300dtc

....a free mini bar. You can wash your hair with scotch.:)

Don't often comment, but this one made me actually laugh out loud!:D

Hi! This is a question for the female cruisers out there (although if any of the men would like to add anything, I'm listening :))

We are sailing the last week of May into early June and I'd like to know what type of clothing you wore on board the ship. I can dress in layers for outdoors and that doesn't worry me...but in the evening or during the day i'm just not sure. When you were dressed up in the evening for dinner did anyone wear evening sandals? and if you did, were you freezing? Is there anytime that you needed shorts for example?

I just don't want to take lots of long sleeved items and then there is some sort of heatwave...:rolleyes:

Thank you!

If there are 2 people in a stateroom, do both have to purchase the ultimate package? (First time on Princess)

We were on that cruise too! How about Tuesday night? The ship was really rolling on lobster night, I think that is the worst that I ever experienced...

Watching the snow fall....leaving for Miami on Sunday, cruise on Monday...can't wait!!

The next Monday game is nearly 3 weeks away. International break

 

Monday 24th November 2014 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Aston Villa v Southampton 20:00 hours

While I do love "soccer" I was speaking of American Football:rolleyes:

We were on the Pearl Oct/2013, and they showed Thurs, Sun, and Mon night football in the atrium. I would think they would have it showing somewhere on the ship, perhaps a bar.:confused:

Thank you!

Hi there! Does anyone know if they show Monday Night Football games on the NCL Sky on the way to the Bahamas? Thank you:)

Does anyone know if they still sell pitchers on the Epic? I found a post from 2010 that mentioned them being 15.81 after tip, but I am sure that has changed by now. If they do have pitchers is the price different per beer? What beers do they have on draft?

 

6&8

We never saw any pitchers but purchased buckets of beer, where it was buy 5 and get the 6th beer free. My husband (after a lot of testing) says the best one to buy were the fosters beers, because by ounces they were the best deal...traveling with a financial analysist is never easy:cool:

We are thinking about a Med cruise on the Epic next year but would like some information on which ports use tenders as this was one element that we were not keen on when we did a Caribbean cruise.

Can aybody advise which of these ports use tenders:

Naples, Citavechia (Rome), Livorno (Pisa/Florence), Dubrovnik, Cannes, Palma (Majorca)

We were on the Epic last year and didn't tender in any of the ports we went to, we were in Naples, Citavecchia, Livorno, Palma, Barcelona and Marseilles.

Soft serve ice cream from the buffet was our snack choice while on the Epic! Thank goodness for all those stairs!

Have not climbed the gangway of an NCL vessel since a 7-day aboard the old Southward in 1985. That voyage soured me on NCL; a resentment that, obviously, has lasted almost three decades.

 

I have been perusing current NCL offerings. Before investing my seat-laden $$$ into a cruise on a line that I have a confessed prejudice against I ask those of you who are NCL aficionados, and have the patience, to supply some friendly guidance.

 

My focal concern is the ambiance on board. The idea of being relatively informal in dress, etc. is appealing. I wear suits all the time. I prefer dining in good slacks and a comfortable shirt.

 

But is NCL's "casual" too lax. Not just in dining room attire but across the board?

 

Is it the same level of non-stop partying that Carnival advocates? My wife and I are both 64. And while we are not dead yet, we enjoy shipboard nooks where a quiet drink can be had free of blaring music and non-ceasing sales pitches for overpriced photographs and chocolate chip cookies.

 

Thank you in advance. Now excuse me while I take out my teeth and chug my afternoon shot of Geritol!

We are in our mid-50's and found NCL perfect for our tastes. We wore business casual for dinners in the specialty restaurant and Taste and never felt out of place. There were people in gowns and tuxes too, it was great to see such a mix of clothes! They definitely enforce the no shorts, no hats rule in the Manhatten Room, we saw some people gently turned away to go and put some slacks on and they came back and joined their party with no problem. We never went to the nightclub, but did go to some other evening venues and there was never any wildly out of control group, just a lot of people having fun. There was always a nice quiet place to read or have a drink or two, I think you will like NCL.

