***Hints and Tips for the Norwegian Epic

Here are some miscellaneous hints and tips that are helpful for you to know about when sailing on the Norwegian Epic.

-Many times it will cost less to fly into Ft Lauderdale and take ground transportation to the Miami port.  Southwest flies to Ft. Lauderdale and with 2 bags flying free, many times the cost is less than other airlines.  The price for ground transportation from Ft Lauderdale to Miami through Norwegian is $25 each way.  Very convenient!

-Make your reservations for entertainment choices online before you travel.  Saves time to do other things while on the ship.  Reservations are held until 10 minutes prior to each show.

-When embarking, your carry on luggage can be stored in the Comedy Club.  Then go enjoy your lunch without lugging your bags around.

-On embarkation day, instead of going to the buffet for lunch, go to either the Taste restaurant or O’Sheehan’s for a relaxing sit down lunch.

-If you have sailed on Norwegian before, then you are automatically a Lattitudes member.  There are on-board discounts for Lattitudes members.  For example, you receive free minutes when signing up for an internet plan.  Also, there is a discount in the gift shop.  You can always go to Guest Services to ask about these discounts.

-If you are interested in paying an extra $8 a day and you arrive early for embarkation, there is an opportunity to have access to the Posh private sun deck.  It is beautiful there with lounge chairs, a bar, and cabanas.  If you are staying in a suite, you already have access to the Posh sun deck area.  Guest Services sells 20 additional slots to access the Posh sun deck.  If you are interested, go to Guest Services as soon as you board the Epic.  You need to be one of the first 20 people to ask for this option.

-Sailing on the Epic for holidays is wonderful.  The ship gets decorated and many times there is special food.  I sailed on Easter and there were many decorations and cakes to celebrate.  There was also a Christian service offered on Easter Sunday.

-It can sometimes get crowded on the water slides.  If you go a few minutes before they open, you will not have to wait in line.

-If you are staying in The Haven (please see my other post on The Haven), you can bring a guest twice to the Epic Club for dinner for $25 each time.  The Epic Club is a top of the line restaurant.

-The Fitness Center on the Epic is the largest at sea.  Very rarely do you have to wait for equipment.  There are spinning, yoga, pilates, TRX and kettle bell class offered.

-Kids can sign up to be a participant on Nickelodeon Slime Time Live when you get on the ship.

-When embarking, include as many people in your party as possible in your embarkation photo.  Photo recognition will then put all individual/couple/group pictures in 1 folder.  At the end of the cruise all your pictures (for the entire group) can be purchased for a special price and put on a cd.  Then you can print your own pictures.

-In Europe,  you can embark on the Epic at 3 different ports.  This is nice since it allows you to spend time before and/or after the cruise in your choice of 3 different cities (France,Spain,Italy).

-A Spa pass can be purchased for $119 for the entire cruise, or for $30 on port days.  There is a beautiful hydrotherapy pool and heated tile chairs, along with saunas and steam rooms.

-A ship tour can be purchased for $55.  You will see the kitchen, backstage area at the theatre, laundry area, and many behind the scenes non-public areas on the ship.  You can sign up at Guest Services.  There is a drawing for a map of the Epic’s route at the end of the tour.

-Visit the Bridge Viewing Station on Deck 13 forward.  You can see where the captain and his crew navigate the ship.

-Internet on board can be expensive, try to take advantage of internet cafe’s on port days.  For example one hour of internet usage in St. Maarten is $6.00.

What other tips do you have to share?  Please post a comment.

***Macrobiotic diet food available on Norwegian Epic

I try to follow a macrobiotic diet whenever possible.  On my cruise on the Norwegian Epic at the end of March, I found that there were many macrobiotic food choices.  In the morning there was oatmeal.   Many fruit choices were available.   If you wanted to have an omelet, there were many vegetables that could be part of your omelettte (peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms,…).

For lunch, every day a miso soup station was available with all kinds of vegetable and noodle choices for your soup.  You pick out which vegetables and noodles you would like and your selections are cooked in the miso soup within a strainer.  Many traditional macro vegetable choices are available.  Shrimp can also be added to the miso soup combination.  During lunch there is also at least one fish choice.  There is also usually a fried rice (vegetable, shrimp,…) along with a vegetable stir fry.  You can also go to the salad bar and choose not only more vegetables but also chickpeas and kidney beans.  Many times there is also a boiled or seasoned vegetable dish that can be selected.  There is also an Indian section with multiple food choices.  A veggie burger could always be ordered also.  In addition, a pickle choice is always available.

At dinner, in the dining rooms, a fish dish can always be selected (salmon, tilapia, swordfish,…) or a vegetarian dish can be selected.  Along with the fish selection, any potato or rice sides could be replaced with more vegetables.  Appetizers always include many vegetable choices.  At the buffet for dinner, there is usually some type of fish along with many different types of vegetables cooked in a variety of ways.  There was always a salad bar with vegetable and bean choices.  Sometimes there were cooked bean choices also.

