GriffinAlexander

Obviously a well-debated topic, but every time I see the $10-15/pp per day, etc. it really irks me. This "guideline" that is repeated over and over whenever this question is asked is absolutely NOT a guideline that NCL has established, or that working butlers, concierges & stewards have suggested is what THEY think is a "good tip", etc. Someone, somewhere, sometime long ago posted that either on CC or another forum and it has now somehow become adopted as the "accepted" guidelines.

 

First, I have posted in the past that I usually travel solo and I usually tip my butler say $150 for a week and $200 for a longer cruise. I use my butler ALOT, but if I didn't I would probably tip $100. That said, (and I don't think this is an "act") EVERY butler I have tipped on my many cruises has accepted my tip with WIDE eyes and profuse thanks. As if it was a GREAT tip. So, I don't think everyone is giving them $10-15 per person per day. Which is FINE.

 

I know why people ask - it's because they want to make sure they are doing the "right thing." But people, TRUST YOUR GUT. You know, based on your lifestyle and finances, what YOU think is a appropriate tip for good service. Some people tip their mailman at Christmas with home-baked cookies, some give a coffee gift card and some give $100 bill. It is ALL good and I am sure ALL appreciated.

 

During your cruise you will develop a relationship with your butler, steward and concierge. Based on that, at the end of the week, you will KNOW what "feels right" to express your appreciation. And it WILL be just right!

 

Please, can we stop with counting heads and doing math to calculate "proper" tips based on some long-ago post?

 

And if YOU tip $500, that doesn't mean EVERYONE has to - or otherwise they are "cheap" and don't appreciate hard work and good service.

 

I know this rant won't change anything, but I just had to vent!

We usually stay in a balcony or inside room, and for 2 people what I like to do is find the steward, who is not as dedicated as the butler will be, let that person know our needs, and introduce ourselves and start the week off with a $20. Let the steward know we appreciate them and would like to be able to get the things we ask for when we ask for them. While we don't expect the service of a butler, we do expect the service we have come to expect from decent stewards, and we have in the past had mixed reviews and tipped between 40 bucks and over 100 for a week for a steward who gets paid for a lot of rooms. the bad steward got the lowest amount and that really only happened once. Usually we get decent ones. Occasionally exemplary.

OK never mind I had a question about points but i've found the answer myself. And looking back I see that I apparently have used the points for money back on the account at some point in the past a couple of times. instead of accruing it as I should have been.

Just a side note in case anyone has the AMEX Platinum card - the points that card accrues varies based on which retailer you cash them in at, so be wary when getting your cash in - I like to get an iPad every couple of years and it makes a couple hundred bucks difference based on which place I get it. Keeping in mind the sale price etc.

I've always enjoyed Captain Bob's Souliga destinations tour, which is hands down in my honest opinion the best value and the best excursion I've ever had on a cruise trip. I've been to St Maarten thrice now and twice have done the Captain Bob excursion. The third time we decided to rent a jeep and drive all around the island and visit every beach we could find and eat at different places etc. next time I'm back I'll do the Captain Bob excursion again it is just too much fun. If your tour gets canceled because of weather there are a ton of other options that you can find on a moments notice. I saw people posting that they didn't have anything to do because they didn't make a decision as to which beach to go to or something. There are literally dozens of people vying for your tourist dollar and they may not all walk right up to you but if you just ask you can rent a jeep, bikes, mopeds, get a land tour by car or bus, get driven to any beaches or anywhere you like. They dont cancel because they do t want to boat out to the coral reefs and show you the beautiful sights and make money. They do it out of safety concerns and I've been out on a day where they were going to consider canceling but decided to go out and it was rough on the water. Bee were given the option to get a refund and the experience was a little bit different because of the weather. They are looking out for their customers and also their reputation as the rough days aren't going to be quite as exciting as the calm ones I recommend that those with any concerns fab out being above to climb in and out of the boat from the water may think about of this is something they want to do. It's a lot of fun but you need to be willing and able to do a certain amount of physical exercise for this excursion to fully enjoy it.

How did you do in the casino on board?

I gamble for my cruises w/ Casinos at Sea. Been on several cruises now and I keep getting offers of free cruises from them for tournaments. I sometimes lose my shirt and sometimes win. Worst was the Getaway which was like a cemetery in terms of the sound in the casino. I think because the ship was so new there were just no jackpots paying out. You just didn't hear the machines making their jackpot noises and the few people that did hit were only getting small payouts of under a couple hundred dollars.

