Help me choose please!!

[lild428]

I'll be short and sweet: NCL Casinos at Sea offered my fiancé and I a "free" cruise.

 

I'm having a tough time picking between the Pearl out of Miami 12/8 (western caribbean - love the ports), the Epic out of Miami 12/7 (eastern caribbean), and the Breakaway out of NYC 12/1.

 

I feel like I've read so many negative reviews about the Epic - I was originally all excited to try it but now I am not so sure.

 

Either of the 3 we will be in an inside room.

 

Help me pick!! We are both in our late 20's and enjoy the entertainment. We also usually opt for the specialty restaurants.

 

Thanks in advance!!

[TVLady3]

I would do the Breakaway out of N.Y.

I see your from N.Y. so you would not have to fly.

The Breakaway is as big as the Epic, but the Breakaway is brand new.

The shows on this ship are amazing!

I'm sailing on the Breakaway this Sunday, my 2nd time on her.:D

Breakaway all the way!!!:)

[onefishtwofish]

We are totally new to NCL with just a weekend cruise coming up on the Sky, but from what I know of the Epic (BIL went on and said it was ok - he hated the bathroom arrangement and probably would not go on it again)....but from what I have seen of the Breakaway, that would be my vote! From everything I have seen, it looks fantastic!! :D

[lild428]

we are from ny.. upstate. we usually take the train to the city and would hope on the breakaway.

 

althought flying to miami won't be too bad.. i've figured taking southwest down and jetblue back would only cost about $350... because the southwest flight would be free with my points.

 

i just don't like how they pair the bigger/newer ships with, IMO, a crappy itinerary.

[onefishtwofish]

we are from ny.. upstate. we usually take the train to the city and would hope on the breakaway.

 

althought flying to miami won't be too bad.. i've figured taking southwest down and jetblue back would only cost about $350... because the southwest flight would be free with my points.

 

i just don't like how they pair the bigger/newer ships with, IMO, a crappy itinerary.

 

Tend to agree with you regarding the itineraries of the new ships - we are RCCL cruisers as you can see, but when it comes to the Allure/Oasis it's more for the ships not the itineraries.....but if you are looking more at itineraries, go for the one you like best! If the ports aren't that important, go for the new ship! ;)

[loopy]

Congrats on the free cruise! I have only been on the Pearl and loved it.

 

We have also done the comp. casino cruises and paid just a little and were able to get a balcony cabin. It was worth the little bit of money. Not really a free cruise anymore but it wasn't like buying a whole balcony cabin.

 

They have even allowed us to add a 3rd person for only the port fees and taxes.

[onefishtwofish]

Congrats on the free cruise! I have only been on the Pearl and loved it.

 

We have also done the comp. casino cruises and paid just a little and were able to get a balcony cabin. It was worth the little bit of money. Not really a free cruise anymore but it wasn't like buying a whole balcony cabin.

 

They have even allowed us to add a 3rd person for only the port fees and taxes.

 

Wow ! How do you get a comp casino cruise? :confused:

[samiam0403]

Wow ! How do you get a comp casino cruise? :confused:

 

Play slots - lots and lots of slots. :D At least that's how I got mine after one cruise on NCL. Was looking for early December cruises, called CAS and got offered a comp OV. We paid around $650 pp and upgraded to a suite. As if I wasn't already a Norwegian convert, I really am now! :)

 

ETA: OP, if it were me, I'd go with the Pearl. I'm not a fan of the newer megaships. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time though!

[lild428]

Yeah, my fiancé plays texas hold em... A lot lol so obviously that's where the offer came from. They make you pay port charges and govt taxes.. So where you think they're giving you a lot, it's really around like $500. But hey thats better than nothing!

 

I'm just struggling with the reviews of the epic... Esp with an inside room (but don't really want to pay more $$ for an upgrade). And with the breakaway, its cold in december in ny so i would feel that half our trip would be spent inside when there are alot of cool things to do outside on the ship.. Also, it goes to nassau, and i havent found alot to do there besides atlantis.

 

Really love pearl's itinerary.. I wish the bigger ships would do that. Out of pocket, pearl would be the most expensive, then epic, then breakaway. But only by no more than $200...

 

I feel like the more cruises i go on the PICKIER i become!! Anyone else feel this way?! Sigh..

 

Also, the CAS offer gives us both free drink card at the casino.. So we can really save on the bar bill.. Esp when my fiancé plays cards till the wee hours of the morning lol

[HokiePoq]

Yeah, my fiancé plays texas hold em... A lot lol so obviously that's where the offer came from. They make you pay port charges and govt taxes.. So where you think they're giving you a lot, it's really around like $500. But hey thats better than nothing!

