An Epic Adventure

Old Apr 6th, 2014, 05:21 AM
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An Epic Adventure

In a few hours we will be arriving at the Port Of Miami for our first cruise on a “Mega-Ship”. With stops in Ocho Rios, Costa Maya and Cozumel we are looking forward to gaining a few pounds and having seven days of fun.

All Aboard!
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Old Apr 6th, 2014, 07:58 AM
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Bon Voyage!!! Have a wonderful time. Remember any pounds you gain on the cruise don't count!
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Old Apr 6th, 2014, 08:30 AM
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You gone again. Have fun.
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Old Apr 6th, 2014, 08:46 AM
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Already Impressed

In less than 40 minutes we are on the Epic. Although there is small talk that some rooms will not be available until around 1pm our balcony room is ready.

Despite the earlier criticism about this ship I am already impressed by the efficient boarding process along with the cool design and layout of our room.

It now time to start packing on the pounds, Deck 15 here we come!

PS: You can get free Wi-Fi from City Of Miami Beach, simple sign up.
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Old Apr 6th, 2014, 08:54 AM
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traveller69, Whew I was worried about the calories

tch912, Again.. enjoy Punta Cana....
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Old Apr 6th, 2014, 05:27 PM
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i am following. Looking f/w to more you lucky dawg.
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Old Apr 8th, 2014, 12:18 PM
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Epic Fun

Since we are onboard early enough we are able to take a free introductory tour of the Epic. Starting in the Bliss Lounge on Deck 7 we learn why there are no elevators in the middle of the ship only forward and aft. This serves to avoid passenger crowding.

In my opinion this ship is well laid out and the modern design with lots of open spaces works well. In some areas like the casino some of the passages seem narrow but traffic still seems to flow.

The much talked about “Blue Man Group” lives up to it's hype and although reservations are suggested at the 10pm show there were lots of seats available. Reserved seats are released about ten minutes prior to the start of the show.

In our initial research of the Epic many negative comments were made about the bathroom set up and overall room design. For me, the only thing I do not like is the spongy feeling of the bathroom floor. It gives me an almost sinking feeling especially when I am trying to solve all of the world's problems.

So far we have not dined in any of the specialty restaurants but have found the Garden Cafe buffet above average. Who can complain when you can get two, three, four or even five lobster tails on a buffet?

Food wise the only disappointment has been the late night options. O'Sheehans fish and chips are just not as good as I expected. The fish batter is too soft and oily. Crunchy and oily is much better.

Although I was under the impression the casino would be smoky during our visit there it was not the case. The casino is spread out with decent slot machines and most table games. 2-5 Texas Hold'em with a huge house rake is a bit beyond our range and skill level. Trying to count to 21 for $5 is more to our liking although we know in the end the house is still going to win.

We have seen the Blue Man Group, done The Murder Mystery and Second City where I was a willing participant. All of the onboard entertainment has been tons of FUN.

After about two days of sailing we are at our first port of call, Ochos Rios. Yeah, Mon!
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Old Apr 8th, 2014, 12:29 PM
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jacketwatch,

Thanks... Just back from a great time at "The Blue Hole" in Ocho Rios.. Videos to come later!
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Old Apr 8th, 2014, 02:03 PM
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Sounds like another good cruise. Leave some fun for me. Continue to enjoy your cruise.
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Old Apr 8th, 2014, 05:31 PM
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Can't wait to see that video. .
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Old Apr 10th, 2014, 08:07 AM
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More Epic Fun

A few more days of sailing until our next port of call and despite the ship rocking and rolling because of choppy seas our Epic fun and excitement continues.

Back from a good time in Ocho Rios, from our balcony we watch the sun go west as we say goodbye to Jamaica. A short nap and it is back to the buffet where I bump into “The King” himself. I had no idea we were sailing with celebrities and offered him a half of my peanut butter and banana sandwich. I could tell he was appreciative when with a twitch of his lips he told me, “Thank you, thank you very much”.

In the Epic Theater we get to see more “Legends” including Katie Perry and the without a doubt crowd pleasing energetic Steven Tyler. From “You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog” to “I Kissed A Girl” and “Emotion”, the Epic is really rocking.