One of my best was on the Sky in 2013. I had planned this as a budget cruise, no real gambling budget and then decided to take a shot after all. Took out a thousand dollars to gamble with and hit a machine for a thousand within the first half hour or so. Went to dinner and came back, sat 2 machines over and hit for a thousand again. Both were older style slots that turn reels instead of the newer digital ones. I gave a little back but for the most part I think I left with about 2500 out of the 3000 so it was a nice trip.

I've had good luck on the Epic as well, but generally I find the first and last nights to be best for gambling on the Epic. I don't know if it's because of the people playing on those nights. Last Epic cruise I hit for 600 on the way into the piano bars to see some friends we cruise with. This time I'm cruising solo so i'm going to be more careful I may not gamble at all or I may end up down there the entire week. I have yet to see how it goes.

She has the same attitude. She had a stroke way back when she was 19 (we're now mid 40s) and she doesn't let much hold her back either. We ended up grabbing a taxi over to Maho Beach. Nobody let it ruin their day and we did get to see a 747 land and take off. Highly recommend the bbq at Sunset Bar by the way. Out of all of the stops, the Captain Bob excursion was the one we most looked forward to. So, you're right, it stung a little bit.

 

Yes, we were on the Epic. It was my wife and I (45 and 46) and our daughter (18). We spent a lot of our time up in the bar area in Spice H20 enjoying the fantastic service. In fact, I may have seen you up there. I noticed someone with a cane up at the bar one of the later nights in the trip. We probably blend in a little, I'm about 6'1" but with a red/gray beard. My wife is about 5'6" with short blonde hair. And my daughter is about 5'8" with longer blonde hair. We are thinking about another cruise. I'm kind of liking the fact that the Epic is doing the Western tour next year. That may be the one we hit next. I will keep an eye out for you and take you up on that beer should we cross paths.

Yes, that was me with the cane up at Spice2o on both 80s night and the white party. On 80s night I was using the cane as a microphone and passing it around so everyone around me could sing... sounds stupid now but at the time it seemed like a brilliant bit of fun. Behaved in a similar way the next night for the White Party but didn't pass the cane around as much. Both nights we wound up at Bliss afterward. I was standing by the bar most of those nights with some people we'd met throughout the week. It will be a pleasure to have a beer with you. We just rebooked the next Spring Break cruise on the Getaway this time and we're also sailing the Sky on August 16 for a 3 day to hold us over.

You'll get to do the Captain Bob excursion next time, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'm glad you got to enjoy your day. We changed around some of the ship stuff we had planned for different reasons and just went with it. You kind of have to on vacation. As long as you have a drink and something fun to do and some cool people around you everything's good. And most cruisers are friendly outgoing people.

Did you happen to see Howl on the first night?

I have read all of the great reviews of this excursion. I had three of us booked and prepaid on the same day you went out. You may have seen us, I had a bright red shirt on that was the face of the Kool-Aid guy. Anyway, I have a little different view on the day. We were one of the unlucky ones that were turned away that morning due to the rough seas. We were very disappointed as you can imagine. We watched as others lined up and got ready to board, some paying their balance when they arrived while we were turned away. Captain Bob explained his and his captain's reasoning, which I can understand. While not happy, we understood the reasoning. The thing that I think could have been handled better though was the delivery of this news. I believe that an effort could have (and should have) been made to get word to us before we left the port. We would likely have been able to catch another excursion before they all departed. To wait for everyone to make that trek to the marina was probably not the best customer service decision. Even if it is not possible to get word to the ship, someone at the gate with a sign. Send an email...something, anything, at least an attempt.

 

I asked some specific questions while booking due to the fact that my wife has limited mobility. She has limited use of her right side. The walk to the marina was something that we discussed when considering Capt. Bob. Since there seemed to be ample time between our arrival and the excursion departure, we thought it would not be an issue as we could take our time getting there. It wouldn't have been a problem if she were able to have some R&R before making the walk back. As it turned out, we were left without an excursion for the day and were pretty tired out once we got back to port. I wholeheartedly believe the good reviews about the experience while on this excursion. And, to be fair, Captain Bob refunded our money on the spot when requested. But, I walked away from the experience with the feeling that once he knew he was cancelling and refunding our money, we weren't his problem. I'm sure it would have taken some effort and possibly some money to pay someone to get notification to his cancellations. Since that wasn't done, I would have a hard time booking or recommending this one. I'm sure it can't be the first time (or last) that he had to cancel on someone.

