MBMGWM

We were fortunate enough to get Posh passes on both legs of a B2B in late Jan./early Feb. and we thoroughly enjoyed the sailaway party in Posh both times. I hope you have a great cruise!

We were on a B2B earlier this year and loved Posh! We were not able to buy a pass for the second leg of our cruise on the first go around, but we were let back on early enough to snag passes for the second week as well. It was money well spent. Good luck on getting your passes!

I saw that the salad bar at Moderno offers cerviche. Does anyone know what type and if it was good?

My wife & I were on the Epic about a month ago and hit Moderno twice. Cerviche was available both times and was very good. Mix of shrimp, fish and scallops.

Originally posted by MBMGWM:

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(3) On one of the cruises my wife and I struck up a conversation with one of the bar servers in one of the lounges, who served us several rounds of drinks. I had the same one each time. The following day we went to the theater for the evening show. We sat in the balcony section, and while waiting for the show to begin I happened to see the same bar server working the main floor section of the theater. She happened to look in our direction and I caught her eye. My wife & I smiled and briefly waved at her, and shortly thereafter the show began. Within a matter of minutes she was at my side with the same drink I had been drinking the day before, asking if I wanted one tonight with the show. Amazing.

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Response Posted by sverigecruiser:

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Number three is more common and that can defenitely happen on NCL too but of course it's different because on NCL they normally want money for the drinks!

If you're just talking about the fact that some cruseship bartenders and waitstaff seem to possess almost superhuman memories, then I agree it could happen on NCL as well as Regent and other lines. But again, it's the actual experience that defines the difference. On NCL (and most other lines) if the server had recognized me, and actually made her way up into the balcony section from the main floor, she would have had to: (1) interrupt my enjoyment of the show to ask me if I wanted to order my drink; and (2) interrupt the show again to bring me the drink and have me sign the receipt. On the Regent the server remembered who I was and my fave drink from the previous day; took the initiative on her own to go to the nearest bar and get my drink; and brought it to me and presented it in such a way that I was free to accept or reject the drink as I wished, all without any interruption to the show except for me to smile and accept the drink. In the former case it's a (minor) annoyance to both me and those seated around me at the show to go thru the drink-ordering and delivery/signing process; in the latter it was a subtly done service that left me with a smile and a small, but lasting, warm memory.

It was just one moment, but our Regent cruises were filled with such moments.

Any opinions, is Regent Seven Seas Cruises better than NCL?

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My wife & I have cruised both lines. We've done Regent twice for special occasion cruises (anniversarys), once to Alaska and once on a western Carib'n itinerary. We've cruised NCL four times (maybe 5). Opinions may vary, and it's all subjective, but there really isn't a comparison in overall quality - - you pay more (a lot more these days; when we went the fares were more reasonable) for Regent, and you get (a lot) more. It really is a different experience.

It's easy to say things like "the Regent cabins are bigger, and nicer; the food and drink is truly excellent, even in the buffets; the service is unobtrusive but ever-ready; having everything paid for beforehand makes a huge difference in the experience, from not having to bother signing chits, to almost zero loudspeaker announcements, etc". The shore excursions were uncrowded and adventurous (if you chose). You had a feeling of space and privacy, whenever you wanted. The outdoor/pool chairs and loungers tended to be cushioned solid teak, and there was never a problem finding one. I don't recall ever waiting to be seated in a dining room, a lounge, a show, or an elevator.

Maybe a few small memories I have from the Regent cruises might help sum up the difference:

(1) On one cruise I "discovered" a new Scotch that I enjoyed (I'm not a scotch drinker normally; but having an "all included"

drink program that covered everything except the true super-premium liquors and top-end wines allowed me to explore). They didn't carry that particular label in the ship's store, so on the last day I asked the bartender if it would be possible to purchase a bottle to take home from the bar. He said they weren't allowed to sell from the bar, and I accepted that. But in my room on that last evening was a bottle of said scotch with the Captain's compliments - - no charge. When I priced it back home it was a $100 bottle of scotch.

