daveispar

Last year, we did it reverse, from the ship to the airport for about $60.  I would guess, it's about the same from the airport to the ship !  I think it was $60 for both, but, I'm not sure.

Hi, Keith,

I agree for 5 or 6 Euros, I would take your train, but, that still doesn't eliminate the luggage problem, if you had to carry it up and down those stairs to get under the tracks.  We travel with one relatively large suitcase each and a carry on.  There isn't any way, my wife could have carried her suitcase up and down those stairs.  I carried mine up and waited for her to come up while I went down and got hers.  Watching our luggage the whole time.  The 1st time we had to go up and down the stairs under the tracks.  But, last year we were lucky and our train stopped right next to the station !  That was great and easy !  If you only knew which track you were going to end up on.  Maybe, they do know and you could ask when you buy your ticket !

22 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Boarding should start about 11.30-12am, but if you want to get onboard at that time you probably need to get there earlier than that, unless you have priority boarding (i.e. suite or platinum latitudes). If you are boarding the Epic then it may be relatively quiet as most people board in Barcelona.

 

I would allow up to an hour to get to the cruise terminal. You need to buy a bus ticket, get that bus to the port and then transfer to the port shuttle. If things work out it should take less than that, but you never know.

22 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Boarding should start about 11.30-12am, but if you want to get onboard at that time you probably need to get there earlier than that, unless you have priority boarding (i.e. suite or platinum latitudes). If you are boarding the Epic then it may be relatively quiet as most people board in Barcelona.

 

I would allow up to an hour to get to the cruise terminal. You need to buy a bus ticket, get that bus to the port and then transfer to the port shuttle. If things work out it should take less than that, but you never know.

We've left twice from Termini.  Trains leave every hour, we buy our tickets the day before about $5Euros.  Buy a 10 o'clock ticket, get their early, you can take the 9 o'clock train.  Both times our train left from the highest number track, in the 30s, I think, track is all the way to the left.  The trouble is your luggage, you have to get it to the train and watch it. If your train is at the 1st track at Civeticiah (?) you're ok otherwise you have to go down and up stairs with your luggage,  if you're not young or able to do it, it's tough.  No porters to help.  I'm 72, I did it ok, but, it wasn't easy.  I went back to help an older person, but, somebody was already helping.  So somebody would probably help you, if you needed it.  Then a bus is outside the station for a Euro or 2 to take you the port (not far) to a location where the different cruise lines pick you up in a bus (free).  It's cheap and easy, but, a little hard for an older person or couple.

2 hours ago, BaWBarmy said:

Taxi from hotel to Termini Railway Station

Train to Civitavecchia

Taxi to Dock Gates

Shuttle to Cruise Terminal / Ship (there should be one on Embarkation Day)

 

I'd be surprised if that comes to anywhere near 50 euros each.

Our hotel was close to the Termini Station, so, we could roll our luggage to the station.  Maybe, $5 Euros for the train.  A bus from the train station to the port location for a Euro or two.  The only problem, if your train doesn't end up on the closest track to the station, you have to go up and down stairs with your luggage.  No porters to help, if you can handle your luggage, it's ok, if not, it is difficult to do if you're older.  But, it is very inexpensive.  The train leaves every hour and takes an hour.

We were on the Epic on a Transatlantic and except for the catsup and mustard falling off the table when the ocean was a little rough one day,  everything was perfect  !  But then the glass is always half full for us !

A couple of years ago we docked in Honfleur.  We were 1st off the ship at 7, 1st in line for a rental car. Got the car around 8, drove to Mont St. Michel.  It was great. Wish we could have stayed longer. Got there around 10. Had to leave by 2, rental office closed @ 5 and had to turn the car in.  It was stressful for sure, but,  well worth it.  We need to go back, we'd even like to stay overnight !  If you can go, it's worth it !

22 hours ago, RJB said:

 

Wrong time of year to do this kind of crossing.  We did a similar one the end of May into June a few years ago and the weather was very good.   Just lite jackets a few places in Canada  and some days at sea in  bathing suits.  Had a great time.  

