Rare graphicguy Posted September 28, 2023 Author #276 Share Posted September 28, 2023 1 minute ago, Smiller000 said: Put us down for 3. We'll plan on attending. BTW there is a rugby game in Marseilles the day we arrive. I saw that you mentioned the World Cup earlier. Looks like S. Africa is playing Tonga. Yay.....will include you in the list. Looking forward to meeting you. “This is looking to be a great group and a lot of fun. Thanks! So far… -Graphicguy (1) -biffluger (4) -Northofu1 (2) -Mary and Barbara (2) -GrammieCruising (2) -Ticatraveler (2) -Smokelynx (2) -Nicole (1) -Ted and Dolly Farmer (2) -Dumkat01 (5) -Peacham (3) -Vickie, Pat, Roberta (3) -loveysbydesign (2) -Thomas, Stephan and Leo (3) -JL2007 (1) -RedgeToo (1) -Big Moodys Fan (1) Sebastian and Sabine (2) Smiler000 (3) NCL is hosting our… MEET AND GREET FRIDAY OCTOBER 6 FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL NOON IN CAGNEY’S STEAK HOUSE! They will have crew to answer our questions!!!! They usually provide drinks and snacks!” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiller000 Posted September 28, 2023 #277 Share Posted September 28, 2023 Does anybody know if the Spanish 20% VAT applies to comp buffets, or just specialty dinners and drinks? From what I read, we're going to get hit with that, at least while in Spain. Could be wrong though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 28, 2023 Author #278 Share Posted September 28, 2023 1 hour ago, Smiller000 said: Does anybody know if the Spanish 20% VAT applies to comp buffets, or just specialty dinners and drinks? From what I read, we're going to get hit with that, at least while in Spain. Could be wrong though. Buffets are no charge. I think the VAT charges seem to be filled with a lot of conflicting reports. So, not sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JIMESOPUS Posted September 28, 2023 #279 Share Posted September 28, 2023 (edited) @graphicguy An early Bon Voyage, we will be leaving soon for Southampton, 10/3 on the Star. Will be monitoring your progress through the Mediterranean. Between your report and an earlier report by @mking8288 we should know where to go and what to avoid when we sail on the Viva through the Med. Jim Edited September 28, 2023 by JIMESOPUS 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Captain-John Posted September 28, 2023 #280 Share Posted September 28, 2023 We meet again. Really keen to hear how you find Epic. I was on her last October and she was not as well maintained as I was accustomed to for NCL ships. So, hoping that's changed. Regardless, have a fabulous time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 28, 2023 Author #281 Share Posted September 28, 2023 2 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said: @graphicguy An early Bon Voyage, we will be leaving soon for Southampton, 10/3 on the Star. Will be monitoring your progress through the Mediterranean. Between your report and an earlier report by @mking8288 we should know where to go and what to avoid when we sail on the Viva through the Med. Jim Thank you!!!!!! Will be following you, also. Wishing you calm waters and blue skies. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 28, 2023 Author #282 Share Posted September 28, 2023 So, about 90% packed….stuff that won’t wrinkle, mainly. I keep reworking the contents….packing and unpacking. I also keep fining stuff I put in a place I needed to pack and find it. Well, it took me a couple of days to trip over it. Think I’m going to hit my goal of one (large) rollaboard and one backpack. Will have to use the ship‘s laundry service and am bringing rinseless laundry soap. Will be in the air 48 hours from now! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted September 28, 2023 #283 Share Posted September 28, 2023 28 minutes ago, graphicguy said: Think I’m going to hit my goal of one (large) rollaboard and one backpack. By large, do you mean you are taking large checkin luggage? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted September 28, 2023 #284 Share Posted September 28, 2023 2 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said: @graphicguy An early Bon Voyage, we will be leaving soon for Southampton, 10/3 on the Star. Will be monitoring your progress through the Mediterranean. Between your report and an earlier report by @mking8288 we should know where to go and what to avoid when we sail on the Viva through the Med. Jim Bon voyage, Jim. I will catch you on the Viva. Enjoy the Star and hope you make it to every port. It's a great itinerary. Was recently in Belfast, Dublin and Cork on the Dawn. