NCL EPIC TA Oct. 21st, 2012

[hoco]

Hi, Just booked for the T/A on 21st October out of Barcelona and good to hear that I won't be the only gay guy on board. I wondered if there are any other older/mature gay guys going to be on board (I'm 51 and a young one .... I think!)

 

Does anyone know if their a F.O.D on the Epic? (as with the QM2 while I was aboard two and a half years ago on a T/A)

 

I will be travelling solo and it would be nice to have some company to chat with from time to time.

[Seadragon555]

Hi, Just booked for the T/A on 21st October out of Barcelona and good to hear that I won't be the only gay guy on board. I wondered if there are any other older/mature gay guys going to be on board (I'm 51 and a young one .... I think!)

 

Does anyone know if their a F.O.D on the Epic? (as with the QM2 while I was aboard two and a half years ago on a T/A)

 

I will be travelling solo and it would be nice to have some company to chat with from time to time.

 

Hoco: You are in luck! Ben will be 52 by the time we sail and I will 65...so if that is "mature" then you will have company. When I did a TA on the Equinox there was a huge crowd of both mature and younger men at the FOD Party, we all became regulars for pre-dinner drinks at one of the bars, and I still keep in touch with some of them. One of the ship's staff put the FOD Party on Equinox together...he did a really good job and joined us for the party.

 

Glad you are making the cruise. Are you in Barcelona early before the sailing?

[FlyGuy13]

I am so glad to see that there are quite a few single guys on this sailing as well as couples. Looks like it's going to be great turnout. NCL is having an amazing deal on balcony rooms for this sailing. They are not charging the full single supplement like almost all other cruise lines or other sailings. You can get a balcony for only $300 more than a studio! And for 13 days, it certainly is worth it. I am flying in from Chicago, thru Toronto the day before. I got a great deal at the Axel hotel...the gayest hotel in Barcelona, so I've heard. I got a cabin assignment already too...aft on deck 11. I too booked my trip thru Jeffrey at Crowncruisevacations.com. The staff there was incredible. Let's hope this thread keeps growing.

[PackNPaddle]

Will likely be booking this cruise soon (like tomorrow!) and looking forward to meeting the group. I'll be traveling with a buddy - tentative plans are to go into Barcelona a few days early and spend time in Miami/Ft.Lauderdale a bit afterwards. First TA cruise and sounds great to have so many sea days!

 

 

 

Kevin ;)

[Seadragon555]

Will likely be booking this cruise soon (like tomorrow!) and looking forward to meeting the group. I'll be traveling with a buddy - tentative plans are to go into Barcelona a few days early and spend time in Miami/Ft.Lauderdale a bit afterwards. First TA cruise and sounds great to have so many sea days!

 

 

 

Kevin ;)

 

Welcome, Kevin! I hope you and your buddy were able to book the cruise today and will be able to join the rest of us. TA cruises are, to me, the most relaxing way to travel...as long as the weather is decent and warm...still, they are an adventure.

 

Do you know where you are staying in Barcelona?

[twotogether7]

Hey everyone...partner and I booked today. Glad to see so many FOD's already talking on here. We are 40's from Fort Lauderdale and looking forward to our first TA cruise.

[FlyGuy13]

Welcome Two!!! It looks like it is going to be a great cruise. I hear that the last TA on this ship was an incredible time! That's what made me want to try it this time, even though I am going solo.

[Seadragon555]

Hey everyone...partner and I booked today. Glad to see so many FOD's already talking on here. We are 40's from Fort Lauderdale and looking forward to our first TA cruise.

 

I wanted to echo Flyguy's welcome! The list of people going on this TA is growing...which is great...October seems so far away right now but it will get here quickly.

 

Again, welcome to both of you!

 

John

[hoco]

Hi again,

 

Has anyone sailed on The Epic previously? If so what is is like ie is it noisy everywhere or can you enjoy somewhere quiet for a beer and a chat without having to shout over loud music.

 

I'm not a party pooper just that I like a balance so as to be able to relax.

[Seadragon555]

Hoco: Neither of us has sailed on the Epic before so I can't tell you if there are quiet spots or not; however, given that a lot of cruisers do enjoy an occasional quiet time I would say that there probably are such spots on the ship. Still, that is speculation. There is a st8 thread for the October 21st TA and there are several people on it that have sailed on the Epic previously....you could post the question on there and see what the response is.