To be fair, had you gone out on this excursion you'd not have been happy. I have limited mobility as well with 8 bad discs and sometimes need to use a cane to get around. I have an attitude of forcing myself to do things I'm probably not supposed to do and I do pay for it the next day.

The water was very choppy and I know he had to cancel a smaller boat that wouldn't be able to handle the water, and he almost canceled us as well. Captain Bob did tell us if we felt it was too much he'd come back and he was a little more wary of the conditions, so we were lucky to not have been canceled as well even in the larger boats.

I'm sorry you weren't happy. Did you ask around at the other boats on the marina to see if anyone was open for 2 more spots? I saw a pontoon boat prepping that didn't leave before us, and we were the last pirate boat to go. I saw a few others but I kept my eye on the pontoon boat that was docked near the restaurant because they were loading up sodas and beer and didn't have anyone on their boat yet. I know a firefighter we were speaking with that got canceled managed to book a bigger boat within 5 minutes of arriving.

I do urge you to try again on your next trip. It's a tour that offers a greater value than many of the others and so long as you get a calm day you'll be ok. Noone can control the weather nor how the water will be. Last year we went at the same time of year and the water was calm, this year it was choppy.

I hope you found something fun to occupy your day. The shopping in St Maarten is supposed to be the best prices of all the eastern caribbean islands, and we've been too tired each trip after this excursion to shop. Anyway I'm sorry you weren't happy and I hope you found something to make your day more enjoyable. It's never a happy moment when something you looked forward to is canceled but it's better that you were canceled than to have had a problem in the water due to unsafe conditions.

Were you on the Epic? I know there were 3 ships in port that day. I'm trying to place you. I was very active this time on the epic and got to know quite a few people. Anyway I'll have a beer with you if we are ever on a ship together.

I've left a review on TA from last year and also here in this thread from last year. This year my partner and I rebooked along with a couple and their daughter and her friend we met on last year's cruise and have become good friends with. Also there were other CC'ers on the excursion. We had a great time, different island for lunch but even better than last time, the waters were choppy so instead of the first stop from last time we were treated to a ride/flight that to me was more fun than a 6 flags ride. Captain Bob is very careful to ensure your safety and if there's any chance of a problem he will cancel and refund you. If that ever happens take it as a good thing. He loses money doing that but it's to make sure you are safe out there. I recommend asking around if the water is too choppy and the weather causes him to cancel on day of as some of the larger boats can accommodate you. I can't say you'll have as much fun but I can say I trust Captain Bob and I'll book with him a third time probably within a year. Best positive thing to say is that we all rebooked and we'd do so again. He looks out for your safety, is funny, witty and intelligent, treats you like a friend but with a courtesy you don't always get from your friends, and does his best to ensure you have a great day. His excursions are by far a better deal than similar exursions through the ships which don't do as much, last as long or offer the same unique experience. The only negative thing I could say is that I'm too tired to shop when we return. We had time to but were pooped so we missed out on the better priced stuff they sell in St Maarten and paid a bit more in Nassau. But it was worth it both times to get the Captain Bob experience in. It's something you will not forget and I personally recommend him.

I just skimmed through the thread and wanted to clarify about my experience:

I had the best excursion of each cruise on Captain Bob's speedboat. His other Captains are all equally as capable and wonderful as he is. I don't get a discount or comp of any kind for posting my opinions.

To be entirely objective, our second excursion was somewhat different from the first. The island we lunched and beached at was a different island, the food choices were similar and we found the food to be even better but loved both lunches. The Captain decides based on water conditions and weather if he's going to go out or not. On our 2nd trip he advised us that the water was choppy and if I remember correctly he offered to cancel for anyone who couldn't handle the choppy waters. He was totally upfront about the conditions which obviously were out of his control and while we didn't hit all the same spots as last time, it was still a much better value and more fun than our other, ship booked excursion for snorkeling, beach, etc. It lasts longer, has more information given, and I have full trust that Captain Bob will ensure my safety, refund my money if I don't make the excursion because of the ship or the conditions or anything else, and also truly believe that he would only cancel if he had to. It makes no sense for him to cancel and give back potential profits otherwise. I did write a very detailed review of the first trip and perhaps I should do another of the second since it was different. I apologize to anyone who assumed from my Travel Advisor review that you would have the exact same stops or experiences that I did. Of course over a year and with different conditions some things change. The beach and lunch stop was different but that did not impact the experience nor the quality, except that the food was even a little better. Those who got ribs got a duckload of them (I think you all know what the "d" stands for) and some couldn't finish them. I had the fish dish and it was delightful, though I wanted every choice since they all looked delicious.

