Charliegirl1956

Lara,

 

Loving your review, the pictures and your commentary. I have wondered about going on the Epic solo but I am 59 and am not sure the solo scene would work for me the way it is working for you young folks. I am married but my husband cannot always get away and there are only a few friends I would like to cruise with that fit my likes/dislikes.

 

Were there many mid lifers in the singles cabins?

I'm a 56 year old female, and am going in a Studio on the Epic next month. I will do a review when I come back - so you will be able see it from my viewpoint - I am expecting to have a wonderful time!

Yes I flew with Jet2, who are in Terminal 1 at Mcr Airport, but the check-in desks are on the lower level, not the upper main one. This is why I ended up running all over the place but now you know, hopefully you can avoid all that! Then it's T2 you need at Barcelona airport for the way home. Hope this helps :)

Absolutely, this is just what I needed to know, you have saved me a lot of time!:D

I'm interested to know how you managed to make sure your hair stayed looking so good each evening - did you spend hours styling it before you went out, or do you have a secret you could pass on? It looks really pretty on all your photos.

Loving this review - you have a great writing style and I love seeing your outfits. I'm from the North West as well, and flying from Manchester when I do this same cruise. Did you fly with Jet2? If so, can you tell me what terminal I need to go to at Manchester please?

Really looking forward to the rest of the review.

Thanks for this brilliant review Don, I have just finished reading all the way through and it's been a great read! I am going on the Epic in a Studio (12570), departing from Barcelona on 12 August 2012, and reading this has made me even more excited!:D

Thank you all for your helpful replies, that's just what I needed to know.

Sorry if I am asking an obvious question, and thanks in advance to those who will answer me for no doubt the 100th time ... I did have a good look before asking, I promise!

I am cruising alone for the first time, and also first time with NCL, on the Epic, in one of their studios. I used to cruise with my Mum, and we used to pay our gratuities in little envelopes at the end of the cruise, I don't know any other way, but I have just booked my cruise for 12 August and prepaid the gratuities.

My questions here may seem a bit stupid .... but how will my cabin steward, or waiter for that matter, know that I have prepaid? I don't want them to think I am being mean, not tipping, or not appreciating their service!:eek:

Also, any guidance on additional tipping, over and above the prepaid, would really be appreciated. I know about the bar tips and the Spanish VAT, and I usually tip the hall and deck cleaners before I leave .... but would it be expected that I would give extra tips to the cabin steward and waiters, if I have prepaid? if so, I would really appreciate any guidance on how much would be appropriate.

Maybe it would help if I say I am not trying to get away with tipping as little as possible. If I can afford to cruise, I am in a privileged position compared to many staff on the ships, and I know most of them send money home. But I would not like to cause offense to them either, so I would be grateful for any guidance you can give.

I read your last review, and it was great, so detailed and so much fun!! I am looking forward to your next review, I know this is cheeky, but pleeease post it as soon as you can, as I am travelling on the Epic in a Studio on 12 August - only booked this yesterday, never cruised solo before, and never cruised with NCL, so I love reading all the info on here.

My Studio is 12570, with a blank space on 3 sides, AND a connecting door!!:eek: I will probably be in the middle of a laundry room or something ... but booking so late I feel lucky to get onboard!!:D

And I do like all the photos of your outfits!:)