Live EPIC Mediterannean 11-Day Cruise from Marseille, France October 2, 2023-with pics!

[graphicguy]

@mking8288….Thanks for the advice, Henry.  You made up my mind.  I’ll wait to upgrade to unlimited WiFi on board.  I don’t watch much (if any) TV while cruising.  Too many other things that I like to do better.  Aside from the safety briefing and weather reports, I can’t think of any time I’d want to turn on the TV.  So, streaming has no use.

 

I thought perhaps it would make posting pics a little easier.  But, if there’s no advantage, I don’t need the streaming option.

 

I’m on Verizon.  So, will contact them to see what plans are available.  I’ll be in Europe for nearly a month.  While I’ll already be with family while in Italy, there will be a couple of weeks I’m on my own.

 

PS…regardless of the plan I upgrade to, it seems posting vids while on board is an exercise in extreme frustration.  I’ve yet to hear if Starlink makes a significant difference.

 

And yes, we’ll chat/post each other more before embarkation.  Again, thanks!

[graphicguy]

15 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Make sure to take that jacket and tie! And, your passport. Otherwise no can access the casino. 🙂

 

I hope you're getting some pizza in Naples!

Never thought about that.  Thanks for the head’s up.

 

May change my excursion.  I’m a “lite” packer.  To pack a suit jacket and dress pants/shirt is not in my nature.  If I only need that for this tour, will probably punt that excursion and find another one.

 

Pizza…for certain….especially from the Mother Land.

[graphicguy]

14 hours ago, Grimix said:

So with all your cruising you didn't pick up some NCLH shares at bargain basement prices?

 

Don't quote me, but I suspect the streaming upgrade only opens the ports commonly used by the major streaming services (youtube/netflix/hulu/etc, maybe filtering based on IP, don't know. I'm in software, but not networking.) I don't think it boosts your actually bandwidth, so just uploading I think the extra $100 would be a waste. 

 

Unfortunately (or fortunately) this will not be live for me because we'll be on our cruise to Alaska. We're going to the airport on the same day, but no big time difference so our cruise leaves the 1st. Have a great one!

I did have NCLH shares I bought at $11/sh when they announced their restart.  Promised myself I’d sell once they hit $17, which I did earlier this year.  In the interim, I think I used at least $500-$600 OBC while I owned the shares.  I thought I would slow down my cruising and the OBC wouldn’t mean as much.  Boy, was I wrong.  LOL!  What’s it trading for these days?

 

As mentioned, YT, NF, HuLu are services I’d use at home.  On a cruise?  I can’t think why I’d want to utilize them.  Maybe to post to YT, but even there, I’m not sure how difficult it would be.  I know posting vids to Cruise Critic is nearly impossible while on board.  I’ve tried….several times. But, there seems to be some sort of incompatibilities between Cruise Critic and cruise internet services.  So, it’s as much a Cruise Critic thing as it is a ship WiFi issue.  And, I’ve tried with NCL, Celebrity and Royal.  So, it’s not just NCL with the issue.

 

I love Alaska.  Would go again in a heart beat.  But unfortunately, as bad as WiFi is cruising other parts of the world, I’ve found Alaska cruises to be the absolute worst.  It’s fine when docked.  Get anywhere away from the pier, and it just disappears or is so slow that’s it’s impossible to use.  But, you’re in Alaska.  So, you’ll have that going for you 😉

[cruiseny4life]

17 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Never thought about that.  Thanks for the head’s up.

 

May change my excursion.  I’m a “lite” packer.  To pack a suit jacket and dress pants/shirt is not in my nature.  If I only need that for this tour, will probably punt that excursion and find another one.

 

Pizza…for certain….especially from the Mother Land.

The jacket and tie is just in case you're going into the play rooms at the casino. Otherwise, you'll be fine with your normal cruise wear! I was kidding, without an emoji. 😉

 

Have a lovely time

[smillerholmes]

36 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I did have NCLH shares I bought at $11/sh when they announced their restart.  Promised myself I’d sell once they hit $17, which I did earlier this year.  In the interim, I think I used at least $500-$600 OBC while I owned the shares.  I thought I would slow down my cruising and the OBC wouldn’t mean as much.  Boy, was I wrong.  LOL!  What’s it trading for these days?

A little over $22/share...but don't you worry about that.  Continue on with your planning.  Us Midwesterners gotta have a role model. 😁 My Med cruise is the first week of November so looking forward to your review.

[graphicguy]

26 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

A little over $22/share...but don't you worry about that.  Continue on with your planning.  Us Midwesterners gotta have a role model. 😁 My Med cruise is the first week of November so looking forward to your review.