There was one rude woman on the beach who told a friend, a woman from cruise critic, to move the lounger. I suspect that the woman who was rude dislikes tourists barging onto what she considers to be "her" island. In any case she was kind enough to not lie about the chair being taken, just wanted the CC'er to move it away from her. That is something also out of Captain Bob's control.

So I think depending on the day or if they change restaurants again you might get a different experience slightly. We felt that the first stop we missed due to weather was made up for by the boat ride being so much fun. I've never taken an excursion that lasts more than half of what the Captain offers. And as a separately booked excursion from what the ship offers I can say that I trust him with my full payment up front. He doesn't ask for it but it leaves me one less thing to pay for on the week of the cruise.

I once again apologize for anyone who may have felt that they didn't have the exact experience I did on my TA review or on this thread's review by me. But the experience is still very similar. And yes, both times i sat in the back of the boat, got wet, moved for people who wanted on or off and even passed drinks out. I enjoyed that. To me, the best part of the cruise, the excursions and the entertainment is the people with whom I was fortunate enough to share the experience with. Some of the people were old friends we'd met last year and whom are verging on honorary family member status, others were CC members from the roll call whom we bonded with on this and other excursions and entertainment. The entire boat had a great time on both and on this second trip where my memory is still fresh we all shared things like sunscreen, liquor and helped each other with any mundane details. We were experiencing what for some is a once in a lifetime experience and rather than look upon ineracting with others as a detriment, I found it to make my experience all that much more fun and delightful. So you may not do the exact same thing as I did on the first or second trip but you will have as much fun.

I've left a review on TA from last year and also here in this thread from last year. This year my partner and I rebooked along with a couple and their daughter and her friend we met on last year's cruise and have become good friends with. Also there were other CC'ers on the excursion. We had a great time, different island for lunch but even better than last time, the waters were choppy so instead of the first stop from last time we were treated to a ride/flight that to me was more fun than a 6 flags ride. Captain Bob is very careful to ensure your safety and if there's any chance of a problem he will cancel and refund you. If that ever happens take it as a good thing. He loses money doing that but it's to make sure you are safe out there. I recommend asking around if the water is too choppy and the weather causes him to cancel on day of as some of the larger boats can accommodate you. I can't say you'll have as much fun but I can say I trust Captain Bob and I'll book with him a third time probably within a year. Best positive thing to say is that we all rebooked and we'd do so again. He looks out for your safety, is funny, witty and intelligent, treats you like a friend but with a courtesy you don't always get from your friends, and does his best to ensure you have a great day. His excursions are by far a better deal than similar exursions through the ships which don't do as much, last as long or offer the same unique experience. The only negative thing I could say is that I'm too tired to shop when we return. We had time to but were pooped so we missed out on the better priced stuff they sell in St Maarten and paid a bit more in Nassau. But it was worth it both times to get the Captain Bob experience in. It's something you will not forget and I personally recommend him.

HI all,

 

I have an email in requesting info on Captain Bobs tours, I got a reply that hes on a tour and will email me later.

How many hours was this tour as I will be in St Martin ( we dock at 12:15 - 8 pm)

Is this tour doable?

Also group of 16 with ages 2 1/2 to 74 is this also doable?

Appreciate any tips. Like bring beach bags with towels or back paks?bring your own water or will there be plenty of places to purchase water and snacks.

 

thanks

His tours are usually about 9 am or so until about 4pm. And his boats fit 12-13. I dont ink it's a good fit for the very young or very old, but if he allows it then go into it with the knowledge that those people will need extra attention from the family members. Because you have such a large group, he may be able to fit you all on the speedboat. I know that I wouldn't be comfortable on this excursion with toddlers and seniors. It goes to a few places and I just don't think the old and young people would be able to keep up. At lunch you have to wade through a few feet of water and you don't have a lot of time, so I'd be a little upset if we missed part of the excursion waiting for toddlers and elderly people to keep up. But since your group will basically have a boat to themselves it might be ok since you all are fine with it. Also, half the tour is snorkeling and swimming, which will also be a challenge for the older and younger people. They will wind up sitting on the boat watching everyone else have fun. My best guess is that you will end up with a different excursion than most get, because he will tailor your trip to your needs. You will probably get less stops and a shorter all around experience because of missed stops due to the demographic.

