Our Epic Med cruise 5/13-5/20 Epic

[TSUmom]

This is just a mini review of our trip. We had 4 in our group ages 53-80. My husband and I, my SIL and a family friend ( he is 80).

 

After our long flights from the US we finally arrived for our dream vacation. We booked the pre cruise tour package with NCL and were very happy with our decision. Gate1 met us at baggage claim and took us to the hotel, The Grand Palatino. We arrived on Sunday morning, checked in and then checked out the area near the hotel. We had two scheduled tours and then signed up for three optional tours. Monday morning we had a walking tour of Ancient Rome starting at the Colosseum, which was just a few blocks away. The optional tour was to piazzas. We had a great time but be prepared we walked about 7 miles that day. Tom, our 80 year old friend was worn out but enjoyed it also.

 

Tuesday was our Vatican tour and once again we were not disappointed. We skipped the long lines just like we did at the Colosseum. Our guide Christina was friendly and very knowledgable. This evening we chose the Authenic Roman dinner and show and had a great time. The show was an Opera/Comedy, dinner delicious and plenty of wine.

 

Wednesday morning we took one more optional tour, it was the underground tour. It was amazing and Christina was our guide one again. We put many miles on our feet in a few days but we saw and learned so much thanks to our guides. We could never have done it all on our own. Next up, the cruise...

[joedel]

How was the hotel

[TSUmom]

We arrived at the port after what seemed like forever. Tom had never cruised before and was like a kid at Christmas. We have been on 10 cruises and number 8 was the Epic. We were on the ship in 15 minutes. My DH, SIL and I were in a 2 bedroom suite, 16001, it was beautiful just like I had seen in the pictures here on cc. Monika was out concierge, we had her before on the Pearl and once again she was always there to help. Tom was in a regular balcony cabin and was happy with his too. Embarking in Rome we joined the ship mid cruise for the majority of passengers so the ship was quiet as most of them were trying to squeeze Rome into one day. We grabbed a quick bite and toured the ship before it was full.

 

We only saw a few shows, Howl at the Moon, The Beatles and Cirque Dreams. After busy days touring we ate dinner, headed to the Casino, had a drink or two and headed to bed.

 

In Livorno we were part of a shared tour with Rome In Limo and after a confusing start, we were waiting in the wrong place for pick up, everything was great. Thank you Sam and Vicki for setting up that tour. We climbed the Leaning tower and had a great view. If you plan on climbing pre book your tickets, the same for the Accademia if you plan on seeing the statue of David.

 

Cannes was a tender port. Tom was a bit nervous about getting on the tender but did it like a pro. We had a private shared tour again with Riviera Tours, thanks Danielle. We had two 12 passenger vans waiting for us. Monoco, Monte Carlo and a lap on the Grand Prix was awesome as well as the beautiful midevil town of Eze,which was too difficult for Tom to see so we took pictures for him while he sat at a Café. When we returned to port the lines were long. We arrived at 4:00 and all aboard was 4:30, oh no. We came to find out they shut down tender services about 1 because the wind and waves. Strong enough that and anchor had bent and they had to replace it. That night the ship rocked and rolled until we got near spain. Out of all my cruises this was the rockiest I had ever had. The winds were at 86 knots during the night.

 

We skipped Palma and took it easy all day. Tom was thankful for that because we hit the ground running in Barcelona. We took an NCL tour to the Monastery in Montserrat. A beautiful drive and an enjoyable tour.

 

Our Sea day was another day of relaxing. A Pedicure for my SIL and I and a bit of sun at the Haven pool. The guys were at the casino buying slot machines.

 

Tuesday was another Rome In Limo tour, thanks again Sam and Vicki. Naples, Sorrento and Pompeii, beautiful. Pompeii was once again too hard for Tom but he was happy with the café and his new found friend who also had a few issues with walking steep hills and she happened to be in most of our tours. I could not believe that the next day we were getting off the ship. After two years of planning and researching it was coming to an end.

 

We disembarked at 8:15 and our transportation, RomeCabs was waiting for us. We decided to spend one more night in Rome at the Hilton Rome Airport. We checked in and took the free shuttle to Rome Center, had lunch at a little Café, bought more souveniers and had our last taste of Gelato. My favorite new food. I probably gained 5 lbs on Gelato alone!!

 

This trip was a trip of a lifetime for Tom, he is Italian and always wanted to see Italy. For me, I would love to go back someday. I hope I have not babbled too much and actually helped some of you. I will try and answer any questions you have. Now back to reality...

[TSUmom]

How was the hotel

 

The hotel was nice, the package included a breakfast. It was close to the Coloseum and in a very nice area. We had a triple room, 3 twin beds and Tom had a single with one bed. The staff was nice. I had read about the noise and it could be warm but the air was available when we were there. Apparently they only have that available in certain months. We found that most hotels in Rome do not supply washcloths so it you use them bring your own. As far as noise, we were either too tired or having the windows closed and the air conditioning running helped.

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review.

[1island2go]

The hotel was nice, the package included a breakfast. It was close to the Coloseum and in a very nice area. We had a triple room, 3 twin beds and Tom had a single with one bed. The staff was nice. I had read about the noise and it could be warm but the air was available when we were there. Apparently they only have that available in certain months. We found that most hotels in Rome do not supply washcloths so it you use them bring your own. As far as noise, we were either too tired or having the windows closed and the air conditioning running helped.

 

 

 

Thanks for the review. We are doing almost the same itinerary and it is nice to read your thoughts. We are first time cruisers and visitors to the area so will be interesting. Thanks again for the info.

[joedel]

Great review we doing the same tour/ cruise in August we have a 24 hour layover in Copenhagen. And we arrive an extra day early in Rome I am interested in the piazza tours