DH88

NCL EPIC WESTERN CARIBBEAN 11/19-26/16 THANKSGIVING CRUISE We have been on many cruises across different lines. This was our first Norwegian. We enjoyed Epic. This was our first mega ship. We had a hull balcony cabin on the ninth floor and liked it. Even though we had 2 chairs and 2 loungers on the balcony, you could not see over unless you sat right at the rail. But the space was large and we enjoyed hanging out on the balcony. The line for embarkation was long and slow but we were on in about an hour so it was ok. We weren't planning on using the specialty restaurants this trip and good thing because they appeared to be completely booked from the first day. We dined a lot in the Ocean Cafe and always found something tasty. We had room service for breakfast every day and only 1 day they failed to come but came right away after we called. We enjoyed lattes every day at the Atrium but the "special of the day" drinks were terrible (I have never had a Mai Tai made that way before). On Thanksgiving the Manhattan Restaurant was "completely booked" so we went to Taste and were seated right away, they were sending people to the Noodle restaurant and later made an announcement that all restaurants were serving Thanksgiving dinner. The agenda implied Thanksgiving was only at Manhattan or Taste, plus the buffet was Grill Night so I don't think they had Thanksgiving dinner at all. On the last night we did get in to Manhattan but we arrived early and the meal was good. We saw both shows. We saw Burn the Floor 3 times and it was great and the last night they had new singers, so it was fun seeing a change in the show. Priscilla was good. We saw the comedy and the up close magic show was amazing. We have been to all the ports before except Great Stirrup. Cozumel We arrived on time at the Punta Langosta dock. There were plenty of stores for t-shirts and souvenirs as well as Starbuck's and Hooter's. Weather was good. We took a cab to Mr. Sancho's and had a great day at the beach. Grand Cayman We had reserved our tenders on the TV so had group A. Slow lineup through the restaurant but tender was fast. We walked around and enjoyed some drinks overlooking the ships. I wanted to use the wifi but could not get it to work at the restaurant. However, at the liquor store their wifi was snappy. We headed back to the ship early to avoid the rush and it was quick. Ocho Rios We took a cab to Dunn's Falls - $10 for 2 round trip and $20 each into the Falls, probably half of what a ship excursion would cost. The van also stopped and you could get $7 water shoes, they were $10 in the Falls. We weren't dressed to climb but we took the stairs to the beach and the Falls coming into the beach was great. We watched others climbing and it was fun. There is a restaurant and market inside as well. It did start raining on the way back and we were drenched when we got back to the ship. Great Stirrup We reserved a Eco boat excursion and were told to use the same tender group as Grand Cayman (excursions usually met at the theatre). We waited a long time in the restaurant, loading was slow and the ride to the island also long. They recommended an hour to get ashore and they were right, they should definitely fix this. The boat tour was a letdown - overpriced and the brochure mentioned interacting with turtles, stingrays and shark which never happened - just shells. We had lunch which was good. We shopped at the market and headed back early to avoid the crowds but again very slow. We did Easy Walkoff and were at the curb in abou

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We were on the same cruise with you. Did you have issues with your toilet not flushing and then it would flush minutes later? We did and we were talking to our steward when the room he was cleaning flushed behind him and he said "phew" and said their are issues with the system that they can't get to to fix.

Great cruise! Great review!

Yes we had that issue but I remember that on other cruises. I think it has something to do with the pressure having to build up or something.

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We had a balcony and an interior on 9 and there were no refrigerators.

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I think there was a recent review of someone on a lower level and they had a refrigerator.

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DH88; can you give me a "overall impression" of the ship, it's condition and facilities? Sunshine will be sailing out of our area next year and we are considering an Oct cruise. I've read a number of reviews that were less than complimentary. Thanks

Overall it is a fine ship. Some venues are very nice and practically empty most of the time but show venues cannot accommodate the amount of passengers. Unfortunately for those who want to swim or lounge in the sun it is not ideal. The pool is minuscule and the chair hogs are not controlled. I saw a pizza sit on a chair for hours. Plus it just cannot measure up to the larger ships but I think the price reflects that. We did notice the leaking a few times so if that would ruin your cruise as others have said, this seems to be a persistent problem. We chose Sunshine for the itinerary and departure port and wouldn't hesitate to go on Sunshine again.