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Hi, I am a newbie to the forum but have been reading the wonderful posts to help plan my cruises so I am familiar with the site but this is my first post.

Last week I received a postcard in the mail regarding a free 7day cruise from any US port free from NCL. Now with the way things are, there are many scams going on so where better than to find out real story behind this offer. It looks like it is from NCL but who knows.

 

Would appreciate any feedback regarding this promo and if it is from NCL; what is the "catch" to it.

 

Thanks:confused:

I've been offered 3 free cruises from NCL, and we picked up one, but should have picked up more. 2 were from the Hard Rock and the other was from Twin river Casino in RI. I visit RI so couldn't get that one but if I'd gotten the 2nd one from Hard Rock in FL I could've combined them for an upgrade. They're a joint venture with Casinos At Sea, and worth it, usually only targeted to people whom have gambled with players cards at casinos. If yours came from another source, I'm not sure about the legitimacy. But casino offers are usually valid. You'll have to go in a particular night and stand in line, there will be CAS people there to give you your cert. I got lucky, the night I got my cert I also got an offer for a $500 slot tourney where you keep whatever you win, and won a few hundred, so I played for free on the hard rock, then got a free room, and also had some comped money on the penny machines too, and some property credits for free food.

Steve aka GriffinAlexander

Thanks for the great review, both here and on TA.

We have booked this trip for our upcoming cruise on the Epic in November.

I am looking so forward to it.

We were in St. Martin in March, when there were 7 or 8 ships docked. We decided to do Maho by taxi. It was a horrible day, right from trying to get a taxi, tons of traffic and bumper to bumper people on the beach. I was so envious of the people watching the planes from the water. I said I would never travel in a car on St. Martin again. Your review has me sold.

 

Thanks again for sharing your experience.

 

Captain Bob has been very responsive via email, and he has a great cancellation/refund policy if necessary, plus a fair deposit.

 

Karen

Thanks. I'm glad you booked it. I'm certain you will have a most enjoyable time. Say hello to captain Bob from Steve and Jose! We are going out with him again first week of April 2013 along with our friends from the last cruise.

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We sailed on the Star in March. I purchased a drink package, and received a cup with the NCL logo on it to carry around the trip to be refilled each time I want a drink.

 

Anyone know if it is the same cup on each ship or do they change it up at all? (change colouring/ logo/ etc).

 

Thanks

On our Epic cruise in April of this year, they must have run out of the drink cups, because we didn't get them. I didn't see anyone else with them either on our cruise. Just the stickers on our cards. We would order 2 at a time, some places used bigger cups than others.

What a wonderful review Don! I wish I had seen this before I sailed on the Epic in April. We are going back in March 30th of '13. I have to say your review is the most comprehensive I've ever read and I'm on page 10 now.

Thanks for taking the time to put all of your experiences down along with some very good shots. Everyone has their own unique view of their cruise. We enjoyed ours just as much, as did some friends we made on the cruise from cruise critic whom are also going on the March 30 cruise again.

I look forward to getting to the rest of this novel soon!

NCL's package is for soda only.

You van get free juices and coffee at the main buffet. I was on the epic and they had a machine with apple cranberry and orange juices plus a regular/decaf coffee machine that ground fresh beans and brewed the coffee.

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the ships water is probably cleaner than the water you drink at home.

I would presume that the ships water, if you ask the bartenders to fill the water bottles for you, would come from the same water that is used for the sodas. They use the same multi-button dispenser. It's all filtered with big filters wherever they keep the syrups and CO2 hooked up. We had filtered water bottles and they filled them for me every night or whenever we asked. I tipped the same bartenders regularly, and the coolest one would mix me ice water first in a shaker then pour it in. I think they're supposed to fill them no matter what, but the tips do help the process move along a little faster, as does hitting the same place all week - you up your chances of getting the same bartenders and they see the tips adding up.

We just got back from our first cruise, booked with CAS, and joined latitudes. Because we booked 9 months out, we got 14 points each for a 7 day cruise, which is great, for a balcony room. We fell in love with the Epic, and are cruising again on the same ship, same itinerary in almost exactly 1 year from original sailing so we'll each get 14 more points.

