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Recap of first-time-ever NCLer going on EPIC . . .


DGP1111
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Thanks Don. I am not sure how I missed this the first time around. I do a solo trip every now and then and Epic has been on my radar. My only holdout has been the itinerary. However, your review pretty much sealed the deal for me to try it. I do a Greek Isles cruise on Jade in July and will look into getting a FCC for Epic. Thanks again, your style is wonderful.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Don, if there was a book about the Epic, I am sure you would be the first choice for the author and photographer!

 

We shall be doing the transatlantic from Barcelona to Miami this fall and I feel that after having read your multiple posts that I am prepared for this adventure!

 

I am sending all of our Oct. 21st, 2012 roll call members over here, do hope that is ok. They need to learn from the expert!

 

Hoping that our sailings will cross one day! :)

 

Tom and Jackie from Ontario, Canada

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Prior to the Blue Man Group show, bar waiter Michael strongly suggested the 'Blue Experience' cocktail. A concoction of Malibu, something else, blue curacao, and a frozen marshmallow on top. It looked a little bit ridiculous, but thankfully it was quite amazing. Really amazing. I contend there was also a sleep aid in it that wasn't advertised. Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

 

As you might have guessed, after about fifteen minutes of the show, in a very comfortable seat, and low lighting . . . I began to study the inside of my eyelids. I fought it, and I fought it hard -- but lost. Once I opened my eyes to see one of the performers walking on the chair arms into the audience. :eek: Oh, good Lord, is he coming for me??!! Whew, not me. :o

 

Loud percussion, strobe lights, backup musicians, and other effect just didn't do it for someone who'd been been awake since Friday morning. Yowza!! Luckily, T-n-C didn't make too much fun of me for it -- they were good sports.

 

Well, the first day on the ship is now complete, and that was A LOT to cram into just a few hours. This ship has SO much to offer, and we were determined to just about see it all. Did we succeed??

 

Yes!! :D

 

More coming to this thread soon.

 

 

I wasn't sure about booking Epic for 25th wedding anniversary, but I gotta tell ya, you've sold me on it for sure! I'm changes cruises and CRUISE LINES tomorrow!

 

Thanks!

Edited by MrsNancyG
forgot a thought...I'm really tired! lol
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Hadn't planned on attempting any sort of 'epilogue' on this earlier project, but just wanted to say a very sincere THANK YOU for all the kind words and support. Didn't want anyone to think their comments went unnoticed. :)

 

I'm awaiting two additional future embarkations on Norwegian EPIC (also some other ships), and hope that each of those will create their own special moments as well. Will certainly be different from the first when everything was so brand new, unknown, and rather overwhelming.

 

If anyone wonders if I'm still pleased with the NCL product, that's a definitive YES. Yep, there have been a few small bumps along the way, but the overall takeaway is such that I now refer to NCL as my "go-to cruise line."

 

I started that first EPIC voyage as a nothing newby, and will hit Platinum status in February 2013. Guess I could now be referred to as a hook, line, and sinker dude. :)

 

Again, thanks, and big BON VOYAGE wishes to all!! :D

 

.

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...

 

I started that first EPIC voyage as a nothing newby, and will hit Platinum status in February 2013. Guess I could now be referred to as a hook, line, and sinker dude. :)

 

...

 

No Don, that would be a "hop, skip, and jump dude" - as your upcoming platinum status shows (related to ours)! :D

 

Tom

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Wow Don! That was a great tr!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it.

 

I stumbled on this thread, had no interest in the Epic, but your wonderful attitude, style of writing and pics got me hooked! Like a book I couldn't put down. :)

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Thanks Don for an entertaining & informative review of the Epic. My cruise is scheduled for April 2013, to celebrate my 35th Wedding Anniversary. I have been taking notes of your Review so that I don't forget all the Important places to frequent. Like the Martini Bar. Can't wait to set sail. I still have a year to go though!

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What a wonderful review Don! I wish I had seen this before I sailed on the Epic in April. We are going back in March 30th of '13. I have to say your review is the most comprehensive I've ever read and I'm on page 10 now.

 

Thanks for taking the time to put all of your experiences down along with some very good shots. Everyone has their own unique view of their cruise. We enjoyed ours just as much, as did some friends we made on the cruise from cruise critic whom are also going on the March 30 cruise again.

 

I look forward to getting to the rest of this novel soon!

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Don, thank you so much for this post! It's been well worth the 2+ hrs I've been on here :D You write so very well & I look forward to looking up some of your other reviews another night :)

 

I've just returned from a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Carnival Splendor, and as much as it was just what I was looking for in this past vacation (cruise out of Cali where I could escape from reality & just relax... barely even got off the boat) it felt like it was missing something. After reading your review I'm reminded of all the little NCL touches which make a BIG difference!

 

I'm considering a Transatlantic in Fall 2013 & think that this has sealed the deal for the Epic (although I'm now also considering a 7-nt E Car. in Feb 13 on her as well :cool: ) NCL really should give you some kick-back for all of bookings you've given them ;)

 

Thanks Again!!

 

Liz :o

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you for the GREAT solo cabin review.... I just booked this ship- 7 day Med. cruise for May 26, 2013 as a solo and I think I am in this exact same cabin!!! So thanks for the preview... Am getting so excited, this will be my first real cruise.... I don't count a 10 day barefoot cruise as real cruise.

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Thanks for this brilliant review Don, I have just finished reading all the way through and it's been a great read! I am going on the Epic in a Studio (12570), departing from Barcelona on 12 August 2012, and reading this has made me even more excited!:D

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What a great review!! That was so wonderful! My parents are getting a little older and a lot poorer :P due to some circumstances so my sister, her husband and their baby and I are bringing them on a family cruise for some wonderful memories! We have all sailed RCCL before but they have all only done the Western Caribbean...I've done Eastern already but it looks like we'll do that or Florida/Bahamas. Do you think the Epic will have enough to hold the interests of so many different age groups? Also, is there a place for me to find the upgrade prices of all the restaurants?

 

My parents only went to the formal dining room once on their RCCL cruise as they much preferred being casual and 'not fancy' and did the Windjammer for almost every meal. I feel like maybe NCL is a better fit for them to not feel out of their comfort zone. Would you agree? Or anyone else!

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Hello,

We sailed on the Epic last January. Our group included my daughters (23 and 26), my sister (42), my husband and me (49), a cousin (65) and my mother (73). Some of us are ADHD:D and others are very laidback. The beautiful part about the Epic was that there were activities for all of us. We would get together for most meals, then break off to do the water slides, rock wall, reading, sun bathing, casino, games, etc. and then get back together for dinner and a show. Some of us would then go to a late night show at Howling with the Moon.

 

Our youngest daughter treated the group to the Italian dining option as a Christmas gift (I think it was $10 each). If your folks prefer casual, the MDr will be a great option. The buffet set up was great. I'm sorry I don't have the prices for the other options, but it seemed like they ranged from $10-25 per person.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

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