So far, the Norwegians have done things right on the Epic. Our interaction with every employee has been pleasant with lots of smiles and friendly greetings. I have no doubt our enjoyable and positive experience will continue.

A fun day at sea where it's “Deal Or No Deal” then Cosmopolitans for the ladies, shots of tequila for the men and another beat down in “Spades” for guess who, the ladies. At 5pm it is time to put on make up and dress up right as we head off to enjoy The Manhattan Room Dine & Dance.

With upgraded seats, an extra $10 that is well worth it, we are center stage for the Cirque Dreams and Dinner show. I am not sure why dinner is served during this show because it is difficult for me to focus on anything but these amazing performers.

About half way through the show I am scratching my chest like a gorilla then stomping onto center stage. A good scratch of my butt then it is “Quiet On The Set, Take One” as I direct a Cirque production.

More laughs in Second City for a second night in a row then it is time for a few hours of shut eye before saying “Ola” to Costa Maya!
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Old Apr 10th, 2014, 08:09 AM
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jacketwatch,

Internet too slow to upload video

Will post after the cruise...
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 10:23 AM
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A Krazy Lobster

It is our first time visiting Costa Maya and it has become my favorite Mexican port of call. I am always amazed how beautifully blue and mesmerizing the water is at the port.

What is even more spectacular is that the water is so clear we can see groups of black and yellow fish attending school.

A short stop at Senor Frogs for adult beverages (a bit more expensive than elsewhere) and we get a glimpse of some friendly dolphins. A $3 per person fare and we are soon off to our ultimate destination “The Krazy Lobster” at Manahual Beach.

With a temperature in the mid-70's along with a cool breeze blowing, buckets of Coronas, margaritas and cheap beach massages, life and a fun vacation does not get any better than this.
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 02:27 PM
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Cool. Still following dude.
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Old Apr 14th, 2014, 05:58 PM
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The Blue Hole, Ochos Rios

After some bargaining from $30 per person with a few taxi cab drivers, we are on our way to “The Blue Hole” for $15 each round trip.

We pass some of the happening areas of Ocho Rios then it is through a hilly residential area with interesting homes. It is only about a twenty five minute drive before we arrive at our destination.

A negotiable $10 per person unofficial entrance fee and the fun soon begins as we are guided down for our first plunge of some of Jamaica's cool and refreshing mountain spring waters.

After some swim time we are off on a hike to the upper portion of “The Blue Hole”. A cave behind a waterfall and interesting jumping spots makes this attraction for us definitely worth the price of admission.


Video:http://youtu.be/7M8W64Bu1UQ
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Old Apr 14th, 2014, 10:06 PM
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So thats the Blue Hole. Nice. Here in the Chicago area we had about 1" of snow!! today.

Sure could use a dip there. And a Red Stripe. Or the Rum.
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Old Apr 15th, 2014, 01:36 PM
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jacketwatch,

I hear ya...

However, we did have a few Red Stripes for you along with Coconut Water & Rum on the drive to the Blue Hole. The beer was cheaper at the port (6 for $15) than at the Blue Hole where they wanted $4 per bottle.

More interesting were our beverages at Cafe Bistro Express before we got back on the ship.
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Old Apr 15th, 2014, 01:37 PM
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Oh Jesus

Following our cruising tradition, we make a stop at a bar in search of some local libations before getting back onboard the Epic.

A visit to Cafe Bistro Express and we are entertained by none other than “The Man” himself. As I am forced to be “The Boss”, I put down my video camera and enjoy “A Flaming Bob Marley Shot”.

Video:http://youtu.be/G7FwNKlexjQ
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Old May 3rd, 2014, 07:27 AM
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A Norwegian Night Out

From a hilarious “Newlywed Game” to the popular “Legends In Concert” and Chicago’s “Second City”, there is no shortage of nightly adult fun and entertainment onboard the Norwegian Epic.

We make an effort to do it all and have a lot of fun in the process.

Video: http://youtu.be/EwqwZsDowcQ
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Old May 5th, 2014, 03:37 PM
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That ship is beautiful. I have never been on a mega ship either. I will be on the Independence of the Seas and that will be the largest ship for me. I was on the Dawn 2012. I loved your youtube videos. Punta Cana was great but my brown skin is peeling because I didn't use enough sunscreen.
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