 

John

[hoco]

Hi, I have decided to cancel my cruise because of the reviews that I have read about the Epic. (1) the noise (loud Techno Music) is said to be so bad that you have to shout to be heard in some areas and one guy seriously asked NCL in his review to "turn down the decibels" (2) I have an issue with tobacco smoke and I have read some very disturbing reviews about the casino and the fact that it is in the main atrium of the ship and you can't avoid it as it goes from port to starboard windows in other words it's not shut off and you have to pass through it to get to some of the other places on board.

It means that I loose about $1,000 (US) deposit but a small price to pay against being unhappy on holiday. I hope you guys have a great sailing and take care.

[nomadicbacchus]

Hi, I have decided to cancel my cruise because of the reviews that I have read about the Epic. (1) the noise (loud Techno Music) is said to be so bad that you have to shout to be heard in some areas and one guy seriously asked NCL in his review to "turn down the decibels" (2) I have an issue with tobacco smoke and I have read some very disturbing reviews about the casino and the fact that it is in the main atrium of the ship and you can't avoid it as it goes from port to starboard windows in other words it's not shut off and you have to pass through it to get to some of the other places on board.

It means that I loose about $1,000 (US) deposit but a small price to pay against being unhappy on holiday. I hope you guys have a great sailing and take care.

 

Sorry to lose you! Ive actually heard there are many quiet places (probably still have ambient music) throughout the ship, and with it being a TA, I'm sure the passenger count will be less than full. Although it might be a good decision; with me on board, combined with duty-free cigarettes, there may be more smoke than usual. :p

[Seadragon555]

Hoco: I am sorry to read that you won't be going.:( I did a TA on Celebrity Equinox and it is a smoke-free ship except in designated areas, no smoking in the casino, great food & service & entertainment, and has tons of quiet places and quiet restaurants/bars. If you want to do a TA with those conditions then I would encourage looking into Celebrity...just a suggestion. Having said that I wish you would reconsider the TA on NCL Epic as I have read both pros & cons on the loudness of the entertainment...plus you could avoid the casino by going up or down a deck to cross-over...again, just a suggestion.

 

John

[Stronglad]

Well I'm no fan of cigarette smoke but I'm sure it can't be that bad. I would be very surprised if there weren't quiet areas on board, I haven't seen many complaints about the noise?? Sounds to me like Hoco might he happier on a rowing boat. Jon your body is a temple so quit the 50 a day Gauloise habit now while there's still time!!

[nomadicbacchus]

Well I'm no fan of cigarette smoke but I'm sure it can't be that bad. I would be very surprised if there weren't quiet areas on board, I haven't seen many complaints about the noise?? Sounds to me like Hoco might he happier on a rowing boat. Jon your body is a temple so quit the 50 a day Gauloise habit now while there's still time!!

 

I know, I know! I really should, but thesis writing over the summer isn't the best time to quit for me, then it's off to europe, where I suspect the prices, atmosphere, and my penchant for a cigarette with my gin and tonics will drive me into the sweet embrace of nicotine. So after the cruise ill probably think a little harder about it ....I guess thats what we all say: "later..."

 

147 days!

[Stronglad]

I know, I know! I really should, but thesis writing over the summer isn't the best time to quit for me, then it's off to europe, where I suspect the prices, atmosphere, and my penchant for a cigarette with my gin and tonics will drive me into the sweet embrace of nicotine. So after the cruise ill probably think a little harder about it ....I guess thats what we all say: "later..."

 

147 days!

 

OK so thats smoking, drinking, partying and spending lots of time on the adults only deck at the top. Hmm - Seadragon do you think the younger folks have a different definition for "super shy" these days???:rolleyes:

[nomadicbacchus]

OK so thats smoking, drinking, partying and spending lots of time on the adults only deck at the top. Hmm - Seadragon do you think the younger folks have a different definition for "super shy" these days???:rolleyes:

 

Where's the "like" button?

 

I guess shy might have been a misrepresentation. Trust me, I don't have any trouble partying with people I already have a rapport with. I just have trouble making the first move...

[Seadragon555]

OK so thats smoking, drinking, partying and spending lots of time on the adults only deck at the top. Hmm - Seadragon do you think the younger folks have a different definition for "super shy" these days???:rolleyes:

 

Hummm, let me think about that for a minute....yes, James, they definitely do have a different definition! I would think that after Jon had one Gin & Tonic he would definitely no longer be shy...or however he is defining it now. I do have to wonder what he meant by "I just have trouble making the first move..." :rolleyes:

 

I hope you two are not neighbors in the Studio cabins...Shy Jon could stumble into your cabin by mistake after partying all night and what would he do about the trouble he has "making the first move" then :eek:...but I digress (fires the imagination, tho).

