My Epic Solo Trip Review July 1 - July 8

Day 1 – Travel Day (Thursday)

A little about me – I’m a mid-50’s divorced man who loves travel, especially cruising. Seeing more of Europe has been on my list for a long time, so this seemed a perfect way to do it. This will be the second time on the Epic in a studio cabin. I had a fantastic time on my previous cruise with NCL; I’m hopeful this will be as much fun but not really expecting it. I’m spending a couple of days in Barcelona before heading onto the Epic. Each of the stops along this journey will be a new experience for me.

My flight from STL to ATL was on time; as always the flight was packed including a lot of families traveling with their children. I had 4 hours to kill in ATL so did the usual routine of a few drinks and some food. I enjoyed a good salad and a glass of wine as I was able to watch Italy take the lead on Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final.

Headed to the gate for our flight to Barcelona; apparently everyone on the plane was in need of some extra time to board or a premier member of Delta.:confused: I purchased an Economy Comfort seat for an extra $90 thinking the complimentary cocktails and additional leg room would help me sleep. No such luck as I slept very little; the food was surprisingly good and I caught up on a few movies that I have wanted to see (The Descendants was the main attraction). Overall, it was a smooth flight and we arrived on time.

Day 2 – Barcelona (Friday)

After clearing customs by 9am, I took the time to change into comfortable clothes at airport; taxi from airport to my hotel was 35 Euro including a tip.

My hotel in Barcelona is Hotel Curious, which was highly rated on Trip Advisor. It’s a budget hotel (budget being a relative term, as the rate equates to 130 USD). It’s a good deal as long as you have reasonable expectations. I’m in a single room with a single bed, a ‘desk’, and a small shower in a small bathroom. Definitely a no-frills place but it is 100 feet from the Ramblas, the staff is friendly, English literate, and a nice continental breakfast is included along with free wi-fi . Also an internet connected public computer in the lobby.

I arrived at 10am and checked-in. My room was not available at the time, so I took a stroll and grabbed a coffee and some breakfast nearby. Pretty exhausted so I headed back to the hotel to chill. The desk clerk took pity on my condition and changed my room, so I was able to get a short nap and a shower.

The afternoon consisted of a tour of Barcelona on the side-car tour of Barcelona. Fairly expensive, but it was a great experience. We took in a lot of highlights and drew a lot of odd looks from people on the street. I just tried to take it all in and had a good time with it.

More to come - - hopefully with a few pictures included.

Looking forward to reading more. I'm on this cruise in October. My first time in these ports as well, so sucking up every bit of info I can! :)

Hoping to hear more about the studio rooms.

Day 3 – Barcelona (Saturday)

Amazing what a good sleep can do. I woke up to the continental breakfast at the Hotel Curious. Headed out on a walking tour of the city as I wanted to get some more pictures of some of the sights I had seen yesterday. I had lunch at a tapas restaurant which was very tasty; it’s so nice to sit outside on a beautiful day with good food and good views.

I headed back to the hotel to rest for a few minutes and decided to go for one of the bicycle tours. Headed out of the hotel looking for a particular tour and happened upon the Fat Tire Bike tour – not the one I was looking for – and decided to go with them. I’m so glad I did! Nearly 4.5 hours later, we were finished and I had a wonderful time! Next to last stop was the beach for some sangria and food if so desired. It was fun seeing some of the same sights as I had on the previous day. If I could only do one of them, I would definitely do the Fat Tire Bike tour – not only was it significantly less expensive, I really enjoyed the stop at the beach for some nourishment and sights!

Back to the hotel for a quick shower and then out for dinner at an unremarkable pizza place, followed by a nightcap at the Le Meridien, which was near my hotel. Overall, a very good day. Tomorrow is the cruise!

Day 4 – Barcelona (Sunday)

I woke up feeling refreshed and hungry. I enjoyed the continental breakfast once again and requested a cab to take me to the port. I checked out around noon and headed to the ship. Just after I got into the taxi, the heavens opened and we had a heavy rain. Fortunately, it was short lived and I was dry as I arrived at the Epic.

Embarkation was smooth and quick. I had to wait a few minutes before heading onto the ship, but I was on the ship enjoying a beer within an hour of leaving my hotel room. I consider that a win! I was happy to bump into Julio, one of my favorite bartenders from my last Epic cruise. Julio was the bartender in the studio lounge last time and now works the casino bar. Two of my favorite places!