Here's my question, (I know you good folks have more experience with this stuff): We are a gay couple, same address etc, different surnames, different latitudes numbers. I assume we'll both be eligible for whatever perks our level allows? Such as when we get to the level that offers a free bottle, we'll each get one, and a free dinner for 2, we'll each get one, giving us each a free dinner for two, netting us 2 free dinners for two on each cruise? Both of us are showing 14 points each in our latitudes accounts, each of which have different latitudes numbers.

I also noted that once you hit platinum I think, the laundry service is complimentary, which I really like. We got a deal at $24.95 for a full bag of laundry one day - the steward was really cool, told us about the deal the day before when we wanted laundry done and said to stuff the hell out of the bag.

Thanks for your forthcoming answers and any other advice you may offer. I do appreciate it!

I just got back from the Epic, April 7-14, and we did an all-day excursion with Captain Bob in St. Maarten on Tues April 12. We liked it so much we plan on doing it again with him next year, when we go back on the same ship, same itinerary, and there are some cool people we started talking with on cruise critic, met on the Epic, who also went on the Cap Bob excursion who will also be doing it again next year on the same sailing. We are all on the roll call for next year located here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1615222

I also did a pretty detailed review (spoiler alert) for the Captain Bob Soualiga Destinations Excursion here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147347-d2083816-r128338194-Soualiga_Destinations-Philipsburg_St_Maarten_St_Martin.html I must warn you, I give away all of the day in this review, but if you're concerned about whether you get your money's worth, read below instead:

Some ship-based excursions charge you a tad bit less for a 3-4 hour excursion which includes unlimited rum punch and 60+ passengers on a boat in some nice water where you can swim, maybe snorkel, maybe get to see a few nice fish. Captain Bob had 36 passengers split up into 3 speedboats on the day we were booked, 12-13 to a boat. We stop off at 4-5 different spots to snorkel and swim, get to see a wide variety of marine life, stop off at an island for lunch, have an amazing experience there, get to souvenir shop, see iguanas, relax on a beach, swim, interact with locals, for a bit before back into the boat for more of those 5-6 spots. Get to see the St. Maarten airport and see a plane land and/or take off. The speedboat itself is a wonderful experience. The historical tour, picture taking opps, the spots we were in the water all had a distinct and different appeal. Coral, stingrays, eagle rays, giant turtles, multi-colored fish, schools of fish, crystal clear waters, a lunch on a beach that you dream about, where everyone is happy and almost everyone is good looking, the bartender is barefoot and in the sand behind the bar making you a frozen something, the ribs or chicken taste like they should, no additives, and you think for a moment that these people don't look like they have much, but they also look like they have everything.

Anyway, sorry for the long winded response, feel free to stop by our roll call and say hi to sissasmome, the other people who went on the excursion, and currently the only others whom have signed up for the roll call for that sailing. Coincidentally, her review of her cruise was featured on cruise critic this past week as one of the top five reviews. Through some weird twist of luck, mine was chosen for this week. I ended up with a heavy migraine cycle because of all the activity on the ship, including the excursion, so I was late with my review, and they chose it for this week's top five. Both mention the Cap Bob excursion as well.

Best,

Steve aka GriffinAlexander

We just got back from the Epic (April 7-14) We purchased the soda card stickers. We didn't get the souvenir cups, I guess they were out, so each time I'd ask for 2 at a time usually, and had no trouble at all. I'm a tipper, and had allocated a few hundred dollars in 1s and 5s just for tips, so each time I hit a bar for anything I leave a tip, but it's not required.

We also had CAS drink cards. With those drink cards, you are entitled to free drinks in the casino, and the casino bar will also give free house drinks, so if you get that card, are on a budget, and can limit your sodas to getting them in the casino or casino bar you can skip the sticker. At 6.25/day, we figured 2 sodas a day would probably cover the cost of them and that would probably happen at a restaurant easily, sitting down or at entertainment or somewhere else where it would be inconvenient to run out to the casino bar. Technically they want you to use the casino drink card while gambling but as long as you gamble some, I don't think it's an issue. You'll either earn a card for next cruise or not. I gambled enough (and won) to get another free cruise, which will come with casino drink cards again.

We also had tried bar setup for the room this time, but found that it was inconvenient to run around to the room to fill drinks then go back to where we were, so we ended up not using the bar setup and bringing the 2 overpriced bottles home with us. We purchased more at the duty free shop at 2/20 to bring the price down.