(2) On the western Carib'n cruise, we had taken a shore excursion that went far into the jungle to see some relatively undisturbed Mayan ruins. I accidentally left my prescription sunglasses at the site, and didn' realize it until I got back to the ship. It was late in the day, so no hope of going back. I happened to mention it to one of the crew on my arrival back at the ship (who had asked if we enjoyed the excursion, which we did), but didn't even bother to ask if it might be possible to retrieve them. I had mentally written them off. A few hours later, after we had departed, my glasses were back in my cabin. I asked about how they had found them, and learned that the crew member I spoke with had let the shore excursion manager know about my loss; she had radioed someone at the remote site to search for and recover my glasses, who was able to give them to the very last driver leaving the site that day, who got them to the ship on time. All this was done without me even asking.

(3) On one of the cruises my wife and I struck up a conversation with one of the bar servers in one of the lounges, who served us several rounds of drinks. I had the same one each time. The following day we went to the theater for the evening show. We sat in the balcony section, and while waiting for the show to begin I happened to see the same bar server working the main floor section of the theater. She happened to look in our direction and I caught her eye. My wife & I smiled and briefly waved at her, and shortly thereafter the show began. Within a matter of minutes she was at my side with the same drink I had been drinking the day before, asking if I wanted one tonight with the show. Amazing.

But the cruises were filled with such little extras and attentive service touches, and those collectively added up to a feeling of: "Ahhhh...so this is what cruising is really all about".

Just my opinions, but there ya go!

I was on the same cruise as Tiffygirl. LOVED the Bart Walker Band. Bought the last CD he had. Bart told me they are on the Epic until February.

The BEST show was the last night of the cruise. Many musicians from other venues/bands on the ship joining in and jamming, including Mike from Howl at the Moon on keyboards (great voice as well), Jim Capik the guitarist from Maltings on harp (very, very good), and Steve (I think) the music director from Blue Man Group sitting in on bass for one set.

There were very few passengers by the time they were winding down, mostly crew members & entertainers. It was a great show and one of the best I have seen on a cruise ship.

Fat Cats is a great venue, except for lousy seating.

(1) Wow...Bart Walker just started on the Epic on the Jan. 4, 2014 cruise, didn't he? I'm assuming that "end of January" means that Bart Walker will be on the Jan 25 - Feb 2nd cruise. I'd think NCL would contract with a band for more than a single month, if only to save on logistics and paperwork.

Any word about the replacement band?

(2) What was "lousy" about the Fat Cats seating? Uncomfortable chairs? Poor sight lines?

Im a jazz girl...so the closet they had was the Caribbean band that played by the pool. WITHOUT the girl singer. by themselves they were mello/smooth jazz..just nice...not saying the lady singer wasn't good, but I just preferred hearing the band.

 

other than that and jazz music being played in the 'background' in the casino no live jazz....

Too bad - - there's been a decent small-combo jazz band on most cruises we've taken. On a ship as big as the Epic, there ought to be a jazz band; a country/country-rock/alternative-country band; and some kind of a classical music outfit to suit that many passengers' different musical tastes. In fact, I'm always amazed that, at least on the dozen or so cruises we've taken, that there is almost never even a mildly country-flavored band on board. Folk singer with a guitar? Check. Pop-Rock guy or girl with a guitar? Check. Latin music singer or duo? Check. Pianist? Check. But little to no country of any kind. Not complaints, just observations.

BUT...having said all that I'm looking forward to the Epic after hearing about Tiffygirl's reports and the new blues-rock band.

They have music again in fat cats!

Bart Walker Band most nights they play from 9pm-1am

 

it is all blues...white guy (Bart) plays the guitar like a BEAST and can sing. His brother was in the band but I understand he kept messin up so he had to get rid of him. so he has a few musicians from the mahantan band to join him. they fit. its like rock mixed with blues...but grooves....but if you don't loud music its not for you! ...

Blues-Rock sounds perfect for Fat Cats! Looking forward to checking this band out.

Did you hear any jazz music anywhere on the Epic while you were on it?

Saw this tidbit buried in another thread here by a passenger just back from an Epic cruise. We've asked for more info in that thread, but because that other thread is titled as a "negative" one we thought we'd try to highlight this tidbit separately in case anyone has heard anything more:

>>>also they have new blues band in fat cats! you must check him out!!!! GREAT!GREAT!GREAT!<<<tiffygirl

This sounds like great news for us, because we booked the Epic originally (about a year ago) in part bacause of the Slam Allen band in Fat Cats. We had been disappointed to see that Fat Cats was now being used mostly for karaoke according to the recent dailies we've seen, and are hopeful that this new band will help fill the Slam Allen void.