We have only sailed NCL to Alaska and our next is booked on NCL as well. We are a very laid back couple. I have always found crew to be extremely attentive to our needs and always greet us with a smile and hello/good day. We are not foodies in any way and we do not cruise to eat. So im not a good judge on that. We pretty much look at eating during vacation as something we have to do. However, we did celebrate our 25th Anniversary on the Sun so we went to Il Adagio for dinner. It was fantastic and they brought out an Anniversary cake for us. We ate in the MDR once the entire trip and the food was good as well as the service. The rest of the time we ate at the buffet and were happy. I would not call it 5 star (its buffet food) but it took care of the hunger. Friends of ours ordered a pizza on Glacier Bay day and had it delivered to the Observation Lounge. They said it was really good pizza.

 

We sailed in Mini-Suites and found the room to be plenty big enough for us. Loved the balcony as I am an early riser (4:30 am) and would drink my coffee and watch the sun come up over some of the most amazing views. Our next cruise we will be in a 2 bd room suite because we are taking our 2 adult children and my mother. Cheaper to get a suite then 2 Mini-Suites

 

Feel free to ask away and I will try to answer

My DH and myself are going on the Sun to Alaska for the June 2nd sailing. What kind of clothes and shoes did you take? How did you find the weather? I was looking in your photos and it seemed like everyone had jeans, tennis shoes and short sleeves or a light jacket, do you think this would cover all contingencies? On the ship do you need long sleeves during the day? Sorry, I'm a worrier about being prepared! Thank you for any help...

I am set to sail on NCL EPIC this Saturday. I've cruised before, but on a much smaller ship (Majesty of the Seas) and like over 6 years ago, so I guess you can say I am a cruise newbie.

 

I am trying to stay positive and not get to frightened by the reviews people have been posting regarding the EPIC recently. In particular, the issues with the stabilizers (this one concerns me more than the rest). I am also concerned with the level of service and the staff being new and unhappy/unsatisfied.

 

One of the biggest stresses I am facing right now is all the choices I have to make regarding various ship activities (shows, dining, entertainment). I know there is some things that when I get on the ship, I will "see" that I would like to do, but I am afraid it will be too late and that they will be booked up. How important is it to book in advance? By not booking in advance, will I be stuck doing MDR or buffet every night, or no show options?

 

How packed are entertainment options like Howl at the moon? Do they require service charge to attend? (e.g. buying a certain number of drinks) Alot of people seem to suggest seeing the early showing of other shows (like blue man group) and doing Howl at the moon or another entertainment option later in the evening. What are your thoughts?

 

What about the shows like Blue Man group, Legends, etc. Do you suggest they be booked in advance in order to secure a seat? Or can you just walk/line up if you would like to see something?

 

My SO is interested in the ICE bar thing (more for the experience then the drinks) and all posts I've read so far suggest booking the time slot immediately. Do you guys concur with that?

 

I want to enjoy the cruise and not feel pressured or overwhelmed by planning every minute of it. But I also, do not want to miss out on some opportunities since it may be a long time before I can sail again.

 

I know I've asked a lot of questions, so sorry in advance. :confused:

 

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

We were on the Epic in July, very smooth sailing, but maybe because it was in the Mediterranean Sea?

I booked Blue Man Group and Legends before we went on the ship and just did that based on how long our excursions were that day and how tired we would be when we got back:cool:

I only booked one dinner in advance at La Cusina and we ate in the MDR once and Taste 5 nights. We had a group of 6 (and sometimes more people) and never had a wait. The daily specials were always a good choice and very tasty too. We had room service breakfast 2 times (only cold food) and it was very prompt when we had to be off ship very early. We had breakfast in O'Sheehans once and it was good, DH had late snacks there 2 times and it was ok. Buffet was suprisingly good, we had breakfast there 2 times and lunch if we were onboard and i think dinner one night when we were so tired we just wanted to relax. The food was varied and very good in my opinion the carving station meats were delicious. Soft serve icecream really hit the spot on hot days!

Howl at the Moon was fun, we didn't get there until the last night and I'm sorry we didn't have more time to enjoy it. Didn't have a problem finding seats, people come and go during the show, no drink minimum. We never made it to Second City, there is just so much to do that we didn't have time!

Ice Bar was fun...it was soooooo cold inside, but definitely was a great photo op. Now that we did it, I wouldn't do it again, i think that once is enough. We had no problem booking the ice bar onboard.

