Preparing for Epic #6, yet still seeking advice : )

[DGP1111]

I'm really looking forward to my upcoming Norwegian Epic sailing next weekend, which will be my 6th (and final) onboard this ship before it heads permanently to Europe.

I'm also finally hitting my triple-digit cruise. Whew!

 

Some of you may already realize that I've covered just about every square inch of regular guest areas (plus extra via tours), but it's the crew that changes over the months/years, or the occasional introduction of a new menu item, or fun drinks you've been introduced to by a bar server, etc.

 

So I thought I'd reach out to any on CC who've recently been onboard Norwegian Epic, and see if there is anything/anyone that stood out as overly memorable . . . especially any crew/staff member that impressed you.

I enjoy watching for those individuals, as well as filling out the Vacation Hero cards. (The sheer perfection of those onboard December's Getaway sailing will be hard to match or top, but I still think it could happen)

 

My final time to suck at full-lane bowling on a moving ship in Bliss Lounge. :p

My final Blue Man Experience drink. :(

 

Sincere Thanks, in advance, for any feedback. :)

 

.

[meltingmoments]

Whilst I can't offer any recent advice on the Epic (it's been 2 years and it's 6 months till the next time! ), what I can say is I love your Epic reviews and still refer to them now so I eagerly await the review from this upcoming trip. Enjoy........well that goes without saying, or you wouldn't be cruising the Epic for a 6th time! :D

[david_sobe]

Congratulations on 100 cruises and #6 on Epic!

[DGP1111]

Whilst I can't offer any recent advice on the Epic (it's been 2 years and it's 6 months till the next time! ), what I can say is I love your Epic reviews and still refer to them now so I eagerly await the review from this upcoming trip. Enjoy........well that goes without saying, or you wouldn't be cruising the Epic for a 6th time! :D

 

Congratulations on 100 cruises and #6 on Epic!

 

Thanks to you both!! :) . :)

 

.

[riddle]

Don - I love your past reviews. We are also going on the Epic for "one last time on 4/12". It will be our 4th time on the Epic. She is my DH's favorite.

 

I don't know what your tastes are on a cruise but I play a lot of video poker. I don't remember their names but I think of the bar staff in the casino bar as the best I have ever had the experience spending a lot of time with. I generally do not go to bars but I enjoy playing at the bar when on a cruise. The were extremely attentive and very friendly.

 

I remember one evening when a gentleman who was there regularly told the bartender that if he got a royal flush he would give him half. Sure enough about 2 hours later he got a royal and handed the bartender $2000. Now that's someone who liked the bar staff.

[Sauer-kraut]

Have a wonderful "Farewell Tour" on her, Don!

[dolita22]

So I thought I'd reach out to any on CC who've recently been onboard Norwegian Epic, and see if there is anything/anyone that stood out as overly memorable . . . especially any crew/staff member that impressed you..

 

Wow, 6 cruises on the Epic? So excellently awesome!

 

A few weeks ago, we disembarked the Epic for the second time. Love that ship! Anyway, there was a woman in the Garden Cafe every morning welcoming everyone to "Garden" in quite a loud and happy voice. My husband and friends sailing with us absolutely loved her enthusiasm and the way she interacted with guests. You could tell she truly enjoyed her job. On port days, she would be dressed up in a theme for the port (e.g., sombrero when we were in Cozumel, dreads when we were in Jamaica). We still kick ourselves for not getting her name or indicating her as a Vacation Hero, but keep an eye out for her.

 

Have a great time, Don!

[kerrytens]

Oh I so love this thread!

 

Here are my heroes from my October transatlantic (some of the best 14 days I've ever had on a cruise ship).

 

Bar waiter - Eligo (omg, I don't think I've ever connected with any other person on a ship as much as I did him). He was working in Shakers at that point but had told me that he'd be moving to another area the week after we got to Miami. Please, if you find him, say hi for me:D

 

Bartenders - (yikes, note the plural there!) I Made (best frozen daiquiris ever!), Kenneth and Santosh. I never thought I would find a better bartender than Clarence but I'm pretty sure these boys may have done it. LOL!! Still love Clarence though.

 

Entertainment staff - Lio (I believe he comes back to the ship this weekend). He was so much fun!!! Adorable Argentinian:D

 

I'm not sure if it was a result of the amount of time I had onboard that really allowed me the time to get to know these guys but they were all heroes to me.

 

Have fun on my favourite ship of all time! I want to go back so badly ... hmmh, how can I make Epic adventure #4 happen? :D

Edited February 16, 2015 by kerrytens

[Mikey7989]

Wow, 6 cruises on the Epic? So excellently awesome!

 

A few weeks ago, we disembarked the Epic for the second time. Love that ship! Anyway, there was a woman in the Garden Cafe every morning welcoming everyone to "Garden" in quite a loud and happy voice. My husband and friends sailing with us absolutely loved her enthusiasm and the way she interacted with guests. You could tell she truly enjoyed her job. On port days, she would be dressed up in a theme for the port (e.g., sombrero when we were in Cozumel, dreads when we were in Jamaica). We still kick ourselves for not getting her name or indicating her as a Vacation Hero, but keep an eye out for her.

 

Have a great time, Don!

 

She was on our cruise as well, and I think I saw Johanine on her name tag. She really was very warm and welcoming everything we went to the buffet! "Washie, Washie, Happy, Happy!"

 

It took me by surprise that she was dressed as an officer on the last day that we disembarked in Miami. She certainly made a difference on our cruise (Feb 1 - 8, 2015).

