calcruiser64

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2984665-is-vibe-worth-the-cost-for-cruise-with-no-sea-days/#comment-66737857 Much discussion about the topic here.

Glad to amuse you, Chief. Grateful for your contributions on the board. I lurk, post when something gets me riled up or feel I can contribute.

[Spit take]

We sailed on the Prima in 11/2022, also in an HE, on a western Caribbean itinerary. Loved the ship and thought the Haven was beautiful and an incredible experience. (Our first time staying in it and we can't go back to gen pop.) My only quibble is that other than very early in the morning, the balcony was never all that peaceful. There was always some noise from the pool and sundeck on deck 8. Never excessive, but also never quiet. Would love to know if you find it to be the same.

There is. It's not fancy, but there was a separate security screening line and waiting area to the far right of the terminal when we sailed from there in April 2023. We found the terminal staff to be very helpful. We were ushered through the terminal to board first.

https://nacionalbeachclub.com/en/ My husband and I really enjoy this place in Mahahual, a short cab ride from Costa Maya. We were last there in Nov 2022. Food and drinks were great. Our second visit. It changed a lot from our first visit a decade before (surrounding areas more crowded), but their day pass is a good value.

You can take drinks anywhere you'd like. On embarkation day, we get the party started early and tour the ship with drinks in hand.

Having sailed on both a few times, I’d recommend the Breakaway over the Epic, especially to a newcomer to NCL. NCL’s Waterfront concept was introduced on the Breakaway, and it definitely serves to help one feel a connection with the water. The Epic doesn’t offer that. Many people find the split bathroom configuration on the Epic unappealing. The ship isn’t the best representation of NCL’s offerings.

We have taken cruises with Vibe as an add on to a balcony—it helps make the trip a standout. But we've also sailed in the Haven and booked VIbe. It's a different, more convivial experience than the Haven sundeck and bar. We have an aft Haven balcony and Vibe booked for 11/24. It's a perfect place for sea days or in a port like Nassau that frequent cruisers have likely visited many times (or if you miss GSC).

We sailed from San Juan in Epic's Haven in April. We showed up earlier than our scheduled check-in time and were immediately escorted to a dedicated Haven security line and waiting area. Received friendly and great treatment from the terminal staff, and boarded as soon as the ship was cleared. At that time, the entrance for Haven guests was at the far right of the terminal building.

I took the Restless Native excursion (through Viator not NCL) in 2017. It was a fun catamaran ride to the destination and it anchored in a sheltered cove, with stairs that descended into the water. I'm not a strong swimmer and felt comfortable with the conditions. The included SUPs, noodles, and kayaks (if I'm remembering the latter correctly) made for a nice mix of activities. I'd recommend it as Bermuda excursion.

We embarked in SJ for a repositioning cruise on the Epic to NYC this spring. We arrived early and, after asking, were quickly directed to an indoor Haven waiting area. It's not anything special, but it is indoors and out of the heat. Mention Haven when you arrive and staff should get you to the right place.

I googled and bought one after a cruise last fall. Don't recall spending this much, however. https://www.amazon.com/Olde-Thompson-Stainless-Steel-Pepper/dp/B0014X5VHY/ref=asc_df_B0014X5VHY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194812759407&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14662809774324113253&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004289&hvtargid=pla-311991509273&psc=1

Wishing you all the best for a fair and quick insurance claim.

Can't comment on the shower, but from the curve in the wall on the deck plans, the bed will be closest to the balcony, the sofa closest to the split bathroom.