I'm ruined just off Epic

[saffy22]

We arrived in Rome 5 days before the the cruise. I can help if you have any specific questions about that.

 

Met D&D at termini , Di and I went to supermarket to get water and coke for our Journey. Long walk to Civitavecchia train. Though it was platform 25 turned out to be 28,

Exciting,we are on our way. Maybe too exciting for some. Train stopped saw a sign for Civitavecchia off we jumped. Someone said no we haven't been going long enough. Good point better jump back on , jack got back, Di got back Dave never got off. Di came back to help with bags,she got back on and the doors closed, no worries I pushed the button. And the train left. With me on the station. With 3 bags. Dave didn't believe them . He called I found out a cab would cost 60 e so I waited 20 mins and caught the next train on my own.

 

Finally arrived at the port, hot stinking shuttle bus,not helped by the fact the luggage door flew open and people's cases flung along the ground.

Now check in time, no signs for suite guests so we asked and were taken to gold line. We caught up with everyone on the earlier train, a cute little Asian lady had been so worried about me, she gave me a hug,for making it on board. Met a nice butler( Maria) who took us to ship and up to concierge lounge . Met Adrian the brilliant concierge. We wanted lunch as it was 1.55 we were told some one would show us to our rooms ,and how things worked,and a tour of the haven .none of that ever happened. After lunch Adrian just said go to the 14th floor.

Room is beautiful, but had to struggle with coffee machine, lights and outlets was a bit frustrating.lunch and dinner in Epic club. No need to eat elsewhere. 2 days later Dave still raved about his steak at lunch. I had prawns and scallops. For dinner I had the Duck breast - best ever duck I have Eaten. J had risotto.we shared the chocolate trio for desserts . No one though it was that good.

 

Had a tour of the amazing spa. Lucky us as our spa suite included access. Di and I had planned on buying access anyway. If you love relaxing do it. $146 for the week. In our case only the wives would do it. But as we had free access the men came too.

 

Watched sail away from Posh, fun sailing past Carnival Sunshine,that ship is Tiny. Went to legends show, Tom Jones Adele and Tina Turner. I thought it was good, but long enough. I liked Adele the best. All had great voices and looked very similar, however I thought Tom over acted sooo much.

 

The show starts at 10 for butler service, they meet you at your room at 9.10- really what's special about arriving 50 minutes early? So we arranged to meet Joha at 9.30 at the show, there is a roped off area for Haven guests. So for Blue men I think we will go sans escort arrive 15 minutes before and sit in Haven area.

 

 

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[saffy22]

Thursday

Started with room service breakfast, as we are in a suite,we can order hot foods as well.

Tour with Shareashoreexcursion . Easy well organised day. But only our friend in front seat got to hear what was going on. Straight to Pisa arrived by 8.30 had to wait til 9 for our climb . We had booked on line, but there were tons of tix available for 8.45 and 9. So go early for no lines. Great photos,climb the tower, and off to Florence. WowvWow wow. Exceptional beauty. Started up Michelangelo square. Breathtaking. Next off for our driver to collect pre reserved ( by the company) tickets for Accedemia. We got our tix, our driver flagged down an assistant ,and in 5 minutes we are gazing at The David.

 

We had arranged with the other family on the tour to meet outside at 12.30- one hour. We had enough quickly, and walked out side our driver was there, we said the others will come at 12.30. He said No half an hour here, he should have told us. He really said nothing when we left him.

Next we are dropped into the main part of Florence. To wander around for 3 hours. It was wonderful. Saw the cathedral ,walked over the old bridge, bought some heavily discounted high end goods. But in the jewellery section,we enquired about the price of a bracelet I thought 600 - 800 euros shocked when they said 4000. Had lunch at a cafeteria and later a quick drink at Hard Rock.