LOL!

 

Typical of all my investments.  I rarely buy at rock bottom and I rarely sell at the tippy top of the market. C'est la vie!

 

I know about a year and a half ago, there were some folks in the NCL threads belittling the stock and the company hoping that their short sale would prove fruitful.  Obviously, that hasn't happened.  

 

Hope this thread proves helpful for you.

[mking8288]

@graphicguy KnowRoaming eSim, consider this as your EU data roaming backup, in addition to your VZW global or int'l options for data ... nowadays, it's mainly fast 4G LTE data as 5G isn't everywhere and often not important for "less" populated & non-urban places, like small towns & villages and countrysides, small islands with 25,000 (or less) local residents.  Another CC couple we met a few years ago are frequent cruisers and they recommended this, it's valid all over Europe (EU) and all the islands, including Azores - one of the better deal is a 30 days pass for 5GB at $22 USD, there are similar ones for more data at similar prices, and options for 2 weeks or 7 to 10 days, etc. designed for travelers.  Since some of us with digital toys have dual or eSim capabilities anyway, easy to set that up online ahead, then just activate OTA upon arrival to begin using it ... and renew/add extra data as need while on the go, all without stopping at a local "store" or "shop" for a nano-sim at the airport.  

 

If there was one at BCN's busy cruise terminals, it wasn't obvious or highly visible, easy to find - hence, this KR eSim is apparently a good buy.  Are you checking out the possibility of catching a westbound TA back - instead of flying back, everything set & locked up ?  Viva, perhaps - "last minute" deals to be "found", just saying, but will disembark in Miami (got a bunch of CC'er on her, not us) & then, a short flight home ??   We'll be in Spain by mid November too, looking at additional options before our next TA coming back (# 2 crossing, both within the same year)   Might "play" with KnowRoaming eSim & load that on the Mrs. SS Galaxy+ for data, while I'll stick with Google Fi - Vodafone and Orange are the big EU players, along with "3" all of them have travelers data sim option, since you are going to be there for a # of weeks - might be a smarter option than paying VZW for the add-ons.  

[graphicguy]

Henry….the trip back home is in flux.  I’ll be disembarking in Marseille and traveling to Cortona to meet up with family for another 10 days, or so.  Really the only way to get back home via cruise ship would be to sail out of Rome.  I can fly back via the airport in Pisa.

 

More focused on how to get from the port in Marseille after the cruise to Cortona.

[All-ready2cruise]

Hope your search is going well, I know there are quite a few choices. I know that can make  it even more difficult.  Good luck finding a route that suits you. 

[Pookie2u]

@graphicguy  I just learned they are cramming a 3 day rugby quarter finals "cruise" in between your trip and mine.  Yours will be a rugby sandwich.

 

Also, not much hope for me having a ship kept clean, eh?  Should be interesting in Marseille.

 

Thanks for the updates!

[graphicguy]

Mentioned I thought it might be a good deal to upgrade to Free at Sea Plus.  Talked to 2 NCL per cruise concierges….2 different answers about whether I could use 2X excursion credits as part of that upgrade.  I forgot I had emailed the NCL concierge dept. a while ago and figured it got buried on the NCL nether regions.  Here’s that email….

 

Hi:

I’m sailing on the NCL Epic out of Marseille France on October 2, 2023. I am just starting to look at Excursions and am also looking at Free at Sea Plus. There, it says the drink package is upgraded, the internet is upgraded to unlimited and 2 more Specialty Dinners are included. I am traveling solo, so I’m very interested in the additional $50 per excursion credit. Given I’m solo, does that mean I can add an additional $50 credit per excursion to my current $50 credit? Again, it’s only me. One phone Concierge said I could, and another just told me I couldn’t. Won’t upgrade if that isn’t available to me. Just want to make sure as it makes sense that I would get that perk if I do the upgrade. Appreciate your help.

Warm Regards,

[graphicguy]

I finally got their response today, in writing…..

 

Hello Dan, 

Thank you for your email. We will be happy to assist you. Yes, if you wish to upgrade your promo for $462, you will get an additional discount for shore excursions. If you have any questions or further requests feel free to let us know.

At your service,

Norwegian Concierge Desk
P: +1 855-625-4283
NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com | www.ncl.com
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
7665 Corporate Center Drive | Miami FL 33126

 

So, now I have it in writing.  Will go ahead and use my OBC for FAS+

[UKstages]

while I can appreciate that you have it in writing… this will end badly. not for you… you’re smart and have it in writing and can probably fight the good fight. but I am almost 2000% positive that a solo passenger will not get an additional $50 excursion credit. honestly, apart from the fact that you have it in writing, what’s your level of confidence that you will be given an additional excursion credit?