2 hours ago, ChappChapp said:

 Really disappointed that there is no enforcement and more upset with the pax that they think they can do this. What is so difficult with putting on some nice clothes. It doesn't need to be fancy.

 

We've taken Transatlantics on NCL and Princess before, but, in May and Sept or Oct either in or out of Florida and have had good sea and weather experiences.  A couple of rough days on the Epic, but, nothing too bad. Early April seems a little early for a Transatlantic in the North Atlantic. 

We are doing a Transatlantic in November on the Marina from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro(?).  We're hoping the weather will be okay going South. 

On 2/4/2019 at 11:55 AM, TonyB17 said:

Maybe I'm naïve, but I don't understand the problem with bringing children on board.  Because they'll see something "nicer" than what they have?  By this logic, should we stop feeding them because they'll just be hungry tomorrow?  Who can say what being on a cruise ship for an afternoon might inspire them to do when they get older? 

Exactly.  I guess, it hurts some people to be nice.  These are the same people who never say please and thank you to the crew.  Listen to the people around you that ask for a drink or are served at dinner and never say please or thank you !  It's surprising how rude people are, so, it doesn't surprise me these people wouldn't want the kids on the ship.

On 2/2/2019 at 2:46 PM, SeaTheW0rld said:

What is one visit to a cruise ship going to do for them except show them more of what they don't have? 

You never know, it might give them something to aspire to.  It could change a life, work harder in school, etc.  I had a 6th grade teacher that changed my life !  You never know, look back in your life sometimes all it takes is a special moment.

We enjoyed your review.  We did a Transatlantic on the Epic  couple of years ago, it was great.  We like an Aft balcony,

too, and for us the glass is always half full, not half empty.   We realize we're pretty lucky to be able to cruise and vacation.  We look around at people that whine and complain over nothing, we don't get it, appreciate what you have.  No one ever waits on us without a please and thank you.  I wish more people would put themselves in the crew's position and see if they wouldn't be a little more polite. 

A few years ago, we took a Gate 1 River Cruise tour from Moscow to St Petersburg.  It was a great trip, but, it was a real pain to get that visa and we were lucky living in San Francisco, we didn't have to mail our passports out.  But, still took them to the embassy and picked them up 2 weeks later.  I called Gate 1 during the process and said, if I had known what you a hassle it was I would not have gone.  I  was wrong it was worth it.  Getting that visa allowed us to be out on our own and separate from the tour, if we wanted to.  It was a great trip and worth the visa hassle  !

19 hours ago, artlee said:

We are leaving on a 22 day TA in a week and are staying in VS 8201. I'll post some pictures and report back to let you know.

Art

 

Great, Art, thank you very much !  Also, just out of curiosity, are the people above looking right down on you or is there some privacy.  And we've been on some aft balconies that have had a soot problem, not terrible, but, enough to have to wipe things down every day or two.  Please, let us know and have a great vacation !

We're thinking of an Aug. 31 Cruise on the Koningsdam.   We like Aft balconies and would like the Aft VS rooms.  Can anybody comment on these rooms ?  Anybody have any pictures ?  From some reviews it sounds like they're bigger than regular balconies, is that true ?  Do they come with lounge chairs  ?  If they don't, can they be requested  ?  Any help would be appreciated.

Get one as quick as you can, my Wife and I love them.  Nice and quiet, little movement, usually room for 2 loungers and more.  Usually more privacy, too.  One problem is you can get some soot, but, a towel can clean it quickly .

I don't imagine, NCL would let you change without a penalty, but, why not, really.  If it's not too close to your sail date, it would be a good PR move.  Especially, if you're a good previous customer !  Let us know what happens. 

We've had 7008, it's a great balcony.   We have 7009 for the November, Barcelona to Rio Cruise !  We should get a lot of great sunsets !

On 2/25/2019 at 6:27 AM, Sea42 said:

So you think it is the passenger's behavior that is resulting in the lack of attentive service in one venue on the Marina?