 

We all agreed Florence is the most beautiful so far. Arrived back at the ship at 4.30 went to spa. Dinner at Epic club- prawn cakes prime rib .yum. Dessert much better today , our friends had coconut soufflé then ordered another with ice cream too. J and I shared mocha mousse yummmmm. Olivia our waitress was gorgeous. Couldn't do enough for us. D had 2 appetiser a grilled pork sausage and 2 desserts.

 

Too tired for show tonight spa tub in room ,and early night ready for Marseiile. Australians will understand as an Angels fan,for days I just think- take me away to Marseille

 

 

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[saffy22]

Friday

Marseille collected at 10am by Delphine from transferts services. Very expensive,but a great day.

 

As we left the ship, NCL offer $12 transfers. Immediatley outside the gates a free shuttle waits.we told a family we met in Cassis and they were not too happy.

 

First of to Casiss. Loved the markets,bought heaps. Next a little boat trip to 3 Calanques. Just enough I think.

I had a bad experience with an excel loo.

Next we wanted a winery,one said open at 2.30 do we went up the cliffs for amazing views over Marseille . Returned at 2.30 only to find its not open til 4. So we went to one closer to town. The usual cellar door -, name to follow. Staffed by the most unpleasnt woman ever. She suggested if we wanted to try the wine we go to a bar in town. And we couldnt taste unless we bought a bottle. I usually do anyway, however why don't they just charge 5 e for tasting? Ridiculous .

Back to a marseille pretty but no a cassis , returned to ship, quick visit to O Sheehans, then off to get ready for BMG.

Being in the Haven we were asked if we wanted to be in the Show, we didn't but the row in front did, however David and I had small parts.

Best show I've seen on a ship.Others we met walked out, so have to judge for yourself. And it's free,can't wait to see how Cirque is,as you pay for that.

Dinner in Epic club again. Then 11 pm Spanish ballet for Di and I while the boys went to pokies loved the flamenco,do not miss it

 

 

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[saffy22]

Epic Saturday

 

Today was Mallorca, ok but I wouldnt rush back. We found a nice taxi driver, Maria, a school teacher part time drives her Fathers taxi.

Saw the cathedral-, of course- bought some cute souvenirs. Went to a pearl factory, the bull fight ring :-( still fight once a years:-( and then 12 th century castle.

 

Next we had some Sangria and Tapas at PortoPi Internet crappy. Dinner at La Cucina nice to be up there for sail away . But not as good as we remembered .

 

 

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[saffy22]

Epic Sunday

 

Today was Barcelona, loved it. It had been 38 the week before, but we lucked onto a perfect 28 degree day.

We took the bus to Columbus monument then found a taxi for 30 Euros an hour. Off to Sagrada Familia as we had 10 am tix. It is worth seeing, had audio guides, probably wouldn't bother with them. Really walk around outside, a quick look inside is enough. Especially when you only have a day. Went up the tower too, not that thrilling, but we didn't wait at all,so no big deal.

Next off to Park Guell, maybe a guide would be helpful. Just sort of wandered not really knowing what we were looking at.

 

Then we went to Bareclona FC had a look around beer and sangria. The fast food tapas style looks far better than Australian fast food. Not really enough time for a tour 23 e around 90 minutes. Maybe next time. Next past the Olympic Stadia,took couple photos. Quick wizz past the beach front, then back to monuments and goodbye to Luis out driver.

 

Next I wanted Paella and sangria. I knew to avoid LosvRamblas, but really it was quick and easy, and rather pleasant to sit in the shade,right on Los Ramblas. Had a 2 Tapas and paella special for 8,75. Tapas was nice little Chorizo and Calamari. The Paella was rubbish. Frozen reheated bland muck. No crust!! I'll have to go to El Toro Espanol at home . Ordered 2 sangria - mistake not on menu- charged 11e !, we got ripped off. Always check how much. They were so large 1 would do both of us, we got a bit merry. Back to the ship for a spa , snooze and dinner again in Epic Club. Lobster night amazing surf and turf loved the presentation.