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 29, 2023 Author #285 Share Posted September 29, 2023 38 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said: By large, do you mean you are taking large checkin luggage? Large rollaboard. It’s supposed to fit in the overheads. Backpack will be under the seat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mking8288 Posted September 29, 2023 #286 Share Posted September 29, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Sugar Magnolia said: Bon voyage, Jim. I will catch you on the Viva. Enjoy the Star and hope you make it to every port. It's a great itinerary. Was recently in Belfast, Dublin and Cork on the Dawn. For our NE-Canada Escape run earlier this month, 7 days - we managed with a single 23" and 24" rollerboard & spinner, tipped the scale at 36 lbs (well under EU airlines' 23 kg/50 lbs or LCC's 20+ kg/44 lbs limit) and the carry-on/personal bag near 10 kg/22 lbs ... mine was over with all the "mission control" digital gadgets (no, can't intercept missile launches but can/should be able to "watch" Space-X launch to expand Starlink ... WiFi for those of us at sea who "choose" to be connected) Seasonally, we will pack - when our turn is next - some long sleeves & layers, but shouldn't have any problems doing 1 checked bag, below 50 lbs plus a carry-on p/p, outbound from NY typically isn't weighted. The Epic is a bit tired & in need of cosmetic refurbishment, showing her age if you look closely around the windows & metals (behind the curtains) as I think she hasn't been christened with a recent dry dock ... but I was equally surprised at some of the worn chairs on the Escape - in her MDR's, in need of reupholstery (seat covers). Here's to wonderful cruising ahead for all - and in case anyone wish to transfer over, I got the rear covered on the trail with Viva's older sibling - just hangout at Ponta Delgada for a couple of days instead, and we bring her to the pier. just kidding - will lurk & follow ya all ... cross-checking ship's port schedules, going to be in Lisbon ourselves to toast the Viva on her TA that afternoon. Inside prices are insane, unbelievable TA bargains to be had. Edited September 29, 2023 by mking8288 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfclam2003 Posted September 29, 2023 #287 Share Posted September 29, 2023 Enjoy! Will be following as we will be on the Epic in April for 22 days. 12 days TA in a 2 bedroom haven then a balcony for the additional 10 days. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 29, 2023 Author #288 Share Posted September 29, 2023 4 minutes ago, surfclam2003 said: Enjoy! Will be following as we will be on the Epic in April for 22 days. 12 days TA in a 2 bedroom haven then a balcony for the additional 10 days. That sounds like a great trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 29, 2023 Author #289 Share Posted September 29, 2023 3 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said: By large, do you mean you are taking large checkin luggage? Here it is…ready to go! 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted September 29, 2023 #290 Share Posted September 29, 2023 3 minutes ago, graphicguy said: Here it is…ready to go! That does look exciting 🤩 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted September 29, 2023 #291 Share Posted September 29, 2023 2 hours ago, mking8288 said: Here's to wonderful cruising ahead for all - and in case anyone wish to transfer over, I got the rear covered on the trail with Viva's older sibling - just hangout at Ponta Delgada for a couple of days instead, and we bring her to the pier. just kidding - will lurk & follow ya all ... cross-checking ship's port schedules, going to be in Lisbon ourselves to toast the Viva on her TA that afternoon. Inside prices are insane, unbelievable TA bargains to be had. I shall look for someone who resembles Q. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraAnneC Posted September 30, 2023 #292 Share Posted September 30, 2023 Bon Voyage! Looking forward to reading your report!! I won’t be too far behind you on the Prima! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mking8288 Posted September 30, 2023 #293 Share Posted September 30, 2023 Dan - Bon Voyage, safe & happy travel day ... let this journey begin later today. Going live soon, huh 😎 we are waiting. "Q" is tracking your in-bound flight, looks good on flightaware - DL 229 on her way, departed on time from origin/destination airport ... should be on the ground by 3 PM, servicing & become DL 228 to CDG. /mking8288 - Henry 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 30, 2023 Author #294 Share Posted September 30, 2023 28 minutes ago, mking8288 said: Dan - Bon Voyage, safe & happy travel day ... let this journey begin later today. Going live soon, huh 😎 we are waiting. "Q" is tracking your in-bound flight, looks good on flightaware - DL 229 on her way, departed on time from origin/destination airport ... should be on the ground by 3 PM, servicing & become DL 228 to CDG. /mking8288 - Henry Thanks, Henry. Yeah...will post live from the airport later this afternoon. Ready to kick this one off! