many great options, really looking forward to Freestylin!

Anita, regarding your upgrade chances, I would guess it differs, depending on who you talk to and how booked they are. I will say that I had the best opportunity for upgrading when I first booked. I upgraded from a balcony to a mini-spa suite for $100 pp plus taxes/fees of about 240 each. However, I could have had a full suite for $1000 each. Rather save that money for Italy and Spain...

When I inquired 10 days later about upgrading to a suite (to see if prices were any better), they told me it would be closer to 2000!! No thanks. Thrilled to be sailing as their guest and felt the 100 was a bargain for a mini.

Where will Epic be in December, back to Caribbean?

Have a blast!

Liz

Mike,

Thanks so much for this wonderful review. Since I'm sailing on Epic next month I've been reading as much as I can find and it was a joy to read such a wonderfully balanced review. You shared the things you didn't like, but you went into this journey expecting to enjoy it and you did! My kind of traveler...

Silly question; did you happen to notice if the tv showed any movies onboard or just news, e channel, and ship info?

So glad you took the time to share all of this,

Liz

Hi again,

I know this might sounds silly to some, but I think this group might just understand. I look all year long; in catalogs, stores, online, etc. for solid tops that are pretty (or cute), light-weight, flattering on my longwaisted/well-endowed figure, and look cute with white, tan, or black bottoms. I love simple separates with fabulous accessories. The right necklace/earring/whatever makes me feel put together and fabulous. I have some pieces that get complements every time I put them on. The other thing I keep in mind is what colors look good next to my face. I am fair skinned with blue eyes, so like most blondes I love wearing any shade of blue. Esp. turquoise, aquamarine, and the 'wonderful on every skin type' periwinkle or royal blue.

Do any of you shop Boston Proper or Cabi? Love both of them.

Indiana, your spread sheet did remind me of a favorite story from college, and I'm sorry it isn't cruise related.

Sitting in one of my textile classes this gorgeous girl had a spread sheet and small leather notebook and seemed to be comparing them. Being a bit nosy, I asked her what she was doing and she showed me. The spreadsheet contained all her events since the beginning of that school year (including each day's change of clothes). But the notebook contained swatches/photos/and designs of each item of clothing she owned, right down to 43 matching bra and panty combos plus tons of belts, scarves and jewelry. Yep, you guessed it. She was making sure didn't duplicate. Last I heard, she was becoming a pretty big name in fashion...

Ok, so just out of curiosity, what do you ladies like to wear to dinner on a cruise?

Liz

I'll also be using a Sony Reader. I will be trying to find something new to read. I'll probably also bring a book for by the pool, at the beach. That's the only down side.

Saves room for shoes!

Liz in Kingwood

Your clothes are so pretty! It makes this dreary winter weather seem better by seeing all the fun colors and planning for spring.

I used to be the queen over overpacking. For 20 yrs. I did closet consulting and personal shopping, so I can relate to bringing all the right accessories, all the way down to the shoes.

Purse-wise, I have tried tons of options and think I've finally decided on the best (for me :). I take a large purse on the plane. It holds a magazine and my Sony Reader, as well as everything else I'll need. I pack a small black purse with a thin long strap with my jewelry and put it in my carryon. That becomes my cruise purse for the casino and dinner. Then I bring one of those little Vera Bradley keychain things with the small zip area that could hold a credit card. I hole-punch my seapass and put it all on a stretchy bungy. I can keep a small stash of tip money, or small pencil/pad in there in case I need to get someone's number or leave my kids a note on their door. I can also attach the bungy to my belt loop if I don't want it on my wrist.

So when is everyone cruising next?

We were surprised for Christmas by the in-laws with an Oasis cruise this summer. Yea! Time with them and a cruise for the first time in three years...

Stay Warm!

Liz in Kingwood