 

Barcelona is the main embarkation port, and I really feel,those embarking in Rome are not treated the same. Ie, we only got info re captains dinner here. It is twice in the week, marseille and Naples, well we were past Marseille and had cirque booked for Naples,so we missed out . If we knew we would have gone for sure. Also as it is held in a epic club it's a good opportunity for non suite guests to see how lucky we are.

No mention in Rome of Internet embarkation special.

Our concierge left the ship in Rome! We had no idea, just had a note from new one. We got fresh flowers and fruit again as well.

 

Went to howl at the moon, very good, but on soo late,we couldn't stay awake past 12.

 

 

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[saffy22]

Epic Monday

Sea day

 

Ships behind the scenes tour today. Goes for 2.5 hours!! Didnt really need half an hour about the theatre ,rest was pretty good, saw the galley , food storage areas,freezers, waste stations, laundry, and the bridge. Officers came and explained each section.

However I understand no photos when walking through staff mess and rooms, but the tossed in charge of the waste section said no photos, I can follow instructions, and put my camera down, however he was happy to embarrass me, and said no your camera is still on! Actually as we work in the waste industry it was of more interest to us. Someone else asked why no photos and he said because of me, my decision.

Quick visit to art auction ,says 12.30 but didn't get under way til 1.30 which was annoying.

Next lunch in Epic Grill as we sailed between Corsica and Sardinia. Then a snooze and off for a bamboo massage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[saffy22]

Epic Tuesday

 

This morning collected by Franco from sharea shore excursion, from the start he was so much better than the last guy from this company. We had 2 other Aussie couples. We all took turns from front to back.

 

First sight of Mt Vesuvius, then first stop Sorrento. Wandered around for an hour,then off to Positano. Great experience dipped my toes in Meditteranean pretty town,high end shops though. Next higher and higher up the narrow streets to la tagliata family restaraunt

We shared family style

Prosciutto ,croquettes,cece,peas,potato tomato salad,eggplant,spinach, broccoli,pane, then main course eggplantvparmgian, 4 pastas ,gnocchi,broccoli,Nonnas special ricotta parcels and ravs,next desserts, tiramisu,profiteroles,baba and Nonnas cake. Unlimited red white wine, Birra all for 25 e.

 

We all slept on the way to Pompei, and no one felt like walking around in the heat.pretty sad when our guide said 2 hrs we walk a long way!!! However of course we perked up a bit, it was soooo good. I found the guide a bit patronising, Allora and Raggazzi every 2 minutes, Raggazzi means young people, as the average age on the tour was 40 not sure we qualify.

However it is an amazing site . Really really good. Our Aussie friends even tipped Franco, and that doesn't happen often.

 

To continue our very long day,we all visited the spa. All week we couldn't talk Jack into it. last day we get him in, couldnt wipe the smile from his face. Di wanted to splash a posh blond with perfect hair.more on her later .

Next at 9.30 we had Cirque tix.the concierge kept saying to upgrade to Premium. We liked our booth,and only couldn't see a couple of bits. Still a great show. Nice to meet our butler at 9, walk past the crowd, and in a back entrance and seated before everyone who lined up for half an hour.

 

Two seats were upturned right at the front , and who appeared ,but the blond from the spa, then I realised I had seen her swanning around the Bridge on our behind the scens tour. Lucky Di didn't splash the Captains Wife!!!

 

 

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[antique sailor]

We arrived in Rome 5 days before the the cruise. I can help if you have any specific questions about that.

 

Met D&D at termini , Di and I went to supermarket to get water and coke for our Journey. Long walk to Civitavecchia train. Though it was platform 25 turned out to be 28,

Exciting,we are on our way. Maybe too exciting for some. Train stopped saw a sign for Civitavecchia off we jumped. Someone said no we haven't been going long enough. Good point better jump back on , jack got back, Di got back Dave never got off. Di came back to help with bags,she got back on and the doors closed, no worries I pushed the button. And the train left. With me on the station. With 3 bags. Dave didn't believe them . He called I found out a cab would cost 60 e so I waited 20 mins and caught the next train on my own.