Yes, without a doubt!   Watch how some passengers treat the staff !  I wish the roles were reversed !!  Maybe,  then they might show some compassion and respect !

On 8/27/2017 at 11:44 AM, palamoh said:

Believe Service is the same as Food, it is subjective, sometimes you get the service based on what you put into it, I have found on Oceania, that if you treat the Staff with courtesy and kindness, they will treat you the same, I believe they remember the names of passengers who have treated them with genuine appreciation for their service, We travel the O ships exclusively, I have NEVER had any member of the staff be rude with us. One must remember that these folks are very busy with their jobs and it might seem like they are ignoring you, but just a pleasant smile and a brief thank you for their service will go a long way to making them appreciate you as passenger

I agree with you 100%, you get what you give !  My Wife and I always treat everybody the way we want to be treated.  Please and thank you are always the first two words out of our mouth !  We see how many people treat the staff on a Cruise, it's disgusting!   I wish you could see yourself, but, it probably wouldn't make any difference !

We've taken the train from Rome a couple of times.  Less than 5 Euros and it runs at least every hour.  The only problem is if you have a lot of luggage.  You might have to go down, then under the tracks and back up at the port.  Elderly people with luggage would have a difficult time.  But, last time, we got right off, pulled our luggage right out of the station to a shuttle bus for about a Euro to the NCL loading spot to bus you to your ship.

6 hours ago, twisterfreak2280 said:

Good Morning!  Yesterday was rainy in the afternoon so everyone came inside and that’s when you found the downfalls of the away class ships. There’s really not enough seating for everyone aboard to be stuck inside. I escaped to the thermal spa which ended up being loud and busy but I stayed anyways. 

 

I love to curl up in a chair with my book. I try as hard as I can to keep my feet off the furniture. If I can’t I don’t put them up. The amount of people that pass out fully stretched out on the chairs on waterfront or in the observation lounge is crazy. Most are full on drooling all over the lovely furniture. The lounge and waterfront are great features but in some ways far too comfortable. 

 

I have a bunch of photos but the internet was crappy yesterday. I’ll try to upload them tonight. I did get some from the go karts though!  The Go Karts start at 9am and up until 11am they run the double carts so parents can take their kids. Then at 11am it’s open for single carts. 

We were on the Bliss in May when it went through the Panama Canal,  I mentioned to several people about their feet on the furniture  many of them bare feet!   Many weren't happy, but, maybe, they learned !  They have little signs right next to the furniture  how dumb or rude are people ?  If Lovely is still at the Observation Lounge Bar, say high for us, she was really nice to us !

Thanks for the quick response. Doesn't sound like my wife and I will be walking around !  How long has it been since you were there ? 

Thanks,

Dave & Lee

Hi, gymfreak and StanandJim, I have a question, maybe, you can help me with.  It doesn't have anything to do with this subject.  But, I believe you can answer my question.

Just out of curiosity do you guys know where the Marina would dock in Rio ?  Is it close enough to walk downtown ?  Anybody got any pictures ? 

Thanks, in advance.

Dave & Lee

18 hours ago, LHT28 said:

if you spend a lot of time on your balcony  try to book one of the extended ones on deck 7

check the deck plan

Yes, they are the B3 category and are great.  We had 7008 to the Baltic last year and next Nov we have 7009 from Barcelona to Rio.  They are more open on one side (where the ship narrows).  7009 will be great for sunsets, all the way down the Atlantic to Rio !  Also, because of the balcony configuration, no wind problem at all.  Check them out.  They are also available aft, but, I prefer the forward ones.

Here's a picture of our balcony on the Marina, 7008, Sisters on the side, Wife in the middle and Brother & his Wife !

This is less than 1/2 of the balcony because further back we have 2 loungers and a little table.  All of which is covered from above near the slider.

We loved 7008 on the Baltic Cruise & the Transatlantic to Rio in 7009 next year will be great.

I think 7129 balcony(regular balcony) is about 48 sq ft, while the extended balconies are like 115 sq ft.