We just got back from a 7 day Epic cruise and we both purchased the soda sticker. They didn't give us cups. I think they were out of them or something, I didn't see anyone with them on this sailing. It was our first cruise. We got stickers on our cards but no cups. You can ask for 2 at a time though, which we would do if going back to the room or something, because the regular cups are kind of small.

About 20 years ago I went on a small ship from Miami to the Bahamas, I was young and didn't know about fwd or aft of the ships and just a little out of Miami felt quite nauseated but rested in the lounge which unfortunately for me was in the aft. Needless to say I could not enjoy my cruise to the Bahamas.

 

On NCL we have chosen basically mid ship for our balcony cabins. Once in a while in the casino or the stardust, if the ocean is rougher I will start getting a little yukky feeling, go back to our cabin, I'm fine again. I'm sure the larger ship and how they stabilize her is much better for me but I think mid ship definately helps. So my feeling is if unsure it's the best place to start.

We are sailing in a couple of weeks and I wanted to thank you good folks for all of your helpful information. We decided to stick with the balcony cabin for this trip, and might get a suite next time around. I think we will be fine with a balcony for our first cruise ever and from what ive read, once we move up to a suite we won't want to sail on anything less. We have walkin talkies, sea bands, Dramamine, new white shorts and shirts for the white party, filter cups for drinking water, and my sister is giving me a few books to take with me. Also there's supposed to be a new app for iPhones that NCL just started up which allows one to use their smartphone via the ships wifi as a phone to call and message anyone on the ship. They charge 7.95/trip for it but it seems very convenient and easier than using the walkies, which we will save for the shore trips.

Once again, you folks have helped me out with info that is invaluable to me and I wanted to thank you all very much.

It came down to a handicapped room in the aft section and a regular balcony midship, but they are putting a shower seat and egg crates. I don't know if we will have sea sickness since it's our first cruise but had to consider it as a possibility and all reports say a mid ship is less prone to feeling sea sickness. So the handicapped room is still available. Thanks for your helpful advice!

Thanks everyone for your advice, it all came in very helpful when booking my balcony room. I could afford the suite, but really decided that the money should go into the house, or the apt in nyc I'm thinking of getting to make my life easier when I get surgery. You folks are all top notch people in my book.

Hey folks!

I just booked the Epic for our cruise in April 2012, the 7-14th. While I was offered a handicapped cabin, I had mentioned that it was my and my partners first cruise and was also worried about seasickness and wanted something midship that wouldn't be feeling the rockiness of the boat so much. From what I've read on here, midship is the way to go. Also being midship would give me easy access to the entire ship from the advice I've received, instead of having to walk the length of the ship to get anywhere. So for the same price I was offered a handicapped in the front starboard side balcony room, or a midship room, which isn't handicapped, but which the rep said they'd put a shower seat in for me and also put the egg crates on the bed. I'm going to research the exact room, # 12177, but I had her check and it's cabins above and below, so I think I'm in good shape.

Thank you all who responded for your helpful and kind remarks and advice. I'll see how it goes, but of course I'm still gonna hold out as long as I can on a wheelchair or other assisted device more than the cane. I am seriously considering a jazzy, or scooter or whatever those things are called though.

It'll be a fun and exciting trip no matter what, and I'm gonna do stretches in the pool to try to strengthen up for the trip. Looking through this site, I've seen a lot of cool stories about the level of service for people with suites, so I'm definitely considering it, but we'll see what happens when they quote me the prices.

Thanks for all your bits of advice. I'll try to remember the bit about the egg crates in particular, since i"m used to memory foam. I'm thinking of upgrading to a suite if it's affordable enough. As far as the wheelchair, I was in a beach accident some years ago, body surfing. Before that I worked out almost every day. So dealing with being disabled has been a bit tough, and I don't know if I would be able to mentally wrap my head around the idea of using a wheelchair to get around. I'm only 43! I know it's dumb to think that way, but I'd almost rather be stuck in my room than be caught in the wheelchair, although I do have to consider surgery even though the docs say it is a 50 50 shot that it will do any good at all for my back. The suites have the butler thing going on, so you can get breakfast every day in the room, and snacks and juices and stuff left for you, which is a great thing for someone like me, who may have a tough time walking w/ the cane and whatever goodies I wanna bring back to the room. If I'm having a good week, it may be a non-issue though.

On a lighter note, I did get my passport in the mail today, so I'm stoked about that!