Another Epic trip as the Solo Fashionista goes Stateside!

[lara_lox]

Day 4 – Epic Time!

 

All night I kept waking up and didn’t sleep well at all. Maybe I was just so excited to be boarding the ship! Although I had enjoyed my time in Miami I was ready for my cruise and looking forward to meeting some people to hang out with. When I looked out of the window it wasn’t just raining a little bit like the day before, it was pouring down. So much so that I had to quickly revise my embarkation outfit and wear a hoody and trainers! Once suitably attired I went back to the 11th Street Diner where I had the biggest salmon bagel plate I have ever seen!

 

Once I had all my stuff together I checked out the hotel at about 10.30am and had the reception call me a taxi to take me to the port. The journey took about 20-25 minutes as although it wasn’t far, the traffic was really busy. It cost me $25 including a tip. I began to get excited as I could see all the ships lined up and the Epic was right there waiting for me. There were no queues to check in and I was all ready and in the waiting area by 11.25. Everyone was given a boarding card with a number on, and ten minutes later they began to call people by group number. I was on board by about 12pm. Given the amount of people, I though the embarkation process ran really smoothly.

 

I entered mid-ship via the casino. It certainly doesn’t offer the wow factor doing it this way, but it is a practical way to get everyone onboard quickly. As I already knew my way round the ship form last time, I moved right through the congregating crowds and went straight to Headliners to drop off my carry-on luggage. This wasn’t advertised in the Freestyle Daily so not many people knew about it. I went for a quick wander on deck, with a huge smile on my face, I had made it!

 

 

I then headed to Spice H2O for the first of my beloved Bloody Marys. It was fairly busy up there because there seemed to be a large group who had chosen it as a meeting place, so as soon as I finished my drink I decided to get some lunch. I usually go to the main dining room for my first meal onboard but maybe because I had already been on holiday for a few days and had been waited on a lot, I felt like something more casual, so I went to the Garden Café buffet. There were loads of people queuing up as soon as I walked in, so I just headed further back to the stations there and got both a burger and table with no problem or waiting. It’s all about common sense really! Cabins were available pretty soon after boarding so I collected my luggage from Headliners and went to check out my solo Studio cabin, which was as cool and well designed as I remembered.

 

Again knowing how to avoid the masses I took the outdoor lift up to deck 18 and read for a while in the comfy padded seats of the Quiet Zone, until it was time for the muster drill. My station was in Maltings Bar. The process is easy enough, with staff making it very clear what to do. However, as always, many people didn’t listen so were wandering around confused. Staff ask for complete silence during the muster drill so that everyone can hear. It only lasts for a few minutes so it isn’t exactly difficult, plus it is the only time you have to do anything all cruise, but it would seem that some people thought they were above this and talked loudly the whole way through. This really, really annoyed me, it was so rude. Once this was over I left, glaring at all the rude talkers, who were also the same people who shoved everyone out their way in their haste to leave. Grrrrr.

 

Our meet and greet group from here on Cruise Critic had arranged to meet at Spice H2) for Sailaway. I suggested this location because although it is away from the party and music on the main pool deck, it is still outside and easy to find people. Myself and two other ladies had agreed to wear feather boas so that everyone would be able to recognise our group. It didn’t take long for us all to follow the trail of feathers and find each other!

 

 

It was good to finally put faces to the various screen names and it also meant I was able to meet some of my fellow solos. After a drink as we left the port it was time for the first of the solo meetings in the Studio Lounge, which were held everyday at 5.30pm. I got myself another drink then made my way down. I must have been a few minutes late because everyone was already gathered with the solo host Vianey beginning to introduce herself. So I just tried to slip in quietly onto a stool at the edge of the group. However as soon as I did, I heard someone shout my name, prompting Vianey to stop talking and everyone to look at me! I looked at the person in question and happened upon a lad I had never seen before, though he seemed to know who I was. Everyone looked at us bemused as he told me he was my secret stalker! It was actually a fellow CCer, kollegekreed, who recognised me from my previous reviews. It was to be the start of a beautiful friendship! Vianey carried on trying to get us to introduce ourselves and to be honest she irritated me, speaking to us a bit like we were school children, telling everyone what the must and mustn’t do. I felt she was a bit patronising and made the whole cruising process sound very complicated if it was your first time. However, as the week went on I warmed to Vianey as she got more into her role and I felt mean for initially disliking her! After she finished talking the group broke up but a few of us stayed chatting and these guys were to become my new best friends and we hung out together for the rest of the cruise. I was surprised how young everyone was, there were much more people in my age bracket than there was on my last Epic cruise. 6pm was waaaay to early for me to go for dinner, plus I hadn’t got ready or even received my suitcase yet, so I arranged to meet a few people a bit later back in the lounge.