My room was available around 130 and luggage arrived not long thereafter. I unpacked, attended the safety drill and was ready to have some fun.

I was eagerly anticipating the gathering of the solo travelers in the studio lounge. Last time the first night was well orchestrated with each of us introducing ourselves to the group. This time, not so much. I arrived about 5 minutes past the scheduled start time and it seemed as though I had missed something. The hostess was already organizing a group dinner for a small group. Fortunately for me there was another group of people getting to know each other so I wandered over to say hello. This group would become by social circle for the rest of the week. More about them as the week unfolds. The hostess, who shall remain nameless, seemed very disinterested in her job. However, our bartender Rodnie was outstanding and quickly learned each of our drink preferences.

I skipped the group dinner that night and opted for food and the soccer match at O’Sheehans. As the game got out of hand, I headed over to see Slam Allen and ran into some of my new friends outside. We took in some songs but one of us were scolded:( for talking rather than paying rapt attention to the music. That was a cue to call it a night and I headed off to my cabin.

Great post. Keep it coming.

Day 3 – Barcelona (Saturday)

Amazing what a good sleep can do. I woke up to the continental breakfast at the Hotel Curious. Headed out on a walking tour of the city as I wanted to get some more pictures of some of the sights I had seen yesterday. I had lunch at a tapas restaurant which was very tasty; it’s so nice to sit outside on a beautiful day with good food and good views.

 

I headed back to the hotel to rest for a few minutes and decided to go for one of the bicycle tours. Headed out of the hotel looking for a particular tour and happened upon the Fat Tire Bike tour – not the one I was looking for – and decided to go with them. I’m so glad I did! Nearly 4.5 hours later, we were finished and I had a wonderful time! Next to last stop was the beach for some sangria and food if so desired. It was fun seeing some of the same sights as I had on the previous day. If I could only do one of them, I would definitely do the Fat Tire Bike tour – not only was it significantly less expensive, I really enjoyed the stop at the beach for some nourishment and sights!

 

Back to the hotel for a quick shower and then out for dinner at an unremarkable pizza place, followed by a nightcap at the Le Meridien, which was near my hotel. Overall, a very good day. Tomorrow is the cruise!

 

Day 4 – Barcelona (Sunday)

I woke up feeling refreshed and hungry. I enjoyed the continental breakfast once again and requested a cab to take me to the port. I checked out around noon and headed to the ship. Just after I got into the taxi, the heavens opened and we had a heavy rain. Fortunately, it was short lived and I was dry as I arrived at the Epic.

 

Embarkation was smooth and quick. I had to wait a few minutes before heading onto the ship, but I was on the ship enjoying a beer within an hour of leaving my hotel room. I consider that a win! I was happy to bump into Julio, one of my favorite bartenders from my last Epic cruise. Julio was the bartender in the studio lounge last time and now works the casino bar. Two of my favorite places!

 

My room was available around 130 and luggage arrived not long thereafter. I unpacked, attended the safety drill and was ready to have some fun.

 

I was eagerly anticipating the gathering of the solo travelers in the studio lounge. Last time the first night was well orchestrated with each of us introducing ourselves to the group. This time, not so much. I arrived about 5 minutes past the scheduled start time and it seemed as though I had missed something. The hostess was already organizing a group dinner for a small group. Fortunately for me there was another group of people getting to know each other so I wandered over to say hello. This group would become by social circle for the rest of the week. More about them as the week unfolds. The hostess, who shall remain nameless, seemed very disinterested in her job. However, our bartender Rodnie was outstanding and quickly learned each of our drink preferences.

 

I skipped the group dinner that night and opted for food and the soccer match at O’Sheehans. As the game got out of hand, I headed over to see Slam Allen and ran into some of my new friends outside.off to my cabin.

That's more than one person who has said the same thing......that's a shame, cos I believe Slam is really good......but with an attitude like that.......:confused:

Still.....looking forward to finding out for myself in a few short weeks!! :)

Day 3 – Barcelona (Saturday)

Amazing what a good sleep can do. I woke up to the continental breakfast at the Hotel Curious. Headed out on a walking tour of the city as I wanted to get some more pictures of some of the sights I had seen yesterday. I had lunch at a tapas restaurant which was very tasty; it’s so nice to sit outside on a beautiful day with good food and good views.