[debk68]

Just off the Epic. Came home to snow:(

 

Yuliana (Yuli) She is a bartender and was in the Posh from 9-12 am, Maltings 9-10 and Osheehans from 10-12 PM.

 

If Jim Capik (guitar player) is on your trip, don't miss him. Truly a passionate musician. If you see him on the night that Howl is off, the musicians from Howl may join him for a jam session.

 

If you haven't done the barhop in Cozumel, I recommend doing it at least once. You can search their website for more info.

 

I am sure you will have a blast!

[debnjoe1438]

I'm really looking forward to my upcoming Norwegian Epic sailing next weekend, which will be my 6th (and final) onboard this ship before it heads permanently to Europe.

 

I'm also finally hitting my triple-digit cruise. Whew!

 

 

 

Some of you may already realize that I've covered just about every square inch of regular guest areas (plus extra via tours), but it's the crew that changes over the months/years, or the occasional introduction of a new menu item, or fun drinks you've been introduced to by a bar server, etc.

 

 

 

So I thought I'd reach out to any on CC who've recently been onboard Norwegian Epic, and see if there is anything/anyone that stood out as overly memorable . . . especially any crew/staff member that impressed you.

 

I enjoy watching for those individuals, as well as filling out the Vacation Hero cards. (The sheer perfection of those onboard December's Getaway sailing will be hard to match or top, but I still think it could happen)

 

 

 

My final time to suck at full-lane bowling on a moving ship in Bliss Lounge. :p

 

My final Blue Man Experience drink. :(

 

 

 

Sincere Thanks, in advance, for any feedback. :)

 

 

 

.

 

 

Just off the Epic a couple of weeks ago. There were no vacation hero cards. Supposedly they be starting something new. We just put our comments on the notes for the Hotel Director

[DGP1111]

Thanks, again, for this feedback. All names written down. :)

 

No current VH cards?? No problem. I still have two blank ones, and I'll photocopy them for my use. ;) They may be installing a new program, but they'll have to deal with me being a wee bit "old school" for that week. :D

 

.

[dolita22]

She was on our cruise as well, and I think I saw Johanine on her name tag. She really was very warm and welcoming everything we went to the buffet! "Washie, Washie, Happy, Happy!"

 

It took me by surprise that she was dressed as an officer on the last day that we disembarked in Miami. She certainly made a difference on our cruise (Feb 1 - 8, 2015).

 

Thank you so much for providing her name! Wonder if we can submit a post-cruise Vacation Hero note now.

 

Wow, an officer? Never would have guessed! Very cool.

[meggie711]

How awesome! I, too, have always enjoyed your reviews, and you kept me on the edge of my seat as I prepared for Epic back in 2013. So sad that she'll be leaving.:(

[brookie848]

Enjoy!

 

We are getting on the Epic the day you disembark and are joining you next year on the Escape!

 

Last year, the Epic was my first cruise. One of the things I plan to pay more attention to this time around are ways to acknowledge the various crew members. I didn't realize the VH cards existed until too late in the cruise to get everyone's name. I will do better this year, whether the cards are still in existence or not.

[Shayhooper]

Just got off yesterday but this was from the first night. I knew it was going BH to be fun.

 

Edited February 17, 2015 by Shayhooper

[kerrytens]

Just got off yesterday but this was from the first night. I knew it was going BH to be fun.

 

 

Is that Jovan? If so, he was on my TA as well. Fun guy.

[kenlyn]

Just off Sunday. No vacation hero cards Letter to Mustafa instead? Kinda weird but we wrote two glowing letters about our cabin steward Reggie and left them in the room with a nice tip. He was terrific with my five year old grandson who was two cabins down. He missed his own three kids back in Indonisia. We had a great time and are jealous you get to enjoy her for the SIXTH time!

[DGP1111]

During my Norwegian Epic sailing last week, I found the vast majority of the names offered . . . and without exception . . . they were exceptional. :) :)

 

Thanks!!

 

Lio is certainly a bundle of fun, and seemingly tireless, energy.

Jovan is simply an honest crew member who tells it like it is, and was of great assistance to those in the studios, and for the evening gathering of solos.

 

.

 

I would, however, like to add a few names to a list of those who are completely amazing, and made a true difference in my vacation experience:

 

Judy Gonzalez (Philippines), who has been on this ship since it initially arrived on the scene. She was my server for embarkation lunch in Taste. She made such a positive first impression for the week, and I quickly mentioned her to the top brass onboard.

 

Alex (Romania) at Shakers. Superb server who was always willing to have casual conversation to make the passengers feel welcome, yet be quick and accurate with your drink request. He was also perfect with his ability to offer 'guest recovery' regarding his service partner, Maribel (who might need to find a different career).

 

Melissa Cano (Philippines), a model for SO many others as she does her service duties at Cagney's each evening. I dined there three times during the week. She has that personality that could sell snow to an eskimo, and anticipates your dining needs before you realize you need something. :)

 

I know there have been some recent postings of CC members saying they felt the onboard service had dropped. I think I'm very fortunate that for the entire week I met only two Crabby Appletons, and almost all the rest either met or exceeded expections.

 

It was certainly an enjoyable final voyage. :)

 

.

[JohnLocke2012]

Judy (male ) in the Manhattan Room was great. Casino staff was awesome with the exception of Wellington. He was very rude and said some things that really bothered me.

[LrgPizza]

Is that Jovan? If so, he was on my TA as well. Fun guy.

Yes!!! He was part of the cruise staff on my Nov. cruise, and he was an absolute RIOT. I have no clue who the cruise director was, but I definitely remember Jovan. I wish he'd get a CD job on his own ship. He's wonderfully fun.

Edited March 6, 2015 by LrgPizza