 

When I made it back to cabin I saw that my case had now arrived. It turned out that the reason it was so late was because it had been to the Naughty Room! There was a note inside saying that they thought they saw something prohibited when it was screened so they checked it but everyone was ok. I wonder what they saw?! I got ready for the evening, wearing a casual peach coloured, skater style dress with black wedges.

 

 

I met 4 other solos as planned and we went to Taste for dinner at about 8pm. We were told there was a 20-25 minute wait so we took a pager and went to the Atrium Bar for a drink. However, we were buzzed after about only 10 minutes. What is worth mentioning is that two of the guys with us were wearing caps, which they were asked to remove before they went in. So for those who are wondering, casual dress is fine but the no caps/shorts/scruffy clothes rules were enforced in the main dining rooms, which I like to see. We were seated in a bit of a bad location behind a pillar and the restaurant was definitely full and the wait staff were friendly but clearly busy so the service was quite slow. I had broccoli soup to start followed by the surf and turf speciality of the day, then the chocolate raspberry cake. The food was good but not amazing, my steak was rather tasteless. Still, we had a nice meal and got to know each other.

 

After dinner we went to Howl at the Moon in Headliners. I remembered this as being fantastic on my last cruise so was looking forward to it. I wasn’t disappointed but the audience definitely need to participate to make it more fun. Needless to say this happens more as it gets later and more alcohol is consumed! After a little while here we headed to Bliss where there was a traffic light party being held. The idea behind this is that if you are single you wear green, not sure/could be persuaded is yellow, taken is red. This was completely pointless as no-one knew to bring the right colour clothes. I don’t think I would have participated anyway! However, once in Bliss we were joined by quite a few of the other solos we had met earlier and we had a fantastic night dancing away. It was so, so hot in there though, we were all dripping wet by the end of it, yuk! But I had so much fun with my new friends and it was a great start to my cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

[cruzisme]

Love following along in this review

Also love seeing what shoes and outfits you have!

[lara_lox]

Day 5 – 1st Sea Day, Martini-gate

 

As I always seem to do on cruises, I woke up before my alarm went off. There was some kind of service area right outside my cabin where the stewards refilled their carts I think. From what I can tell, these are what the blank spaces shown on the ship deck plans are. None of the staff were overly noisy or anything, but I could definitely hear them. I am quite a light sleeper though, so for the rest of the cruise I just used earplugs and had no problems. I pulled on some clothes in order to grab a coffee and orange juice from the Studio Lounge. As I said in my last review, this is the place to go for the best coffee on the ship as it is real beans that are freshly ground. I hate instant or weak coffee so this is a real plus for me. You can also get cappuccino/espresso etc with no charge. I took my drinks back to my cabin and got ready for my breakfast in Taste. I was surprised when I got to the restaurant how busy it was, but I was seated straight away on my own. They did ask if I wanted to share, but as much as I’m sociable, I like my own space too, particularly in the morning when I’m still waking up! I had grapefruit and eggs Benedict, which were good.

 

After breakfast I finally got my wish for some sun as I sat up in one of the comfy chairs on deck 18 and read for a while. Before long it was time for the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet in Bliss. Very few people turned up in comparison to the number who had signed up, and I had already met most of them either at Sailaway or in the solo meeting. Various officers and crew members came and talked to us, which was interesting, but after a quick group photo with them I left and returned to my sunbathing in the quiet zone. For lunch I just nipped into the Garden Café for a sandwich, which I took down to La Cucina where it is much quieter and a lovely setting. I was really impressed with the food from the buffet throughout the cruise, it was very fresh and tasty, the chefs kept the food constantly replenished and well presented and the servers worked very hard to clear tables as soon as possible.