I found the food on the Epic to be very nutritious and extremely tasty!     Anyone have comments on food choices on cruises?

Disneyland Resort Guests can now use Email for Reservation Request

As you may know, Disneyland Resort guests may book dining reservations through the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE) but a new way to request a dining reservation at the resort became available 5 days ago.

Here’s how it works:

• Guests may now email their dining reservation requests to dine@disneyland.com
• Requests will be reviewed the same day, when received during the hours of 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week
• Requests received after hours will be reviewed the next day
• Guests may request Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Studio Disney 365 reservations through this email address as well
• Email requests should include the following information:
  • Name of the restaurant or experience you’d like to book
  • Requested reservation date and meal period (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
  • Total number of guests in your party
  • Your name and phone number
• Remember: Your request is not confirmed until you’ve received a confirmation number

For a list of Disneyland Resort restaurants that accept reservations, click here.

 

Carnival Miracle Launches Year-Round Service from New York with New Entertainment and Dining Options

Carnival Miracle began year-round service from New York April 12th with several new dining and entertainment options, including The Taste Bar, The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez, and The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez.

The new Taste Bar features complimentary bite-sized offerings.  Serving everything from roasted pork tacos, inspired by the BlueIguana Cantina to Nonna’s meatballs and hand-whipped ricotta bruschetta patterned after the delicious Italian favorites at Cucina del Capitano, The Taste Bar offers a tantalizing array of choices.

The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez also makes its Big Apple debut, as part of the recently announced partnership with the popular comedian.  The legendary funnyman serves as the line’s “curator of comedy,” participating in the vetting and hiring of shipboard comedians who perform up to five shows on multiple nights of the voyage.  He also was the inspiration behind the new Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez. Taking place on sea days in the main dining room, guests will enjoy a traditional mid-morning feast with a unique Carnival twist: five- to six-minute performances each hour by hilarious comedians.

The Carnival Miracle’s year-round program from New York includes three different eight-day itineraries, each visiting a diversity of tropical destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.

***The Haven on the Norwegian Epic

Not everyone knows about the secluded area of the Epic that is called ‘The Haven’.   On the Norwegian Epic the upper decks in the front of the ship are dedicated to guests that desire a luxury cruise experience.   The Haven is also found on 4 other Norwegian ships.  I had the opportunity to tour The Haven on the Epic the end of March.

This exclusive “ship within a ship” is accessible only by keycard and offers a world of luxury and privacy at sea. Here you’ll find beautifully designed suites, villas and penthouses, each one offering guests the finest amenities, the personalized services of a concierge and a 24-hour butler. Just steps outside the guests’ residence is a private Courtyard, private dining rooms and lounges where guests spend their sea days relaxing, dining, drinking and enjoying exquisite privacy.

Available for guests staying in the Haven:

• 24-hour butler service
• Concierge service
• Gourmet “white tablecloth” en suite dining with special gourmet menus
• Exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area
• VIP priority embarkation and disembarkation
• Priority boarding of tenders ashore
• Six styles of luxurious accommodations, each with beautiful décor, walls of windows, private balcony, ultra fine linens
• Access to The Haven Courtyard’s private restaurants and lounges
• Priority reservations in the ship’s specialty restaurants, spa, shows
• VIP private tours ashore can be reserved by The Haven Concierge

SERVICE

From the moment The Haven guests arrive, the VIP treatment begins. Their concierge can help plan their day whether it’s hosting a private party or reserving a private tour ashore. And the butlers offer the highest level of personalized service 24 hours a day. The Haven guests’ experience is truly first class.

DINING

All dining options on board the Epic are available for The Haven guests.  Or, they can choose to dine in a private restaurant, ‘The Epic Club’,  reserved exclusively for guests of The Haven. And for the ultimate in private dining day and night, they’re welcome to dine en suite with white tablecloth service.

ACTIVITIES

The exclusive Courtyard at the top of the ship offers The Haven’s guests a private pool, hot tub, fitness area, dining areas and dedicated service from the Courtyard Valet. They also have the entire ship to explore with priority access to the public spa and fitness center.

THE HAVEN ACCOMMODATIONS

Amazing floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious, contemporary design, marble bathrooms, pillow-top mattresses, fine linens, feather duvets, pillow menu and individualized service all combine for The Haven’s luxury experience at sea!

THE HAVEN COURTYARD

This private enclave at the top of the ship has quiet places to dine, drink and relax.
Exclusive Features:

• Private pool and sundeck
• Oversized lounges, daybeds and cabanas
• Hot tub
• Fitness area
• Courtyard menu
• Private restaurants
• Private bars and lounges

Here is a gallery of pictures of areas found in The Haven.  Notice how elegant and luxurious all areas of The Haven are.  Truly a heavenly experience!