 

I'm just struggling with the reviews of the epic... Esp with an inside room (but don't really want to pay more $$ for an upgrade). And with the breakaway, its cold in december in ny so i would feel that half our trip would be spent inside when there are alot of cool things to do outside on the ship.. Also, it goes to nassau, and i havent found alot to do there besides atlantis.

 

Really love pearl's itinerary.. I wish the bigger ships would do that. Out of pocket, pearl would be the most expensive, then epic, then breakaway. But only by no more than $200...

 

I feel like the more cruises i go on the PICKIER i become!! Anyone else feel this way?! Sigh..

 

Also, the CAS offer gives us both free drink card at the casino.. So we can really save on the bar bill.. Esp when my fiancé plays cards till the wee hours of the morning lol

 

I'm thinking the megaships cannot make it into smaller harbors.

I liked the Epic (bathroom not a big deal for people used to living together; others maybe it is). Still want to do the Breakaway but to Bermuda, not the other itinerary. I'd take the Pearl, love the sister ships Gem and Jade, just the right size and it seems a better itinerary.

[jdvmd]

we are from ny.. upstate. we usually take the train to the city and would hope on the breakaway.

 

althought flying to miami won't be too bad.. i've figured taking southwest down and jetblue back would only cost about $350... because the southwest flight would be free with my points.

 

i just don't like how they pair the bigger/newer ships with, IMO, a crappy itinerary.

The ship is the destination.

Background: Have you cruised before? Have you cruised NCL? Have you been to these ports before? What about your fiancee?

[lild428]

The ship is the destination.

Background: Have you cruised before? Have you cruised NCL? Have you been to these ports before? What about your fiancee?

 

All the cruises i've been on are in my signature. My fiancé has been on more than i have. So we are pretty seasoned lol

 

Been to almost all caribbean ports... Minus southern ports

[jdvmd]

All the cruises i've been on are in my signature. My fiancé has been on more than i have. So we are pretty seasoned lol

 

Been to almost all caribbean ports... Minus southern ports

Most of us do not allow signatures and avatars to post as the threads load quicker.

[sdmike]

sailing from NY in december? While I think the Breakaway is a great ship, I'd probably want to start my vacation somewhere warm. This is especially true if you have an inside cabin. You'll want to maximize the options you have outside the room, including the pool deck, outside dining, etc. I don't see that happening on Breakaway in December.

 

I loved both the Epic and the Jewel (Pearl's sister ship). The Epic wins hands down for specialty restaurants and entertainment options. The pool deck and slides are great as well, and the spa and gym much better than on the Jewel class ships. If you go on the Epic, stay on the ship when everyone goes to Nassau. You'll be able to enjoy everything on the ship with no crowds, something I hear is great fun. The staff on both are great. Inside rooms on both ships were just fine. No worries there.

 

I'm not sure what bad things you heard about the Epic, but I'm a fan of the ship, and the warm oceans where she will be sailing.

 

My two cents

[Coasty]

"Most of us do not allow signatures and avatars to post as the threads load quicker."

 

EEEEE Gads, just are who are "most of us"??"Allow"

 

I for one enjoy seeing the Avatars and like to see what ships others have been on.

Sorry for the rant, but I found the quote annoying.

Now back to business. Have been on the Pearl and loved it.

[Demonyte]

"Most of us do not allow signatures and avatars to post as the threads load quicker."

 

EEEEE Gads, just are who are "most of us"??"Allow"

 

I for one enjoy seeing the Avatars and like to see what ships others have been on.

Sorry for the rant, but I found the quote annoying.

 

Well as it seems to be, people using this forum with their smartphones and tablets have been increasing rapidly in the last months (me included, nowadays I usually use the forum only with my iPad and iPhone) and the apps available do not show signatures at all (at least by default).

[HokiePoq]

"Most of us do not allow signatures and avatars to post as the threads load quicker."

 

EEEEE Gads, just are who are "most of us"??"Allow"

 

I for one enjoy seeing the Avatars and like to see what ships others have been on.

Sorry for the rant, but I found the quote annoying.

Now back to business. Have been on the Pearl and loved it.

 

Yes, and some of us need to remember where and when we've been, lol.

It also gives the person commenting some credibility as people can see if they have been on the ship/cruise line they are talking about.

I now see OP has been on the Pearl (by reading the signature lines), so I guess it's a choice between the Pearl itinerary and the ship experience on the other two. I cruise for itinerary but others may choose for the ship experience.

Either way, have a great cruise OP!

[angel54321]

Well as it seems to be, people using this forum with their smartphones and tablets have been increasing rapidly in the last months (me included, nowadays I usually use the forum only with my iPad and iPhone) and the apps available do not show signatures at all (at least by default).