Nope

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We recently returned and the best advice was pump soap. So great not using the slimy mini bar soap.

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Thanks for the review!

 

I've never been to Grand Turk and am going there on my next cruise. Any tips or tricks? :)

Grand Turk is one of the easiest ports. Just get off and walk down the dock to the beach. We loved renting the Cabana and would do that again especially if there are other ships in port. It was really nice having our own waiter and plus air conditioning was very nice and cooler than I expected. If the beach is not your thing there is shopping and a museum right there as well. The FunTimes did recommend you not head off and to stay in the tourist area. I have also read there is not much to set off to see.

First stop Aruba which was beautiful we there was a nice wind so not too hot. We intended to go to Moomba but the taxi driver talked us into going to Eagle Beach. I saw the clamshells and jet skis and wanted to get out of the cab so we did but next time I probably would continue to Moomba. The clamshells with 2 loungers were $30 and the guy had a cart and made nice Pina Coladas ($8). The kids didn’t go on the jet skis after all but did do the tube pulled by speed boat.

Next stop Curacao, very pretty. We docked over by the Renaissance even though I had seen pictures docked in town. Again at the taxi stand we wanted to go to Mambo and were being talked out of it. We were being told the “better” beaches were 1 ½ away and a $50 cab ride and we were pushed to the side to wait for someone else who wanted to go to Mambo. Thankfully a couple arrived who loved Mambo and in fact talked another couple into going as well. I believe we paid $5 each, 15 minutes away. There is a $3.50 per person admission to the beach. Since we were the only ship in port at every stop there was no problem renting the “bed” lounger ($9), drinks were good about $9 each. The new BLVD shopping area was very nice. There was a Subway there if you wanted a cheap lunch as well as other restaurants and shops.

Last stop was Grand Turk-Margaritaville. We rented the Cabana and Omar was great, just ring the bell and he was there quickly. The pool was not as crowded as I have seen photos since we were the only ship. The line at 3-3:30 to get back on the ship was looooong and they finally opened the second entrance which made it faster. [/size][/font]

We had a great time. I would definitely sail on Sunshine again especially since it is only two hours away. We had a balcony and inside cabins on the Lido deck, no refrigerators. We had no problem with noise. We noticed some leaks in the hall as well as in the comedy lounge.

The venues are very small but we always had a seat. I never felt the elevators were crowded and many times I was the only one in the area, except on port days. Sometimes on the larger ships it takes 20 minutes just to walk somewhere not the case on Sunshine. You can be anywhere in 5 minutes or less, which I liked. The kids did not join the clubs or socialize they hung with us. We stay out of the sun so never fought for chairs by the pool or the Serenity deck which I believe is why people have such a problem with Sunshine. We got the $99 internet package and the $25 social for my daughter which worked out great for us.

Thank You SO much, you're awesome!! :D My email address is assumptionchic@gmail.com

Avril,

Can you post the FunTimes?

Glad you are enjoying the live review!

I have the $60 plan. Not fast enough for streaming video but adequate for email, surfing etc. Much faster than other ships I have been on (Dream) not as fast as home. I am told the $99 plan is faster and supports streaming. It is nice that you can upgrade your plan if you find it too slow. All in all a good deal for unlimited access.

 

I do not love the ATD set up. There is normally a long line on deck 5 near Taste Bar to get your seat. Once you get your seat assignment you go to deck 3 to the dining room. Once at the dining room there is not much of a wait. If I were to sail Sunshine again I would choose assigned dining.

 

Off to Grand Turk today!

 

Any other questions? Having fun doing this live review.

Can you tell me about the unlimited access - can you use multiple devices?

Anyone