NCL EPIC TA Oct. 21st, 2012

[aireboy]

I'm starting a new thread looking for others going on the Epic TransAtlantic BCN/MIA Oct. 21st, 2012. I had a blast on the sailing this past May 2011. Love the ship, food and service, especially the water slides!! (a kid at heart) Hit me back if you're sailing. Got a great deal through CrownCruiseVacations.com. Call and ask for Jeffrey.

[nomadicbacchus]

Im booked on this cruise returning home from a euro-tour and oktoberfest! Im travelling alone, and am super exited to have 13 days of pure relaxation and recovery from what I can only imagine will be a tiring trip.

Im a super shy guy, and am probably a bit younger (23) than the average age on this type of voyage, so I am a tad worried about meeting people and being able to strike up conversation.

Hopefully this site will help me meet a few people.

Also, glad to hear the watersides were usable, I was afraid the weather might be terrible in the atlantic in october.

[nomadicbacchus]

The 2011 sailing had so many people! Theres gotta be some more!

[Seadragon555]

In process of booking this cruise for my "ex" (Ben) and myself (John). Planning on going early for a couple of days in Barcelona as package deal through NCL for flight/pre-stay/cruise. Will be my 3rd TA and 1st for Ben. We are "mature" but still kids at heart & the water park was a deciding factor for taking this ship (understand a red inner tube is fastest on the plunge), plus all the great entertainment, and total relaxation with so many sea days. Maybe we can all meet up at FOD Party (if they have one), or if anyone is going early we can tour Barcelona.

[Seadragon555]

Originally Posted by nomadicbacchus

Im booked on this cruise returning home from a euro-tour and oktoberfest! Im travelling alone, and am super exited to have 13 days of pure relaxation and recovery from what I can only imagine will be a tiring trip.

Im a super shy guy, and am probably a bit younger (23) than the average age on this type of voyage, so I am a tad worried about meeting people and being able to strike up conversation.

Hopefully this site will help me meet a few people.

Also, glad to hear the watersides were usable, I was afraid the weather might be terrible in the atlantic in october.

Normadic: I don't think you need to worry about meeting people or being shy...I tend to be shy in groups whereas Ben tends to be outgoing in groups. I am better talking one-on-one...so you will have at least one person to meet with no problem. As for age differences I don't think it really matters as long as you can take a joke and/or carry on a conversation...just my take on it.

[Seadragon555]

Jon (Nomadic): Just read your posting on the other thread. I, too, am hoping that more family starts posting on here...the ship is huge so there have to be more...and, yes, have experienced FODs on ships where I or one other have shown up. Another friend and I did a B2B on Equinox that included a TA and met tons of folks on here months before the ship sailed! Hoping same thing happens on here... Good luck with finals!

[Stronglad]

Hi guys. Good to see you all here. Any advice for a first time cruiser? I am James from London, 30 years old and I've traveled a lot via everything from a horse and cart to a private luxury yacht in the Med (not mine.. a friends!) but I've never been on a cruise ship before. The Epic sounds like a blast.

[Seadragon555]

Originally Posted by Stronglad

Hi guys. Good to see you all here. Any advice for a first time cruiser? I am James from London, 30 years old and I've traveled a lot via everything from a horse and cart to a private luxury yacht in the Med (not mine.. a friends!) but I've never been on a cruise ship before. The Epic sounds like a blast.

I have sailed Transatlantic 3 times before and it is wonderful if you like days at sea (which I do). Be prepared to just totally relax (unless you are a Type A personality), enjoy the warm breezes (hopefully), calm seas (hopefully), and eat & drink! Are you traveling with someone?

[Stronglad]

No not a type A. Maybe more of a B minus hahaha. I will be hitting the gym most days but I can do lazing around the pool with a cocktail just as good as the next guy. I am traveling alone. I am happy to be alone or with company, I'm pretty easy going.

[Seadragon555]

Originally Posted by Stronglad

No not a type A. Maybe more of a B minus hahaha. I will be hitting the gym most days but I can do lazing around the pool with a cocktail just as good as the next guy. I am traveling alone. I am happy to be alone or with company, I'm pretty easy going.

I doubt that either Ben or I will be hitting the gym...maybe the sauna or the steam room...I am into being totally lazy on sea days...I need those kind of days due to stressful job. Just give me a good book, good bar service, sun, etc. and I will be totally fine. Ben will need the casino and bar service. No doubt will also be using the water park.

BTW, I think there is a clothing optional sunbathing area on the very top of the ship...not sure if it is totally clothing optional, though, but given that it is a "Norwegian" cruise line anything might be possible.

We are trying to convince two others to do the cruise...so our numbers may be growing.