 

I agree, I exclusively use my iPad for going on cruise critic, and no signatures show....... but I actually miss not being able to see everyone's fancy signatures....

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[punkincc]

I agree, I exclusively use my iPad for going on cruise critic, and no signatures show....... but I actually miss not being able to see everyone's fancy signatures....

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

I also use my iPad only and the signatures and avatars do show. You can go into "User CP" at the top of the board below the Cruise Critic logo and then go into Edit Options. There are boxes to be checked if you want signatures, avatars and images to show. I don't find they slow up the loading of the pages, and sometimes they are interesting, but I don't give their comments any more weight if they have a mile long "resume". Many people don't bother with it, and after all, it can't be verified.:).

[Demonyte]

I also use my iPad only and the signatures and avatars do show. You can go into "User CP" at the top of the board below the Cruise Critic logo and then go into Edit Options. There are boxes to be checked if you want signatures, avatars and images to show.

 

We are talking about the apps available like Tapatalk and separate Cruise Critic Forums app (which is a customized version of Tapatalk) - not the website accessible by browser. Using Tapatalk makes the reading so much easier and faster (it removes also most of unnecessary text formatting besides all flashing GIFs, flash applets etc) than using the website itself on any browser - tablet or computer.

[negn]

Also an upstater (Troy), think I would forgo the NY departure in Dec. You lose at least 1 1/2 days each way as it will not be warm.

If you do decide to go from NY you can get a cruise shuttle from Yankee Trails $80 pp round trip. Park your car in the bus lot (no charge) and they do all the work Just do not be in a hurry to get off the ship quickly when you return, they probably wont be there till around 11

[lild428]

Also an upstater (Troy), think I would forgo the NY departure in Dec. You lose at least 1 1/2 days each way as it will not be warm.

If you do decide to go from NY you can get a cruise shuttle from Yankee Trails $80 pp round trip. Park your car in the bus lot (no charge) and they do all the work Just do not be in a hurry to get off the ship quickly when you return, they probably wont be there till around 11

 

finally a fellow local! LOL

yeah, i'm a sun worshipper and i know all too well how it is out at sea in fall/winter. so i know i'd be a little bummed not being able to enjoy the outside. esp when breakaway has a lot of cool outdoor stuff.

 

so i'm torn now between epic and pearl. i guess it comes down to itinerary vs. ship. i might pick itinerary.

 

also, i usually take the train from the amtrak rensselaer station to penn station. sometimes we splurge and get the comfy business class seats. isn't too much more than the bus trip. then we just take a cab from penn station to the port.

 

this summer i took a bus trip to yankee stadium (yankee trails) and when we left to go home, the air ride blew and we were STRANDED in a seedy section of nyc. very bad. very, very bad. and we had to wait hours for another bus to pick us up and then deal with the stops and potty breaks. it was a nightmare. for that reason, i will forever take the train. LOVE it. super easy and ALWAYS on time :) you should try that next time you cruise out of nyc!!

[lifeguard404]

I'll be short and sweet: NCL Casinos at Sea offered my fiancé and I a "free" cruise.

 

I'm having a tough time picking between the Pearl out of Miami 12/8 (western caribbean - love the ports), the Epic out of Miami 12/7 (eastern caribbean), and the Breakaway out of NYC 12/1.

 

I feel like I've read so many negative reviews about the Epic - I was originally all excited to try it but now I am not so sure.

 

Either of the 3 we will be in an inside room.

 

Help me pick!! We are both in our late 20's and enjoy the entertainment. We also usually opt for the specialty restaurants.

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

Are you sure it isn't a scam? I've gotten phone calls before saying that I've been offered a free cruise, voice on the other side was a machine so I knew better, can't trust anyone giving your free stuff these days...

[Demonyte]

Are you sure it isn't a scam? I've gotten phone calls before saying that I've been offered a free cruise, voice on the other side was a machine so I knew better, can't trust anyone giving your free stuff these days...

 

It's completely normal for active casino players to get comped cruises from Casinos At Sea and in this case, OP's BF definitely is one. Also usually these offers come by mail or email from NCL.

[lild428]

Are you sure it isn't a scam? I've gotten phone calls before saying that I've been offered a free cruise, voice on the other side was a machine so I knew better, can't trust anyone giving your free stuff these days...

 

No scam! The offer is from NCL's Casinos at Sea directly. I guess a lot of people get these offers... well... those who play a lot in the casino. My fiancé plays alot after I go to bed. I usually wake up at 4am to him coming in the room :mad: but I guess I can't get too mad if we keep getting offers like these LOL