Norwegian Epic, Part 1

Ben and I decided that we love the Norwegian Epic! I’d like to devote a few posts now about the ship itself so that you can decide if she’s a ship for you, too. First, let’s get those "New Wave" balcony cabin bathrooms out of the way. They’ve already received a lot of press, both positive and not-so-much, and a few of our colleagues still don’t like them. I have to say, however, that Ben and I found ourselves getting used to the entire cabin configuration, bathrooms included, and began to like the division of bathroom components.

The shower and toilet areas in balcony cabins are located on either side of the doorway entry, and the sink stands alone in the main cabin area. On the plus side, I don‘t fog up the mirror when showering while Ben shaves, and who doesn‘t like a separate toilet? The shower and toilet doors, though, are heavily frosted, not completely opaque, so you know when someone is in there. That’s okay for most couples, but likely a challenge for friends traveling together. There is a curtain that can be drawn to separate the toilet/shower area from the cabin, which helps; you just have to hope no one knocks on the door! (Hint: turn the privacy indicator outside your door to red.)

Admittedly, our balcony cabin was narrower than usual, and the wave design, while different, created navigational challenges and also affected storage. Closet space is determined by the location of the “wave“ in the cabin design. In our cabin, the bed was closer to the balcony door; in those with the bed further from the balcony door, there was more walking space and cabins were more accessible. One thing of note: we didn’t have a closet that would have accommodated a long dress. NCL features Freestyle cruising, rendering formal gowns unnecessary, but hanging one would have proven difficult.

Storage space itself is very generous if you know where to find it. We learned three days into the cruise that there are two large drawers under the couch. We did find the cool hamper under the sink, which beats storing dirty clothes on the closet floor, as well as the handy drawer above it and the cabinet space behind the back of the sofa. As on any ship, you just have to figure out where you want to put your things. We had storage space left over even before we ever found the hidden drawers.

A couple of pluses to note: the hair dryer was actually decent, unlike most cruise line dryers, and a handy hook in the shower holds a razor blade. It‘s the little things. Of course, in true NCL tradition, there is a coffee pot in each stateroom.

Bottom line, the cabin works just fine.

More on this very cool ship and its innovative entertainment in my next posts.

Memorial Day 2010

Happy Memorial Day to each of you, as we pause to remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

According to history.com, “Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.” I invite you to read more about this holiday’s special significance. 

My husband Ben served our country in the Air Force for 22 years; both our fathers served during World War II; and two of my nephews are members of the Army National Guard with two tours of duty in Iraq under their belts. With strong family ties to our military, we join our nation in offering grateful thanks to all who serve and to the families who have lost loved ones in course of duty.

Although it sometimes seems incongruous, cruise lines (like retail stores) see any holiday as an excuse for a sale, and Memorial Day is no exception. Several lines are either in the midst of promotions now or begin them this week.

Cruises Inc. has partnered with Disney for an exclusive deal for bookings made June 2-4 for all sailings PRIOR to September 30, 2010, with no blackout dates included. You’ll get $50 per cabin onboard credit on the Disney Wonder’s 3, 4, and 5 night itineraries, and $75 per cabin onboard credit on all Disney Magic itineraries. Disney is not known for offering a whole lot of deals, since those two ships nearly always sell out; so the onboard credit is a bigger deal than it may seem.

A Princess three-day sale begins June 2 for fall 2010 Caribbean cruises (on the Crown, Emerald, and Grand), with fares beginning at less than $80 per day for inside cabins. In a separate promotion, the line is offering up to $100 cash back per cabin on select fall sailings. (With this offer, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.)

Holland America’s current last-minute “Flash” promotions include select sailings to Alaska, Bermuda, and Europe.

Offers also look enticing on various Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries like the Jewel’s Canada/New England cruise roundtrip from New York on September 12; the Pride of America’s roundtrip Honolulu cruise November 20, and the Jade’s 9-day roundtrip Barcelona itinerary to the Canary Islands and Morocco on December 3.

Speaking of NCL, the Norwegian Epic’s debut is almost here and you can get a sneak peak of work in progress on YouTube.  Let us help YOU become one of the first to cruise on this amazing new ship!