DaisyDebmo

we embark on the Epic in Barcelona November 3, we booked a direct flight to Madrid from Philadelphia and then Renfe train to Barcelona the next day.

The Naples group is not filled however the Rome tour was, mention Mozal, I can also email them this morning

Traveling in November 2019 embarkation Barcelona.  We could not get a direct flight into Barcelona during November on American Airlines, so we are flying direct to Madrid.  We will be taking the rail into Barcelona.  We booked the Barcelona Hilton with rewards points.  Anyone have any experience with the rail and transportation to the pier from Barcelona?  Any help appreciated!

I did both. What is considered a tourist trap? It costs nothing to see the leaning tower of Pisa. Some of us want to see it. It brings enjoyment. Who are others to judge? Yes Florence is wonderful too. Three hours six hours really is not going to make much of a difference. We don't like to run around like nuts. We chose the ship's "on your own" bus transfer. Others might not agree with my choice. But it was the right choice for me. Perhaps one day we'll get back to Florence and be able to enjoy the museums at a leisurely pace. But for now we have our short visits to Pisa and Florence and we have lasting memories.

Hi, I was looking at this "on your own" ship excursion on the NCL Epic. Mainly because I would like to see Pisa and David, I don't see many tours including both. Did you venture to David? Not sure where the bus would actually drop you off in Florence? Thank you!

I did, no roll call yet?

Anybody booked for the NCL Epic 11-6-19?

Both my wife and I are disappointed and upset. We both know that NCL doesn't control the weather but that doesn't change the fact that fact that months of planning and thousands of dollars have now been spent on what may turn out to be an incredibly disappointing trip. Are we going to try and make the best of it? Absolutely, but at this point we don't know anything about what the future holds for our trip. We haven't gone down to Guest Services, we haven't yelled and screamed at anyone. Currently we're sitting in our cabin licking our wounds.

 

To those that are saying, "this is what you get when you book during hurricane season" please take a moment to realize what a jerk you sound like. The cruise lines obviously offer itineraries during times of the year that they feel they can safely sail. I'm sure most of realize that nothing is certain, weather is unpredictable but to essentially say, "you're getting what you deserve" is pretty tactless. None of us asked for this to happen, we picked a sailing date that was offered to us, we didn't force NCL to offer October Bermuda dates.

 

My wife and I booked this trip ten months ago. Since then she's been laid off from her job, gone on unemployment and found a new job. Somehow we've still managed to make this trip happen despite her not having any vacation days at her new job, this entire week off for her is unpaid. We scrapped every penny we had and fought hard for months for this one week of fun in Bermuda and a few expensive days in NYC.

 

So yeah, it's a lot easier said than done to be super happy about the possibility of heading to Florida and the Bahamas at this point. I could have planned that trip on my own with a lot less effort and expense.

Good Luck, that stinks, and I agree, no need for such animosity. We were on a Carnival cruise with our children and did not get to the Cayman Islands. Sat on the ship and looked at them. They did nothing, zip, zilch. Just floated by...We have hit storms in June and October. You never know. Hope it all works out for you.

while i'm glad the forecast for next week is nice. doesnt how bad bermuda gets hit this week determine if we even go? assuming perfect weather after nicole are we definitely going? i didnt follow how bad nassau got hit but i see people are already going there. i guess that would be a model to follow?

Don't mean to hijack the thread but luckinpa, I too am in PA, Northeastern. Hopefully this will go off without a hitch. Got stuck at sea in a hurricane, once, and yes, in October.

Thanks Bermuda gurus! I was thinking exactly what was said about the spreadsheet. My problem is my husband doesn't swim. I would love to do some of the watersports, especially the kayaking, but I hate double kayaks. Did them in Mexico with a girlfriend and it is like trying to ride a tandem. I would also love to do the jetski tour. I was going to try paddle boarding, which I have never done. Will definitely stick to the caves and St. George's no matter what. I feel lucky that we didn't go last week or this week. Apparently this week's departure is still in port and not going to Bermuda.

Dreamer, we will be travelling next Sunday. In Port for three days. How far was the trail from Long Bay to Horseshoe Bay, and time? Would you recommend it? Seems like you thought it was too much. I haven't been to Bermuda since college spring break in 1983! I wanted to take the boat transportation to St George's for the dunking reenactment. I also planned to travel to the caves. Would also like to see the lighthouse in St David's and Gibbs. Any recommendations. Someone told me the evening Bermuda Triangle cruise is nice. I am neurotically updating my spreadsheet with bus stops and times. Someone recommended taking one of the public busses back to the dockyard and see most of the island.

We depart in two weeks, have never been on NCL or BA. Seems like everyone recommends O'Sheehan's on departure for lunch. If so isn't it quite crowded? Also, can you advise on the comedy shows, I am confused. There are two shows, an early that allows children and a later adult show? And you should book once on board? Thanks!

If I understand your statement correctly, I think I can explain why you had to pay "gratuities again" on top of the gratuities you paid in advance.

The gratuities for the UBP perk are distributed among all the bar staff personnel on the ship, even those that didn't serve you.

The gratuities for the SDP perk are distributed among all the dining staff personnel on the ship, even those behind the scenes.

The gratuities you pay "again" are distributed among the other personnel on the ship, like the housekeeping staff and others. This is called the Daily Service Charge. (Of course, if you didn't have the UBP or SDP, you'd pay gratuities per order, but those still just go to bar or dining.)

Thank you TIger that is what I was speaking of. I personally will tip my "staff" because I honestly believe when "companies/corporations/whatever" add on service charges, the servers are probably only seeing a portion of that. Sneaky way of passing on costs/profits, just my opinion. And as for the same people complaining all of the time, this was the first post I have ever posted in this forum questioning charges on packages, thank you.

I am in no way an expert on cruises. I prefer all inclusive hotels and I now know why. We recently booked NCL, travel agent quoted a price of approx $1340 pp. We are now at over $3100 total before we have stepped on the ship. The free unlimited drink package cost over $200 in taxes and gratuities. The free dining package cost over $120 in taxes and gratuities. The mandatory additional gratuities are almost $200.00. I in no way object to gratuities. I tip all inclusive staff to the point that they follow me around. What I don't understand is I have to pay upfront charges on free packages and then I have to pay gratuities again on top of the gratuities I paid in advance. Now I hear the grill near the pool has been converted to a SDP restaurant on our sailing. I think I am sticking to land after this.

Choice of 9252 or 13804 - Norwegian Breakaway, depart NYC - which would you choose? Which Side has the view of NYC departing? Is either room any bigger?

 

Please give opinions! so confused

When are you sailing, we are booked in 9254

I cruised on Carnival Paradise which was smoke free, not sure if that has changed.

It is Saturday morning and I just had a few good laughs. Quit smoking twice, I know that's not the thread, just background. Even enjoyed a smoke-fee cruise when I did not smoke. I believe those ships are out there, still? I now do enjoy my ecig, and I guarantee you, nobody would even know I have it with the nicotine free ejuice I use, just saying. My point being, there are smoke free cruise ships out there and if anyone is so adverse to cigarette smoke I think they would much rather enjoy those than worrying about the ship that allows smoking in designated areas. And I would think the people that do smoke would not enjoy or embark on a smoke free ship. Many choices in life, and we all need to decide for ourselves and we are all entitled to our own opinion. No matter what, thanks for a few laughs this morning.:)

Has anyone seen a menu for Ocean Blue posted anywhere?

Oh oh, I made reservations for Ocean Blue, should I canx? They told me I could use my on board credits to pay for the up charge.