 

One thing I have never tried on NCL but always hear such good things about are the drinks tasting and clinics. I’ve always thought it might be too much drink in the day but this time I wanted to give the Martini Clinic a go anyway and two of my fellow solos came with me. We sat at the bar itself and once again I was recognised from my reviews, this time by AtillaTheFun. He and his three friends filled up the rest of the bar beside us. The bartender running the event was really good, very knowledgeable and funny. I have never been encouraged to drink so quickly and have fun so much since I was in University! It started off great, with a Lemon Drop Martini. This wasn’t meant to be on our list, but apparently they set the glasses up by mistake so we were now having five martinis instead of four! Then it was a pear based drink, which I wasn’t keen on, followed by my two favourites, a Cosmopolitan and an Apple Martini. Now every time we got even halfway down our drinks we were topped up straightaway with the drink that was left! I’m sure we got more because we were sat at the bar, but the people in the seats did get extra too. This is where my day turns into a Martini induced haze! I wandered round chatting to random other people at the tasting and somehow missed my chocolate martini, noooooooo! (Yes because obviously I needed MORE alcohol at this point :rolleyes:) But when I took my seat at the bar again with my friends, the bartender realised I had missed out and made me a new one. Delicious! For $15 I must have drunk at least 8 martinis in two hours. I have never drunk that much, that quickly in my life. I can only apologise to anyone who saw me that afternoon – I believe that somewhere out there is a lovely photo of me and Emily at the start of the tasting, followed by one of us on the floor at the end of it… Oh dear! So as fun as it was, let me warn you, you WILL be drunk if you do this! :eek:

 

I somehow got ready for the evening, and wore a pale lemon coloured lace dress with purple patent heels and accessories. The only photo of my full outfit is not the best as it was taken shortly after the Martini tasting… But you get the idea.

 

 

Emily and I had a lie down before heading for a late dinner at Manhattan. I had prosciutto with figs and melon to start then thai chicken and shrimp with rice. I’ve had both of these dishes before on previous NCL cruises and found them to be not quite as good this time, though still pleasant enough. Emily had lamb shank off the regular menu and that looked really good. After dinner we managed to find the rest of our group in time to head to Howl at the Moon again, then Bliss. For some reason my handbag ended up being worn by Delwyn, I have no idea why?! However I didn’t last very long before I had to totter off to bed very tired and still somewhat worse for the wear!

 

 

 

[BlueJai]

Awesome review. I love your writing style and I am so impressed with your confidence to travel on your own and to accomplish so much while you are on holiday. Thanks for taking the time to do this, we all appreciate it!:)

[wrcjr98]

I'm a new "Lara fan"! I just happened upon your review, so I read the previous ones, and like others, I really enjoy reading your reviews, and checking out your clothes/shoes! I'm surprised that you have remained solo for 3 or 4 cruises, as you are very pretty and seem to have a great personality!! I admire you for travelling solo, I don't think I could do it!! Keep travelling and keep the reviews coming! Love them!!

[lara_lox]

Day 6 – 2nd Sea Day, Bleughhhh

 

After an hour less sleep due to the clocks going forward, I woke up feeling very hung-over (funnily enough!) Not only are clock changes listed in the previous Freestyle Daily, your cabin steward leaves a card on your bed to remind you also. It was really busy out on deck and I nearly got into an argument with a horrible, rude woman over a sun lounger! :mad: I went to Spice H20 and saw an empty lounger. No-one lay on it, no towel draped on top, no belongings beside it. I put my bag down and began to sit when a woman two loungers down told me it was taken. I pointed out that no-one was sat there now and so I was having it. She started saying how she had been saving it for her friend for over an hour and so I would have to leave as soon as her friend showed up. She wasn’t polite about this, but rather aggressive and unpleasant. I was NOT in the mood for having a row with a complete stranger over something so petty, plus I had no inclination to sit near to her now anyway, so I told her that actually she couldn’t save loungers but I was going to leave anyway as I didn’t want to argue on my holiday. As I walked away, seething, her husband actually smiled sheepishly and thanked me, so I guess even he though she was behaving poorly.