 

Finally arrived at the port, hot stinking shuttle bus,not helped by the fact the luggage door flew open and people's cases flung along the ground.

Now check in time, no signs for suite guests so we asked and were taken to gold line. We caught up with everyone on the earlier train, a cute little Asian lady had been so worried about me, she gave me a hug,for making it on board. Met a nice butler( Maria) who took us to ship and up to concierge lounge . Met Adrian the brilliant concierge. We wanted lunch as it was 1.55 we were told some one would show us to our rooms ,and how things worked,and a tour of the haven .none of that ever happened. After lunch Adrian just said go to the 14th floor.

Room is beautiful, but had to struggle with coffee machine, lights and outlets was a bit frustrating.lunch and dinner in Epic club. No need to eat elsewhere. 2 days later Dave still raved about his steak at lunch. I had prawns and scallops. For dinner I had the Duck breast - best ever duck I have Eaten. J had risotto.we shared the chocolate trio for desserts . No one though it was that good.

 

Had a tour of the amazing spa. Lucky us as our spa suite included access. Di and I had planned on buying access anyway. If you love relaxing do it. $146 for the week. In our case only the wives would do it. But as we had free access the men came too.

 

Watched sail away from Posh, fun sailing past Carnival Sunshine,that ship is Tiny. Went to legends show, Tom Jones Adele and Tina Turner. I thought it was good, but long enough. I liked Adele the best. All had great voices and looked very similar, however I thought Tom over acted sooo much.

 

The show starts at 10 for butler service, they meet you at your room at 9.10- really what's special about arriving 50 minutes early? So we arranged to meet Joha at 9.30 at the show, there is a roped off area for Haven guests. So for Blue men I think we will go sans escort arrive 15 minutes before and sit in Haven area.

 

 

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AHOY SHIPMATE

 

BEN VENUTI Can you imagine living in Naples for three years? It was 30 yrs ago

courtesy of the USN

Actually it has improved tremendously since they were let into

the common market.

[saffy22]

Wednesday Civitavecchia - Venezia

 

Sad morning, Jack said I'm not leaving. Steak and Eggs in Epic club.said goodbye Olivia,no shorty this morning. Tipped Joha and Olivia. Left ship at 9.00 for 9.44 train to Termni. Forgot about the port shuttle.just missed 1 so had to rush like crazy for train. Port shuttle dropped us different spot from entry, probably 5 extra minutes walk. I had no euros left as all the ATMs near Naples had no cash. Apparently it was staff pay day.

 

Got to the station with 3 minutes to spare,jumped on train with bags,and lucky a ticket machine was right there. Jack stood in doorway while I grabbed tix, got on train with 1 minute to spare. I have posted all of this on the Wifi on high speed train to Venezia

 

 

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[Ljunggren]

 

The Paella was rubbish. Frozen reheated bland muck. No crust!! I'll have to go to El Toro Espanol at home .

 

 

 

Absolutely love your review, went off the Epic myself a couple of weeks ago.

But....Spanish Paella with a crust? Never seen it, and I´ve been to Spain 25+ times in the last 10 years.

[computerworks]

I have posted all of this on the Wifi on high speed train to Venezia

 

Thanks for all your efforts!

 

Tell us more about the train Rome -> Venice

What time did you disembark in Rome?

[saffy22]

The burnt crusty bits on the bottom, or socaret? If its cooked properly ie from the bottom, not heated from the top. It's a Masterchef thing!

 

 

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[saffy22]

Off the ship at 9. Rushed for 9.45 to Termini arrived termini 10.55 then the 11.50 to Venezia. Easy booked super economy 3 months before for 58 e both, if you bought today would be 80e each, so book in advance

 

 

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[kylenyc]

Love the review! Feel like I'm on the trip with you as you write it, a few adventures and close calls!

 

Favorite bits:

"...we got a bit merry." :)

"Di wanted to splash a posh blond with perfect hair..." Heheh imagine if you actually did! :p:eek: