MRBOOKEND

We will be in 16001, a two bedroom in May. What did you think of the overall Haven experience? Any pictures?

 

It had been 30 years since I went on a cruise on Disney by myself while between assignments, so I don't have much to compare the Haven experience to. I upgraded to the Haven as a surprise for my girlfriend as it was her birthday during the trip.

 

Probably the most important perk was priority disembarking at the ports but NCL seemed to do a pretty good job of getting everyone on and off. Also, if you go to the shows, sure is nice to skip the line and have seats available for you at the last minute. My friend and her friend who have been on many other cruises really liked the two bedroom. Previously, they had always chosen a balcony or inside. It is quiet and comfortable and roomy but if I remember, you can get two adjoining balcony rooms for much less than the price of one 2BR. The butler and concierge are very accommodating.

 

Probably the one thing that was a little underwhelming was the Epic Club restaurant which is available only to Haven class. Though the restaurant was very serene, the food was no better than the Garden Cafe buffet or Manhattan. However, I thought the buffet was very good. I did use the Haven area whirlpool one time which was a nice perk.

 

Overall I think cruising is not for me especially on a shore excursion intensive trip. I would rather rent an apartment and take my time to explore an area.

 

This probably wasn't a very good answer to your question because of my limited experience cruising. Hope to have my friend who took all the pics to post at later date after recovering from time change.

Just got back from our trip. We stayed in cabin 16023 (2 bedroom) aboard the Epic. I would definitely recommend that cabin. Never really felt much at all that far up even in one day of high winds that prevented us from docking at Livorno. Was very quiet overall. The pools on board were used but not crowded. Adults and kids using the slides. Air temp was a little cool but while in sun was nice and many people sunning themselves in their swimsuits.

 

I took along some warmer clothes but never wore them except in Paris the last night: a sweater. My friend wore her shawl at night but I was in polo shirt most nights aboard ship. Of course I enjoy cooler air.

 

Only beach that we were close to notice any swimmers was in Cannes with about a dozen or so swimming in the sea.

Hi Benona,

 

Will let you know about the weather and hopefully water temps aboard. I suspect it will be just fine.

 

Not sure if will find out about swimming ashore. Just a heads up that the beach nearby the Barcelona pier is possibly a clothing optional beach. I vaguely remember reading about it.

 

Less than 6 weeks for us....

Hi All,

 

Can I pay for the Chefs Table with promotional (non-refundable) On Board Credit I was given when booking my upcoming cruise through NCL?

 

Also, I am 'buying' additional OBC using my NCL credit card points. Can I use this OBC to pay for the DSC?

 

Thanks....

Hello All,

 

Agree that poles help keep balance and and I do have a set of Leki, but because of my neuropathy in feet I am looking for a pole that also includes a "seat" so can take some weight off my feet while resting.

 

Planning on attending Pope's audience at Vatican later this year so need a way to "take the load off my feet" while in St Peter's Square.

 

Anybody have some insight on what might help and actually works well as seat and walking pole.

 

Thanks in advance....

A cheap flight is possible but at a cost which is how long it takes:

 

Both flights depart Barcelona on Wednesday Aug 6 on Turkish Air through Istanbul:

 

Barcelona to Toronto: $621 18hrs total (Istanbul)

Barcelona To Cleveland: $857 23hrs total (Istanbul; Wash DC)

 

Costs on other carriers are substantially more.

 

Not sure what baggage costs/options are on Turkish Air so please check.

 

Enjoy your trip

Would love to help but need a little more info. What is date or better a range of dates your DH is wanting to fly back. And assume preference would be Barcelona to Cleveland. Let me know and I'll check for you. Right now I am finding a cost from Barcelona to Cleveland $857 if a little flexible on day of travel.

 

 

I recently booked an October roundtrip from Washington DC to Barcelona in Premium Economy for about $1500 which would be $750 one way.

Received reply from a Resolution Specialist at NCL HQ and their response to OP's post #1 questions was:

 

"We recommend you speak to the Executive Chef onboard as he would be the point person to discuss any available options we would be able to offer outside the Ultimate Dinning guidelines."

I enjoyed reading JuneauWhatIMean's response which is why I am so looking forward to our upcoming cruise on the Epic.

 

Just as we hope to be pampered with good service, I suspect that NCL wants our experience to be wonderful and will provide sufficient great service so we will continue to be their customer.

 

Wish you all the luck on your cruise RedNose and hope you're able to have a great dinner with DH at Le Bistro.

 

My SO suggested another option so will add here as she doesn't have account with CC: Get takeout at both Le Bistro and another restaurant of your choosing assuming they do takeout at Le Bistro, then you both can go to wherever you want on the ship and have a romantic picnic, together.

having hot rocks dropped on me while I counted out $200 in cash with Shepherd Moons playing softly in the background.

Willing to cast the first stones for only $50. For an extra $10, I won't sing or serenade...

 

 

If not a consideration may want to consider a massage ashore either at a beach or a real massage establishment.

Does anyone have experience using a rented Satellite Phone aboard ship in the Mediterranean?