 

As usual I found that there was plenty space up on Deck 18 so I parked myself up there instead. I went for breakfast at O’Sheehan’s but couldn’t eat much so I collapsed back on my lounger instead. It suddenly began to rain really hard, prompting everyone to frantically scrabble up their belongings and run for shelter! I just hid in one of the outdoor showers until the rain stopped five minutes later. I was then able to secure one of the hastily vacated large padded beds right at the front of ship, where I passed some time by reading in the sun.

 

I ran into some of my friends later that afternoon and we headed back to O’Sheehan’s for a late lunch. I had mozzarella sticks and a grilled chicken sandwich, which made me feel a lot better. Then I settled down in one of the hot tubs in Spice with a couple of the guys. A Bloody Mary later and I was back on form!

 

Tonight I went casual and wore pale blue jeans, a black top and black heels. That evening there had been a dinner arranged for the solos at the Italian Restaurant La Cucina. There were about 13 of us so we were seated on two tables. Even though we were a large group, the staff coped well, serving us promptly and we never had to wait for drinks. The food was delicious and well worth the $15 cover charge. I ordered the bruschetta then the osso bucco. Both were so good, the meat just fell off the bone, I was in food heaven! I also tried other people’s dishes, including the tomato and mozzarella salad, pizza, pasta with meatballs, and everything was great. The only thing I wasn’t fussed on was desert, a rhubarb panacotta, but only because it was too sweet for my taste. The whole meal was really fun too and we had a great time.

 

 

 

After dinner we went to the 11pm Second City comedy improv show at Headliners. Some of my friends had already booked but when I tried to do this on my TV, the show was full so I couldn’t. However, those of us without reservations just waited in line for a few minutes until the unoccupied seats were released just before the show began and got in with no problem. I’ve never seen Second City before and I really enjoyed them. The audience had to shout out suggestions and scenarios and the actors made up scenes around them. They were very good and I found their style of comedy very funny. They also do earlier shows which are more appreciate for children, with less adults themes, cleaner language etc, but people say that the late ones are better! The show lasted maybe 45 minutes then we went for a wander around the casino before settling in the Champagne bar for a relaxed end to the evening. After a delicious non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri I went to bed to catch up on some sleep.

 

 

[CELTICGIRLCRUISER]

I really hope you gave some of your style advice to the guy in the orange:eek:

Edited January 30, 2013 by CELTICGIRLCRUISER

[Demonyte]

Day 5 – 1st Sea Day, Martini-gate

 

So, this happens to other people too... :D For us it was 2-for-1 martinis in the Star Bar on the Star.. boy, was that fun! :o :p

[wrcjr98]

I really hope you gave some of your style advice to the guy in the orange:eek:

 

Funny!!

[greatlakesgirl]

Loving your review - you've got great style!

[cruzisme]

You had so much fun on this cruise! Good for you (do it while you can!)

Kudos for cruising as a young solo (I didn't dare when I was your age)

Looking forward to your next installment....

[towel-animal]

Day 2 – Miami, The Day of the Dogs

 

I needed some more water for my room so walked to a nearby 7-11 and on the way located a small restaurant I had found recommended on Trip Advisor. Otentic is a tiny French inspired restaurant on Washington Avenue, and I wanted to try it that evening. I thought it would be better to walk around looking for it now, whilst it was still light and I had flat sandals on, rather than in the dark wearing heels! I found it with no problem and the menu looked good, so I decided I would go there for dinner later.

 

 

Thanks for the recommendation of Otentic! Went there tonight, and it was absolutely FANTASTIC!

[kollegekreed]

This is great so far. I almost feel like I was there! (Oh wait...)

[ValenciaTraveler]

This is great so far. I almost feel like I was there! (Oh wait...)