Don't stress over the entertainment...you can change it or add to it onboard...this is supposed to be fun:)

There is also piano players and random bands playing in different areas on the ship. We would be headed to something else and stop to listen for a while. It made the whole ship into a entertainment venue!

Have fun, we really enjoyed the Epic!

DH and I are interested in booking our first NCL cruise on the Epic. I have read though that smoke can be a problem due to the location of the casino. Wondering if I could get some opinions here, please. DH is sensitive to smoke so wondering if it is really a problem. Many thanks :)

We were on the Epic in July and the smoke didn't bother us. Sometimes in the casino when it was really busy you noticed it, but then we would just leave or go to another section where it was less noticeable. Never smelled any smoke on the balcony at all and never noticed it anywhere else on the ship.

When we were on in July the Legends performers were Tom Jones, Adele and Tina Turner...some good, some not so good..but the price was right so who cares:p Our room steward was very attentive and if i asked her for something it appeared like magic (mini-suite). I guess people complain about the elevators, but we didn't use them,except one day after an especially grueling day on tours, and ending up losing weight even after eating desserts and ice cream everyday! Never got sick, actually never felt the ship move at all except one evening. We ate in Taste, Manhatten Room, O'Sheehans, Buffet and El Adagio, I would say the risotto was the best i've had in the Italian rest. I would probably say we enjoyed the food in the buffet (carving station is very good) and Taste (we tried a regional specialty every night and were never disappointed).

Don't listen to others...just enjoy yourself!

Since we have only been on one cruise with NCL so far and are waiting in anticipation for our next one in June I don't have too much to add. We really liked all the food in all the venues including the buffet. DH ordered an entree one evening that was not to his liking and wouldn't get something different to replace it, so it was his own fault! He just got something later in O'sheehans and was happy. I guess the only issue we had was the wandering around in circles past all the chairs with towels on them and finding nowhere to sit near any pool. I really wish people would take their towels with them when they leave to give others a chance to lay out for a hour or so too! That being said, we would sit on a bench and watch and usually someone left in an hour or so, no disaster, just a minor inconvenience. Everything else was great and we can't wait to go again.

I'm not Donna, but because of her we booked SE 9076, Donna's very own aft penthouse suite, for our Alaska cruise last May. I can now see why Donna returns to that suite whenever she can. It is HUGE. The living room and bedroom are separated by a door. Each of those rooms has a sliding door that leads to the balcony. You can enter the bathroom (also huge) from the entryway or the bedroom. There is plenty of storage, some in the bedroom and lots more in the dressing area and bathroom.

 

If you'd like to see some photos of the cabin, here's the link. I know you'd enjoy that cabin very much.

Your photos are great! I see that you went in May? What type of clothing did you wear off the ship for your excursions? Especially shoes and what type of coat? Thank you!

Okay, a whole bunch of questions here.

 

Room - is there a pull out laundry line in the shower? any suggestions on dealing with the shower curtain which I'm told can be "clingy"

There was a pull out laundry line. The shower stall was rounded and did not cling too much. Make sure your door is closed in the bathroom as this will create a draft.

 

Lattitudes - when was the reception?

It was the afternoon of the first sea day.

 

Casino - did you do a slot pull? how did it go?

Didn't do it, but check your roll call for details.

 

Formal nights - thank for the heads up that there are 3...thought there were only 2. We love to dress up and are bringing tux/gown for one night

and suite/cocktail dress for the other so will re-wear one outfit. Which night had the most people in formal tux/gowns?

Probably the most were the first fiormal night. But remember that at least half were not dressed up and you had mostly suits and dresses, not tuxedos and gowns.

 

Fitness center - do you have to be over 18 to use it?

You had to be 18 unless accompanied by an adult.

 

Ports, Cartegena - where did you find the taxi/tour guide? was there a marked area right at the port to pick up a tour? was the $60 for the whole tour or per person?

Would the cab fit 4 people (2 adults, 2 teens) That sounds like a great option as we really want to see as much as possible in that port. Did you feel safe?

The cabs were right outside and well marked. $60 was for the two of us (whole group) not per person. The cabs were Chinese cars and a little on the small size. I would think that 3 max would be appropriate. We felt entirely safe and would do this again no problem.