 

go back and read post #39.
 

my point being… it’s going to take a lot of legwork on your part, starting with spirited discussions with the excursions staff onboard when you don’t get that second excursion credit, then guest services, then the GM, then finance, then a letter to corporate in miami. 
 

is it worth it?

 

only you can decide. if you think the unlimited wifi is what you need and you upgrade on that basis and that is worth it to you, along with the upgraded drinks package and additional meals… then, sure, go ahead. you may have a $50 bonus to boot.
 

but i don’t think you should have any realistic expectation of getting that additional $50 excursion credit. you may if you make enough noise, but i’d be shocked if it was given to you as a matter of course or if the email you received accurately described the program. i think whoever wrote that doesn’t understand the services provided or missed the part where you clearly stated you were traveling solo, even though you mentioned it no fewer than three times!

[graphicguy]

@UKstages…just going by past encounters with billing issues with NCL.  Verbal agreements don’t usually carry weight.

 

But, in this case, having an email from their own support dept has always clarified and rules in the guest’s favor.  

 

In this instance, I will turn it over to the Concierges on board.  I’ll give him/her the email if there’s any question.  I won’t spend any time with it.

 

It’s $50 extra per excursion.  Given how many excursions involved, I think the dollar amount will be around $250.  

 

Add in the unlimited WiFi upgrade, extra Specialty Dinners and the drinks, I’ll pull the trigger, especially given my OBC will have it covered! 

Edited July 13, 2023 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, Pookie2u said:

@graphicguy  I just learned they are cramming a 3 day rugby quarter finals "cruise" in between your trip and mine.  Yours will be a rugby sandwich.

 

Also, not much hope for me having a ship kept clean, eh?  Should be interesting in Marseille.

 

Thanks for the updates!

Yeah…I had heard there was a rugby charter.  I don’t know the specifics.  What days are the rugby charter?

 

As an aside, I played rugby in college.  Back then, I wouldn’t have let me stay anywhere remotely nice!  😉

[Pookie2u]

16 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

What days are the rugby charter?

They are pretty much the whole month of September plus that one between our trips.
https://www.infinityrugby.io/

Should be interesting 😬

[graphicguy]

54 minutes ago, Pookie2u said:

They are pretty much the whole month of September plus that one between our trips.
https://www.infinityrugby.io/

Should be interesting 😬

Thanks for the link.  

 

Yeah…interesting!!!!🏉🏟️

[Grimix]

I should let my neighbor know. He's a big rugby aficionado (played for the Harlequins in Hawaii) but he's also an ex-navy guy so doesn't really fancy going back on a ship... 

[cavok]

We'll be following as we're going to be on the same cruise... 

 

Fare was really good compared to similar cruises in the same timeframe and it fits perfectly within our fall school holidays. 

 

Another big bonus was that we can drive to Marseilles from Switzerland and park the car for the duration in a secure parking right at the port. Flying for a family of 4 this summer in Europe can otherwise be unreasonably expensive.

 

We know our way around all ports and the region, in case you need any local knowledge... 

 

regards

cavok

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, cavok said:

We'll be following as we're going to be on the same cruise... 

 

Fare was really good compared to similar cruises in the same timeframe and it fits perfectly within our fall school holidays. 

 

Another big bonus was that we can drive to Marseilles from Switzerland and park the car for the duration in a secure parking right at the port. Flying for a family of 4 this summer in Europe can otherwise be unreasonably expensive.

 

We know our way around all ports and the region, in case you need any local knowledge... 

 

regards

cavok

Many Thanks…may take you up on that.

 

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NCL is hosting our…

 

MEET AND GREET

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IN CAGNEY’S STEAK HOUSE!

 

 They will have crew to answer our questions!!!!  They usually provide drinks and snacks!

 

•  

[lepidoptera]

Since you are interested in Sagrada Familia-I went last October late afternoon. The low angle of the sun and then the light through the windows was fantastic, so beautiful.

 

I actually did a tour with Spain Day tours that did Monserrat and Barcelona-including Park Guell. It ended with an outside tour of the Sagrada and then those of us with skip the line tickets were allowed to go inside. Highly recommend they were fantastic to work with pre-cruise and had a great guide. 

[graphicguy]

Interesting....just got an email yesterday asking if I wanted to upgrade.....the issue is, I'm no longer is a Haven Spa Suite.  Further, I already upgraded to the Haven 2 BR Family Villa and I paid $113 IN TOTAL, not $500 per person they're stating as the minimum bid.