 

I headed back to the hotel to rest for a few minutes and decided to go for one of the bicycle tours. Headed out of the hotel looking for a particular tour and happened upon the Fat Tire Bike tour – not the one I was looking for – and decided to go with them. I’m so glad I did! Nearly 4.5 hours later, we were finished and I had a wonderful time! Next to last stop was the beach for some sangria and food if so desired. It was fun seeing some of the same sights as I had on the previous day. If I could only do one of them, I would definitely do the Fat Tire Bike tour – not only was it significantly less expensive, I really enjoyed the stop at the beach for some nourishment and sights!

 

Back to the hotel for a quick shower and then out for dinner at an unremarkable pizza place, followed by a nightcap at the Le Meridien, which was near my hotel. Overall, a very good day. Tomorrow is the cruise!

 

Day 4 – Barcelona (Sunday)

I woke up feeling refreshed and hungry. I enjoyed the continental breakfast once again and requested a cab to take me to the port. I checked out around noon and headed to the ship. Just after I got into the taxi, the heavens opened and we had a heavy rain. Fortunately, it was short lived and I was dry as I arrived at the Epic.

 

Embarkation was smooth and quick. I had to wait a few minutes before heading onto the ship, but I was on the ship enjoying a beer within an hour of leaving my hotel room. I consider that a win! I was happy to bump into Julio, one of my favorite bartenders from my last Epic cruise. Julio was the bartender in the studio lounge last time and now works the casino bar. Two of my favorite places!

 

My room was available around 130 and luggage arrived not long thereafter. I unpacked, attended the safety drill and was ready to have some fun.

 

I was eagerly anticipating the gathering of the solo travelers in the studio lounge. Last time the first night was well orchestrated with each of us introducing ourselves to the group. This time, not so much. I arrived about 5 minutes past the scheduled start time and it seemed as though I had missed something. The hostess was already organizing a group dinner for a small group. Fortunately for me there was another group of people getting to know each other so I wandered over to say hello. This group would become by social circle for the rest of the week. More about them as the week unfolds. The hostess, who shall remain nameless, seemed very disinterested in her job. However, our bartender Rodnie was outstanding and quickly learned each of our drink preferences.

 

I skipped the group dinner that night and opted for food and the soccer match at O’Sheehans. As the game got out of hand, I headed over to see Slam Allen and ran into some of my new friends outside. We took in some songs but one of us were scolded:( for talking rather than paying rapt attention to the music. That was a cue to call it a night and I headed off to my cabin.

That's more than one person saying the same thing about this!! :confused:

Such a shame, cos I believe Slam Allen is really good, but with an attitude like that....... :confused:

Nice review, Keep it coming!

We took in some songs but one of us were scolded:( for talking rather than paying rapt attention to the music.

 

That's more than one person who has said the same thing......that's a shame, cos I believe Slam is really good......but with an attitude like that.......:confused:

 

Still.....looking forward to finding out for myself in a few short weeks!! :)

I think Jim is referring to the same person (Lara?).

Enjoying your review so far.

I am enjoying reading your review. Thank you for posting and I am looking forward to more.

It's been a really nice read. I'm looking forward to your further posts.:)

Keep it coming :)

great review, ready for more!!!:)

Loving your review so far! Looking forward to reading more!:)

Apologies for the time it is taking to complete this review. I'm heading out of town tomorrow, so it may be a while before I complete it. Hoping for a good wifi connection at the hotel!

Day 5 – Sea Day (Monday)

This is the only sea day on this port intensive cruise. I enjoy being outdoors, but I’m not one to lounge by the pool, so I’m planning to attend the meet and greet, take in a Martini tasting, and meet up with group in the studio lounge prior to dinner.

The meet and greet was a pretty quiet affair, but it gave me a chance to meet up with the people who will be in my small group tours for the rest of the week. Dave, who I met through the roll call, has arranged tours in our first four stops for a group of eight. The group consists of Dave, his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren along with another couple from the states, Neil and Leah. I had decided to pass on the tour to Rome, and Jason, another one of the solo travelers, is taking the final spot for that stop. I wasn’t sure how well I would fit with this group as a single, but it seemed like a much better way to see things rather than joining the larger, more expensive NCL tours. Fortunately, this worked out quite well as the entire group was very nice, and we all got along well.

I’m interested to hear from others about your overall M&G experience. Other than the people I toured with and the solo travelers who came to the meeting, I did not interact with anyone else from the m&g for the rest of the cruise. Which matches my experience on previous cruises as well. Such a contrast to my experience with the Studio Lounge gatherings.