 

Understand that receiving calls and texts are "free" and included in rental; But outgoing calls and text you pay extra.

 

Who is best to rent from?

 

What was your experience with call quality?

 

 

Thanks in advance as always....

Posters vitriol is such a negative. I thought helping the OP was the purpose. There have been many great ideas and suggestions given, even those woven into the "snarky" op-ed replies.

 

So hopefully this will help the OP even though it took a circuitous route to get there (in my opinion).

 

And I do apologize for my room service miscue that specialty restaurant room service is available to suite guests only and I do appreciate being corrected as I do not want to provide inaccurate factual information.

RJM11: Thanks for correction regarding room service.

No, you should not be able to order "WHATEVER YOU WANT" at ANY restaurant.....

Hi RedNose, As several believe there would be great hubris in actually wanting it our way even after gracefully paying for the cruise, paying extra for UDP to have a better quality dining and service experience and even offering to pay an extra fee to be accommodated, I would suggest pursuing two ideas:

 

Order room service which having read on CC can be done from specialty restaurants. Just have it delivered to Le Bistro rather than your cabin.

 

Or what I believe may be the best course would be to write the Hotel Director for the Breakaway who I believe is Denis Prguda and ask how he might accommodate your request. Sure would be interested in what he says. As far as I know there is no written policy on this type of request but believe it must have been addressed previously by NCL.

 

I will contact the HD from my upcoming cruise on NCL to find out for my own self interest.

Hello RedNose, I absolutely believe you should be able to order whatever you want at any restaurant. But then the NCL staff has the right to deny your request or upcharge for "above and beyond" delivery costs as long as they inform you in advance.

 

If they honor your request then you decide what tip is appropriate and a nice note to someone at NCL would be appropriate; if they don't honor your request, you decide what cruise line you want to go on next trip.

 

Enjoy yourself. If they are unable to perform a task you ask for, let them tell you they can't, just don't assume it would be unreasonable.

Hello, I have paper Euros but was wondering if I can exchange for Euro coins somewhere on board the Epic for free?

 

I want the coins as have read that pay toilets on shore may require coins.

 

Where else would having Euro coins be a benefit?

 

And what denominations would be best to have?

 

We will be in Spain, Italy and France.

 

Thanks for your help.....

...now if the days would pass quicker lol!

 

 

 

 

Don't worry: the older we get the quicker they pass. Dang!

Perfect. Will add the tide pen and travel size detergent to my list.

 

Thanks much for a detail answer.....

Perfect. Will add the tide pen and travel size detergent to my list.

 

Thanks much....

What's best method and what detergents work best to wash a washable item in your cabin rather than using the Epic's laundry service? Do you know a spot remover product that works really good for most problems.

 

I'm a guy and need help.

 

 

Thanks in advance..

Positive attitude is very important for success. Sounds like you are well on your way to success.

 

Make some memories: Have someone take your pictures together (if traveling with a companion) at someplace important to you. Possibly at one of those flotation rings with ships name on it.

 

Do something unexpected for your companion. Could be flowers; reservations at Specialty Restaurant; Spa massage or something during a shore excursion.

 

You'll have fun just planning it along with the reaction to them receiving it.

 

You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to make a great memory. Many times its the little things that are the best. Just like kids playing with the box and wrappings rather than the expensive gift that came in it.

Definitely Epic:

 

Not sure what airport is your preference but:

 

Fly Spirit Airlines LaGuardia to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

 

Depart: Sun morning at 6:40am and arrive FLL at 9:40AM.

 

Return: Sun afternoon depart FLL 4pm arrive LGA at 7pm.

 

Hotel: $0

Cheap Meals: Pack a lunch

Airfare: $228pp

FLL Xfers to Miami Port: $15pp each way by SAS Shuttle Service

Some good ideas. Will need to use them next time as change fee on my airfare is $250 each. Really like the Barcelona to Venice with return by rail idea.

 

Luckily we are staying an extra day in Paris on return so I can see it for first time. She has been there a few times.

 

Thanks all....

Just to preface a little, we are booked on 7 day October 19 Epic cruise embarking in Barcelona. After reading a lot here on CC, I ran across that many are taking the same 7 day that we are on but then are continuing on the TA from Barcelona to Miami. Brilliant idea.

 

Had I only known or thought about a TA, I may have done it especially as not that much more than the airline ticket and in some cases might even be cheaper. Plus all the more fun we could of had.

 

Now for my question: Are there other tips similar to this one that I should consider for future bookings where I could combine a couple of things together on same trip?

 

Thanks in advance for your ideas....

here's a reason to get travel insurance:

 

http://www.dvidshub.net/video/323837/coast-guard-medevacs-66-year-old-man-cruise-ship-off-north-carolina-coast#.UynKAoV7zDE

 

 

 

The Coast Guard received a radio call from the Carnival Splendor around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday March 18th, that a man was in medical distress. Crews arrived at the Carnival Splendor around 1:30 a.m. this morning with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter launched from Air Station Elizabeth City.

 

The man was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in stable condition.

 

The Carnival Splendor is en route from New York to the Bahamas.

Good answer. Thanks much....