Anyone have any additional info? Thanks.

Tiffygirl, thank you for your comments. I was very excited to see your mention of a new blues band in Fat Cats. One of the reasons I wanted to go on the Epic originally (we booked almost a year ago) was to see Slam Allen. When he left, they had the Charlie Love band, but then it seemed the venue was used for karaoke and different duos. Can you tell us a little bit more about the new band?

You have to pay for everything you want to do on the ship via your card,i prefer it where everything is part of the package.You could spend a small fortune on additional costs.

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Gratatuity charges added to my bill were the best part of 250 dollars for four people ,go to reception and get them removed on the last day of your cruise.

It is best if you wish to hand out your hard earned money, you give to the people you want.

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Charging for the use of items on board is a big no no for me,let's have a clear price to use the facilities on board,

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People may think the price is good ,but NCL hidden charges for everything makes it a very expensive cruise.

 

sive cruise ship.

If you want an all-inclusive cruise, you can get one. Here are two choices as an example:

(1) A Feb, 2014 7-day Western Caribbean NCL cruise that my wife & I are taking in a corner, aft-facing balcony cabin with a large balcony (we love seeing/hearing the wake plus the expansive view): $750/pp or $1500 total cruise fare. Yes, we'll gladly pay the extra daily service charge (for the hard-working waiters/room cabin stewards & others you don't see but who work hard behind the scenes to make sure your cruise is an enjoyable one), as well as pay the charges for any specialty dining, alcohol, shore excursions, etc that we CHOOSE to pay for during my trip. We're setting an onboard "total cruise budget" for ourselves of $2000 over and above the cruise cost for that week (an average of an extra $300 per day) to cover such costs and to enjoy ourselves with while onboard. Total planned cost of cruise: $3500.

Or, you can go all-inclusive with:

(2) Feb, 2014 7-day Western Caribbean Regent cruise we could have taken (we've sailed on Regent twice in the past for special occasions) in a regular Regent balcony cabin: $4000/pp or $8000 total cruise fare. We would not have to pay extra during the cruise for service charges/speciality dining/alcohol/shore excursions/etc, because we already would have paid for those items in advance (and paid for them whether I actually used them or not). Total planned cost of cruise: $8000.

Both of those "total costs" are exclusive of gov't taxes, airfare, gambling, shopping, etc. Yes, the Regent line has nicer ships & amenities than the more budget-friendly lines like NCL, but with NCL we got our preferred aft-facing cabin, rather than a standard side-facing one. And even with budgeting $2000 extra for onboard NCL expenses, our upcoming NCL cruise (with all of its "you have to pay for everything" costs) will be less than half as costly as an "all inclusive" cruise cost.

But.....if all-inclusive is what you want or need, those cruises are available.

Enjoy.

Today I found out that the prices for our cruise with the NLC Epic have dropped: for a similar amount to what we booked (BE category) you can now get a higher category (B6).

We booked through a TA.

 

I have two questions:

- can we profit from the dropped prices, even though we already booked

- if we can, should we? I'm not sure if there is a big difference between for example BE and B6 categories...

I've cut-and-pasted this from another thread that asked a related question about after-final payment options when the cruise price goes down significantly:

>>My advice would be: Be clear about exactly what you want; Stay politely firm; And if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. We booked a b2b cruise on the Epic over a year ago that had a very good price on an excellent balcony cabin (BE) for both weeks. The first week has gone up in price for our cabin, but a few weeks ago the price of our second week dropped by almost $200/pp. We called our travel agent (a large cruise specialist internet outfit) on three occasions trying to get something for the price difference - - a room upgrade/extra OBC/drinks/Posh passes/etc. First time, nothing. Second time, an offer of a room "upgrade" that we felt was actually an inferior room (more mid-ship location, but a smaller balcony and much farther from the elevators). Third time, we hit paydirt - - a free upgrade to a corner aft balcony (B1) cabin (we love aft cabins), plus our OBC was doubled from $50 to $100. We never whined/complained/threatened/got angry/etc. Each time we thanked our agent for his help, even when we didn't get what we wanted. Polite perserverance paid off (probably along with some extra flexibility on NCL's part as well). Good Luck!<<

Not double :) $199 for cruises 10days or longer.