 

BTW, do you two know each other? It seems like in some of the exchanges between both of you to read like you do....

 

John (Seadragon)

[nomadicbacchus]

Nope, don't know each other. At least I don't think I know any strong lads from London.

 

Speaking of which, I'm going to be staying for 3 days in London pre-cruise. Any good hangouts or restaurant recommendations? Ive been once before and did the tower, london eye, and other touristy things, so i'm looking for a more local vibe this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

I'm wasn't neccesarily saying i'm going to be exercising the "freestyle" option on the top deck, just enjoying the sun and lack of little ones. :p :cool:

[Stronglad]

Ah Mr Dragon sir, I see you have a very active imagination. Thats good - I like that! But no I dont know anyone from Montreal and I dont even speak French!!

Yet.

 

Jon I live about 50 miles from London so I don't go up there very often, I tend to hang around closer to home and do stuff with my family and my mates locally. Off the top of my head though - if you're there at the weekend go to Camden Market in North London which has a great vibe - lots of cool stuff to buy and browse. Also there's some cool clubs and pubs in the area for nighttime entertainment. There's a really useful website

http://www.designmynight.com

Otherwise I don't really know any gay spots but Ministry of Sound is a pretty good choice if you want to go clubbing.

I'm sure despite your shy retiring nature you will do things a la MAX :D

[Seadragon555]

Ah Mr Dragon sir, I see you have a very active imagination. Thats good - I like that! But no I dont know anyone from Montreal and I dont even speak French!!

Yet.

 

Jon I live about 50 miles from London so I don't go up there very often, I tend to hang around closer to home and do stuff with my family and my mates locally. Off the top of my head though - if you're there at the weekend go to Camden Market in North London which has a great vibe - lots of cool stuff to buy and browse. Also there's some cool clubs and pubs in the area for nighttime entertainment. There's a really useful website

http://www.designmynight.com

Otherwise I don't really know any gay spots but Ministry of Sound is a pretty good choice if you want to go clubbing.

I'm sure despite your shy retiring nature you will do things a la MAX :D

 

James: I have a very active imagination, some sarcastic wit, and enjoy seeing others having a good time...so I must agree with you that Jon will probably do everything to the MAX! When one is 23 they can do that...me, not so much anymore.

 

I am SO looking forward to this cruise...even though I travel a lot I have not had a vacation per se since 2009...so it is definitely time. I hope we haven't been monopolizing this thread...no comments from Jason, Kevin, or TwoTogether since the previous page...where are you guys??!!

 

John (& Ben in absentia -- actually in Michigan)

[twotogether7]

Hey Guys we're still here, been busy. Still seems far away so not checking the boards every day yet. Very much looking forward to this vacation, haven't had a two week vacation in many years.

 

We're excited for this vacation, we have a spa mini-suite. Can't wait to start relaxing in the steam room and sauna...;)

[FlyGuy13]

Hello all! Just wanted to keep posted on this thread. It looks like all is planned and ready to go for this trip. Flight is done...Going thru Toronto from Chicago on the 19th. Booked my hotel...Gotta great deal at the Axel Hotel, which comes highly rated by folks on here and on other travel sights. If you or anyone else is looking for a hotel, you can book directly thru the hotel and it's a 30% discount if you book this far in advance. I'm a flight attendant, and have been to Barcelona before, and this location is great too! I am very happy with my cabin assignment too. I am all the way aft on deck 11, the last room actually, and it looks like my balcony may be slightly larger than the regular one, due to the shape of the ship. I am budgeting in the price of a Thermal Spa pass for the cruise, has anyone bought one on this ship? If so, any idea how much it may cost for our 13 day adventure? I am off to Brazil tonight, I hope you all have a great day!!!!

[Seadragon555]

Nice to read that you are still with us! Guess I am just getting too excited about doing this cruise...October seems so far off right now. If you haven't done it yet and are interested in doing Cruise Critic's "Meet & Greet," there is an individual on the str8 thread for this sailing that is keeping a log of everyone interested...might be nice to meet some other folks...just a suggestion. :)

[FlyGuy13]

I'm on the M & G list....It is always a great way to meet people. Especially when you are going to be on the same ship for 13 days together. Rumor has it that this sailing has a LARGE LGBT turnout! I hope it does!