 

You too?:cool:

[kerrytens]

I loved your first Epic review - so far, it appears as if this one will not disappoint. Great job!

 

Looking forward to the rest:D

[lara_lox]

Day 7 – St Maarten, Beach Time!

 

When I woke up today I immediately turned on the deck cam channel on the TV – YESSSSS it was sunny! That meant I was finally going to get my chance to lounge about on the beach. There was no worry of sleeping in too late as the announcements over the tanoy once we docked at 07.30am were pretty loud. So I had a relaxed morning getting ready over a coffee and juice from the Studio Lounge, before having some tasty pancakes and bacon from the Garden Café. Compared to the previous two mornings, the ship was empty!

 

I’d already checked out my options for St Maarten and decided to stay close to the ship as I didn’t want to be catching taxis around the island by myself. However because I knew where I was going, one of my new friends decided to tag along with me, so late morning (to allow for the crowds to disperse, I met Tim to go ashore. We wandered around the little shops in the port area briefly before following the signs for the water taxi, which was really easy to find. For $7 it took you across the bay to Phillipsburg’s main shopping area, the boardwalk and Great Bay Beach. Although there were a lot of people about, there were plenty of boats so we didn’t have to wait. As soon as we arrived on the boardwalk we were bombarded by locals offering us lounger deals on the beach. However we decided to walk further down where it was quieter and just lay on our towels on the sand. After a few hours sunbathing and splashing about in the sea we were hungry and thirsty so we found a bar we liked the look of. Still in our swimwear we sat at the Firehouse bar right on the boardwalk and ordered a couple of beers. We also decided it would be rude not to try a shot of the local guava berry liquor, it was actually very good! The rest of the afternoon passed far too quickly sat at the bar relaxing with some more beers, conch fritter and chicken wraps.

 

 

 

 

We didn’t want to end up rushing back in time to catch the ship so at about 4.30pm we walked back to the water taxi, shedding sand behind us! Back on board we tried the waterslides. They were so much fun! And because it was now early evening, there were barely any lines at all. I felt like a big kid!

 

 

That evening I wore a black satin pencil skirt, black vest and my gold heels. A group of us went to Taste for dinner and on the way we passed a liquor tasting. They were good quality drinks, like flavoured Absolut Vodka and Bacardi, and the staff were happy for you try as many as you like. Once again there were no queues or the usual stampede of people grabbing for their free booze, maybe because it was a bit later on? A few tastings and we carried on to the restaurant where I had two of my favourite NCL starters, salmon tartare and mushroom quesadillas. They were nice but once again not amazing as I remembered. For my main course I had red snapper (which I didn’t think was actually snapper but maybe Coley or Pollock) then a cheese plate. Dinner lasted quite a while and meant that some of the group didn’t go to the Legends show as they had planned. I had already decided I wasn’t going to bother because the Legends weren’t really people I was interested in – Donna Summer, Jimmy Buffet and Michael Jackson. I did however see the Michael Jackson performer later on outside the theatre and it was spooky how much he looked like the real deal!

 

 

We went to Maltings bar for a drink whilst we waited for the Comedy Magician show to start. Maltings is all leather sofas and dark wood, very fitting for a whisky bar and a nice place to have a quiet drink. The Comedy Magician was a guy called Michael Finney. None of us were very impressed with the show really, he certainly isn’t a magician, and seemed to base his act around laughing at people in the audience. So with only very basic magic tricks and a somewhat dubious sense of humour, it wasn’t a winning combination! Still, it wasn’t like we had paid anything to see the show and it was something different to try. After this most people went to their cabins but Michael and I went to the comfy seats at the back of Bliss for a nightcap before bed. It was good mix up the dynamics a bit and spend time with some of my friends one-on-one today, as usually were all together in a big group, this way I got to know people a lot better.

 

 

[boopsahoy]

That skirt is gorgeous!

[lara_lox]

That skirt is gorgeous!