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted September 30, 2023 #295 Share Posted September 30, 2023 Safe travels across the pond. Will you have time for duty free shopping at CDG? Maybe a nice Hermés scarf? 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 30, 2023 Author #296 Share Posted September 30, 2023 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said: Safe travels across the pond. Will you have time for duty free shopping at CDG? Maybe a nice Hermés scarf? Is that a hint? LOL! Yeah...I have a 3 hour layover at CDG. Plenty of time to wander around. But, last time I was there about 4 years ago, I was pickpocketed while walking in the terminal. So, probably just go to the Centurion Lounge or the Delta Sky Lounge and hang out, grab a bite. Edited September 30, 2023 by graphicguy 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sugar Magnolia Posted September 30, 2023 #297 Share Posted September 30, 2023 1 minute ago, graphicguy said: Is that a hint? LOL! Yeah...I have a 3 hour layover at CDG. Plenty of time to wander around. But, last time I was there about 4 years ago, I was pickpocketed while walking in the terminal. So, probably just go to the Centurion Lounge or the Delta Sky Lounge and hang out, grab a bite. Yes, imagine how grand you would look in your French couture walking through the casino on the Epic. So sorry to hear you were pickpocketed at CDG! What an awful experience to encounter anywhere, especially while overseas. You invested well purchasing that vest. I think that's how the word investment was derived. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Lynne Posted September 30, 2023 #298 Share Posted September 30, 2023 Hope you have a great trip. I have not followed the whole12 pages of pre-cruise excitement, but I had to go back and see what was up with the vest. I like the idea of the neck pillow better for some items. Plus it will help with comfort on the long flight. May have to go back and see if there is any other useful info in the 12 pages. 😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 30, 2023 Author #299 Share Posted September 30, 2023 53 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said: Yes, imagine how grand you would look in your French couture walking through the casino on the Epic. So sorry to hear you were pickpocketed at CDG! What an awful experience to encounter anywhere, especially while overseas. You invested well purchasing that vest. I think that's how the word investment was derived. Yeah....France, and particularly CDG are notorious for pick pockets. Sadly, I remember the guy who did it. He had to be another passenger as I was waiting in line to board when it happened. I'm usually pretty cognizant about my surroundings and who's around me. This guy was in back of me. He acted like someone behind him, shoved their way into me. Then, he mentioned to no one in general, that he had to leave the line. I didn't think anything about it until I had boarded and we were taxying for take off. I reached in my back pocket and my wallet was gone. I looked up and down the aisles of the plane when were were able to move around, and I didn't see him, or maybe didn't recognize him. I only had about $300 in my wallet. But, my driver's license was in it, as well as 3 or 4 credit cards and my ATM card. When I landed home, I started getting "pings" about charges made all over the place. I wasn't responsible, but it was a PITA to replace everything and notify my bank. Lesson learned. I do have cash, but not on me and in a place no one would think of looking. Plus, as mentioned, I travel with only carry ons, so my luggage is with me at all times. Just picturing myself with a scarf flowing behind me as I traverse CDG. Have to admit, I think I could pull it off. What others would think is an entirely different story. LOL! 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted September 30, 2023 Author #300 Share Posted September 30, 2023 17 minutes ago, Cruising Lynne said: Hope you have a great trip. I have not followed the whole12 pages of pre-cruise excitement, but I had to go back and see what was up with the vest. I like the idea of the neck pillow better for some items. Plus it will help with comfort on the long flight. May have to go back and see if there is any other useful info in the 12 pages. 😉 Didn't miss much. Let me give you the READER's DIGEST version. I booked a cruise on the EPIC in the Mediterranean from Marseille. I'm flying out today to meet the ship. There....you're all caught up. 😉 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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