Norwegian Cruise Lines offers free excursions for kids 12 and under!

Starting Monday, April 16 through May 13, ‘Little Norwegian’s’ shore excursions are free! This promotion is available fleetwide — offering free shore excursions for children 12 and under in stateroom with paying adult. Children ages 13-17 will receive 50% off shore excursions.

For more information or to book a cruise, please email DreamEZTravel@gmail.com.

 

 

***Norwegian EPIC – Traveling Solo – Studio Lounge pictures

I have uploaded pictures of the Studio Lounge on the Norwegian Epic.  Notice the comfortable seating areas, the bar area, the espresso coffee machine and snack area.  The two-floor lounge has two TVs- convenient for catching up on news or watching a game.  It is a great area to hang out yourself or connect with others.  Only studio cabin guests have access to this lounge.  The lounge is kept very clean and snacks are restocked during the day.   The bar is staffed in the late afternoon/evening every day.

I found that travelers staying in the studio cabins were from all age groups.  Some were wide world travelers and others were sailing for the first time.  I met widows and widowers, individuals traveling with others, and people trying to connect with others for future trips.

If you are thinking about booking a studio cabin, I can help you select the location of the perfect cabin that fits your lifestyle.  Starting April 29, 2012 the Epic will be sailing in Europe but she will be sailing again from Miami starting in November.  Norwegian’s newest ship, The Breakaway,  will set sail out of New York starting spring 2013.   The Breakaway will have studio cabins also.  Norwegian sailings are open for booking through the end of 2013.  It is never too early to book.  Also, if prices go down, I will lock in the lowest price for you up until final payment. Send me an email at DreamEZTravel@gmail.com and I would be happy to help you out!

***Norwegian EPIC – Traveling Solo – Studio Room pictures

I have uploaded pictures of the Studio Room and they are attached to this post.  The room is very nice and there is plenty of space.  Notice the full size bed, closet space,  desk area under the TV, and plenty of closet and shelf space.  The mood lighting shows purple but changes to different ranges of  pink, blue, and white also.

Let me know if you have questions.  My email is DreamEZTravel@gmail.com.

Updates on Norwegian Cruise Lines

Starting tomorrow, Norwegian Cruise Line will be featured in a new Lifetime series “Love For Sail.” Each week, four women board a spectacular Norwegian Cruise Line ship and set sail to exotic locations surrounded by a group of single men who are ready to embark on what they hope to be the voyage of their lives. Tune in to Lifetime every Tuesday to see singles meet for dating and romance aboard Norwegian Cruise Line.

***Norwegian EPIC – Traveling solo

Cruising as a solo traveler is a smooth, safe, and enjoyable process on the Norwegian Epic.  Studio rooms created for the solo traveler are an affordable choice.  Unlike other cruise lines that charge double, a studio cabin on the Epic can be very affordable.  Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getaway, and Pride of America offer studios also.

Studio Rooms:

There are 128 studio cabins on the Epic.  The studio cabins are located on Deck 11 and 12.  Card key access is required to get into the corridor in the studios.  Each cabin is 100 square feet.  In the cabin there is a full size bed and plenty of space for storage.  The cabin is well designed.  There is even some mood lighting to make your stay more relaxing.

Studio Lounge:

In the middle of the studios hallway is a lounge area called the Studio Lounge.  Again card access is required to enter the Studio Lounge.  In the lounge there is a bar, specialty espresso coffee machine, snacks, a white board to help people connect, and comfy, attractive couches and chairs.  There is an optional meeting at 5:30 each day in the lounge to help people connect for dinner, excursions, shows, or other activities.

Dining:

If desired dining alone on the Epic is very comfortable.  There are many tables for two that easily will accommodate just one.  Many of these small tables are located near windows in either Taste or The Manhattan Room.  Some tables for two are located near the band in the Manhattan Room.  If eating in the Garden Cafe buffet, there are plenty of seats wrapped around the front of the ship.  The other complimentary option is O’Sheehan’s and there are usually plenty of seats there also.  I never had to wait for a seat to become available at any of the dining locations.

Entertainment:

There are many entertainment options on board that a solo traveler can take advantage of .  Free entertainment includes The Blue Man Group, Second City, Legends, Howl at the Moon (Dueling Pianos), Jazz, and many other music choices.  Shows can be signed up for before sailing, from on the TV in your stateroom, or at the Box Office right on the Epic.  If you enjoy a certain type of show, you can attend another performance by either booking again if the show is not full, or arriving 10 minutes before the show and going in the stand-by line.  Getting a seat is not usually an issue at all.

For more information on cruising solo on the Epic, to answer a specific question, or to book a cruise please email dreameztravel@gmail.com.  Also, please visit my website at http://www.DreamEZTravel.com.