[Stronglad]

I'm not really one for hanging around in steam rooms. Interesting about the topdeck, might have to go check that out. Being naked is great... just so long as you're not the only one! I have heard that Americans are pretty puritanical when it comes to dropping your shorts though...

[Seadragon555]

Originally Posted by Stronglad

I'm not really one for hanging around in steam rooms. Interesting about the topdeck, might have to go check that out. Being naked is great... just so long as you're not the only one! I have heard that Americans are pretty puritanical when it comes to dropping your shorts though...

The only reason to hang around the sauna/steam room is (1) apparently they have a glass wall overlooking the ocean, and (2) to sweat out the booze from the night before (more so for Ben than for me). You are right about most Americans being puritanical...I am not, but I also don't have a Greek-god body like you probably have if you are working-out every day! I enjoy naked sunbathing but do it on the privacy of the balcony...but I, too, will probably check out the topdeck.

Forgot to mention that we are totally booked for the cruise package now. Is anyone going to be in Barcelona before the ship sails on the 21st?

[Stronglad]

A greek god yes. But not one of the important ones. The god of changing lightbulbs maybe?

Well if the view is that good I guess I could squeeze in a sweat or two. I bet we won't get supershy Bacchus up to the topdeck though! I'll be flying in the morning of the cruise only - my boss is evil and won't give me the time off! (just kidding boss...) but I have been to Barcelona a couple of times and it's an amazing city you will have a rocking good time.

[nomadicbacchus]

haha :P. i'm not shy in those ways. that top deck will be my resting place on any and all hot days. the lack of kids (fingers crossed) certainly won't hurt.

[Stronglad]

Originally Posted by nomadicbacchus

haha :P. i'm not shy in those ways. that top deck will be my resting place on any and all hot days. the lack of kids (fingers crossed) certainly won't hurt.

Oh so you're just shy in the asking for a second entree way?

[Seadragon555]

Originally Posted by nomadicbacchus

haha :P. i'm not shy in those ways. that top deck will be my resting place on any and all hot days. the lack of kids (fingers crossed) certainly won't hurt.

Jon: I am with you regarding kids...I was on the Navigator of the Seas with 447 kids onboard going to a soccer tournament in Jamaica. We couldn't put into port due to strong winds so the 447 kids never got to get off of the ship! It was one of the worse cruises I have ever been on....

It looks like we may have rounded up 3 more people to go on this cruise...my travel agent is going to be elated.

James: I expect to get a picture of you posing changing a light bulb!!

[Stronglad]

Originally Posted by Seadragon555

Jon: I am with you regarding kids...I was on the Navigator of the Seas with 447 kids onboard going to a soccer tournament in Jamaica. We couldn't put into port due to strong winds so the 447 kids never got to get off of the ship! It was one of the worse cruises I have ever been on....

It looks like we may have rounded up 3 more people to go on this cruise...my travel agent is going to be elated.

James: I expect to get a picture of you posing changing a light bulb!!

That's a bit kinky... Should I wear boardshorts, speedos or a tuxedo?

[Seadragon555]

How about a picture in each...that way all 3 bases are covered...and if you think of a way for a 4th picture......

So what do you guys do? Jon: I know you are/were a student, but what is your major? James: You commented on the other thread that you are flying in the morning of the cruise due to your boss not allowing you very much time off, so what do you do besides workout at the gym?

I work for the State of Iowa - Workforce Development. I was a grant writer for them up until 4/2712, and then changed to a position in the Welfare-to-Work program. Sounds very exciting, doesn't it? I don't think so either, but it pays well and the benefits are unbelieveable. Ben is retired on disability from the Veteran's Administration Hospital here in Des Moines, IA as a procurement specialist for pharmaceuticals.

I am still working on trying to get a group of 6 of us to go on this trip...which would be great...besides meeting everyone else on the ship.

BTW, I noticed that the guy that created this thread has not commented since he started it. Airboy: Are you still with us?

[nomadicbacchus]

Yup, i'm a student, finishing in august, or might not...the student strikes here in quebec might delay that, but i'm very ok with not graduating on time: I support the students goals of making education more accessible, instead of going in the direction of the US education system.

I'm doing a political science major, and an interdisciplinary minor in sexuality (women's studies/queer studies/art history/film studies). I have no idea what i'm doing next, other than a taking a year to work and travel as much as possible.

[Seadragon555]

Jon: Quite an interesting minor...the research for it must be grueling. I wish I would have had the opportunity to work and travel after graduating from college, but student loans came due too quickly...so you are very fortunate to be able to take the time to decide what it is that you want to do.

I tentatively booked another friend, Rich, to do this trip along with Ben and myself. He will be in one of the Studio Cabins ("too crowded" to room with us) and he, like James, will probably be in the gym every day. He is great to travel with as he has a great sense of humor.