New to cruising Helppppp

lolacola83 · #1 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 03:19 PM

Hello Cruisemates

i don't know if i am posting in the right bit or not but i was wondering if any of you kind people can offer me any advise?

Today i booked my first cruise 18th Sept 7 night Med cruise on the Epic!
Do any of have any tips and advise for me about this ship/cruise?
Am i going to have any shocks on aboard i.e .. having to dish out more money than expected?

also we will be departing from Barcelona anyone know of any cheap/good hotels near to the port?

Thanking you all in advance

look forward to getting to know you all

Trip · #2 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 03:48 PM

I was on the Epic in November,and enjoyed the ship. Since you will have such a port intensive itinerary, you will have less ship time, to enjoy the ship, so make the most of your time onboard...

Try O'Sheehans Pub..this is a free dining venue and the food was delish! Best chicken fingers ever! We also enjoyed Shanghai, the Chinese food, pay restaurant. The 2 main dining rooms were very good too.

All liquor,will have a tipalready added to the bill. Some dining and entertainment venues have a charge. Photographs can get quite pricey.

What cabin did you book?

lolacola83 · #3 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 03:57 PM

Thanks for your input

We booked Inside guarentee cabin so hoping for an upgrade? well this is what the travel agent said was the best thing to do x

Trip · #4 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 04:08 PM

Lola, I forgot my manners..welcome to Cruisemates!! I sure hope the upgrade fairy is good to you.

What ports will you visit, and will you have a sea day?

Kuki · #5 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 05:18 PM

Well, the med is a pretty adventerous itin. for a first time cruiser. But it's also very enjoyable.

One of the most expensive things during a European cruise can be the ship's excursions if you are using them. Many of the major sites are a fair distance from the port, so tours aren't a bad idea... just make sure you factor them into your budget.

On the Epic about half the restaurants carry a surcharge, and half are included in the fare. I wouldn't avold the pay restaurants, just once again factor them into your budget.

Luanne Russo · #6 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 05:23 PM

I don't know anything about the ship, but I do want to welcome you to Cruisemates.

Remember, no question is silly. We are all here to help.

skymaster · #7 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2011, 05:47 PM

I too, would like to welcome you to the best cruise site, anywhere, CruiseMates! You're going to have a GREAT cruise aboard Epic. I can't wait to hear all about it when you return. The above advice is excellent, and I don't personally, have anything to add as we haven't done Epic before.
Once again, Welcome to CruiseMates!

"SKY"