 

Thank you! :)

[lara_lox]

Day 8 – St Thomas, Snorkelling

Once again I was awoken by the tanoy announcing our arrival in port. I was hungry as soon as I woke up so headed straight up to the Garden Café for fruit and a breakfast sandwich, pleased as usual with the food on offer. I had wanted to do a snorkelling excursion at least once on this cruise but had decided not to pre-book anything, as I wanted to wait and see if I made any friends who had plans. So after breakfast I went to the Shore Excursion desk and was easily able to book the trip I had been looking for that afternoon. This was the Turtle Cove Sail and Snorkel, though there were several other similar excursions available.

 

I went up to the comfy area of the quiet zone on deck 18 and as there was no-one about I had my pick of the padded loungers. I sunbathed and read for while in peace, then grabbed a coffee and cookie from the Studio Lounge on my way to get ready for snorkelling. I met my group on the pier and it took a while for everyone to work out which excursion was theirs, so we set off a little late. I got chatting to two ladies on my trip as we waited. There was a short walk down to our catamaran ‘The Cat’ where we were given a safety talk by the crew before boarding. We decided to sit on the nets at the very front of the boat to make the most of the 40 minute sail to Turtle Cove. This was very pleasant but the boat was bumping up and down on the waves a lot, anyone who gets sea sick would have needed their meds.

 

 

The crew kitted us all out with out snorkelling gear on the journey so once we arrived at the cove we were shown how it use it, then it was straight into the sea. If you wanted to participate, one of the crew members did a guided snorkel around the cove, to show you the different areas and direct you to the best spots. I followed this and saw lots of different sized green turtles, string rays and shoals of fish. I was in the water for just the right amount of time to feel like I had seen things and enjoyed the sea, but not so long I was uncomfortable or tired. Back on the boat we dried off and enjoyed rum punch on our sail back. It was a en enjoyable trip and a nice way to see some of St Thomas, which was beautiful.

 

I was really hungry by the time I got back to the ship so I got some sandwiches and quiche from the Great Outdoors for a very late lunch. Then I relaxed with a Bloody Mary and my Kindle in Spice H20. I was so tired this afternoon that I went back to my cabin and chose a long nap in favour of meeting everyone for dinner. Instead I took my time getting ready and changing into tonight’s casual outfit of a cream butterfly shirt, black leggings and purple heels.

 

 

Continuing with my casual feel, I did something I had never done before on my cruises and went to the Garden Café for dinner. I had a craving for pizza so I tried a few different slices with fries and salad, sitting on a quiet table right at the front of the ship. The food was really good, and I love pizza, so I was happy! Rejuvenated by my nap and food I took a glass of wine back down to the Studio Lounge where one of our group had arranged a game of Adult Pictionary seeing at it was one of the solo traveller’s birthday. He shared some champagne he had been given with us all, and the solo host Vianey organised several plates of delicious chocolate covered strawberries. Now Adult Pictionary might sound like an odd way to spend an evening but it was hilarious! I think my best moment was when for the word ‘Drunk’ I drew a picture of me laid on the floor at the Martini Clinic, haha!

 

 

 

After this we went to another show by Second City at Headliners. Again those of us without reservations had no problem getting a seat. Tonight was different show which comprised of a selection of short skits, rather than being improv based. I still really liked it and found the show very funny. It was then off to Bliss, but as the DJ was not very good today, we just played pool and messed about taking silly photos all night.

 

 

[lovestx]

Great review and pics! Thanks for sharing.

 

Love that black satin and lace skirt!!! you can wear anything and have lovely taste.

 

Can't believe that you can eat as much as you have said you do and still stay so slim :)

[bluesea777]

Day 7 – St Maarten, Beach Time!

 

 

 

Was it your VERY FIRST dip in the Caribbean Sea???

 

Enjoying your review so far!!

[lara_lox]

Remember the photos I mentioned from the Martini Clinic? The proof of my shame has now been found...

 

Before:

 

 

After:

 

 

Oh dear! :eek:

[msmarvel]

^^^ That's hysterical! :D

 

Sent from my HTC VLE_U

[kikki21]

Great review and pics, love your style and bloody hell how can you eat all you do and stay so slim! :)

 

Please continue writing!

[YankeeFan4Ever]

I'm addicted to your review...can't wait for more!!! :)