 

Here are some upgrade options, priced per person for the entire duration of the cruise:

The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony (H2) From  $950 pp	The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony (H6) From  $500 pp
(Note: Prices shown are in US Dollars.)

Please see our Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions that apply to offers made under the Upgrade Advantage program. If you are experiencing any technical issues, simply reply to this email. Important Information NCL reserves the right to not accept any offer regardless of offer amount or stateroom availability. Availability of upgrades is limited and is made at the sole discretion of NCL. NCL reserves the right to accept any offer from the time it is submitted to the departure date and time.  Offers are based on double occupancy. Only the first and second passenger on the reservation will be charged. Once your bid is accepted, the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable. The upgrade does not include any additional promotions. Current promotions on the reservation will not be altered.  NCL cannot guarantee a specific cabin number assignment within the upgraded category. Your cabin number will depend on space availability and cannot be changed. NCL Address  7665 Corporate Center Dr, Miami, FL 33126 Contact Us

If you have Norwegian's Travel Protection on your current booking, you will be automatically charged to cover the upgrade cost. For more information please click here. If you have travel protection via your travel professional, please contact them to add your upgrade to your coverage.

Edited July 30, 2023 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Now less than 50 days out.  Starting to think about what I'm taking.  October in the Mediterranean, I think I'm sticking with short sleeves and shorts.  Crocs as close toed shoes for the long pants LeBistro.  Will take a pair of khakis just in case I change my mind.  

 

Not certain I want to use that as an SDP choice.  The last 3 or 4 times I've dined there on different ships, it hasn't been all that good.  I have 2 SD certs from Latitudes.  I have 2 with my FAS and I have 1 LeBistro specific cert from my AMEX card.  But, they usually let me change that if I request it.

 

Double checked Passport validity...good through 2031.  OK there.

Airlines booked.

Still keeping an eyeball open for any fare drops.

 

Looking at my well worn luggage.  May pop for a larger roll aboard to see if I can get away with just a back pack and a roll aboard. Looking at this one....pricey, but lifetime warranty.  Hmmmm.....

 

https://travelpro.com/collections/hard-side-luggage/products/platinum-elite-hardside-business-plus-carry-on-luggage-expandable-spinner-suitcase?variant=32088643338338

 

Pulled my packing cubes out of my old beat up rollaboard that served me well for a decade.

 

Anyone try MONOS luggage?  Those look pricey too, however.

 

[Travelicious]

On 7/9/2023 at 10:47 AM, graphicguy said:

Given the logistics and the time differences, and the flights, my usual book, pack up roll aboard and leave isn’t going to cut it.  

 

Marseille is a + 6 hour time difference for me.  Finding a sitter for roughly a month for my beloved Daschund isn’t as easy as having a neighbor watch her for a week.  Family who usually kicks in, is going to be in Italy while I’m gone.  And, I will not put her in a kennel where she’s in a cage most of the time.

 

Hey graphicguy!  I'm just finding this thread and am excited to follow along.  We are planning about 7 weeks on 3 different cruises next year.  My 18 year old dog died a month or so ago, and I don't plan to get another until I've got big trips I want to take out of the way.  So that is one thing we won't have to worry about.  Your pup is a cutie!

[LauraAnneC]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Now less than 50 days out.  Starting to think about what I'm taking.  October in the Mediterranean, I think I'm sticking with short sleeves and shorts.  Crocs as close toed shoes for the long pants LeBistro.  Will take a pair of khakis just in case I change my mind.  

 

Not certain I want to use that as an SDP choice.  The last 3 or 4 times I've dined there on different ships, it hasn't been all that good.  I have 2 SD certs from Latitudes.  I have 2 with my FAS and I have 1 LeBistro specific cert from my AMEX card.  But, they usually let me change that if I request it.

 

Double checked Passport validity...good through 2031.  OK there.

Airlines booked.

Still keeping an eyeball open for any fare drops.

 

Looking at my well worn luggage.  May pop for a larger roll aboard to see if I can get away with just a back pack and a roll aboard. Looking at this one....pricey, but lifetime warranty.  Hmmmm.....

 

https://travelpro.com/collections/hard-side-luggage/products/platinum-elite-hardside-business-plus-carry-on-luggage-expandable-spinner-suitcase?variant=32088643338338

 

Pulled my packing cubes out of my old beat up rollaboard that served me well for a decade.

 

Anyone try MONOS luggage?  Those look pricey too, however.

 

That case is lovely but just be aware if you are travelling on any internal European airlines there is a maximum of 10kg for your carry on. Some airlines are very strict about this.  I looked at the weight of your case and it was over 3 kg, nearer to 4kg I think! Just a word of caution….