EPIC - Cagneys - Recommended to get reservation before sailing?

[Rebels82]

We are on the EPIC out of Barcelona 9/8-15.

1. Is it suggested to make a Cagney's reservation before sailing or should we have pretty good time choices if we wait until we get on ship?

 

2. Is there a way to view EPIC MDR menus before so we would know which night(s) we would not mind "missing a MDR meal" to go to Cagneys? I know menus can change from time to time.

 

Thanks!

[CasaM]

We are sailing in Oct and I was thinking the exact same thing about seeing the menus so I will know which nights would be better to schedule other venues for dinner. Hopefully someone will have the info we need.

[Va. Plumber]

Can't speak to Epic, but on other ships there are plenty of open slots for all specialty restaurants withexception of Teppanyaki. Reservations may

fill up for later in cruise

[dalgirl]

You should not have a problem. They don't give out all of the reservations over the internet anyway and the Europeans are going to dine later in the evening. We never had a problem making our reservation after arriving at Cagneys - they will have someone standing at a table with all the menus making reservations when you board. Check the menu, then make your reservation.

[Cubechick]

I would book before the cruise. Only because by booking ahead of time you won't have to pay the VAT...which I believe is 21% now. If you want to move the reservation once on board you can.

[CasaM]

When you say pay the VAT, are all purchases made onboard in Euro then? This is our first time on ncl, so I don't know. If we book restaurants and excursions, is it then better to book ahead to avoid the VAT?

[Cubechick]

When you say pay the VAT, are all purchases made onboard in Euro then? This is our first time on ncl, so I don't know. If we book restaurants and excursions, is it then better to book ahead to avoid the VAT?

 

Purchases are in USD, but because the cruise never leaves the EU you are charged VAT for purchases made on board. Last year we were told NCL chose Spain's VAT rate because it was less than Italy or France rates (not sure this is still the case).

 

I just double checked. The rate for all bar purchases and specialty restaurants is 10%. 21% for spa and shop purchases (although you can get a refund on certain merchandise purchases). I am not clear on whether or not shore excursions would be taxable if purchased on board (I purchased mine in advance).

[dalgirl]

If you have any discounts you may want to wait to board. I tried to pre-book a spa treatment using my Platium discount 25% off on port days - but NCL would not give it to me for an advance booking, you "have to arrange on the ship." So I am going to still get charged the VAT if I decide to get that massage:mad:

 

There is no reason NCL cannot honor Lattitude discounts on pre-books. But to give my guy his due, he did try to get the supervisor to do it:(

 

NCL corp. lurkers, you should get this changed:)