Wife & I are going on the Epic Eastern/Western itinerary back-to-back in Jan-Feb (15 days). Any info on whether back-to-backs are considered two cruises, or one, for the dining package??? Not sure if we'd buy it either way, but we're curious.

For all of the NCL experts, I have an upgrade question. I have an existing booking on the Getaway for a balcony cabin. When I booked, NCL had an onboard credit offer for $150. If I upgrade to a mini-suite, will I lose the onboard credit and receive the current offer of $70 for a mini-suite, or will I retain the original $150 credit? For that matter, will I lose all onboard credits?

 

Thanks!!!

My advice would be: Be clear about exactly what you want; Stay politely firm; And if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. We booked a b2b cruise on the Epic over a year ago that had a very good price on an excellent balcony cabin for each week. The first week has gone up in price for our cabin, but a few weeks ago the price of our second week dropped by almost $200/pp. We called our travel agent (a large cruise specialist internet outfit) on three occasions trying to get something for the price difference - - a room upgrade/extra OBC/drinks/Posh passes/etc. First time, nothing. Second time, an offer of a room "upgrade" that we felt was actually an inferior room (more mid-ship location, but a smaller balcony and much farther from the elevators). Third time, we hit paydirt - - a free upgrade to a corner aft balcony cabin (we love aft cabins), plus our OBC was doubled from $50 to $100. We never whined/complained/threatened/got angry/etc. Each time we thanked our agent for his help, even when we didn't get what we wanted. Polite perserverance paid off (probably along with some extra flexibility on NCL's part as well). Good Luck!

Thank you very much for the pics. We'll be staying in this cabin on our cruise. Seeing your photos has made me even more excited!

Did you happen to see the entertainment in Fat Cats? I'm wondering if they have a dedicated jazz/blues band. Unfortunately, we were not able to sail on the Epic when Slam Allen was there, but I do hope they have a good band there now.

Did you attend any shows in Fat Cats? Was there a jazz/blues band? I've read that the Charlie Love band was no longer on board, but I'm not sure if that is still correct.

My DH and I lived on St. Thomas for many years and one of our favorite lunch spots was Hook, Line and Sinker in Frenchtown. It is an easy walk along the waterfront from downtown. Their grouper in lemon cream is outstanding. They also are on the waterfront in Frenchtown and have a view of the harbor and beautiful hillside. We were on a cruise there last December and both had the lemon grouper - our favorite dish - and it felt so comfortable and familiar.

We just got off Breakaway and the DH and I did the UBP.

 

You WILL NOT get an apple martini under the program.

 

You WILL get a long island ice tea.

 

You WILL get froze daiquiris and margaritas

 

I'm not sure about the jack as I am an absolut drinker - which I got; however, had to ask for it otherwise the bartenders were giving me bar VODKA.

 

Wine you have to keep under the $9 mark. I drank Blackstone Merlot with dinner. The DH and I had bloody marys in the morning.

 

The DH drank Coors light which came in 16 oz aluminum cans. I prefer draft beers and had a miller light for lunch when we boarded. I drank Stella the rest of the time.

 

On Breakaway each bar seems to carry different beers on tap. I wanted to try the Brooklyn Lager at the bar upstairs but my sinus infection came back two days into the cruise and I wasn't up for doing a lot of walking around.

 

Our bartenders at O'Sheehan's kept an open tab for us, closing out our drinks when we were done. They billed one card, all I had to do was show them that mine had the UBP sticker on it.

 

We felt it was worth it. I did not have to keep checking our on board account every day to make sure we were staying in budget. We knew we needed $788.90 for the 7 day trip for the two of us. I prepaid our gratuities before we went.

 

Hope this helps

 

Kathy

I skimmed all 10 pages of this thread, but didn't see this question asked/answered. Apologies if I missed something along the way. Is champagne included in the plan? If so, is it considered to be in the wine category such that the $10/glass limit applies? Or is it in its own category?

Thanks,

G.

I would suggest carrying on your camera and any other electronics on the plane with you. There is just too much of a chance of them being "lost" or broken in checked bags.

Another tip I learned from the boards - always cross pack your suitcases. Have some of your things and some of your traveling companions clothes in each checked bag. That way, if one bag goes missing, you won't be totally without things. This is especially important for us, as my DH is an ex offensive line football player, and he just can't walk into any store and find clothes!