 

Aruba, - Do you recall when you could disembark and when you had to be back on board? Itinerary on NCL site says 1:00 arrival and 8:00 departure but then says that disembark is 2 hrs after arrival and passengers must be back on board 2 hours in advance of departure. That would leave only 3 hours in Aruba - doesn't seem like much. Trying to see if it's possible to do a non-ship excursion that leaves at 2:00 and gets back at 5:30.

Sorry, not much help here. However, being back onboard 2 hours early is a little much.

 

St. Thomas - are you saying that you had to have a passport to go ashore and had to bring it off the ship with you? If you weren't in line by 8:30, could you not go off the ship?!

No, you only had to go through pasport control in the theatre or main dining room. After that passports went basck in the safe and never left the ship.

 

Shows - no Franki Valli review? was looking forward to that but the others sound good too. We love to go to the shows.

There was no seperate Franki Valli show, but they did some of his songs in the Broadway stage show which were quite good.

 

Activities - besides formal nights and the white hot party, are there any other special nights/activities we might want to bring something for?

Can't think of any. Bring your bathing suits and relax :)

Hi, I'll ask my questions again since I think they got lost in the feed, were the hairdryers still the old hose type? Did the TV's get replaced with flat screens yet? Where was your favorite spot to hang out? What about best bar? How was the smoke onboard?

Thank you for posting! We are on the Sun in June for the Alaska intinerary. Just a few questions...were the hairdryers still the old hose type? Did the TV's get replaced with flat screens yet? Where was your favorite spot to hang out? What about best bar? How was the smoke onboard?

Thank you:)

For anyone who was on the Sun on an Alaska itinerary..what was the welcome back to the ship like there?

Could someone explain what good a copy is?

In Pennsylvania, it means a raised seal on the original birth certificate.

Wow, where to start!!!! Ok, so she is small, but you know that. We typically book a BC cabin at the front of the ship (not the front but the side but usually the first or second cabin). The cabins on the Sun are bigger and the balconies are bigger than the Jewel class ships. I think probably bigger than the Epic too. Lots and lots of storage area - we have done a couple of B2B and with all of our stuff there lots of places to put things. Only downside to the room is the shower curtain - many complain about it. Annoying yes but workable.

 

The pool deck is wooden. So nice. There isn't the glitz and glamour, that is for sure. No lit up palm trees or waterfalls. But a stage for the band, lots of seating around the pool and the deck about the pool offers lots of room for loungers as well.

 

Bar service at the pool area has always been top-notch. Not in your face but a friendly check to see if all is ok.

 

The Observation Lounge at the front of the ship is lovely, but the best part is that you can go outside onto a deck and have stunning views. Even better is to go up at night time and see the stars - amazing!

 

Il Adagio is lovely - on deck 5 with lovely tables for 2 along the windows and then banquettes (sp) up a level so everyone gets a great view.

 

Shopping - not a huge amount of shopping on board but usually whatever you need you will find.

 

Casino - small but dandy.

 

Le Bistro - amazing! Deck 12 aft so lovely views out the back and side of the ship.

 

Officers/Staff/Crew - the same as all the ships but we have never had a bad experience with anyone on the Sun. Even going back a year later and are greeted with hugs from past cabin stewards or servers.

 

Sports Bar - there isn't a Blue Lagoon but there is a sports bar serving the same type of fare and Popcorn!!! Perfect for a late night snack.

 

Buffet - small! But for breakfast if you to to the Great outdoors - aft - they have a buffet set up out there along with cook to order eggs/omelettes. The Great Outdoors is a perfect spot for having breakfast outside, snacks throughout the day, dinner or whatever. Also a great place to sit and read if you aren't wanting to be at the pool area - usually nice and quiet throughout the day.

 

Ok, that's off the top of my head... more to come I am sure! (Can you tell I love the Sun!!)

Thank you so much!

Dear Blue Jai,

We are doing the opposite of you! We sailed the Epic in July of this year and it was our first cruise and loved it! Now we are sailing on the Sun in June, 2014. Since there are so many Sun people that are on this thread, what kind of "Sunny" advice do you have for someone who has only cruised on the large ship before?

As to the Epic, if 2 newbies could find their way around and have a great time, I think that a seasoned cruiser such as yourself would really appreciate all that there is to offer on the Epic!

Thank you for any Sun tips:)

Salmon in the MDR, Crepes, Carved turkey in the Buffet, Cheesecake and the Tiramisu on the Epic!