On my prior Epic cruise, I really enjoyed the martini tasting event, so it was on my must do list for this one as well. They also have wine and margarita tastings, but I did not make it to either of those. I consider the tastings a good deal. $15 gets your four martini’s to sample; not full size servings but quite ample. I don’t recall each of the drinks, but I do recall that we all enjoyed the finale, which was a chocolate martini. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

I won't go through each of the dinners during the week with the exception of our Brazilian meat feast later in the week. The solo travelers group met for drinks every night and alternated between Taste and Manhattan. I can't say that I see a difference between them. I found the food to be quite good and the service was excellent with the exception of one night where it took longer than normal to get our food. We were always seated promptly as a group of 8 or 9. Can't complain about that.

After dinner some of us headed out to see Howl at the Moon. Pictures were taken, and promises were made to keep them confidential. Hopefully, that promise will be kept; the sight of me dancing is not pleasant! Tomorrow is our first stop, so much later than planned, I headed back to my cabin. This will be a recurring theme for the cruise.

Apologies for the time it is taking to complete this review. I'm heading out of town tomorrow, so it may be a while before I complete it. Hoping for a good wifi connection at the hotel!

Thanks for taking the time to post while you're away.

 

I’m interested to hear from others about your overall M&G experience. Other than the people I toured with and the solo travelers who came to the meeting, I did not interact with anyone else from the m&g for the rest of the cruise. Which matches my experience on previous cruises as well. Such a contrast to my experience with the Studio Lounge gatherings.

 

It's rare that I've spent any time with people that I met at or from a M&G. Only twice to my recollection. If I'm traveling solo I usually wind up hanging out with people that I meet on tours, around the ship or in the case of the Epic others that attended solo meets. So I completely agree with you. At large M&Gs I find that people are less likely to interact than at smaller ones.

 

 

After dinner some of us headed out to see Howl at the Moon. Pictures were taken, and promises were made to keep them confidential.

The above makes me laugh because a few of my cruise friends sent me photos of myself doing some interesting things at Howl. I can only hope that too many people haven't seen those either! :)

I'm back online from my hotel, but I don't have access to my cruise pictures. I've decided that posting descriptions of the port stops without pictures would be a shame, so I'll hold off on that until I get home this weekend.

In the meantime, I'll update a few of the questions that have been posed and some other random thoughts.

The story about being scolded was the same situation that Lara_Lox described. At first, I did not think much about it, and told her I thought he was just playin' with her. (he does have an eye for attractive women). However I saw the same thing happen later in the week, and this time there was no doubt about his intention. On my prior trip I went to see him play every chance I had; but after seeing these two situations, I decided to spend my time elsewhere.

Someone asked about the studio cabins; I'm sure you can find pictures within the forum that will more informative than my view. Here's my short take on it; the bed is fantastic; love the shower; there was plenty of storage for my needs. Make sure to look for little nooks and crannies to put your stuff. The mood lighting might be interesting if I was ever in the room with someone else!

I've been on the Epic twice and there are still areas I have not explored. I have not made above deck 15; I know there are some public areas on upper decks that are apparently quite nice. Maybe next time. Have not been to the Cirque dinner show. I've traveled Carnival many times, but I'm coming around to the Norwegian way. I'll need to try a different ship before I'm fully committed though.

Thanks for the review, looking forward to more.

One question, was there a Beatles' tribute show. I seem to recall reading of one in the past, but cannot find anything mentioning it on line or even by calling NCL.

Ontheweb, if you look at the most recent dailies which laralox provided, you do see the Beatles show listed. I think it was the first and second evenings.

Loving your report, cant wait to read more and see pictures.

Ontheweb, if you look at the most recent dailies which laralox provided, you do see the Beatles show listed. I think it was the first and second evenings.

Thanks, I'll check them out. We'd have to do the first night since we have already booked blue man for the second night.

Is this something that you have to book in advance?

Loving this review. I am a 50ish, divorced woman who loves cruising....I have this cruise earmarked for next summer....

Thank you for your review. i can't wait to read more :D

I was guilty of booking but not attending. I heard it was great fun. I believe the one I booked was the night of Cannes, which would have been Friday night. There are a lot of talented musicians on board; another good show was Epic Rocks which was a short show (45 mins or so) at Spice H2O.

Thanks for the review, looking forward to more.

 

One question, was there a Beatles' tribute show. I seem to recall reading of one in the past, but cannot find anything mentioning it on line or even by calling NCL.